In high school, internships are more than just a way to spend your time. They are a chance to explore your interests, gain real-world experience, and start building skills that go beyond the classroom. AI internships for high school students can be especially valuable because they let you apply what you learn to practical problems and understand more clearly how technology is shaping the world around you.

Imagine working on machine learning models, analysing real datasets, or collaborating with mentors on cutting-edge research in artificial intelligence. These internships offer a blend of technical learning and hands-on experience, giving you insight into fields like data science, robotics, and computational thinking. These experiences not only deepen your knowledge but also help you discover potential academic and career pathways.

What kinds of AI Internships for high school students are there?

Finding the right AI internship as a high school student can be challenging. You don’t want to end up with a program that’s purely theoretical or one that lacks meaningful mentorship. That’s why choosing the right opportunity matters because not all AI internships offer the same level of depth, exposure, or real-world experience.

AI internships for high school students come in many forms, including research-based programs, industry-led internships, virtual mentorship experiences, and project-driven learning opportunities. 

Some focus on core areas like machine learning, data science, and neural networks, while others explore interdisciplinary applications such as healthcare, robotics, or ethics in AI. You may work alongside researchers, contribute to real-world projects, or build your own AI models under expert guidance.

No matter the format, these internships are designed to help you develop technical skills, problem-solving abilities, and a deeper understanding of how AI is shaping the future. To help you navigate your options, we’ve curated a list of 15 AI internships that stand out for their academic rigor, mentorship quality, and overall learning experience.

For adjacent opportunities, check out AI summer programs and online AI programs.

15 AI Internships for High School Students

1. NASA Office of STEM Engagement Internship

Location: Various
Cost: Varies
Dates: Offered in multiple sessions each year (Spring, Summer, Fall; duration varies by project)
Application Deadline: Summer 2026: February 27th | Fall 2026: May 22nd
Eligibility: Open primarily to students aged 16+ who are enrolled in college (undergraduate to graduate level) with a minimum GPA of ~3.0. Most internships require U.S. citizenship. While there was previously an international internship pathway, it is currently not being offered, meaning international students (including Indian students) are generally not eligible at this time

Known as one of the most prestigious AI internships for high school students, NASA’s internship programs place you in real-world research and engineering environments where you work alongside NASA professionals on projects spanning artificial intelligence, aerospace engineering, data science, and more. The programme offers both virtual and on-site opportunities, allowing you to contribute to ongoing missions and research initiatives.

You gain exposure to advanced tools, collaborative workflows, and problem-solving in a scientific context. Mentorship from NASA experts helps you understand career pathways in STEM fields. The experience also strengthens your academic profile by demonstrating applied skills and initiative. Participation can support your preparation for competitive college programs in science and engineering disciplines.

Why it stands out: It stands out for offering direct access to real NASA projects, mentorship from industry experts, and paid research experience, providing a rare opportunity to engage with cutting-edge STEM work at a globally recognized space agency.

2. Immerse Education’s AI Summer School

Location: Oxford, Cambridge, Singapore, Sydney, plus online options
Cost: Varies; summer school scholarship available through our bursary programme
Dates: 2 weeks during the summer
Application Deadline: Multiple summer cohorts with rolling admissions
Eligibility: Open to students aged 16-18. The program is open to international students, with participants joining from multiple countries

You can explore foundational and applied concepts in artificial intelligence through small-group tutorials, lectures, and practical workshops led by subject experts. The program introduces topics such as machine learning, neural networks, and ethical considerations in AI, while encouraging analytical thinking and problem-solving. You can engage in discussions, case studies, and collaborative projects that mirror university-style learning.

The curriculum is designed to help you understand how AI is used across industries, supporting informed academic and career decisions. You also gain exposure to college-level teaching methods and build confidence in articulating technical ideas. The experience can strengthen your academic profile and prepare you for future study in computer science or related fields.

Why it stands out: It combines Oxbridge-style teaching with small tutorial groups and a globally diverse cohort, giving you early exposure to university-level AI study while developing critical thinking and academic communication skills.

