Computer science internships for high school students are a good way to get hands-on work experience in the STEM community. In a competitive field like computer science, you need more than just knowledge to excel. Employers tend to prefer candidates with a strong resume featuring a wide variety of professional work experiences and a broad range of competencies.
The importance of high school computer science internships cannot be overemphasized considering the high standards set by employers these days. Luckily, intern programs in STEM-related fields are more accessible than ever. Remote internships have taken over, and many high school computer science internships take place during the summer. Computer science summer high school internships are a great way to make sure you don’t miss school.
Can High School Students Access Computer Science Internships?
Yes, high school students can access computer science internships, but they must meet the application deadline and eligibility requirements. Criteria for participating in a computer science internship include age, GPA, and location. High school juniors and seniors who hope to eventually pursue a STEM degree will find computer science internships particularly valuable.
Are There Computer Science Summer High School Internships?
Yes, there are a number of computer science summer high school internships. Summer internships are a good opportunity for students because high school is out for vacation at that time and they have greater availability. If you’re a full-time student in high school, we’ve compiled several summer high school computer science internships just for you.
Why Are Internships Important for High School Students?
- They can create job opportunities. An internship increases your chances of landing a top job in computer science down the line. Most employers prefer applicants who have experience in their field. Computer science internships help high school students get a career in tech after successful completion of their postsecondary studies.
- Students can form connections. Internships provide a variety of opportunities for students to network with experts in a supportive environment. Even young students like high school sophomores can get a chance to network with experts in an intern program.
- Students can get a feel for the real world. An internship gives you hands-on experience of what computer science is all about. You get the opportunity to apply the broad range of skills you learned in high school to solve real problems. Internship opportunities like the ones we share in this article are great resources for high school students to prepare to be future leaders.
Top 9 High School Computer Science Internships
Computer Science for Cyber Security (CS4CS)
- Location: Brooklyn, New York
- Length: 3 weeks
- Time Commitment: Full day
The Computer Science for Cyber Security internship is a three-week program that teaches high school students the basics of cybersecurity and computer science. To be eligible, students must be in high school by the time of application, and the program starts in September 2022. Applications from students must meet the application deadline and satisfy other eligibility requirements. Applicants must also demonstrate a strong interest in STEM in their application essays.
Computer Science Summer Institute (CSSI)
- Location: Online
- Length: 4 weeks
- Time Commitment: Half day
The Computer Science Summer Institute (CSSI) is focused on inspiring and motivating the tech leaders of tomorrow in a variety of disciplines. Students who participate in CSSI will be taught the basics of computer science and take part in workshops led by expert instructors. This program focuses on the development of tech skills for students interested in computer science.
Stanford STEM to SHTEM Program
- Location: Online
- Length: 8 weeks
- Time Commitment: Full day
The Stanford STEM to SHTEM Program is an annual summer intern program for high school students interested in computer science, technology, neuroscience, artificial intelligence, and software engineering. This program is aimed towards students who are interested in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics careers.
Microsoft Discovery Program
- Location: Redmond, Washington
- Length: 4 weeks
- Time Commitment: Full day
The Microsoft Discovery Program teaches exceptional students the fundamentals of programming and provides opportunities for mentorship from Microsoft employees. Interns in the Microsoft Discovery Program are paid and must be available 30-40 hours per week for four weeks. When students submit applications for summer internships, there is no application fee.
Virtual Internship Foundation Program
- Location: Online
- Length: 4-week sessions
- Time Commitment: 15–18 hours per week
The Virtual Internship Foundation Program is entirely online. The online application can be filled out on the program’s website. Students are divided into teams for a co-op work experience. Each team of high school students has a facilitator who guides them in the creation of a professional portfolio. Participants work between 15 and 18 hours per week.
CACI International
- Location: Austin, Texas
- Length: Varies
- Time Commitment: Part-time
The CACI International Internship program admits high school seniors and younger high school students who are passionate about math and science. To be eligible for the CACI international internship program, you need excellent academic credentials. Candidates should have good grades, with a GPA of at least 3.0, and should have high achievement in math classes.
Google Computer Science Summer Institute
- Location: Online
- Length: 4 weeks
- Time Commitment: Half day
The Google Computer Science Summer Institute program is designed for any 12th grader who wants to prepare for their dream of pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science. Students take part in a developmental workshop each week to work on their professional development by enhancing their technical skills and developing a broad range of competencies in computer science. Google also offers apprenticeships to individuals looking to change career paths.
Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR) Summer Internship Program
- Location: Danville, Virginia
- Length: 8 weeks
- Time Commitment: 28 hours per week
The Institute of Advanced Learning and Research (IALR) offers high school students meaningful hands-on experience and training in STEM fields. Interns are paid a stipend of $3,250. Students in this program will get the chance to learn strong communication skills
NASA High School Internship
- Location: Online or in person
- Length: 10 weeks
- Time Commitment: Full day
The NASA Office of STEM Engagement (OSTEM) sponsors paid internships every year for high school and college-level students. Applicants must be at least 16 years of age. These internships are intended to benefit students interested in a STEM degree in computer science or mathematics.
Students who are interested in most careers in science would benefit from this program. This is one of the most famous institutions in the United States and an internship here would impress any college admissions office. If you’re a minority student, NASA also has the Stokes Program, which is another program for students interested in fields such as electrical engineering.
Computer Science Classes for High School Students
Apart from internships, students interested in computer science can enroll in high school coding classes or bootcamps. Coding bootcamps are a good way for future computer programmers, video game designers, software engineers, and other STEM professionals to develop their skillsets and gain experience. Below are some computer science classes for high school students that you can complete within a few weeks.
- Google IT Support Certificate. You can enroll in the Google IT Support Professional Certificate program. This program helps you break into a career in IT support. No degree or experience is necessary to participate.
- Facebook Marketing Analytics. You can earn this credential within five months. Participants join a supportive community to learn about visual and digital marketing in this online computer science course offered by Meta (formerly Facebook).
- Cloud Computing Basics (Cloud 101). Explore cloud computing basics and learn about different deployment models of cloud computing by taking this course provided by LearnQuest.
- Machine Learning. This program offered by Stanford University is free. Participants are given programming exercises and templates to work with. The machine learning program is particularly valuable for high school seniors or college students with an interest in software engineering.
- Python for Everyone. Gain experience with the Python programming language in this course. Participants learn how to develop programs and visualize data. Python for Everyone is offered by the University of Michigan.
Should You Do an Internship in High School?
Yes, you should do an internship in high school. Internships in fields like computer science are beneficial because they provide hands-on research opportunities and valuable work experience. According to Southern Utah University, some benefits of high school internships are that they can build your confidence and maximize your exposure to your chosen career path.
If you worry that you might not have the time to complete an internship while in high school, remember that you can always take a summer program. The opportunity for remote internships also increases their accessibility.
Computer Science Internships for High School Students FAQ
Yes, you can get an internship in computer science without experience. Especially in programs intended for high school students, what matters most is to have a strong GPA, completed application materials, and letters of recommendation.
Yes, an internship in computer science will help your career. Although it is possible to land a job without having done an internship, the experience will boost your resume and provide more evidence of your ability to employers. Internships can also give you the wide range of cutting-edge research skills and hands-on experience that you’ll need to excel as a computer scientist.
Yes, one internship is enough for a high school student seeking a career in computer science, especially if it is with a well-known company or program. However, it can only be to your benefit to apply for additional internships after your first.
The average salary of a computer science intern is $46,762, according to ZipRecruiter. More importantly, though, an internship can lead you to a job in computer science later in your career. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics puts the median annual income for a computer scientist at over $125,000.
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