14 Online Computer Science Summer Internships for High School Students
- Stephen Turban
- 4 hours ago
- 9 min read
If you are a high schooler interested in computer science, an online internship is a solid way to get real-world experience in an accessible manner. As an intern, you can expect to work on artificial intelligence, software development, cybersecurity, and data science projects. Instead of simply learning about the theoretical side of CS, you will write code, debug programs, and collaborate with professionals during your internship, and see how the industry works while building skills beyond the classroom.
To help you get started, we’ve compiled a list of 14 top online computer science summer internships for high school students. If you're looking for other prestigious research programs, internships, and region-specific programs in engineering and STEM, check out this set of blogs!
14 Online Computer Science Summer Internships for High School Students
Location: Remote
Acceptance Rate: Highly selective
Cost: Starting at $2,490 (financial aid available)
Program Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year, with the summer cohort starting on June 2.
Application Deadline: Varies by cohort. The deadline for the summer cohort is April 13.
Eligibility: High school students, undergraduates, and gap year students (able to commit 10-20 hours per week for 8-12 weeks).
Ladder Internships is a selective start-up internship program for high school students looking for hands-on experience. In this program, you will work with a high-growth start-up on an internship in fields like tech, AI/ML, health tech, marketing, journalism, consulting, and more. Ladder’s start-ups are fast-growing companies, with many raising over $1 million in funding. Past founders include YCombinator alumni, founders with $30M+ in funding, and those with experience at Microsoft, Google, and Facebook.
As an intern, you will work closely with your manager and a Ladder Coach on real-world projects and present your work to the company. You will also receive one-on-one training in communication, time management, and other key skills, along with group training sessions with other interns in your cohort. Apply here.
Location: Virtual
Cost: $2,490
Program Dates: Multiple 8-week cohorts throughout the year, including Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter.
Application Deadline: Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September) and Winter (November).
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 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 or in-person at Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory, Laurel, MD
Acceptance Rate: 15%-20%
Cost: None
Program Dates: June 24 – August 21
Application Deadline: January 1 – February 15
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors (15+ years old) with a minimum GPA of 2.8. Must be a permanent resident of the Washington-Baltimore metropolitan region.
The ASPIRE Program at Johns Hopkins University’s Applied Physics Laboratory offers high school students hands-on research experience in STEM fields. You will work with lab professionals on real-world projects, gaining skills in computer science, engineering, cybersecurity, mathematics, data analysis, and information technology.
The program provides both virtual and in-person options, allowing for flexibility. While most virtual tasks can be completed remotely, some activities, like onboarding and equipment management, may require in-person attendance. You can select a primary area of interest for your research assignment, with the possibility of working in secondary fields based on project needs.
Location: Virtual and on-site options at NASA centers
Acceptance Rate: Highly selective
Stipend: Varies based on the position applied for
Program Dates: Varies by position (check the NASA OSTEM website for details)
Application Deadline: February 28 (Summer), May 16 (Fall)
Eligibility: U.S. citizens, high school students with a minimum GPA of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale); specific requirements vary by internship.
The NASA Office of STEM Engagement (OSTEM) Internship Program gives high school students a chance to work on cutting-edge research in computer science and engineering. You will work with NASA professionals on projects in space exploration, artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML) for Air Traffic Management, augmented and virtual reality (AR/VR), and robotics.
As an intern, you will receive mentorship from NASA engineers and scientists and have the opportunity to explore state-of-the-art research environments. Some positions may also offer stipends, depending on the project and time commitment. For a comprehensive list of available positions, visit the NASA OSTEM Internship page.
Location: Virtual, with additional opportunities in Greater Seattle, WA
Acceptance Rate: 3-5% (highly selective)
Cost: None; some projects offer stipends
Program Dates: May to August (8-12 weeks, depending on project)
Application Deadline: Applications for summer typically open in March or April
Eligibility: High school students who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents.
