12 Tech Internships for High School Students in California
If you're a high school student interested in technology, you may be looking for ways to gain practical experience in the field. Tech internships can provide valuable opportunities to explore areas like programming, robotics, app development, and data science, all while working on real-world projects. However, finding accessible internships for high school students can be difficult, as many programs have competitive requirements or expect certain technical expertise.
To help streamline your search, we've compiled a list of 12 tech internships based in California or available virtually, which could be a great fit for high school students!
Location: Virtual
Cost: $2,490
Application Deadline: December 15, 2024
Program Dates: Winter cohort starts January 5, 2025
Eligibility: Open to high school students with prior AI/ML experience or those who have completed a Veritas AI program.
The Veritas AI Internship Program, led by Harvard graduate students, offers an immersive 8-week experience for students passionate about artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML). During the internship, you will collaborate with venture-backed startups on AI/ML projects, gaining exposure to practical, real-world applications of these technologies.
The program connects you with mentors from prestigious institutions and companies, including Harvard, Wharton, Google, Microsoft, and McKinsey & Company. It is designed for students who already have a foundational understanding of AI/ML and want to further develop their expertise while building a professional network. By working closely with company leaders and contributing to impactful projects, you’ll gain valuable industry insights and hands-on experience. At the end of the program, you will receive a letter of completion to recognize your achievements.
You can learn more about the program here and apply here.
Cost: No cost. The stipend varies every year.
Application Deadline: February 14, 2025
Program Length: 6 weeks; June 16 - July 25, 2025, for 30 hours per week.
Eligibility: High school sophomores who are full-year residents of East Palo Alto, Belle Haven, North Fair Oaks, or Redwood City.
The Meta Summer Academy is a six-week internship program designed for high school sophomores, providing a valuable opportunity to explore tech careers and develop essential soft skills like communication and collaboration. During the program, you will have the chance to explore a range of careers in technology while gaining personalized guidance from Meta employees. The program emphasizes inclusivity by offering transportation for participants from East Palo Alto, Belle Haven, or Redwood City.
This highly competitive program accepts only 200 students into the final cohort, making it an excellent opportunity for those interested in tech. It aims to help you build skills for future professional success while providing hands-on exposure to the tech industry.
Cost: $2490 (Financial Aid Available)
Location: Remote (Work from anywhere in the world)
Application Deadline: Deadlines vary by cohort. The Winter cohort deadline is December 10, 2024.
Program Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year. The Winter cohort starts on December 16, 2024.
Eligibility: Open to high school students, undergraduates, and gap year students. Must be able to work 10-20 hours per week for 8-12 weeks.
Ladder Internships is a selective program that connects high school students with internships at fast-growing startups. Throughout this 8-week virtual experience, you’ll collaborate with startups across various industries, including tech, AI/ML, health tech, marketing, journalism, and consulting. You can explore available options through the application form.
Many of these startups are high-growth companies, often backed by substantial funding and led by experienced founders, including those from YCombinator and major tech firms like Microsoft, Google, and Facebook.
As an intern, you’ll work on meaningful projects under the guidance of both a manager and a Ladder Coach, gaining hands-on experience in your chosen field. You’ll also have opportunities to enhance critical skills through one-on-one coaching sessions focused on communication and time management, as well as group training sessions with your cohort. The program wraps up with a presentation of your work to the company, giving you the chance to showcase your contributions.
For more details, head to the application form.
4. Careers in Science (CiS) Intern Program
Cost: No cost. Stipend provided.
Application Deadline: April 1, 2025 (tentative, based on the 2024 program)
Program Length: Year-round participation after school and on weekends.
Eligibility:
Full-time 9th or 10th grader in an SFUSD school
Minimum 2.5 GPA with C or higher in science and math
Eligible for a valid U.S. work permit
Commit to attendance for 2-3 years until graduation
Able to commute to program locations (some remote work possible)
Enthusiasm for learning, teaching, and science activities
The Careers in Science Internship Program is a paid opportunity for high school sophomores and juniors to explore STEM careers while working on meaningful projects. Throughout the program, you will participate in activities such as conducting fieldwork, facilitating interactive exhibits, and contributing to tasks like designing mobile apps or creating small machine-learning solutions.
