If you’re a high school student interested in coding, software development, or technology, you may already be exploring programming languages or building small projects. Computer science internships in San Francisco for high school students can take that interest beyond tutorials and classroom learning, giving you a clearer sense of what working in computer science actually looks like in the real world. In a city known for innovation and technology, that kind of experience can feel especially valuable.

Imagine spending your summer working with startups, research labs, or tech organizations in San Francisco. Picture contributing to real coding projects, learning how software is developed in teams, and gaining exposure to areas like data science, machine learning, or app development. These experiences provide hands-on learning that goes far beyond theory, helping you understand how technology is built and applied.

How do you choose the right computer science internships in San Francisco for high school students?

With many options available, it’s important to distinguish between internships that offer meaningful, project-based experience and those that are more observational. Choosing the right fit depends on your experience level and learning goals.

Computer science internships in San Francisco and the broader Bay Area span a wide range of opportunities. Across these internships, you may learn programming, collaborate on projects, and present your work. These experiences help you build technical skills while also developing communication, teamwork, and problem-solving abilities.

You’ll learn from experienced mentors, collaborate with motivated peers, and gain insight into how technology companies operate. Along the way, you’ll build a strong portfolio, expand your network, and develop a clearer sense of your future in computer science.

To help you get started, we’ve curated a list of 15 Computer Science Internships in San Francisco for High School Students. They’ve been picked for their hands-on learning opportunities, strong mentorship, and ability to provide meaningful early exposure.

For adjacent opportunities, check out AI internships in California. For more options, consider online computer science programs.

15 Computer Science Internships in San Francisco for High School Students

1. Berkeley Lab Director Apprenticeship Program

Location: Berkeley Lab, San Francisco
Cost/Stipend: Students will be paid USD 500 per week
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not disclosed
Dates: 16th June – 24th July
Application Deadline: 22nd March
Eligibility: Public school students and full-time residents (grade 10 or 11) in Alameda, Contra Costa, and San Francisco counties in California, who live at least 20 minutes away from Berkeley Lab, are at least 16 years of age, only for US citizens and permanent residents.

The Berkeley Lab Director Apprenticeship Program (BLDAP) is a six-week program designed to help you build confidence in STEM and to increase your exposure to STEM professionals, skillsets, and career paths. In this program, you will engage in hands-on projects, a computer science short course, and weekly discussions with STEM professionals.

The curriculum involves an introduction to Python course, data science, and a number of scientific experiments. If you complete the apprenticeship, you will have the opportunity to participate in additional short courses, workshops, and special seminars at Berkeley Lab throughout the following fall and spring.

Why it stands out: A six-week immersion at a national lab, combining coding, data science, and direct interaction with STEM professionals, gives students both technical grounding and long-term access to Berkeley Lab opportunities.

2. Immerse’s San Francisco Software Development & AI Summer School

Location: University of California, Berkeley, San Francisco
Cost/Stipend: Varies; summer school scholarship available through our bursary programme
Acceptance rate/cohort size: An average of 7 participants per class
Dates: 5th July – 18th July, and 19th July – 1st August
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Eligibility: Students worldwide aged 15 to 18

If you want to take the first step into technology, Immerse Education’s Software Development and AI Summer School in San Francisco is the perfect option for a summer of learning. In this summer school, you will engage with core topics in AI and software development through a series of practical problem-solving, AI projects, and collaborative challenges. The curriculum of this school includes activities such as group workshops, 1-on-1 tutoring, personal research projects, seminars by industry experts, and day excursions.

You will learn the basics of programming and artificial intelligence, and apply that new knowledge by developing and presenting a prototype/demo in which your skills in software, design, and the practical application of AI will be assessed. At the end of the school, you will receive a recognized certificate of completion that you can use for college applications.

Why it stands out: Combining rigorous AI academics with one-on-one mentorship and a final assessed prototype project that strengthens college applications.

3. NASA Internship Programs (OSTEM Internship)

Location: NASA
Cost/Stipend: Interns will get a stipend
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not mentioned
Dates: Only shown that they are open in the summer (10 weeks), fall, and spring (15 weeks)
Application Deadline: 22nd May
Eligibility: Must be 16 years old by the time of application, US citizens only, have a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale, be a full-time or part-time college student (undergraduate through graduate-level) currently attending a certificate or degree- granting program at a U.S. accredited technical school, college, or university.