The Spark Summer Mentorship Program (SPARK SMP) is a highly selective opportunity for high school students interested in AI, machine learning (ML), and data science. You will work with industry professionals, university professors, and mentors on real-world challenges in cutting-edge fields.
Based on your interests, you will be placed in 1 of 5 hands-on projects. Past projects have explored predictive analytics, AI/ML applications, and data pipelines, as well as advanced topics like extreme weather analysis, disease detection, ML workflows, software engineering, and quantum technologies.
Location: Remote, hybrid, and in-person options at George Mason University, Fairfax, VA
Acceptance Rate: Moderately selective
Cost: $25 application fee (waivers available); internship is unpaid
Program Dates: June 18 – August 8
Application Deadline: February 2
Eligibility: Remote and computer lab internships require age 15+, wet-lab internships require age 16+.
The Aspiring Scientists Summer Internship Program (ASSIP) at George Mason University gives you the chance to conduct research in STEM fields. Over 8 weeks, you will work with faculty researchers and gain experience in data science, AI, and cybersecurity. You will develop skills in scientific writing, programming, and data analysis while working on projects in electrical and computer engineering, agent-based simulation, and digital innovation.
In the remote track, led by Ron S. Mahabir, you will work on earth observation, natural language processing (NLP), machine learning, and deep learning. You will analyze datasets, develop algorithms, and contribute to research projects with practical applications in technology.
Location: Virtual
Acceptance Rate: Approx. 30 students per cohort
Cost: None
Program Dates: June 2 – August 29
Application Deadline: May 15 (or earlier if max capacity is reached)
Eligibility: Must be at least 16 years old by December 31, entering junior or senior year in the fall, with a GPA of 3.0 or higher, and have completed at least one high school biology course.
The NASA GeneLab for High Schools (GL4HS) is a bioinformatics research internship where you will apply computational biology and machine learning to analyze biological data. Sponsored by NASA’s Ames Research Center, this four-week program focuses on studying how space environments affect biological systems using the GeneLab Data System.
You will take courses like Molecular Biology and the Omics Revolution and work with omics-based data. The program includes virtual field trips, guest lectures from NASA scientists, and networking opportunities. A team-based research competition is a key part of the program, with the top three teams winning an all-expense-paid trip to the American Society for Gravitational and Space Research conference to present their research proposals.
Location: Virtual
Acceptance Rate: Fairly selective
Cost: None; A need-based $300 stipend is available
Program Dates: Session 1: July 1 – July 18 and Session 2: July 28 – August 8
Application Deadline: April 11
Eligibility: Female and non-binary high school students in grades 9-11
The Girls Who Code Summer Immersion Program is a free, two-week virtual internship for female and non-binary students interested in coding. You'll learn intermediate coding concepts, game development, UI/UX design, and web design through live classes and hands-on projects.
You'll also hear from industry professionals, receive mentorship, and connect with tech leaders. Whether you're new to coding or have some experience, the program helps you build technical skills and confidence. Sponsored by companies like MetLife and Logitech, it focuses on problem-solving and creativity in technology.
Location: Virtual
Acceptance Rate: Moderately selective
Cost: None
Program Dates: April 15 – June 15
Application Deadline: February 28
Eligibility: High school students with a background in computer science
The EDIT AIML Summer Internship Program at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center focuses on AI applications in healthcare. You will work on machine learning projects aimed at improving clinical efficiency and patient outcomes.
You will gain experience with AI-driven diagnostic tools, analyze medical images using gigapixel imaging, and work with Python and R. You will also apply natural language processing (NLP) to extract insights from clinical data. At the end of the internship, you will share your findings with researchers and get an idea of how AI is used in healthcare.
Location: Remote
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: ~25 students per year
Cost: $40 application fee and $850 program participation fee
Program Dates: June 16 - June 27
Application Deadline: December 9 – February 28
Eligibility: U.S. high school students aged 14+ with strong math and programming skills or experience in a healthcare-related project
The Stanford AIMI Summer Research Internship is a two-week virtual program for high school students interested in AI applications in healthcare. Hosted by the Stanford Center for Artificial Intelligence in Medicine and Imaging (AIMI), the program covers how machine learning is used in medical diagnostics and healthcare equity.
