12 Paid Tech Internships for High School Students
Internships are a great way for high school students to gain real-world experience, industry exposure, and practical skills. These opportunities allow you to work alongside professionals, develop technical skills, and explore career paths in a hands-on setting. Many top colleges, tech companies, and research institutions offer paid internships, making them an even more attractive option — allowing you to earn while you learn.
Paid internships also provide a stronger resume, networking opportunities, and mentorship, giving you a competitive edge for college applications and future jobs. To help, we’ve curated a list of 12 paid tech internships for high school students!
1. Biorocket Research Internship Program
Location: Genspace, NY
Stipend: $2,000
Application Deadline: January 8
Dates:
Orientation day: February 21
Spring Session: February 27 - May 22
Summer Session: June 30- August 15
Eligibility: Students who live or attend a NYC Public or Charter School within 45 minutes of Genspace, and are 16 years and older by the orientation date
The Biorocket Research Internship Program is a six-month STEM research opportunity for New York City public and charter high school students. You will gain hands-on experience with genetic engineering and biology lab techniques, working closely with scientist mentors. A key component of the program is science communication training, helping you present complex concepts to different audiences.
The internship includes behind-the-scenes lab tours, field trips to biotech companies, and networking with professionals in science and technology. You will collaborate with a group of 12 students to design a summer research project based on shared interests. This program is designed to provide practical lab experience while fostering a strong understanding of research in modern biology.
2. Ladder Internship Program
Location: Remote! You can work from anywhere in the world.
Cost: Starting at $2,490 (financial aid available)
Application Deadline: Deadlines vary depending on the cohort. Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September) and Winter (November).
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year, including Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter.
Eligibility: Students who can work for 10-20 hours/week, for 8-12 weeks. Open to high school students, undergraduates, and gap year students!
Ladder Internships is a selective start-up internship program for ambitious high school students! In the program, you work with a high-growth start-up on an internship. Start-ups that offer internships range across a variety of industries, from tech/deep tech and AI/ML to health tech, marketing, journalism, consulting, and more. You can explore all the options here on their application form. Ladder’s start-ups are high-growth companies on average raising over a million dollars. In the program, interns work closely with their managers and a Ladder Coach on real-world projects and present their work to the company. Here is the application form.
The virtual internship is usually 8 weeks long.
3. NASA’s OSTEM Internships
Location: Virtual / NASA centers across the country
Stipend: While most interns receive a stipend, certain opportunities are unpaid.
Application Deadline:
Fall: May 16
Spring: September 12
Dates:
Spring Session: Mid-January to Early May
Summer Session: Late May/Early June – August
Fall Session: Late August/Early September – Mid-December
Eligibility: U.S. citizens, full-time students (high school through graduate level) aged 16 at the time of application, with a 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale
The NASA OSTEM Internship Program provides high school students with hands-on experience in science, technology, aeronautics, and space exploration. You will work alongside NASA scientists, engineers, and professionals, contributing to real-world projects that support the agency’s mission. Internships are available both full-time and part-time at various NASA centers and facilities.
With three sessions annually, you can explore different STEM research areas and gain technical expertise. Projects vary each session, allowing you to apply for roles that align with your interests. Most interns receive a stipend, determined by academic level and program duration. This opportunity offers career-building experience in a leading STEM environment.
4. Veritas AI
Location: Virtual
Cost: $2,290 for the 10-week AI Scholars program | $5,400 for the 15-week AI Fellowship with Publication & Showcase | $6,900 for both. Need-based financial aid is available for AI Scholars. You can apply here.
Application Deadline: On a rolling basis. Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September) and Winter (November).
Dates: Multiple 12-15-week cohorts throughout the year, including spring, summer, fall, and winter.
Eligibility: Ambitious high school students located anywhere in the world. AI Fellowship applicants should either have completed the AI Scholars program or exhibit experience with AI concepts or Python.
Veritas AI, founded and run by Harvard graduate students, offers programs for high school students who are passionate about artificial intelligence. Students who are looking to get started with AI, ML, and data science would benefit from the AI Scholars program. Through this 10-session boot camp, students are introduced to the fundamentals of AI & data science and get a chance to work on real-world projects.
Another option for more advanced students is the AI Fellowship with Publication & Showcase. Through this program, students get a chance to work 1:1 with mentors from top universities on a unique, individual project. A bonus of this program is that students have access to the in-house publication team to help them secure publications in high school research journals. You can also check out some examples of past projects here.
5. Army Educational Outreach Program (AEOP)
Location: U.S. Army Research Laboratories and Centers across the country
Stipend: Stipends are based on the projects.
Application Deadline: Rolling basis
Dates: Typically 6-10 weeks in May-August
Eligibility: Current high school students who are at least 14 years of age
The AEOP High School Internship Program offers high school students hands-on experience in cutting-edge research at U.S. Army Research Laboratories and university labs. You will work alongside professional scientists and engineers, gaining exposure to advanced laboratory techniques and high-tech equipment. The program provides formal mentorship, networking opportunities, and insight into real-world STEM research culture.
Interns engage in mission-driven projects addressing national challenges while developing critical problem-solving and analytical skills. Additionally, you can connect with Near-Peer Mentors for guidance on STEM careers and college preparation.
6. Science and Engineering Apprenticeship Program (SEAP)
Location: Multiple labs across the country
Stipend:
New participant: $4,000
Returning participant: $4,500
Application Deadline: November 1
Dates: 8 weeks during the Summer
Eligibility: High school students who have completed at least Grade 9 and are at least 16 years old by the internship start date
The SEAP internship allows high school students to engage in STEM research at Department of Navy (DoN) laboratories for eight weeks. You will gain practical experience in engineering and science, working on real projects under the guidance of professional researchers. SEAP interns are selected based on academic performance, personal statements, and recommendations, making this a competitive opportunity.
