8 ML Internships for High School Students
Embarking on a machine learning internship as a high school student can be a great step towards understanding and participating in one of the fastest-growing fields of technology. Machine learning is revolutionizing industries across the globe, from automating tasks to enhancing decision-making processes. For high school students curious about data patterns and software applications, these internships offer a unique opportunity to apply classroom mathematics and computer science theories to real-world problems.
Securing an internship in machine learning is no small feat for high school students. These positions are highly competitive and require a foundational knowledge of programming, statistics, and perhaps even experience with specific tools and languages used in the industry. The willingness to dive deep into complex concepts and the determination to tackle challenging projects are crucial.
In this blog, we explore 8 machine learning internships tailored for high school students!
Ladder Internship is a selective program for high school students to work with start-ups on data science and ML related topics. The program is run by Harvard alumni and you get a chance to work with companies from places like the YCombinator and Stanford.
Ladder Startups work in fields including machine learning and AI, technology, finance, environmental science and sustainability, business and marketing, healthcare and medicine, media and journalism, and more. You can explore all the options here on their application form.
As part of their internship, each student will work on a real-world project and present their work at the end of their internship. Throughout the duration of the program, you will receive guidance and support from your managers who will either work with you 1-on-1 or in a group (depending on a project). They’ll help you navigate the ins and outs of your internship!
Note that as a Ladder Intern, you will engage in a coaching and work-based model - a component that sets it apart from most internships in this list. The virtual internship is usually 8 weeks long. To know more about Ladder Internships and whether it’s a good fit for you, check out this blog post!
Location: Remote! You can work from anywhere in the world.
Cost: $1990 (Financial Aid Available)
Application Deadline: The upcoming deadline for the summer cohort is May 12, 2024.
Internship Dates: 8 weeks, June to August, cohorts run year round
Eligibility: Students who can work for 10-20 hours/week for 8-12 weeks. Open to high school students, undergraduates and gap year students.
The Amazon Future Engineer Program offers high school students passionate about technology a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the world of a tech giant. This internship program is meticulously designed to provide practical, hands-on experience, introducing students to the daily operations and innovative challenges faced by professionals at Amazon. Participants will work on actual projects, collaborating with seasoned experts and gaining firsthand knowledge of what it takes to succeed in a technology-driven landscape.
Structured around a combination of technical training, mentorship, and a community-oriented environment, the program encourages active collaboration and learning. As a participant, you'll not only build a robust foundation in computer science but also have the chance to network with industry leaders and explore various career opportunities within the field. This program is an invaluable stepping stone for any young tech enthusiast looking to enhance their skills and make informed decisions about their future in the technology sector.
Location: Amazon Headquarters
Cost: None
Application Deadline: TBA
Internship Dates: 8-weeks during the summer
Eligibility:
High School Seniors in the U.S. who are currently enrolled in or who have completed a high school or college dual degree course where computer science, engineering, or robotics is the subject
Have a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.3 on a 4.0 scale (or its equivalent)
Demonstrate financial need
3. SPARK Summer Internship Program
SparkSIP offers a dynamic approach to internship placements by allowing applicants the flexibility to choose from 5-6 project options that align with their interests, after which sponsors are assigned to selected students. This structure not only facilitates a tailored learning experience but also enhances the relevance and impact of the projects on the students' academic and professional growth. Moreover, SparkSIP provides additional resources and opportunities that prove invaluable during college applications and beyond.
Participants in the program have the unique opportunity to engage directly with real-world applications in cutting-edge fields such as machine learning, artificial intelligence, and data visualization. More than just working on projects, students interact with and learn from industry leaders, university professors, and mentors. For instance, projects for the 2023 cohort included complex topics like "understanding spike-timing and spike-rate impact on spiking neural networks" and "interfacing and visualizing data." These experiences not only deepen technical knowledge but also build networks that are essential for career development in the tech industry.
Location: Greater Seattle Area
Cost: No cost, $500 stipend provided
Application Deadline: May 1, 2024
Internship Dates: 6 to 8 weeks, June to August
Eligibility:
Must be a U.S. Citizen or have permanent resident status.
Can commit to working for 40 hours/week for 8-12 weeks.
4. National Institute of Standards and Technology Internships
The Summer High School Intern Program (SHIP) at NIST provides a remarkable opportunity for students who have completed their junior or senior year of high school and are keen on pursuing scientific research. This program offers students the chance to engage in advanced research activities at NIST, working alongside experienced scientists and engineers within specialized research topics.
Participants in the SHIP program have access to six different NIST laboratories, each focusing on distinct areas of research:
Communications Technology Lab
Engineering Lab
Information Technology Lab
Material Measurement Lab
NIST Center for Neutron Research
Physical Measurement Lab
For students specifically interested in machine learning, the information technology Laboratory is highly recommended. In this lab, you will contribute to projects that enhance the development and advancement of measurement science, standards infrastructure, and computer technology. Research activities in this lab can include a wide range of focus areas, from digital data retrieval and preservation to bioinformatics, data mining, machine learning, information visualization, and image analysis. This exposure not only provides practical experience but also a deeper understanding of how theoretical concepts are applied in real-world scientific advancements.
Location: Varies from lab to lab
Cost: No participation cost (but students must cover housing and transportation costs)
Application Deadline: February (tentatively, based on previous years)
Internship Dates: June 17 to August 9, 2024
Eligibility:
Rising senior or recent graduate.
