6 Computer Science Internships for High School Students in New York City
Are you a high school student in New York City interested in computer science and technology? Whether you’re just beginning to explore the world of coding or already have experience with programming languages and software development, internships are a good way to enhance your skills. These opportunities allow you to gain hands-on experience with real-world projects, collaborate with industry professionals, and learn what it’s like to work in a tech environment.
New York City offers a variety of internships that cater to high school students eager to explore careers in computer science. From major tech companies to innovative startups and nonprofit organizations, these internships provide a platform to learn, grow, and expand your professional network. Besides giving you valuable work experience, these internships can help you stand out in a competitive college admissions process. They can show colleges that you’re committed to learning outside the classroom.
Here are 6 of the best computer science internships for high school students in New York City to help you get started!
Ladder Internships connects students with top startups to complete real-world projects in fields like software engineering, AI, and health tech. The fully virtual program lasts 8 weeks and requires 5-10 hours of work per week, including meetings with company mentors. Interns gain hands-on experience and receive a letter of completion. The program is competitive, with limited spots available, and offers financial aid for eligible students. It is designed to match interns with projects aligned with their interests, providing a flexible and impactful internship experience.
Eligibility: High school students, undergraduates, or gap year students who can work for 10-20 hours/week for 8-12 weeks
Cost: $2,490 (financial aid is available)
Application Deadline: November 24, 2024 for the upcoming winter cohort
Program Dates: December 16, 2024 onwards for the winter cohort
Location: Online
The AI Internship Program by Veritas AI is founded and run by Harvard graduate students. Through this 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.
Eligibility: High school students who have prior experience with AI/ML (or have completed a Veritas AI program)
Cost: $2,490
Application Deadline: December 15, 2024 for the upcoming winter cohort
Program Dates: January 5, 2025 onwards for the winter cohort
Location: Online
The BRAINYAC (Brain Research Apprenticeships in New York at Columbia) program, hosted by Columbia University’s Zuckerman Institute, provides a rigorous, hands-on research experience for high school students in New York City. Designed for 10th to 12th graders, BRAINYAC pairs you with leading neuroscientists, immersing you in active research projects that explore brain function and neural processes. Through lab apprenticeships, you will learn data analysis, experimental design, and scientific communication. Although this isn’t a traditional computer science internship, the hands-on experience in data analysis can be useful for high schoolers interested in computer science. The program culminates in a research symposium where you will present your findings, developing your skills in public speaking.
Eligibility: The program is open to 10th and 11th graders from select partner institutions, including S-PREP, Lang Youth Medical, Double Discovery Center, Columbia Secondary School, and BioBus. Students must be nominated by their partner institution
Cost: This is a paid internship
Application Deadline: October 29, 2025 (tentative, based on the 2024 program)
Program Dates: July 1 – August 16, 2025 (tentative, based on the 2024 program)
Location: Columbia University, New York, NY
The ARISE (Applied Research Innovations in Science and Engineering) program at New York University’s Tandon School of Engineering is a free, seven-week summer research experience for academically motivated 10th and 11th-grade NYC students. It offers two weeks of workshops on STEM topics and college preparation, followed by a five-week mentored research placement in an NYU faculty lab. The Computer Science and Engineering track allows you to research the ethical requirements of data science and online privacy through machine learning. To learn more about this program, check out our full guide here.
Eligibility: NYC residents that are in 10th or 11th grade
Cost: No cost! $750 stipend provided
Application Deadline: March 1, 2025 (tentative, based on the 2024 program)
Program Dates: June 3 – August 9, 2025 (tentative, based on the 2024 program)
Location: New York University’s Tandon School of Engineering, Brooklyn, NY
The Tech Flex Leaders Program, offered by America On Tech, is an intensive, year-long technology education initiative designed to equip high school students with industry-relevant skills in software development and digital marketing. Through a structured curriculum of live instruction, project-based learning, and hands-on workshops, you will gain proficiency in HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and other core programming languages and frameworks. In addition to technical training, the program emphasizes professional development through mentorship, career coaching, and exposure to industry leaders. You will have the opportunity to engage in internships, network with tech professionals, and showcase your projects at a Demo Day, preparing you for higher education and careers in technology.
Eligibility: Juniors and seniors enrolled in a high school in New York City (or Los Angeles or Miami)
Cost: Free!
Application Deadline: August 15, 2025 (tentative, based on the 2024 program)
Program Dates: This program runs through the school year
Location: Virtual and Manhattan, NY
The Computer Science and Informatics Summer Research Experience (CSIRE) at Stony Brook University is a six-week program for high school students with a background in programming or data analytics. You will work in labs with faculty and PhD mentors on research projects in computer science and informatics. The program includes lab visits, seminars, and student presentations, providing hands-on research experience in computer science to inspire future STEM careers.
Eligibility: NYC students enrolled in 8th, 9th, or 10th grade
Cost: $3,300
Application Deadline: March 17, 2025 (tentative, based on the 2024 program)
Program Dates: July 1 – August 9, 2025 (tentative, based on the 2024 program)
Location: Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY
One other option—the Lumiere Research Scholar Program
If you’re interested in pursuing independent research, you could also 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!
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.