3. Science and Engineering Apprenticeship Program

Location: Various
Cost: $4,000 (new participants) or $4,500 (returning participants)
Dates: 8-week summer internship (with possible extension up to 10 weeks)
Application Deadline: Applications open August 1st and close November 1st each year
Eligibility: Open to high school students (grades 10-12) aged 16+ who are currently enrolled. Applicants must be U.S. citizens, with very limited exceptions for permanent residents at some labs

Among AI internships for high school students, the Science and Engineering Apprenticeship Program (SEAP) stands out for offering hands-on research with professional scientists and engineers at the Department of the Navy laboratories. The program places you in a real research environment, where you contribute to ongoing STEM projects in fields such as computer science, engineering, and physics.

You can develop technical and analytical skills while learning how scientific research is conducted in a federal setting. Mentorship is a central component, allowing you to gain insight into STEM careers and academic pathways. The experience also helps strengthen your college applications by demonstrating research exposure and commitment to STEM. You are expected to actively participate in lab work, data analysis, and collaborative problem-solving.

Why it stands out: SEAP stands out for offering high school students paid, hands-on research experience in U.S. Navy laboratories, combining mentorship with real-world STEM projects in a professional government research environment.

4. Stanford SHTEM Internship

Location: Stanford University, California
Cost: Unpaid internship
Dates: June 22nd – August 14th
Application Deadline: February 1st
Eligibility: Open to high school juniors and seniors (Grades 11-12). Must be at least 14 years old by June 2026. Only open to U.S. citizens or permanent residents (no international students; no visa sponsorship)

You can explore interdisciplinary research through the SHTEM internship, where you are matched with mentors working across fields such as computer science, AI, and engineering. The program offers virtual research experiences, allowing you to collaborate on ongoing projects and gain exposure to real-world problem-solving.

The structure emphasizes independent inquiry while guiding you through the research process, including analysis and presentation. You can also develop technical and communication skills that are valuable for college applications. The experience connects you to a network of peers and researchers, helping you better understand potential academic and career pathways in STEM.

Why it stands out: The program stands out for offering a fully remote, mentor-guided research experience through Stanford, with global accessibility and a strong emphasis on interdisciplinary collaboration across STEM and humanities fields.

5. NYU ARISE Program

Location: NYU, New York
Cost: $2,000 stipend upon successful completion
Dates: June 1st – August 14th
Application Deadline: February 27th
Eligibility: Open to rising high school juniors and seniors who are full-time students at NYC schools and residents of New York City only. The program is not open to international students living outside the U.S., as applicants must be NYC-based

You can explore advanced STEM research through a structured program that combines foundational coursework with hands-on lab experience. The program begins with several weeks of remote instruction in research methods, coding, and scientific analysis, followed by in-person placement in a faculty-led research lab at NYU. You will work on a defined research project under mentorship, gaining exposure to real-world applications of engineering and science concepts.

The experience concludes with a research symposium where you present your findings. This program helps you build technical skills, understand the research process, and strengthen your academic profile for college applications, particularly if you are considering STEM majors or research-oriented pathways.

Why it stands out: ARISE stands out for combining structured pre-research training with mentored lab placements and a stipend, making high-level research accessible to NYC high school students without cost barriers.

6. NSF- High School Internship Program

Location: NSF, Virginia
Cost: Not specified
Dates: July 14th – August 15th (approx. 5 weeks, summer program)
Application Deadline: Not specified 
Eligibility: Open to high school students entering grades 10-12 with a strong interest in STEM (especially computer science, math, or engineering). Requires prior programming knowledge (Python)

You can explore the fundamentals of artificial intelligence and mathematical optimization through a structured research-focused internship. The program introduces you to key concepts such as machine learning, data analysis, and optimization techniques, while emphasizing their real-world applications across industries like energy, transportation, and logistics. You will engage in guided research projects under mentorship from university faculty and researchers, gaining exposure to academic research methods and collaborative problem-solving.