You will also gain experience in coding with Python or JavaScript, working with web frameworks, and using data visualization tools. Twice-monthly workshops focus on developing skills such as science communication and college preparation. Additionally, leadership roles and mentorship with STEM professionals offer further opportunities for growth. At the end of the program, you'll have the chance to present your work, showcasing the skills you’ve gained and preparing you for future success.
5. Stanford - SHTEM: Summer Internships for High Schoolers
Location: Virtual
Cost: No cost apart from the $50 application fee. (Stipend available for those in need.)
Application Deadline: March 1, 2025 (tentative, based on the 2024 program)
Program Length: 8 weeks; June 17 - August 9, 2025 (tentative, based on the 2024 program)
Eligibility: Open to current high school juniors or seniors. Applicants must be at least 14 years old by June 17.
Stanford’s SHTEM program is a summer internship for high schoolers, which offers an engaging opportunity to explore computer science and technological innovation. Throughout the program, you’ll work on research projects that combine hands-on experience with academic learning, collaborating with peers and mentors remotely. If your project involves hardware, materials will be sent to you to ensure full participation from your location.
Guided by Stanford faculty and industry professionals, you’ll gain practical skills while exploring the rapidly changing tech landscape. The program focuses on interdisciplinary teamwork, reflecting the collaborative nature of the tech industry. You should expect to dedicate 30-40 hours per week to research, group discussions, and mentorship sessions. Along with building technical skills, you’ll expand your network within Stanford’s community and gain exposure to innovative projects that could shape your career in tech.
6. UCSC Science Internship Program
Location: University of California, Santa Cruz
Cost: $4,000
Application Deadline: March 31, 2025 (tentative, based on the 2024 program)
Program Length: 8 weeksOnline research week: June 16 – 20, 2025
In-person research week: June 23 – August 8, 2025
Eligibility: Open to students who are at least 14 years old on the program start date.
The program at the University of California, Santa Cruz offers a valuable opportunity to engage in computer science research and technology development. You will participate in various projects that may include software development, computational modeling, data analysis, or exploring new algorithms. These projects are often part of ongoing research at UCSC, providing you with practical insights into challenges and advancements in the field of computer science.
You will be paired with a mentor who will guide you through a specific research project tailored to your interests and skills. This mentorship is crucial to the program, allowing you to learn about the research process, problem-solving techniques, and essential technical skills for a career in science and technology. Your involvement will include active participation in projects, attending lab meetings, and contributing to your research team’s goals. The program concludes with a symposium where you will present your findings, showcasing your learning and contributions to the scientific community.
7. NASA OSTEM High School Internship
Location: California students can apply for roles at NASA centers in the state, with virtual options available.
Cost: No cost. Stipend provided.
Application Deadline:
February 28, 2025 (Summer session)
May 16, 2025 (Fall session)
Program Length:
Summer: Late May - August (10 weeks)
Fall: Late August - Mid December (16 weeks)
Eligibility:
U.S. citizen
Cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher
Full-time student
Minimum 16 years old at the time of application
The NASA OSTEM (Office of STEM Engagement) high school internship program offers valuable opportunities for students interested in tech, computer science, and engineering. These internships provide hands-on experience in advanced technologies used in space exploration, satellite communication, and aerospace engineering.
You can explore areas such as robotics and software development while addressing real-world challenges. The program connects you with cutting-edge resources and industry professionals, expanding your learning beyond the classroom. Through mentorship, you'll gain insights into the aerospace and technology sectors, helping you better understand the challenges and opportunities in these fields.
Location: San Francisco, CA
Cost: No cost. Stipend provided.
Application Deadline: To be announced
Program Length: Typically summer, with varying dates each year.
Eligibility: Open to high school sophomores and juniors, with priority given to rising seniors.
The SFUSD Work-Based Summer Internships program offers you the opportunity to connect theoretical knowledge to real-world applications in computer science. This initiative places you in California's vibrant tech sector, providing an insider's view of the industry. As an intern, you’ll work on projects that go beyond foundational concepts, including software development, data analysis, and innovative tech solutions, helping you better understand the diverse facets of the tech industry.
