10 Online Tech Internships for High School Students
Finding a tech internship while still in high school can be a game-changer for students interested in computer science, engineering, or digital innovation. The right internship can offer hands-on experience, exposure to cutting-edge technologies, and valuable insights into the world of tech. However, securing a spot in a traditional internship program can be challenging, especially if you don’t live near major tech hubs. That’s where online tech internships come in—providing remote opportunities for students to learn, contribute to real projects, and connect with industry experts, all from the comfort of their own home.
In this blog, we highlight 10 exceptional online tech internships designed specifically for high school students. These programs cover a range of tech fields, from coding and data science to cybersecurity and artificial intelligence, allowing students to explore different areas of interest while building their skills.
1. Veritas AI Internship Program
Cost: $2,490
Application Deadline: Fall cohort - October 25, 2024. You can apply here
Internship Dates: Fall start date - November 11, 2024
Eligibility: Current high school students who have some prior experience in AI or have completed any Veritas AI program
The Veritas AI Internships are geared towards high school students interested in working with start-ups on a real-world AI/ML project. Students are matched with VC backed start-ups, where they work with a company mentor for 8 weeks on a project relevant to their area of interest at the intersection of AI.
This internship opportunity is a great fit for students who already have some experience with AI/ML and are looking to gain real world experience in the field. Students get the chance to network with industry professionals and receive a letter of completion from the company which can help boost college applications.
You can find more information about the internship here.
2. Stanford SHTEM Summer Internship
Cost/Stipend: No cost; Unpaid
Application Deadline: Applications for 2024 have closed, check back later for 2025 deadlines
Internship Dates: June - August (tentatively, based on previous years)
Eligibility: Current high school juniors or seniors in the 2023-2024 school year
Stanford's SHTEM internship program gives high school students an exceptional opportunity to team up with community college students on research initiatives under the guidance of Stanford Compression Forum (SCF) faculty, students, and industry professionals. The SCF specializes in advancing data compression research, bridging academic and industry knowledge to drive innovation.
Interns collaborate on research projects and take part in workshops, seminars, and virtual networking events throughout the program. The internship is fully remote, with any required hardware materials sent directly to participants. Consistent interaction with mentors and teammates ensures ongoing support. This intensive full-time experience requires a commitment of 30-40 hours per week, offering an in-depth immersion into research guided by Stanford's renowned faculty and experts. Prospective interns can explore past projects for a better understanding of the exciting research areas addressed by the SHTEM program.
Stanford's SHTEM internship offers high school students a unique chance to collaborate with community college students on research projects under the mentorship of Stanford Compression Forum (SCF) faculty, students, and industry professionals. SCF focuses on innovative research in data compression, bringing together academic and industry expertise.
Throughout the program, interns engage in collaborative research while also participating in workshops, seminars, and virtual social events. The internship is conducted remotely, with any necessary materials for hardware projects sent directly to participants. Interns maintain regular contact with their mentors and teammates, ensuring continuous guidance. This full-time internship demands a commitment of 30-40 hours per week, providing a deep dive into research led by Stanford's distinguished faculty and experts. Previous projects offer a glimpse into the exciting research opportunities available to SHTEM interns.
Location: Virtual
Cost: Starts at $2,490 (financial aid available)
Application Deadline: Winter cohort - November 24, 2024
Internship Dates: The exact dates vary based on the cohort you apply for
Eligibility: High school students who can work for 5-15 hours/week for 8-16 weeks. The program is also open to gap-year students and college students!
Founded by Harvard alumni, Ladder Internships aims to match qualified students with leading startups and nonprofits across the globe. Organizations students have interned with include Billion Dollar Startup Ideas, JuneBrain, and Fair Opportunity Project. Ladder Internships are competitive: around 100 students get placed annually. Ladder offers internship opportunities in multiple fields, including mechanical engineering. Here is the application form.
If selected, you work with your startup manager who will guide you while you work on a real-world project relevant to the company. You will present your work at the end of the internship. Engineering-related projects students have worked on include developing a machine learning model for an e-commerce startup that predicted customer loss. You will also participate in skill-building sessions and individual and group training sessions.
Check out our in-depth review of Ladder Internships here!
4. NASA OSTEM High School Internship Programs
Note: These internships are offered across NASA facilities in the country. Some virtual options are also offered.
Cost/Stipend: No cost; Interns may receive a stipend based on academic level and session duration
Application Deadline: January (Fall session) | August (Spring session) | October (Summer session)
Internship Dates: These internships are offered in 3 sessions –
Fall (16-week program, from late August or early September to mid-December)
Spring (16-week program, from mid-January to early May)
Summer (10-week program, from late May or early June to August)
Eligibility: Open to high school students, who are U.S. citizens and have a cumulative 3.0 GPA (on a 4.0 scale). Students should be at least 16 years of age at the time of application.