The experience includes lectures, technical workshops, and opportunities to present your findings. Through this program, you can build foundational knowledge in AI, strengthen analytical thinking skills, and gain insight into potential college majors and careers in computer science, operations research, and related fields.

Why it stands out: This program stands out for its strong focus on combining AI with optimization research, offering mentorship from leading researchers and exposing you to real-world problem-solving applications rarely covered in typical high school internships.

7. NLM Data Science and Informatics (DSI) Scholars Program

Location: National Library Medicine, Maryland
Cost: Paid internship; stipend provided based on NIH Intramural Research Training Award rates (varies by education level and experience)
Dates: Starts in June; runs for 8-12 weeks (flexible duration)
Application Deadline: February 18th (application) + February 25th (reference letter deadline)
Eligibility: Open to students with a background in computer science, data science, math, or related fields who are interested in computational biology/health research. Applicants must be at least 18 (or 17 under specific conditions), enrolled in high school (senior year) or higher, and must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents (not open to international students

You can engage in a structured summer research experience through the NLM Data Science and Informatics (DDSI) Internship, where you work alongside researchers on projects involving biomedical data, machine learning, and health informatics. You are matched with mentors at the National Institutes of Health and contribute to ongoing research in areas such as data analysis, computational biology, and AI applications in healthcare.

The program includes seminars, professional development sessions, and opportunities to present your research findings. You gain exposure to real-world scientific workflows and interdisciplinary collaboration, which can strengthen your academic interests in data science and medicine. This experience can support your preparation for STEM-focused college programs and research pathways.

Why it stands out: It stands out for offering direct access to NIH research, paid mentorship in biomedical AI and data science, and hands-on projects that connect computing with real-world healthcare challenges.

8. Stanford University – Center for Artificial Intelligence in Medicine & Imaging

Location: Stanford University, California
Cost: Program Fee: $2,400 | Application Fee: $45 | Need-based financial aid available; no stipend
Dates: Session A: June 15th – June 26th | Session B: July 6th – July 17th | Duration: 2 weeks (weekday sessions, ~9 AM-1 PM PT)
Application Deadline: Financial Aid Deadline: February 13th | Standard Deadline: February 20th
Eligibility: Open to high school students (Grades 9-12 in Fall) | Must be at least 14 years old | Requires strong background/interest in math, programming, or healthcare/AI | Must reside in the United States during the program and attend a U.S. high school | Accepts U.S. citizens, permanent residents, or valid visa holders based in the U.S. | Not open to international students living outside the U.S.

You can explore artificial intelligence applications in healthcare through this research-focused internship led by Stanford’s AIMI Center. You are paired with mentors and work on real-world AI in medicine projects, gaining exposure to data analysis, model development, and clinical context.

You can build foundational knowledge in machine learning while understanding its role in medical imaging and diagnostics. The experience also introduces you to academic research workflows and collaboration with experts in the field. This structure supports your preparation for STEM majors and research-driven college pathways, particularly in AI, computer science, and biomedical fields.

Why it stands out: This program stands out for combining AI research with real-world healthcare applications, offering mentored projects and exposure to clinical datasets, an uncommon opportunity for high school students interested in interdisciplinary AI and medicine.

9. Aspiring Scientists Summer Internship Program

Location: George Mason University, Virginia
Cost: $1,299 tuition + $25 application fee (fee waivers available; no stipend)
Dates: ~8 weeks (June 18th – August 12th)
Application Deadline: February 15th
Eligibility: Open to high school & undergraduate students (15+ or 16+, depending on lab type); competitive; international students can apply, but must manage logistics independently

You can explore advanced research through the Aspiring Scientists Summer Internship Program (ASSIP) at George Mason University, where you are matched with faculty mentors working across disciplines such as AI, neuroscience, environmental science, and cybersecurity. You will engage in hands-on research projects, learn to analyze data, and develop technical and scientific writing skills.

