If you’re a high school student passionate about coding, a computer science internship can be one of the most meaningful ways to take your skills to the next level. These experiences let you apply what you’ve learned in real-world settings, collaborate with professionals, and gain insight into how your interests translate to careers in tech.
Beyond building technical expertise, internships also show colleges you’re motivated, career-focused, and serious about your future. These computer science internships for high school students strengthen your application, help clarify your academic goals, and connect you with mentors who can support your journey. Below are some of the best computer science internships designed for high school students ready to take the next step.
Computer Science Internships
Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) Scholars Program
The AFRL Scholars Program offers stipend-paid summer internships for upper-level high school students pursuing STEM fields, including computer science. Interns collaborate with AFRL scientists and engineers on cutting-edge research projects, gaining hands-on experience in areas like software development, data analysis, and cybersecurity. Applicants must be U.S. citizens and at least 16 years old.
Website: AFRL Scholars Program
American Collegiate Adventures Internship Program
This summer program places high school students in internships across fields like business, media, and technology, including computer science roles. Interns gain hands-on experience while living and learning in cities like New York and Boston. ACA combines professional development with travel, activities, and a built-in student community.
Website: American Collegiate Adventures
Boston University RISE Internship Track
Boston University hosts the RISE Internship Track, a six-week summer program for rising high school seniors. Students conduct hands-on research in STEM fields, including computer science, under the guidance of BU faculty and researchers. The experience culminates in a poster symposium where students present their work.
Website: RISE Internship Track
CodeWizardsHQ High School Internship
CodeWizardsHQ offers a structured, remote internship designed for high school students who have developed core coding skills and are ready to apply them in a real-world setting. Interns work in teams to build full-stack web applications for a nonprofit, gaining experience in coding, teamwork, and project development. The program includes mentorship, leadership opportunities, and ends with a certificate, a letter of recommendation, and a completed portfolio project.
Website: CodeWizardsHQ High School Internship
Empowerly Startup Internship Program
Empowerly’s Startup Internship Program (SIP) offers high school students remote internships in various fields, including computer science. Participants gain hands-on experience by collaborating with startups on real-world projects such as software development, data analysis, and AI applications.
Website: Empowerly Startup Internship Program
Fermilab TARGET Internship
Fermilab’s TARGET Program is a competitive six-week summer internship for Illinois high school sophomores and juniors with a strong interest in physics, mathematics, computer science, or engineering. Interns engage in hands-on research projects alongside Fermilab scientists and engineers, gaining practical STEM experience. Applicants must have a minimum 3.0 GPA and be eligible to work in the U.S.
Website: Fermilab TARGET Program
Ladder Internships
Founded by Harvard entrepreneurs, Ladder offers remote, research-driven internships for high school students in fields like computer science, AI, and tech entrepreneurship. Students are matched with startups and mentored by industry professionals, gaining hands-on experience in coding, data science, or software development.
Website: Ladder Internships
Meta Summer Academy Internship
The Meta Summer Academy is a paid, six-week summer internship for high school sophomores, offering exposure to life in the tech industry. Interns are paired with mentors, contribute to real projects, and participate in professional development workshops. This program serves as an entry point for students exploring computer science high school internships in a hands-on environment. Applicants must reside in California communities and have a minimum 2.5 GPA.
Website: Meta Summer Academy
MITRE High School Internship
MITRE offers paid high school internships for students interested in computer science, with roles in software development, data analytics, cybersecurity, and systems engineering. Interns work on real-world challenges alongside MITRE engineers. MITRE is a nonprofit that operates federally funded research centers supporting national security and public interest missions.
Website: MITRE Student Programs
NASA High School Internship
NASA offers high school internships for U.S. students interested in computer science, with roles in software development, machine learning, robotics programming, cybersecurity, and data analysis. Interns work alongside NASA professionals on real projects. Applicants must be at least 16, have a 3.0 GPA, and be U.S. citizens. Some positions are paid.
Website: NASA Internship Programs
NIST Summer High School Intern Program
The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) offers an eight-week, unpaid summer internship for high school juniors and seniors interested in STEM fields, including computer science. Interns collaborate with NIST scientists and engineers on cutting-edge research projects in areas such as computer network modeling, biometrics, cryptography, and software engineering. Applicants must be U.S. citizens with a minimum 3.0 GPA.
Website: NIST SHIP Program
NSA Computer Science Internships
The National Security Agency (NSA) offers paid internships for high school students with strong interests in computer science, cybersecurity, and information technology. Interns work alongside NSA professionals on mission-critical projects involving software development, data analysis, and network defense. Applicants must be U.S. citizens, at least 16, and meet academic eligibility requirements.
Website: NSA Internship Program
Sandia National Laboratories Computer Science Internships
Sandia National Laboratories offers paid internships for high school students interested in computer science. Interns collaborate with experienced professionals on projects in areas such as software development, cybersecurity, and data analysis. Applicants must be at least 16 years old and enrolled full-time in high school. Positions are available at Sandia’s locations in Albuquerque, NM, and Livermore, CA.
Website: Sandia Internships & Co-ops
Getting Started: Your Tech Internship Application Checklist
Now that you’ve explored the top computer science internships for high school students, it’s time to start preparing your application. These internships are often competitive, but a strong, well-prepared application can help you stand out. Use this checklist to prepare a standout application for high school computer science internships.
Making the Most of Your High School Computer Science Internship
Succeeding in high school computer science internships takes more than just technical skills; it also requires curiosity and initiative. An internship is a chance to grow as a coder, teammate, and future tech professional. Whether you’re writing code or sitting in on meetings, how you show up matters. By combining technical skills with curiosity, communication, and initiative, you’ll gain far more than just experience. Follow these tips to make the most out of your internship.
- Sharpen your coding fundamentals (especially in Python, Java, or JavaScript).
- Ask questions and seek out feedback; curiosity shows you’re engaged.
- Document your work in a portfolio or GitHub repo.
- Network with mentors and teammates for future opportunities.
- Take initiative—volunteer for tasks, solve problems, and contribute ideas.
- Practice soft skills like teamwork, time management, and communication.
- Reflect on your experience to identify areas for growth and future learning.
By doing these things, you’ll gain the most from your computer science high school internship and leave with more than just a line on your resume. You’ll walk away with new skills, connections, and confidence to take on what’s next.
