12 Best Computer Science Internships for High School Students in NYC (New York City)
For high school students, internships provide an excellent way to gain hands-on experience, develop practical skills, and build valuable connections in the field of technology. These internships allow you to work on real-world projects, collaborate with professionals, and explore cutting-edge areas like artificial intelligence, software development, and cybersecurity.
For those in the NYC area, some of the best computer science internships for high school students provide direct involvement in projects at tech startups, research labs, and established organizations. These experiences help students gain technical expertise, learn teamwork in professional settings, and connect with mentors in the field.
To make your search easier, we’ve compiled a list of the 12 best computer science internships for high school students in NYC to explore, including opportunities in programming, data analysis, and virtual technology roles.
1. Army Educational Outreach Program (AEOP) High School Internships
Location: There are AEOP locations nationwide, including in New York City. This is a commuter program, so students must arrange their own transportation, meals, and housing.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Varies by site; competitive admissions.
Dates: Typically 6–10 weeks, May–August (specific dates depend on location).
Application Deadline: Rolling basis; specific site deadlines may apply.
Eligibility:
High school students (grades 9–12).
Must be U.S. citizens or permanent legal residents.
Some sites prioritize applicants from underserved or military-connected communities.
The Army Educational Outreach Program (AEOP) High School Internships provide an incredible opportunity to work on real-world science and engineering projects with university researchers or Department of Defense (DoD) scientists. While the program spans multiple STEM disciplines, students interested in computer science and engineering can engage in projects involving artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, data science, robotics, and software development.
Under the guidance of university researchers and DoD scientists, you’ll gain hands-on experience in coding, algorithm development, and computational modeling, using real-world applications in defense, security, and emerging technologies. Additionally, the program includes virtual workshops and career-readiness webinars, where you’ll learn about technical career pathways, professional networking, and higher education opportunities in computer science and engineering.
Location: Virtual
Cost: $2,490
Dates: Multiple 8-week cohorts throughout the year, including Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter.
Application Deadline: Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September) and Winter (November).
Eligibility: Open to high school students who have prior experience with AI/ML or have completed a Veritas AI program
The Veritas AI Internship Program, established and led by Harvard graduates, provides an 8-week experience where students collaborate with VC-backed startups on real-world AI/ML projects. Participants work closely with mentors from prestigious institutions such as Harvard, Wharton, Google, Microsoft, McKinsey & Company, and more.
This program is ideal for students with prior experience in AI/ML who wish to gain practical insights and advance their careers in the field. It provides opportunities to network with industry leaders, engage with company executives, and earn a letter of completion upon finishing the internship.
3. NYU Tandon School of Engineering: Applied Research Innovations in Science and Engineering (ARISE)
Location: NYU Tandon School of Engineering, Brooklyn, NY
Cohort Size: Around 80 students are selected each year
Dates: June 2 – August 8 (4 weeks remote; 6 weeks in-person)
Application Deadline: February 21
Eligibility: Open to current 10th and 11th graders living in NYC’s five boroughs.
The ARISE program at NYU Tandon is a 10-week summer research opportunity for high school students in New York City who are passionate about STEM. You will begin the program with four weeks of online evening workshops, where you'll learn essential skills like research methods, data analysis, and understanding ethical issues in science. After this, you'll transition to six weeks of in-person lab work, where you will contribute to real research projects in fields such as engineering, life sciences, and computer science.
What makes ARISE unique is the chance to work closely with professors and graduate mentors in NYU labs, making meaningful contributions to ongoing research. Along with your lab work, you'll develop presentation skills through activities like public speaking workshops, which will prepare you to present your findings at the program’s final colloquium. The program also provides free college and career guidance to help you prepare for the next steps in your STEM journey. With a focus on diversity and accessibility, ARISE is completely free to participate in, and students receive a $1,000 stipend for completing the program.
Location: Virtual
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Open enrollment; cohort size varies
Dates: Cohorts are available year-round in Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter.
Application Deadline: Vary by cohort – Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), Winter (November); Rolling (apply at Ladder Internships)
Eligibility: Open to high school students, undergraduates, and gap year students who can commit to 10–20 hours per week for 8–12 weeks.