Must be eligible to work in the U.S.
A minimum of a 3.0 GPA should be maintained.
NASA's Office of STEM Engagements offers a variety of internship opportunities across its numerous locations throughout the United States, catering to students near and far from its facilities. For those who live close to a NASA site, the opportunity to work in a research facility is readily available. Alternatively, for students residing further away, NASA has adapted to include virtual internships, ensuring that distance does not hinder access to their programs. Interested high school students can explore and filter through NASA’s internship database to find opportunities suited to their educational level.
A particularly exciting option for those interested in data science is the "Antarctic Study with Satellite Observations" internship. In this role, interns utilize big data analysis and machine learning techniques to delve into the properties of Antarctic clouds and blowing snow. This research focuses on how these elements interact with the surface, drawing on long-term observations from NASA satellites. This internship not only offers hands-on experience with cutting-edge technology and methodologies but also provides a unique glimpse into environmental studies through the lens of space-based observations.
If you are interested in NASA Internships, check out this ultimate guide!
Location: Varies from lab to lab
Cost: No cost, stipend is provided
Application Deadline: Varies from internship to internship
Internship Dates: Varies from internship to internship, but should be in one of these three cohorts -
Fall - from late August/early September to mid-December (16 weeks)
Spring - from mid-January to early May (16 weeks)
Summer - from late May/early June to August (10 weeks)
Eligibility:
High School Students
Must be a U.S. Citizen
Have a minimum of a 3.0 GPA.
6. Simons Summer Research Program
Stony Brook University's Simons Summer Research Program offers high school students a remarkable opportunity to dive into hands-on research in STEM fields under the guidance of faculty mentors. In this immersive program, participants are paired with a faculty mentor, become part of a research group or team, and take on a significant project. Throughout the program, students are responsible for not only conducting research but also producing a written research abstract and a research poster by the program's conclusion, showcasing their findings and contributions.
For those particularly interested in data science, the program provides an exciting option to work alongside Dr. Yuefan Deng from the Applied Mathematics & Statistics Department. In this project, students will focus on developing algorithms for high-performance computing, machine learning, and multiscale modeling. These algorithms will be used in simulations of biological and medical processes, offering students a deep dive into complex, real-world problems. For details on other available projects for Summer 2024 and to explore further opportunities within the program, prospective applicants can visit the designated link provided by the university.
Location: Stony Brook University, New York
Cost: No participation cost, however, you are expected to cover transportation/dining costs if you commute and residential costs if you choose to dorm on campus.
Application Deadline: February (tentatively, based on previous years)
Internship Dates: July 1 to August 9, 2024
Eligibility:
Must currently be in your junior year of high school.
Must be U.S. Citizens or hold permanent residency.
Must be 16 years of age by the start of the program.
7. Stanford Center for Artificial Intelligence in Medicine & Imaging Summer Research Internship
The Stanford Artificial Intelligence in Medicine and Imaging (AIMI) Summer Research Internship offers high school students a unique opportunity to delve into the innovative field of artificial intelligence and machine learning as it applies to healthcare. This two-week virtual program hosts a select group of approximately 20 interns and combines educational activities with real-world application.
The program not only emphasizes academic learning but also includes mentoring sessions led by Stanford student leads and researchers. Participants engage in hands-on group work to tackle actual research projects, enhancing their learning experience. Additionally, the program features social activities and career-oriented sessions with guest speakers from diverse sectors including academia, industry, non-profit organizations, and government.
Location: Remote
Cost: None
Application Deadline: March 31 (tentatively, based on previous years)
Internship Dates: July 17 to 28, 2024
Eligibility: High school students in the US who are over the age of 14 can apply. Students with strong math or computer programming skills or experience with a healthcare project are encouraged to apply.
8. Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) Scholars Program
The Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) Scholars Program presents a compelling opportunity for high school students with a keen interest in machine learning. This program draws in young tech enthusiasts who are eager to dive deep into topics such as software development, artificial intelligence, and machine learning. Throughout the program, interns are not just observers but active contributors to various projects, which may include developing cutting-edge software solutions, exploring advanced machine learning algorithms, and gaining hands-on experience with emerging technologies.
One of the standout features of the AFRL Scholars Program is its robust mentorship component. Interns receive invaluable guidance from experienced professionals, enhancing their learning and providing insights into career paths within the tech industry. Additionally, field visits to AFRL facilities further enrich the experience, allowing interns to see firsthand the real-world applications of the technologies they are studying.
Location: Kirtland/AMOS, Eglin/Hurlbert air force bases
Cost: Fully funded, stipend provided
Application Deadline: This may vary based on the AFRL sites and/or projects to which you are applying.
Internship Dates: Varies from project to project, but you can expect it to be during the summer months for 9 weeks.
Eligibility: High schoolers with a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale, who are US citizens and have a valid driver’s license. You must also be eligible to work 40 hours a week for summer internship positions.
Looking for an immersive internship experience?
Check out Ladder Internships!
Ladder Internships is a selective, virtual internship program where students work with startups and nonprofits from around the world! The startups range across a variety of industries. As part of their internship, each student will work on a real-world project that is of genuine need to the startup they are working with, and present their work at the end of their internship. In addition to working closely with their manager from the startup, each intern will also work with a Ladder Coach throughout their internship. Apply now!
Image Source - NASA Logo