The NASA OSTEM (Office of STEM Engagement) internship program for high school students offers diverse opportunities, especially in technology, computer science, and engineering. These internships provide practical experience in cutting-edge tech fields, allowing participants to work with advanced technologies used in space missions, satellite communications, and aerospace systems.
Whether your interests lie in robotics, software development, or the detailed workings of space technology, the OSTEM high school internships provide a dynamic environment where you can put your theoretical knowledge into practice. The programs enable hands-on involvement in real-world projects, giving you a chance to explore different facets of tech and engineering.
Interns also gain access to top-tier resources and have the opportunity to connect with professionals in the industry. The mentorship you receive goes beyond traditional learning, providing insights into the complexities and career paths in aerospace and technology. To explore the complete list of available positions, you can use the "filter" option to narrow down opportunities that are specifically open to high school students.
Check out this guide to NASA internships!
Cost/Stipend: This is an unpaid internship. Students will receive a certificate upon completion and a chance to extend their internship.
Application Deadline: Applications for the 2025 cohort will open in January
Internship Dates: June (tentatively, based on previous years)
Eligibility: U.S. high school students over 14 years old with strong math and/or computer programming skills and/or experience with a healthcare project
The Stanford Center for AI in Medicine (AIMI) offers a summer research internship for students interested in applying computer science and technology to improve healthcare and health equity. This virtual program includes both foundational and advanced lessons on AI in healthcare, as well as mentoring sessions with experienced researchers. Participants collaborate on group projects and engage in interactive social activities, which help to build a supportive learning community. Additionally, the internship features "Career Lunch and Learns," where guest speakers share insights about careers in AI-driven healthcare.
The internship lasts two weeks, with the possibility for students to continue their research work beyond the program. For those who want an even deeper understanding, an optional AI in Medicine bootcamp is also available. Given the program's selectiveness, only around 20 students are admitted each year, making it a competitive and prestigious opportunity.
Cost: The total cost to attend the 4-week program is $2900. There is need-based financial aid.
Program Dates: Varies based on the cohort applied for
Application Deadline: Winter cohort - November 24, 2024
You can access the application link here!
Eligibility: The program is currently open to all high school students
The Young Founder's Lab is an immersive startup bootcamp designed by Harvard entrepreneurs, where participants work on creating a real-world revenue-generating business. The program is aimed at solving significant societal challenges through innovation, guiding students as they develop their startup ideas. Participants gain hands-on experience, receive mentorship from seasoned entrepreneurs and professionals from top companies like Google, Microsoft, and X, and work towards bringing their business ideas to life.
The program encompasses a variety of learning experiences, including business fundamentals, ideation workshops, skill-building sessions, case studies, and panel discussions, providing a comprehensive introduction to entrepreneurship. It serves as an ideal opportunity for high school students to explore different business strategies and practical frameworks that contribute to building a successful startup.
7. Oxford Scholastica Online Computer Science and Coding Internship
Cost/Stipend: No cost, no stipend
Application Deadline: Varies based on selected internship
Program Dates: Depends on internship role selected
Eligibility: Students can be between 15–18 years to participate in the internship programs.
The Oxford Scholastica Computer Science research internship offers an intensive, month-long online program where coding enthusiasts worldwide come together to work on current research projects. Under the mentorship of an experienced academic, interns collaborate to explore and contribute to emerging topics within the field of computer science. The program involves actively conducting research, with participants co-authoring a paper alongside their mentor, which is later submitted for publication in an academic journal.
This experience not only provides participants with hands-on research skills but also culminates in meaningful professional exposure. Interns complete the program with valuable work experience, a recommendation letter, and a solid foundation for pursuing future studies or a career in computer science.
8. George Mason University’s Aspiring Scientists Summer Internship Program (ASSIP)
Cost/Stipend: No cost; no stipend ($25 application fee required)
Application Deadline: February 2, 2025
Internship Dates: June 18 - Aug 8, 2025
Eligibility: Must be 15 years or older at the beginning of the program
The ASSIP program spans eight weeks, offering participants the chance to gain practical experience using state-of-the-art tools and technologies. Each intern will collaborate closely with a faculty mentor from diverse scientific disciplines, engaging in personalized research activities. The structure of the internship is tailored by the assigned mentor, ensuring a customized learning experience.
Throughout the program, participants will strengthen their scientific communication and creative problem-solving abilities while exploring various career paths in STEM. Additionally, the research conducted during the internship could potentially be published in scientific journals or showcased at academic conferences, providing valuable exposure to the research community.
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 - Ladder Internship Logo