The program includes workshops on research methods, ethics, and college readiness, helping you understand how academic research connects to future STEM pathways. This experience can strengthen your college applications by demonstrating initiative, research exposure, and collaboration in a university setting.

Why it stands out: ASSIP stands out for offering funded, mentor-led research with a structured academic framework, allowing you to gain authentic lab experience while building skills directly aligned with competitive STEM college applications.

10. MIT Beaver Works Summer Institute

Location: MIT, Massachusetts
Cost: Free – $2,400 (no stipend; housing not included)
Dates: ~4 weeks in July
Application Deadline: March 31st
Eligibility: High school students (grades 9-11) studying and residing in the U.S.; not open to students outside the U.S.

You can engage in a rigorous, project-based STEM experience through the MIT Beaver Works Summer Institute, which combines online preparatory coursework with an intensive residential program. You are required to complete prerequisite modules before admission, ensuring you enter the program with foundational knowledge relevant to your chosen course. During the summer session, you collaborate in teams to solve real-world engineering and computer science challenges, often guided by MIT faculty and researchers.

You can choose from specialized tracks such as autonomous systems, cybersecurity, or data science, each emphasizing hands-on learning and technical problem-solving. The program helps you build advanced skills, experience collaborative research environments, and gain exposure to MIT-level coursework, supporting your preparation for competitive college STEM pathways.

Why it stands out: BWSI stands out for its rigorous two-phase structure, combining mandatory pre-coursework with an intensive MIT-led residential experience, giving you early exposure to real-world STEM problem-solving at a level comparable to undergraduate study.

11. Carnegie Mellon University – Pre-College Program for AI Scholar

Location: Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Cost: Fully funded (no cost; tuition, housing, meals, and program activities covered; limited travel aid available)
Dates: June 20th – July 18th
Application Deadline: February 1st
Eligibility: High school students currently in 11th grade (rising seniors) | Must be at least 16 years old by June 20th | Only open to U.S. citizens or permanent residents (green card holders) | Designed especially for students with limited access to AI/computer science opportunities or financial need

Known as one of the most academically rigorous AI internships for high school students, Carnegie Mellon’s AI Scholars program lets you explore the foundations of artificial intelligence through lectures, hands-on projects, and collaborative learning. You engage with core topics such as machine learning, neural networks, and data analysis while working on real-world applications of AI.

The program emphasizes both technical skills and ethical considerations, helping you understand the broader societal impact of AI systems. You also gain exposure to college-level coursework and interact with faculty and peers who share similar academic interests. By the end of the program, you will have built practical experience and a stronger academic foundation that supports future studies in computer science and related fields.

Why it stands out: It stands out for offering direct exposure to college-level AI education at a leading institution, combining technical rigor with ethical discussions and hands-on projects that reflect real-world applications of artificial intelligence.

12. Clark Scholars Program

Location: Texas Tech University, Texas
Cost: No program fee; includes free room, board, and meals. Scholars receive a $750 stipend upon completion. (Note: $25 application fee + travel costs not covered)
Dates: June 21st – August 6th (7 weeks, summer)
Application Deadline: February 16th
Eligibility: Open to highly qualified high school students who are at least 17 years old and graduating in 2026 or 2027 (rising seniors or recent graduates). Only U.S. citizens or permanent residents are eligible -international students are not accepted

You can engage in an intensive seven-week research experience through the Texas Tech University Clark Scholars Program, where you are paired with faculty mentors across a wide range of disciplines, including STEM and emerging technology fields. While the program is not exclusively focused on AI, you can pursue research topics related to artificial intelligence, machine learning, data science, or computational methods, depending on available mentorship.

This structure helps you build hands-on research experience in AI-related areas, develop technical and problem-solving skills, and enhance your profile for competitive college applications in tech and innovation fields.

Why it stands out: Fully funded and highly selective, the Clark Scholars Program offers direct faculty mentorship and paid research opportunities, making it one of the few pre-college programs that combines academic rigor with financial accessibility for both domestic and international students.

