High School Computer Science Internships
High school computer science internships provide valuable opportunities for students to gain real-world experience in computer science, enhance their skills, and explore potential career paths.
One of the ways to prepare for a college degree in computer science is by going for high school internships.
It will not only widen your understanding of computer science but also give you valuable hands-on-desk experience that will be helpful during practical classes. Additionally, it gives you a hedge among your peers.
While internships at this level may be more limited compared to college-level internships, several options are still available for high school students interested in computer science. Here are a few suggestions:
10 High School Computer Science Internships
- Computer Science for Cyber Security (CS4CS)
CS4CS offers a free, three-week internship program at NYU’s Tandon School of Engineering to empower women and minorities who are underrepresented in STEM to become authorities in the field.
You will be taught a variety of niche and broad topics, including digital forensics and white-hate hacking.
To be eligible for this program, you must live in New York City or a neighboring city, like Newark, Jersey City, or Hempstead, and must be entering 9th-12th grade in September 2023.
- Application Deadline: April 14
- Army Educational Outreach Program (AEOP) High School Apprenticeship
One of the best high school computer science internships is the AEOP High School Apprenticeship which allows high school students to utilize their summer break by participating in the innovative research program at the university research lab at the U.S. Army Research Laboratories and Centers.
This program grants the students access to AEOP’s webinar series on STEM careers, workshops on college readiness, professional skills, and mentorship. Apprentices are given a stipend for their work.
- Application Deadline: March 5
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- Anson L. Clark Scholars Program
Anson L. Clark Scholars program offers one of the best high school computer internships. The internship runs for an intensive seven-week (June through August) at Texas Tech University. The program will allow 12 juniors and seniors to learn and participate in hands-on research in various areas, including computer science,
The selected scholars will be given accommodation and a stipend of $750 at the successful completion of a project report. Additionally, they will In participate in field trips and seminars.
- Application Deadline: February 13
- Google Computer Science Summer Institute (CSSI)
CSSI offers a four-week introductory class to computer science for college freshmen, especially those in the field. The program is an intensive, interactive computer science class where the students will be inspired to build technical computer skills and earn a degree in tech.
As a participant, you will be opportune to get an inside look at Google’s environment and culture.
- Application Deadline: N/A
- Girls Who Code Summer Immersion Program
This is an entirely free, two-week program for juniors, seniors, and rising sophomores designed to expose them to the field of computer science and aid them in becoming future STEM professionals.
This program is open for female students and non-binary individuals wanting to enter tech. You will be equipped with critical computer science concepts by participating in projects virtually in small groups.
- Application Deadline: N/A
- National Security Agency Student Programs
The NSA is among the best places for high school computer science internships. NSA offers internships and scholarships to students and selects candidates for its programs a year in advance. So, you must apply early for a better chance of being selected.
Its Stokes Program is open to high school seniors, with priority given to minority students who want to build a career in computer science or computer/electrical engineering.
As a participant, you will be required to work at NSA during summer breaks and at least 1.5 times the length of study upon graduation, you will be compensated with up to $30,000 annually, and you will be entitled to a year-round salary.
- Application Deadline: October 31
- National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Summer High School Intern Program Research
NIST offers an eight weeks internship program, which will be conducted in any of its six NIST laboratories, and the program covers several physical science and engineering topics.
The NIST internship is open for high school juniors and seniors, and you can apply to any of the six laboratories that appeal to you.
- Application Deadline: February 14
- Research in Science & Engineering (RISE) Internship
RISE offers a six-week internship program for academically-sound rising seniors that exposes the students to real research under the guidance of Boston University faculty.
They offer a variety of STEM subject areas, including computer science. You will be exposed to weekly workshops to sharpen your skill and contribute effectively to the STEM community.
Additionally, you will be allowed to present your work at a Poster Symposium and submit it to national contests.
- Application Deadline: February 14
- Sandia Internships
One of the best high school computers since internships is Sandia. Sandia internships inspire and expose high school schools to projects like software development, cyber security, and more. This internship helps equip the students to tackle real-world challenges globally.
As a participant, you will be paid for your work and given academic credit, practical work experiences, and training.
To be eligible, you must be a high school student of at least 16 years and have a minimum 3.0 GPA.
- Application Deadline: Varies
- Simons Summer Research Program
The Simons Summer Program runs for seven weeks, from June 26 to August 11. You will be allowed to participate in hands-on research under the supervision of faculty mentors.
You will learn laboratory techniques and tools and be opportune to attend weekly faculty talks. Additionally, you will be placed in an active research team and have to produce a research poster and a written abstract at the program’s culmination.
- Application Deadline: Varies
Conclusion
When applying for internships, be prepared to demonstrate your enthusiasm for computer science, showcase any relevant projects or coursework you have completed, and highlight your problem-solving and programming skills.
Additionally, starting the application process early is essential, as internships can be competitive, and some organizations may have specific age or eligibility requirements.
Remember that even if you don’t secure a formal internship, you can still gain valuable experience by working on personal coding projects, participating in coding competitions, contributing to open-source projects, or taking online courses to expand your knowledge in computer science.
These activities help you build a strong foundation and demonstrate your commitment to the field when pursuing future opportunities.