One of the key benefits of this program is the mentorship and networking opportunities it provides. You’ll learn from experienced professionals, gaining insights that can only come from hands-on experience. This mentorship will help you navigate complex challenges and deepen your understanding of the industry. By the end of the internship, you will have developed not only technical skills but also a deeper perspective on the current trends and dynamics within the tech field.
Location: Hybrid in New York, Miami, and Los Angeles
Cost: No cost. $500 stipend upon completion.
Application Deadline: To be announced
Program Dates:
Cycle 1: June 16 - July 3, 2025
Cycle 2: July 24 - 31, 2025
Eligibility: Open to rising juniors and seniors enrolled in high schools in New York City (all boroughs), Los Angeles County, Miami-Dade, and Broward County.
This three-week hybrid program teaches coding through web design and development. You’ll gain essential skills in website creation while collaborating with peers to present your projects at the end of the program. As part of TECH360's upcoming transformation, the curriculum will also emphasize Artificial Intelligence, giving you hands-on experience and knowledge of how AI works and its real-world applications. Upon successful completion, you will receive a $500 stipend in recognition of your participation. You can complete this form to receive information about future program applications.
Location: Hybrid in New York, Miami, and Los Angeles
Cost: No cost. $1,000 stipend provided upon completion.
Application Deadline: August 15, 2025
Program Dates: Meets once a week for 9 months starting in September
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors enrolled in New York City, Los Angeles, or Miami high schools
This hybrid program is designed to cultivate future tech leaders through a specialized curriculum that goes beyond foundational knowledge to explore emerging technologies. You can choose from tracks such as UX Design, Data Science, and Web Development, participating in immersive workshops that teach the latest programming languages. Additionally, you’ll have the chance to take part in hackathons, challenging your problem-solving skills.
What sets Tech Flex Leaders apart is access to industry professionals who have achieved success in their fields. You’ll also be invited to networking events where you can connect with peers and potentially form collaborative partnerships. This blend of practical skills and professional connections will help you navigate the evolving tech landscape effectively. You can fill out this form to receive information about future program applications.
11. Emma Bowen Foundation Internship
Location: Nationwide, including California
Cost: Stipends provided
Application Deadline: Early January
Program Dates: Internships typically begin in May or June
Eligibility:
Identify as a student of color (Asian, Black, Hispanic/Latino, Native American, Pacific Islander, or Multi-Racial)
High school seniors or undergraduate students graduating in Spring 2025 or later
Plan to attend or currently attend a U.S. accredited four-year college/university
Minimum GPA of 3.0
Interested in media, entertainment, or tech careers
Available for full-time summer internships (35-40 hours/week for 8 weeks)
U.S. citizen or permanent resident
18+ by the start of the internship
This internship program is designed specifically for high school students of color interested in pursuing careers in media or tech. Whether you’re considering roles as a producer, journalist, web developer, engineer, business executive, PR agent, or sales professional, the EBF Internship offers a strong foundation. This hybrid program provides hands-on experience in professional settings, helping you build valuable skills and gain insight into what it takes to succeed in these dynamic fields. You’ll have the opportunity to work closely with industry professionals, learn on the job, and develop the knowledge needed to thrive in media and tech careers. You can apply here!
12. Department of Navy’s Science and Engineering Apprenticeship Program (SEAP)
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Cost:New participant: $4,000
Returning participant: $4,500
Application Deadline: November 1, 2025
Program Length: 8 weeks (dates vary across labs)
Eligibility: High school students who have completed at least Grade 9
The Department of Navy's Science and Engineering Apprenticeship Program (SEAP) offers a great opportunity for high school students to gain hands-on experience in science and engineering. Through this hybrid program, you’ll work on projects like cybersecurity, software development, algorithm design, or data analysis, helping you apply classroom knowledge to real-world scenarios.
Your project and lab assignment will be tailored to your interests, so if you're passionate about computer science, you can find opportunities aligned with your career goals. This experience not only helps you build technical skills but also provides insight into cutting-edge research at Navy facilities, offering a closer look at innovative technologies in the field.
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!
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