13. SPARK Summer Program

Location: Seattle
Cost: Fully funded – covers tuition, housing, meals, airfare, visa, insurance, books, and includes a monthly stipend
Dates: 8-10 weeks during the summer semester (typically late May/June to mid/late summer)
Application Deadline: December 14th
Eligibility: Open to high school students (typically Grades 9-12). The website does not explicitly restrict nationality, suggesting international students may apply, though visa/logistics details are not clearly outlined

You can explore the fundamentals of artificial intelligence through structured workshops, guided exercises, and collaborative projects within the AI track\. The program introduces you to key AI concepts such as machine learning, data analysis, and neural networks, while helping you develop problem-solving and computational thinking skills.

The curriculum also connects AI to real-world applications across industries like healthcare, finance, and technology. You can build a portfolio of AI-based projects that may support future college applications. The experience emphasizes innovation, critical thinking, and interdisciplinary learning, which are valuable across STEM and emerging career pathways.

Why it stands out: It combines creative writing with exposure to the broader creative industries, allowing you to connect storytelling skills with real-world applications such as publishing and media, while building a structured writing portfolio.

14. SHIP Research – NIST

Location: NIST, Maryland
Cost: Unpaid internship (no stipend provided); students must arrange their own housing and transportation
Dates: June 22nd – August 7th
Application Deadline: January 26th
Eligibility: Open to high school juniors, seniors, or recent graduates (who haven’t started college), with a minimum GPA of 3.0. Applicants must be U.S. citizens only and must live within 50 miles of the host campus. This means international students are NOT eligible

You can engage in hands-on scientific research through this internship, working alongside NIST researchers on real-world projects in fields such as artificial intelligence, physics, engineering, and data science. The program places you in active research environments where you contribute to ongoing investigations, analyze data, and develop technical skills relevant to STEM careers. You can gain exposure to laboratory practices, computational tools, and collaborative research methods used in federal research institutions.

The experience helps you understand how scientific research connects to national standards and technological innovation. Through mentorship and project-based work, you can strengthen your academic profile and prepare for future studies in STEM disciplines, particularly if you are considering research-oriented college pathways.

Why it stands out: It offers direct exposure to federal-level research, allowing you to contribute to real scientific projects while gaining mentorship from NIST experts, an uncommon opportunity for high school students interested in advanced STEM careers.

15. MIT – Summer High School Internship Program

Location: Lincoln Laboratory, MIT, Massachusetts
Cost: Paid internship (exact stipend not specified)
Dates: ~6 weeks in summer (July-August)
Application Deadline: Not Specified
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors from the New England region; not open to international students

The MIT Summer High School Internship Program is a strong option within AI internships for high school students, offering hands-on research at MIT Lincoln Laboratory. During the program, you are paired with a mentor and contribute to projects that may involve machine learning, data analysis, computer vision, or autonomous systems. You gain experience working with datasets, developing algorithms, and understanding how AI is applied in national security, cybersecurity, and advanced engineering contexts.

The program also includes technical seminars and collaborative sessions that deepen your understanding of AI concepts and research methods. By engaging in practical problem-solving and exposure to professional lab environments, you strengthen your readiness for college-level study in AI and related STEM fields.

Why it stands out: This program stands out for its focus on applied AI research within a leading defense laboratory, giving you hands-on experience with machine learning and real-world datasets under expert mentorship in a highly technical environment.

From AI Internships to the Future of Learning

Learning about AI in theory is useful, but working with it directly changes the way you understand both technology and the world it is shaping.

The 15 AI internships for high school students in this article show how early experience can build not only technical skill, but also stronger judgement, curiosity, and adaptability.

As you explore research, data, coding, and real-world applications, you start to see how innovation is changing the way people learn, work, and solve problems.

Explore our Educational Innovation blogs to uncover fresh thinking, breakthrough trends, and practical insight that can help you stay ahead of what education is becoming.