With placements in 38 labs nationwide, this internship offers a pathway to explore careers in naval science and technology. Participants develop valuable technical and research skills, gaining insight into defense-related innovation and engineering advancements.
7. Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) Scholars Program
Location: Multiple locations across the country
Stipend: $501.60/week
Application Deadline: January 10
Dates: Dates vary depending on the project you apply for.
Eligibility: Students who are at least 16 years of age by the session application deadline, with a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
The AFRL Scholars Program offers stipend-paid internships for upper-level high school students to gain hands-on experience in cutting-edge research at Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) facilities. You will work alongside scientists and engineers, contributing to real-world projects in fields like electric propulsion, aerospace materials, cybersecurity, and game development. This internship provides technical mentorship, exposure to innovative technologies, and opportunities to develop research skills.
Interns may assist with tasks like experiment design, data analysis, software development, or materials testing, depending on their placement. AFRL internships are competitive, with selection based on academic achievement and research interests. This opportunity offers a valuable foundation for students exploring careers in STEM and defense research.
8. TECH360
Location: America on Tech (New York City, Los Angeles, Miami, Atlanta)
Stipend: $500
Application Deadline: May 25
Dates: Dates vary depending on the location you choose
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors currently attending a New York City (all boroughs), Los Angeles County, Miami-Dade/ Broward County, or Atlanta high school
The TECH360: Intro to AI program gives you the opportunity to explore artificial intelligence, its development, and its impact on society. Through hands-on activities, you will learn how predictive and generative AI models work, discover best practices for using AI tools, and discuss ethical considerations in AI. The program includes mentorship, networking, and interactive workshops led by professionals in the field. You will also engage in discussions about AI’s role in shaping industries such as healthcare, finance, and entertainment.
The program culminates in a final project, in which you design and pitch an AI-powered tool to a panel of mock clients. This experience will help you develop critical thinking and technical skills applicable to careers in AI and emerging technologies.
9. Tech Flex Leaders (TFL)
Location: America on Tech (New York City, Los Angeles, Miami)
Stipend: $1,000
Application Deadline: August 3
Dates: September 8 – May 14
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors attending a New York City (all boroughs), Los Angeles County, or Miami-Dade/Broward County public or charter school
The Tech Flex Leaders (TFL) Program is an out-of-school initiative designed for high school juniors and seniors in New York City, Los Angeles, and Miami who are interested in pursuing careers in technology. Over the course of nine months, you will participate in weekly technical training sessions, learning foundational coding skills and specialized tracks such as web development, UX design, data science, product management, and digital marketing.
The program also includes career development workshops, mentorship opportunities, and networking events with professionals from leading technology companies. Students in New York City who successfully complete the program may qualify for a paid summer internship. This program equips you with technical expertise, industry connections, and career readiness skills to explore future opportunities in tech.
10. Applied Research Innovations in Science and Engineering (ARISE)
Location: New York University, NY
Stipend: $1,000
Application Deadline: February 21
Dates: June 2 – August 18
Eligibility: Rising juniors and seniors in the upcoming school year
The Applied Research Innovations in Science and Engineering (ARISE) program is a 10-week summer research initiative that provides high school students with hands-on experience in STEM fields. The program includes four weeks of foundational training in research methods, safety protocols, and college-level writing. You will then spend six weeks in an NYU research lab, working on projects alongside faculty and researchers.
The program offers 120+ hours of lab experience, during which you will develop technical and analytical skills essential for careers in science and engineering. You will also present your research at a Colloquium and a symposium at the American Museum of Natural History. ARISE also provides college application support, mentorship, and networking opportunities, helping you advance in technology-driven fields.
11. Spark Summer Mentorship Program (Spark SMP)
Location: Various locations; virtual options are also available
Stipend: There are paid opportunities available.
Application Deadline: Applications will open in March/April
Dates: June - August (~6 to 8 weeks); exact dates vary depending on opportunity
Eligibility: High school students in grades 9-12
SparkSMP provides high school students with the chance to acquire practical skills in machine learning, artificial intelligence, and data engineering through real-life applications. Students can choose from various remote and on-site projects, selecting up to five that match their interests. For technology enthusiasts, the program offers internships in ML Workflow, Data Engineering, and AI addressing Real-World Issues.
You’ll engage with industry professionals, university faculty, and experienced mentors, gaining valuable insights into emerging tech fields. SparkSMP equips students with practical skills, fosters innovation, and helps them explore potential career paths in AI and technology.
12. Careers in Science (CiS) Intern Program
Location: California Academy of Sciences, CA
Stipend: This is a paid opportunity
Application Deadline: April 1
Dates: Multi-year, year-round participation after school and during weekends
Eligibility: Students currently enrolled full-time as a 9th or 10th-grade student in an SFUSD school with a GPA of 2.5 and a grade of C or higher in science and math
The Careers in Science (CiS) Internship Program is a paid, multi-year STEM opportunity for San Francisco high school students from underrepresented communities. You will engage in scientific research, technology exploration, and environmental studies, gaining hands-on experience in fieldwork and public engagement.
Through mentorship and interactive training, you will develop skills in science communication, data analysis, and research methodologies. CiS provides opportunities to work with STEM professionals, attend conferences and college tours, and contribute to exhibit design and educational outreach.
Image Source - NASA Logo