You will attend lectures on AI in medicine, work on group research projects, and receive mentorship from researchers. The program also includes career talks and networking opportunities. Some students may continue their research after the two weeks. At the end, you will present your work and receive a Certificate of Completion.
Location: Virtual
Acceptance Rate: Moderately selective
Cost: None
Program Dates: 3-month internship from June to August (extensions available)
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: All high school students
The Building-U Internship is a flexible program where high school students contribute to an online database of scholarships, competitions, internships, and education programs. You can choose from different roles based on what interests you and what fits your academic goals.
If you're into computer science, web design, or graphic design, you can join the Coding Team to work on web and database development using programming languages you're comfortable with. If you’re more into creative work, the Animation Team focuses on storytelling, content creation, and branding using animation tools. You will also develop collaboration, communication, and teamwork skills while working in a self-paced, supportive environment.
Location: Various companies across Los Angeles, CA | Virtual options available
Acceptance Rate: Fairly selective
Stipend: Provided (amount varies based on the internship)
Program Dates: June 17 – August 9
Application Deadline: March 1
Eligibility: High school students in LA County, including
DACA/Undocumented Youth and Foster Youth in grades 10-12
The Intern Project (TIP) is a paid internship program for high school students in Los Angeles County, offering hands-on experience across fields like engineering, technology, business, healthcare, and government. If you're interested in computer science, you can work on software development, data analytics, web design, or machine learning projects with guidance from industry professionals.
You'll get to develop apps, analyze datasets, build websites, or explore AI applications, depending on your role. The program gives you real-world experience, helps you build your resume, and connects you with mentors who can support your career goals.
Location: Virtual or Hybrid at the Smithsonian Science Education Center, Washington, DC
Acceptance Rate: Highly selective
Stipend: Available (amount unspecified)
Program Dates: June 9 - August 15
Application Deadline: February 3 – March 17
Eligibility: High school students (16+ years old), undergraduates, or graduate students
The Smithsonian Science Education Center (SSEC) Internship is an excellent opportunity for high school students passionate about computer science and its applications in education and digital media. As an intern, you'll contribute to STEM education outreach projects that align with the Smithsonian’s mission to inspire curiosity and learning. You’ll gain hands-on experience in areas like web development, data management, and content creation for digital platforms.
Your responsibilities may include assisting in the development of educational websites or applications, analyzing engagement data to optimize content, and supporting the management of the Smithsonian’s digital presence. You’ll collaborate with professionals to design and implement interactive educational tools and contribute innovative ideas to enhance digital learning experiences.
Location: Remote and in-person options available
Acceptance Rate: Fairly selective
Cost: $100
Program Dates: June 1 – August 6
Application Deadline: April 18
Eligibility: High school students interested in computer science; no prior experience required
The Computer Science Internship Program at the Colorado School of Mines gives high school students a chance to work on real-world tech projects. You can join remotely or in person, depending on your availability.
You'll work on software development, data analysis, or computer engineering for 5 to 20 hours per week. Along the way, you'll build coding skills, solve problems, and work with peers and mentors. This program is a good way to explore computer science and gain practical experience.
One other option—the Lumiere Research Scholar Program
If you’re interested in pursuing independent research in computer science, consider applying to one of the Lumiere Research Scholar Programs, selective online high school programs for students founded with researchers at Harvard and Oxford. Last year, we had over 4,000 students apply for 500 spots in the program! You can find the application form here.
Also, check out the Lumiere Research Inclusion Foundation, a non-profit research program for talented, low-income students. Last year, we had 150 students on full need-based financial aid!
Image Source - Johns Hopkins Logo
Stephen is one of the founders of Lumiere and a Harvard College graduate. He founded Lumiere as a PhD student at Harvard Business School. Lumiere is a selective research program where students work 1-1 with a research mentor to develop an independent research paper.