11 Tech Internships for High School Students in the San Francisco Bay Area
Internships are a solid way for high school students to gain valuable experience while building important skills. They offer a chance to grow professionally, explore potential career paths, and boost your college applications. Also, they can give you a head start by helping you connect with industry professionals.
If you’re interested in tech, internships can help you explore the industry early on and gain real-world exposure! You’ll get hands-on experience and develop essential skills in subjects such as AI, software development, and cybersecurity.
For students in the Bay Area, there are several opportunities to jumpstart your journey. These internships can help you build a strong foundation while networking in the tech field. Here are 11 tech internships designed to help high school students learn, grow, and gain experience in the industry.
The Veritas AI Internship Program gives high school students a chance to work on AI/ML projects with VC-backed startups.
Founded by Harvard graduate students, this 8-week program connects you with mentors from Harvard, Wharton, Google, Microsoft, and McKinsey & Company. You’ll gain hands-on experience in a professional AI work environment, contributing to projects like AI-powered desktop apps or machine learning models. By the end, you’ll receive a letter of completion and have the opportunity to network with industry experts
This program is perfect for students with prior AI/ML experience looking to gain practical skills and strengthen their college applications
Location: Virtual
Cost: $2,490
Application Deadline: Multiple deadlines throughout the year.
Program Dates: Multiple 8-week cohorts throughout the year, including Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter.
Eligibility: Open to high school students with prior AI/ML experience or who have completed a Veritas AI program
The Ladder Internship Program gives high school students the chance to work with high-growth start-ups in industries like tech, AI/ML, healthcare, and marketing.
Over 8 weeks, you’ll collaborate on projects that build skills and provide real-world experience to help with college and your future career. Mentorship from professionals will guide you as you present your work to company leadership.
This program is ideal for ambitious students who want to build a professional network, explore start-up culture, and create standout projects for college applications.
Location: Remote
Cost: Starting at $2,490 (financial aid available)
Application Deadline: Multiple deadlines throughout the year.
Program Dates: Multiple 8-week cohorts per year, including Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter.
Eligibility: Open to high school students who can commit 10-20 hours/week for 8-12 weeks
The Meta Summer Academy gives high school students the chance to be part of the workforce at a leading social media company. Over the six-week summer program, you will explore coding, career opportunities, and soft skills essential for your future.
You will engage in practical learning, focusing on technical skills, project collaboration, and mentorship from Meta professionals. The program also introduces you to various roles in the tech industry. This year, students will work 30 hours per week, gaining real-world experience in an innovative environment.
Location: East Palo Alto, Belle Haven, North Fair Oaks, Redwood City, CA
Cost: Free; stipend varies every year
Dates: June - July (6 weeks)
Application Deadline: February. Check out this page for the application details!
Eligibility: Open to high school sophomores with a minimum 2.0 GPA, residing in specified Bay Area communities.
4. Google Computer Science Summer Institute (CSSI)
Google’s Computer Science Summer Institute (CSSI) is a three-week program designed for high school seniors interested in technology. The immersive, project-based curriculum helps you learn programming fundamentals directly from Google engineers.
Through CSSI, you’ll build technical skills, explore industry career pathways, and gain insight into Google’s corporate culture. You will work on coding projects, participate in mentorship sessions, and collaborate on team-based tasks. The program also includes career development workshops and guidance on educational opportunities.
Location: Various Google campuses across the U.S. (with a focus on Silicon Valley)
Stipend/Cost: Free (includes accommodation, food, and travel)
Dates: June - August (3 weeks)
Application Deadline: March
Eligibility: Open to high school seniors, particularly those from historically marginalized or underrepresented backgrounds in tech.
5. NASA’s Office of STEM Engagement (OSTEM)
NASA's OSTEM high school internship program gives students the opportunity to explore STEM fields through hands-on projects related to space missions, satellite communications, and aerospace engineering. Whether you're interested in robotics, software development, or spacecraft systems, you’ll apply classroom knowledge to real-world challenges in NASA's research environment.
As an intern, you’ll work with advanced technologies and receive mentorship from professionals in the field. The program also connects you with industry experts and peers who share your interest in STEM and space exploration, providing valuable experience for future careers in science and technology.
Location: NASA centers across the U.S. or remote
Stipend/Cost: Free (stipend awarded based on academic level and session length)
Dates: Spring (Mid-January - Early May), Summer (Late May - August), Fall (Late August - Mid-December)
Application Deadline: Summer: February; Fall: May. Explore the ideal internship for you here!
