10 Data Science Internships for High School Students in Texas
Data science internships are great opportunities to learn technical and problem-solving skills. Through hands-on projects, students gain experience in data analysis, statistical methods, and machine-learning techniques while working with tools like Python, R, and SQL. These internships allow you to build a portfolio of work that showcases your skills in data cleaning, visualization, and predictive analytics — valuable assets for both college admissions and future career opportunities.
In addition to building technical proficiency, data science internships encourage critical thinking, collaboration, and data-driven decision-making. These skills are transferable to industries like healthcare, finance, technology, and marketing. If you’re ready to take the first step toward a career in one of the fastest-growing fields, here are 10 data science internships for high school students in Texas to get you started!
The AI Internship Program by Veritas AI is founded and run by Harvard graduate students. Through the 8-week internship, students have the opportunity to work with VC-backed startups on real-world AI/ML projects. Students work directly with mentors from Harvard, Wharton, Google, Microsoft, McKinsey & Company, and more.
This program is a great opportunity for students who have prior experience with AI/ML and are looking to gain real-world exposure to a career in the field. Students get a chance to network with industry professionals, work closely with company leadership, and receive a letter of completion from the company at the end of the internship. You can learn more about the program here and apply here.
Location: Virtual
Cost: $2,490
Application Deadline: Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September) and Winter (November).
Program Dates: Multiple 8-week cohorts throughout the year, including Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter.
Eligibility: Open to high school students who have prior experience with AI/ML or have completed a Veritas AI program
2. Intensive Research Internship @ UT Dallas
Cost: $500 (scholarships are available for low-income students).
Location: University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX
Application Deadline: Program information will be updated January 1, 2025.
Program Dates: June 9 - August 1, 2025
Eligibility: High school students with some proficiency in programming
This 8-week summer program offers high school students the chance to engage in hands-on research while exploring various academic fields. Students will collaborate closely with faculty mentors on innovative projects in STEM areas, including app development, cybersecurity, machine learning, data analysis, and computational biology. This immersive experience helps students develop critical research and analytical skills that will benefit them in future academic and professional endeavors.
Interns typically work between 20 to 40 hours per week, with tasks ranging from reading academic papers to conducting experiments, developing software, or running computational models. Projects are highly immersive and vary based on the assigned lab or research team.
The selection process is competitive, and space is limited within each lab. Participants are expected to attend in-person meetings several days a week, gaining exposure to professional research environments and methodologies. This experience provides a unique opportunity for students to explore STEM fields in-depth while receiving mentorship and guidance from faculty researchers.
Cost: $2,490 (Financial Aid Available)
Location: Remote! You can work from anywhere in the world.
Application deadline: Deadlines vary depending on the cohort
Program dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year
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. Past founders have included YCombinator alums, founders raising over 30 million dollars, or founders who previously worked at Microsoft, Google, and Facebook. 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.
Interns are offered one-on-one training in communication, time management, and other such valuable skills and will also have the opportunity to attend group training sessions with other interns in their cohort. The virtual internship is usually 8 weeks long.
4. SMU’s Engineering Design Experience
Cost: $1,400
Location: Southern Methodist University, Dallas, TX
Application Deadline: Applications expected to open in February
Program Dates: One-week sessions in June 2025 (exact dates to be determined)
Eligibility: Rising 11th and 12th graders
This residential camp, designed for rising juniors and seniors, offers an immersive exploration of college readiness in various engineering and STEM disciplines. Participants will have the opportunity to delve into fields such as Civil and Environmental Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical and Computer Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, and Operations Research and Engineering Management.
Over the course of five days, the camp will host up to 20 students, providing hands-on workshops that focus on developing skills in engineering, mathematics, and science. Students will work on a real-world engineering challenge, developing prototypes and applying collaborative engineering design processes to refine their problem-solving and presentation skills. The program also includes tours of the campus and the Lyle School of Engineering, with the option to meet with the Director of Recruiting and Retention. The camp culminates with a presentation, where participants will showcase their projects to their families, friends, and faculty members.
Cost:
$300 fee for 4 weeks
$150 for 2 weeks
Registration before April 1 is eligible for a 10% discount, and low-income students are offered a 50% discount
Location: Virtual and in-person at the University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX
Application Deadline: Applications have yet to open for the 2025 period
Program Dates: Various dates throughout June and August 2025
Eligibility: High school students
The coding camps at UT Dallas provide an excellent opportunity for students eager to dive deep into the world of computer science and coding. Participants will explore various programming languages such as Python, Java, C++, and work on app development, all while sharpening their problem-solving and logical thinking skills.
The curriculum emphasizes practical, hands-on activities, allowing students to work collaboratively on projects that mirror real-world applications. Under the guidance of experienced instructors, students will enhance their technical expertise and deepen their understanding of software development concepts. The camps foster an interactive learning environment aiming to promote teamwork and critical thinking, preparing students for future academic and career pursuits in the field of computer science.
6. NASA and UT Austin’s SEES High School Intern Program
Cost: Free
Location: Hybrid; initial virtual modules followed by on-site experience at the University of Texas at Austin
Application Deadline: February 22, 2025
Program Dates:
Virtual Learning Modules: May 1 – July 1, 2025
On-Site Internship for 11th Graders: July 6 – July 22, 2025
Eligibility: High school juniors and sophomores with U.S. citizenship
The STEM Enhancement in Earth Science (SEES) Program, in collaboration with NASA and the University of Texas at Austin’s Center for Space Research, offers high school students an immersive experience in Earth and space research. Participants will work with NASA satellite data, investigate climate and environmental science, and collaborate with leading scientists and engineers.
