If you’re a high school student with a passion for computer science, securing a remote internship opens doors to early exposure in one of tech’s most dynamic fields from the convenience of your home. These opportunities offer hands-on experiences in software development, data analysis, and cybersecurity — giving you a head start on your future career. 

It is important to note that securing a computer science internship as a high school student is undeniably challenging as it demands a certain level of knowledge. But we’re here to help! In this curated list, we have summarized 8 remote computer science internships.   

1. AI Internship Program by Veritas AI

Cost: $2,490
Application Deadline: October 20, 2024
Internship Date: Start date for the cohort is November 11, 2024
Eligibility: Open to high school students who have prior experience with AI/ML or have completed a Veritas AI program

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 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.

2. Ladder Internships

The Ladder Internship stands out as an exclusive opportunity for high school students to virtually collaborate with startups, delving into various fields within computer science, technology, engineering, machine learning, AI, and more. Throughout the 8-week virtual internship, each student engages in a work-based model, focusing on real-world projects tailored to their chosen field. What sets Ladder Internship apart is its coaching approach, where interns not only collaborate closely with startup managers but also benefit from guidance from a dedicated Ladder Coach. This dual mentorship ensures a comprehensive learning experience, providing support, insights, and a platform to present their work at the culmination of the internship.

Check out this complete guide to Ladder Internships! 

Cost/Stipend: $1490 (Financial Aid Available), no stipend

Location: Remote! You can work from anywhere in the world.

Application Deadline: April 16 and May 14

Program Dates: 8 weeks, June to August

Eligibility: Students that can work 10–20 hours/week for 8–12 weeks. Open to high school students, undergraduates, and gap year students!

3. Stanford SHTEM: Summer Internships for High Schoolers and Community College Students

The Stanford Compression Forum welcomes high school and early community college students passionate about computer science research in its SHTEM Program. This internship offers a unique opportunity for students to engage in interdisciplinary research projects, transcending traditional boundaries. The focus spans computer science, information and communication science, engineering, and related areas, providing valuable exposure to diverse research domains. Participants will work on multifaceted projects mentored by students, faculty, and staff from the Stanford Compression Forum and affiliated organizations.

Cost/Stipend: No cost, no stipend

Location: Virtual 

Application deadline: February 23rd, 2024

Program Dates: 8 weeks, Jun 17 — Aug 9, 2024

Eligibility: 

• Must be currently a high school junior or senior in the 2023–2024 school year (i.e. 11th or 12th grade at the time of application)

• As a high school junior or senior, the applicant must be at least 14 by June 17. 

Program dates: June 26, 2023 — August 18, 2023

4. Oxford Scholastica Online Computer Science and Coding Internship

Embark on a journey into the forefront of technological advancements in Computer Science with a research internship offered by Oxford Scholastica. Throughout this month-long online program, a global team of coding interns collaborates under the guidance of an academic researcher in computer science. Participants actively research a rapidly evolving field, co-authoring a research paper with their mentor for subsequent publication in an academic journal. As a culmination, participants gain substantial work experience in Computer Science, accompanied by a letter of recommendation, solidifying the foundation for a successful career.

Cost: £995

Location: Virtual

Application Deadline: Rolling

Program Dates: Depends on internship role selected

Eligibility: 

• Students can be between 15–18 years to participate in the internship programs.

5. Microsoft TEALS Virtual Volunteer

TEALS, a Microsoft Philanthropies initiative, establishes sustainable computer science (CS) programs in high schools, prioritizing students excluded from CS education due to race, gender, or geography. By pairing teachers with industry volunteers and proven curricula, TEALS facilitates CS learning. To overcome the lack of local CS professionals in underrepresented communities, TEALS volunteers have the option of teaching remotely. High school students may be eligible to be teacher assistant volunteers at Microsoft who support the class bi-weekly, working on assignments, providing resources, and assisting either the teacher or another volunteer during lessons. 

Cost/Stipend: No cost, no stipend

Location: Virtual or in-person. 

Application Deadline: Rolling

Program Dates: Variable based on the role selected.

Eligibility:

• Must be pursuing a CS degree or an equivalent professional certificate to volunteer for a teaching assistant role. 

6. NASA OSTEM High School Internships

The NASA Office of STEM Engagement (OSTEM) provides paid internships at various locations across America, offering high school students valuable hands-on experience in subjects related to computer science and technology. Students can explore open positions at research facilities, or remotely, tailoring their internships to aerospace engineering and computer science. To discover opportunities exclusively available to high school students, use the “Filter” option on the complete list of positions. If you’re an aspiring computer scientist or tech enthusiast, interning with NASA stands as a prestigious experience to highlight in your college application!

Cost/Stipend: No cost, stipend provided

Location: Virtual opportunities available.

Application Deadline: Varies from internship to internship

Program 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:

• Must be a U.S. Citizen

• Meet a minimum 3.0 GPA requirement.

7. Girls Who Code Virtual Internship

Girls Who Code addresses the gender gap in technology through their summer program, offering hands-on projects and networking with women in tech. Options include a 2-week immersion program introducing beginner to intermediate CS concepts, the iterative design process, the basics of UX design, and an overview of the tech industry. 

The 6-week Self-Paced Program allows high school students to explore web development using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript or delve into intermediate Python applications, focusing on cybersecurity or new data science courses. Open to all backgrounds, the program prioritizes diversity, with half the participants from underrepresented groups, including Black, LatinX, and individuals from low-income households who identify as girls, women, or non-binary.

Cost/Stipend: No cost, $300 need-based grant provided (for eligible students in the U.S.)

Location: Virtual

Application Deadline: Applications open by mid-January 2024. Early acceptance is due by mid-February 2024. General application deadline in late March 2024.

Program Dates: 2 weeks, typically, in July but may vary depending on the program.

Eligibility: All female and non-binary high school students are eligible.

8. Colorado School of Mines CS@Mines Internship

Colorado School of Mines’ Computer Science unit — CS@Mines — invites applications from high school and community college students for unpaid summer internships in Summer 2024. CS@Mines has approximately 2–4 openings for academically talented individuals interested in participating in summer research projects related to computer science. This program offers remote options, and interns can expect to commit 5–20 hours per week (averaging about 10 hours). Over the 6-week duration, participants will collaborate in small teams led by a Mines Computer Science undergraduate student. 

Cost/Stipend: No cost, no stipend 

Location: Remote opportunities available. 

Application Deadline: Feb 15, 2024

Program Dates: TBD

Eligibility: 

• High school students with an interest in computer science are eligible to apply. 

Bonus - Veritas AI Fellowship

The Veritas AI Fellowship, while not an internship, is a great opportunity for you if you are enthusiastic about exploring the fields of machine learning, data science, and artificial intelligence. This program, designed and run by Harvard graduate students and alumni, provides a stimulating environment for students through project development, and personalized 1-on-1 mentorship.

Over 12–15 weeks, students enrolled in the AI Fellowship engage in an independent AI research project, combining AI with a field of their choice. The program is structured in phases to optimize learning and project development. Students work intensively on their projects, utilizing one-on-one mentorship to address challenges in coding and further develop their ideas. 

Cost: $4,900

Location: Virtual

Application Deadline: Upcoming spring cohort deadline - February 24, 2024

Program Dates: Spring cohort - March 10, 2024

Eligibility: All high school students are eligible. Students must have completed the Veritas AI Scholars program or have prior Python knowledge.

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 - Stanford SHTEM Logo