Ladder Internships is a competitive program tailored for ambitious high school students seeking hands-on experience with high-growth startups. As a participant, you’ll have the opportunity to intern in diverse industries, including tech, deep tech, AI/ML, health tech, marketing, journalism, consulting, and more. The startups in the program are high-growth companies, many of which have raised over a million dollars. During the internship, you’ll work closely with managers and a Ladder Coach on real-world projects, culminating in a presentation of your work to the company.
5. CS4CS: Cyber Security for Computer Science
Location: NYU Tandon School of Engineering, Brooklyn, NY
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: July 14 – August 8
Application Deadline: April 15
Eligibility: Open to NYC residents currently in 10th or 11th grade.
The CS4CS program at NYU Tandon is a 3-week summer course designed to introduce high school students to the exciting and fast-growing field of cybersecurity. Whether you have prior experience or are completely new to computer science, this program will teach you the fundamentals of cybersecurity through hands-on lessons and real-world applications. Topics include “white-hat” hacking, cryptography, steganography, digital forensics, and data privacy. The curriculum also explores behavioral science, such as how phishing scams and identity theft occur and how to mitigate these threats.
One unique aspect of CS4CS is its integration of theater-based communication training. You will participate in improv workshops with Irondale, teaching artists to boost their public speaking and presentation skills. CS4CS is completely free for NYC students and offers an engaging way to explore the field while gaining skills that are highly valued in today’s technology-driven world.
6. Girls Who Code Summer Programs
Location: Virtual
Acceptance Rate: Open admissions until slots are filled
Dates:
Summer Immersion Program (SIP): 2-week live sessions (dates to be announced)
Pathways: June 30 – August 8 (self-paced)
Application Deadline:
Early decision: Late February
Final deadline: Mid-April
Eligibility:
SIP: Open to current 9th–11th graders
Pathways: Open to 9th–12th graders, including graduating seniors
Girls Who Code offers free, virtual summer programs to help high school students develop computer science skills, connect with others, and explore careers in technology. The Summer Immersion Program (SIP) is a two-week live virtual course where you’ll learn game design, coding basics, and UX design. This program includes live classes led by industry professionals, career and college guidance, and interactive sessions to help you build valuable skills while connecting with peers.
The second option, Pathways, is a six-week self-paced program that lets you explore topics like web development, cybersecurity, data science, and artificial intelligence. You’ll work independently on projects using coding languages like Python, HTML, and JavaScript while also attending optional live events to hear from tech professionals and connect with other students.
Both programs provide opportunities to work on real-world projects, such as creating games, websites, or apps to address community issues. You’ll also become part of Girls Who Code’s alumni network, which offers lifelong support and resources to help you continue your journey in tech.
7. NASA’s OSTEM Internship Program
Location: NASA centers, including NASA’s Goddard Institute for Space Studies (GISS) in New York City (located at Columbia University) or virtual (remote options available)
Cohort Size: Varies by program and session
Dates:
Summer internships: June – August
Fall internships: September – December
Application Deadlines:
Summer: February 28
Fall: May 16
Eligibility:
U.S. citizens aged 16 or older
Minimum GPA of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale)
Full-time high school, college, or graduate students enrolled in an accredited institution
The OSTEM internship program gives students the opportunity to work on mission-driven projects at NASA. Whether you’re interested in engineering, science, coding, or even fields like business or communication, OSTEM internships provide hands-on experience under the mentorship of NASA professionals. You’ll tackle real challenges in areas like space technology, satellite development, environmental research, and much more.
What sets OSTEM internships apart is their strong emphasis on mentorship, learning, and career development. Interns not only contribute to NASA’s cutting-edge research but also participate in professional workshops, networking events, and skill-building activities. For students in NYC, NASA’s GISS center at Columbia University offers a chance to work on climate science and earth system modeling. Remote options also make the program accessible to students across the U.S.
While other NASA internships, such as Pathways or fellowships, may focus more on long-term employment pipelines or specialized fields, OSTEM internships are designed to be short-term, skill-building opportunities for students at all levels of education. They are a great way to explore STEM careers, gain valuable experience, and join NASA’s mission to inspire humanity through innovation.
8. Science Research Mentoring Program (SRMP) at the American Museum of Natural History
Location: American Museum of Natural History, New York, NY
Cohort Size & Acceptance Rate: Details are not explicitly provided, but the program is highly competitive, with limited spots available.
Dates: August 2025 – June 2026
Application Deadline: March 8
Eligibility:
Open to 10th and 11th-grade NYC students passing classes for the last three semesters.