The SEES program begins with virtual learning modules, where you'll engage in distance learning activities related to Earth and space science. These modules must be completed by July 1, 2025, to qualify for the on-site internship.
During the on-site portion, students will engage in deeper project work, field investigations, and attend workshops on topics such as mission design, satellite technology, and climate science. One of the key highlights is the opportunity to present their research at the Virtual SEES Science Symposium, where they can showcase their contributions to the scientific community.
7. City of Austin High School Summer Internship Program
Stipend: $13/hour for 20 hours per week
Location: Austin, TX
Application Deadline: Applications typically close in late February
Program Dates: June 1 to July 18, 2025 (tentative dates)
Eligibility:
Must be currently enrolled in an Austin-area high school and a city of Austin resident
Must be a rising sophomore, junior, senior, or current senior
Must be between the ages of 15 and 18 years old
Must be available for the full duration of the program with no more than 3 days of absences
The City of Austin High School Summer Internship Program offers local high school students the opportunity to gain professional experience across various city departments and partner organizations. The program includes four distinct tracks:
Emerging Leaders Summer Internship Program (ELSIP)
Get Ready! STEAM-Based Internship
Aviation Department Internship
Austin Convention Center Internship
Each program is tailored to the student's interests, whether in leadership, STEAM fields, or the hospitality sector.
Interns will gain professional experience over a seven-week period, taking part in projects while being mentored by professionals in their chosen field. The Get Ready! Internship, specifically focused on STEAM, allows students to work in environments related to Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math. This program aims to enhance students' understanding of these fields, boosting both their career exposure and work skills. Placement in these internships is determined by the intern’s interests and the availability of roles.
8. Army Education Outreach Program (AEOP) High School Internship
Cost: None; participants receive a stipend.
Location: Various U.S. Army Research Centers and Laboratories across multiple states, including Texas
Application Deadline: Varies by location; specific deadlines are typically announced annually
Program Dates: Summer sessions; exact dates vary by location
Eligibility: Current high school students who are U.S. citizens or permanent legal residents. Additional eligibility requirements vary by location. Check details here.
The Army Educational Outreach Program (AEOP) High School Internship offers high school students a chance to work alongside university researchers or Department of Defense (DoD) scientists on meaningful projects. Interns have the opportunity to engage with advanced lab equipment and innovative techniques while gaining insight into the work of professional scientists and engineers.
Participants work on cutting-edge research projects in fields such as engineering, mathematics, and science. Under the mentorship of Army scientists and engineers, students gain practical experience and develop skills in problem-solving, critical thinking, and collaboration. These internships provide valuable exposure to STEM careers and help prepare students for future academic and professional pursuits.
9. NASA Office of STEM Engagements (OSTEM) Internships
Stipend: Stipends are awarded based on academic level and session duration.
Location: Various NASA centers in the country. There are also options for remote participation depending on the project.
Application Deadline:
Summer 2025: February 28, 2025
Fall 2025: May 16, 2025
Program Dates:
Summer Session: 10 weeks, typically from late May or early June to August
Fall Session: 16 weeks, typically from late August or early September to mid-December
Eligibility: Students in grades 10 - 12 with a GPA of 3.0+ and U.S. citizenship
NASA’s Office of STEM Engagement (OSTEM) provides high school and college students with paid internship opportunities across various locations in the United States. These internships enable students to engage in cutting-edge research in fields like aeronautics, space exploration, technology, and science. Each year, the program supports over 2,000 students by offering mentorship, training, and career development experiences.
Internships can be either remote or on-site, and each intern is paired with a mentor who provides guidance throughout the experience. Students work on diverse projects in fields such as engineering, IT, finance, and business, where they contribute to activities like designing experiments, analyzing mission data, and advancing technology.
10. Air Force Laboratory (AFRL) Scholars Program
Stipend: Weekly stipends are provided based on the education level of the students and the GS pay scale. High school students receive a stipend of approximately $492.40 per week, though exact amounts can vary depending on location.
Location: Various AFRL sites across the U.S., including AFWERX in Austin, Texas.
Application Deadline: Applications typically open in the fall and close by early January.
Program Dates: Summer 2025; exact dates vary depending on the AFRL site.
Eligibility: Applicants must:
Be US Citizens.
Be enrolled or accepted at an educational institution taking at least a half-time academic course load leading to a degree or certificate for the semester immediately preceding the internship session.
Have a grade point average of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
Be at least 16 years of age (by session application deadline) and have a valid Government ID.
The AFRL Scholars Program offers paid internships for upper-level high school students who are interested in focused STEM research. Interns can immerse themselves in hands-on work with advanced technologies in fields like aerospace engineering, robotics, cybersecurity, and more. This program provides valuable practical experience while also exposing students to the professional culture within STEM fields.
Throughout the internship, participants are guided by experienced Air Force scientists and engineers who mentor them directly. After being selected, students will be matched with a mentor from a pool of available experts, ensuring they receive personalized support during their research projects.
For further information, a list of available AFRL research topics can be found here.
Tyler Moulton is Head of Academics and Veritas AI Partnerships with 6 years of experience in education consulting, teaching, and astronomy research at Harvard and the University of Cambridge, where they developed a passion for machine learning and artificial intelligence. Tyler is passionate about connecting high-achieving students to advanced AI techniques and helping them build independent, real-world projects in the field of AI!
Image Source - UT Dallas Logo