Eligibility: Applicants must be U.S. citizens and full-time students (16+) with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher
6. San Francisco Department of Technology Summer Internship
The San Francisco Department of Technology offers a summer internship program for high school students interested in technology and public service. You’ll work with the city’s IT department on projects like network security, web development, and data management.
During the internship, you’ll receive guidance from experienced IT professionals while building skills in problem-solving, communication, and teamwork. The program aims to inspire students to explore careers in public sector technology and contribute to impactful city projects.
Location: San Francisco, CA
Stipend/Cost: Paid ($35.40 per hour.)
Dates: June (12 weeks). Apply here!
Application Deadline: January
Eligibility: Open to high schoolers in their second-to-last or last semester or quarter, as they may still be selected for the program within six months of graduation
7. Stanford Institutes of Medicine Summer Research Program
This competitive program gives high school students the opportunity to conduct research in Stanford labs focused on biomedical technology. You’ll work on projects related to AI in medicine, data analysis, and software used in healthcare, gaining practical experience alongside Stanford faculty and graduate students.
Location: Berkeley, CA (internship projects will be hybrid or virtual depending on the office and scope of work)
Stipend/Cost: $500 stipend provided! The application fee is $40 USD
Dates: June - July (8 weeks)
Application Deadline: February. Apply here!
Eligibility: To apply, students must be juniors or seniors, at least 16 years old by June, and currently living in the U.S. as citizens or permanent residents. Preference will be given to Bay Area students.
8. AI for Youth Program by Intel
The AI for Youth Program by Intel introduces high school students to artificial intelligence (AI). Over the course of this hands-on, interactive program, you’ll learn the fundamentals of AI, machine learning, and coding, while exploring how AI addresses real-world challenges, from healthcare to sustainability. The program also focuses on AI's technical and ethical aspects, helping prepare you for future careers in STEM.
The program includes mentorship from Intel engineers, providing valuable insights into the tech industry. You’ll also develop skills like problem-solving, teamwork, and creativity. The AI for Youth Program bridges the gap between academic learning and professional application, encouraging you to envision your future in the evolving tech landscape.
Location: Virtual
Stipend/Cost: Free
Dates: Summer (exact dates TBD)
Application Deadline: TBD
Eligibility: Open to students in K-12 schools/afterschool programs (aged 8-19), no prior coding experience required.
The K-12 Berkeley Lab program gives high school students the opportunity to explore STEM careers through research experiences at one of the nation's leading scientific laboratories. You’ll work alongside researchers on projects in fields like physics, engineering, biology, and environmental sciences, gaining insight into the daily work of lab professionals.
You’ll also attend seminars, lectures, and workshops to deepen your understanding of various scientific disciplines. The program aims to inspire future STEM leaders by offering a firsthand look at the scientific inquiry and the collaborative nature of research.
Location: Berkeley, CA (internship projects will be hybrid or virtual depending on the office and scope of work)
Stipend/Cost: Stipend provided ($500 per week)
Dates: June - July
Application Deadline: March. Apply here!
Eligibility: Open to students in grades 10, 11, and 12 who are interested in STEM fields and have a strong academic background. However, students MUST BE at least 16 by June to participate and be able to commute to the Berkeley Lab site a few days per week.
10. SFUSD Summer Internship Program
The San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD) offers a Summer Internship Program for high school students, providing opportunities to gain practical work experience across various industries in the Bay Area. You’ll develop essential professional skills, like communication, teamwork, and problem-solving, while exploring potential career paths.
Interns work closely with industry professionals in fields such as tech and healthcare, learning how classroom concepts apply in real-world settings.
Location: San Francisco, CA
Stipend/Cost: Paid (minimum 20 hours/week)
Dates: Varies based on industry sector
Application Deadline: February. Currently, the interest form is open to SFUSD High School students only.
Eligibility: Open to rising juniors and seniors (11th and 12th grade students) with priority given to 11th grade students. They must be able to work a minimum of 20 hours per week.
11. The Army Educational Outreach Program (AEOP)
The Army Educational Outreach Program (AEOP) offers high school students the chance to participate in STEM-related internships and research experiences. Focused on advancing the Army's research in areas like robotics, cybersecurity, and engineering, AEOP provides exposure to military research applications.
Through AEOP, you can join programs where you’ll work closely with Army researchers and engineers on real-world projects. The program helps you develop critical STEM skills while gaining insight into how science and technology support national defense and security.
Location: Various locations across the U.S.
Stipend/Cost: Free to enroll and a stipend is provided (the amount varies by internship location and program duration)
Dates: Summer (exact dates TBD)
Application Deadline: Rolling basis; read application FAQs here and apply here!
Eligibility: Open to high school students in grades 9-12, with a strong interest in STEM and tech.
Image Source - Stanford Logo