Must have completed or be enrolled in select AMNH programs (AIS, SNP, EAP, etc.) or attend partner schools.
No prior research experience is required; students build skills together.
The Science Research Mentoring Program (SRMP) provides high school students in New York City with the opportunity to participate in year-long, hands-on research projects alongside scientists at the American Museum of Natural History (AMNH). You will work on unique research topics, such as genetic studies, space science, or ancient archaeology while developing valuable skills in DNA analysis, coding, and data science. The program also helps you improve teamwork, communication, and presentation abilities within a supportive research community. Beginning in 2025, SRMP will introduce SRMP-Machine, which focuses on incorporating machine learning (ML) and artificial intelligence (AI) into scientific research projects.
Location: Labs in Oakland, CA; Inglewood, CA; New York City, NY; Detroit, MI. Affiliate programs available in other cities.
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective; limited spots at each lab.
Dates: After-school and weekend sessions during the school year; summer programs available.
Application Deadline: Rolling; applications open in Summer 2025.
Eligibility: Open to students in grades 9–12, especially Black, Latinx, and Indigenous youth. Students must live near a lab or in a region with an affiliate program.
Google’s Code Next program is a free computer science education initiative designed for high school students, particularly Black, Latinx, and Indigenous youth, to develop skills in coding, problem-solving, and technology innovation. As a participant, you’ll engage in hands-on projects, such as game design, web development, and AI programming, while building teamwork and leadership abilities. The program offers mentorship from Google employees, access to advanced tech tools like 3D printers and laser cutters, and opportunities to present work at events like Google Demo Days. You can join in-person labs in select cities or participate in affiliate programs through local organizations. Code Next emphasizes creativity, inclusion, and preparing students for rewarding careers in STEM.
10. Simons Summer Research Program at Stony Brook University
Location: Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Competitive admissions; limited spots available.
Dates: June 30 – August 8
Application Deadline: February 7
Eligibility:
Open to U.S. citizens or permanent residents.
Applicants must be high school juniors (11th grade) and at least 16 years old by the program start date.
The Simons Summer Research Program provides motivated high school students with an exceptional opportunity to participate in hands-on research in science, math, or engineering at Stony Brook University. You will work closely with distinguished faculty mentors, learning laboratory techniques and contributing to active research teams.
Over the six-week program, you’ll also gain insight into university-level research, attend faculty lectures, and participate in workshops and special events. The program concludes with a poster symposium, where students present their findings and receive a stipend for their work.
11. The Knowledge Society (TKS)
Location: Nomadworks, New York, NY
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Highly selective; cohorts of ~30 students.
Dates: September – June (weekly sessions)
Application Deadline: Rolling; apply early to secure a spot
Eligibility: Open to students aged 13–17, with or without prior technical knowledge.
TKS is a 10-month program designed for students aged 13–17 who want to explore emerging technologies, solve real-world challenges, and develop critical skills for personal and professional growth. You will attend weekly 3-hour sessions, work on project-based learning, and collaborate with peers and mentors to tackle challenges from global organizations like the UN, Google, and Microsoft. The program emphasizes mindset development, including creativity, leadership, and problem-solving. You will have access to expert mentors, community events, and resources to explore technologies like AI, biotechnology, and blockchain. By the program's end, you will have built a portfolio of projects, expanded your network, and grown exponentially.
12. Breakthrough Tech TDI (Tech Development Internship)
Location: Virtual
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective; team-based projects with small groups
Dates: May 12 – May 30
Application Deadline: January 15 for May programs; rolling interest form for other opportunities.
Eligibility:
Must be a U.S. citizen or authorized to work in the U.S.
Enrolled in a bachelor’s program with a computing-related major or minor.
In good academic standing (minimum 2.0 GPA).
Reside in the U.S. during the program.
Sprinternships are 3-week, paid internships designed to provide students with valuable, real-world experience in the tech industry. You will collaborate with peers and professionals to tackle real business challenges at leading companies such as Google, American Express, and Ticketmaster.
These internships offer an excellent opportunity to build practical skills, enhance resumes with tech-industry credentials, and gain exposure to professional work environments. Available in in-person, hybrid, or virtual formats, Sprinternships are hosted during academic breaks in January and May, allowing students to develop their technical and collaborative abilities while maintaining their academic commitments.
Image Source - Google logo