As one of the most prestigious computer science internships in San Francisco for high school students, NASA’s OSTEM Internship offers a rare chance to gain technical and hands-on experience through real missions. NASA provides two main pathways: OSTEM, which focuses on project-based learning and applied work, and Pathways, which offers a more structured route toward long-term employment at NASA.

Regardless of the program you choose, you will work under the mentorship of a NASA professional, gain practical experience, strengthen your resume, and build readiness for the workforce. Even without a STEM background, there are opportunities across various fields that align with different academic and career interests.

Why it stands out: Few internships place you inside an organization like NASA, where even early-career roles contribute to missions that quite literally reach beyond Earth.

4. Summer Internships for High Schoolers

Location: Stanford, CA
Cost/Stipend: Unpaid internship
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not disclosed
Dates: 22nd June – 14th August
Application Deadline: 1st February
Eligibility: Must be a high school junior or senior and be at least 14 years old, must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident. International students may not apply.

The Science, Humanities, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (SHTEM) program by Stanford University is a summer program for you who are interested in pursuing a fun research program over the summer. This program is intended to provide early exposure to research, where you will be grouped to work on real-life projects around engineering, communication, the arts, linguistics, psychology, biology, and so much more.

What is interesting about this program is that it emphasises Humanities in the title to make a statement that the human element is inseparable and supposed to be part of STEM. You will be placed on the Stanford University campus, where you will get exposure to the topics above in a research environment. This is an unpaid internship, but there will be a small stipend for students to commute to and from their accommodation (accommodation is not included in the program). 

Why it stands out: Emphasises “H” in “Humanities” as part of STEM, and students can learn about the human touch and human aspects in STEM.

5. Microsoft Discovery Program

Location: Microsoft Office
Cost/Stipend: Free, and students will get a stipend at a base rate of USD 20/hour
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not disclosed
Dates: 10th July – 4th August
Application Deadline: March
Eligibility: High school graduating seniors who live and attend high school within 50 miles of Redmond, WA, or live and attend high school around Atlanta, Georgia. International students are not eligible to apply

Every year, this prestigious technology company opens its doors for high school graduating seniors to join its Microsoft Discovery Program. During this 4-week internship, you get the opportunity to gain experience and knowledge from Microsoft employees through project-based experiences. These projects come from various disciplines within the company, so you don’t have to be interested in tech to be admitted to the program.

You will work in a small team to complete a small project, and while working on the project, you will touch base with areas such as Software engineering, project management, and UX design disciplines. Meaning there will be plenty of opportunities to attend discussions about Microsoft and pick the brains of their employees.

Why it stands out: It stands out for its project-based approach across multiple disciplines, allowing students to explore technology, design, and management roles inside one of the world’s leading tech companies.

6. AIMI Summer Research Internship

Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: USD 2400, USD 45 application fee
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 100 students in total (50 students each session)
Dates: Session A: 15-26 June, Session B: 6-17 July
Application Deadline: 13th February (scholarship application), 20th February (standard application)
Eligibility: Must attend a US high school from grades 9 to 12, over the age of 14 years old, with a  strong preference for students with strong math and/or programming skills, or have experience in healthcare, unclear if international students can apply

The Stanford Center for Artificial Intelligence in Medicine and Imaging opens its doors to high school students every summer to participate in their virtual internship program to introduce them to AI and medicine. Through mentored research, assisted learning, and exposure to real challenges, they hope to challenge you to train and inspire the next generation of innovators.

The program is offered in two sessions with the same curriculum, structure, and core activities with minor differences in guest speakers. At the end of the internship, you will receive a Certificate of Completion from AIMI, and are encouraged to apply for the longer AIMI Academic Year Internship.

Why it stands out: Exposing students to real-life challenges through virtual learning, and students get the chance to attend a longer internship to boost more experience in AI and healthcare.

7. Careers in Science (CiS) Intern Program

Location: California Academy of Sciences
Cost/Stipend: Paid
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not disclosed
Dates: Year-round
Application Deadline: Not disclosed
Eligibility: High school students from grade 9 to grade 12 in an SFUSD school, maintain a GPA of 2.5 and a grade C in science or math, US citizens, or people who are authorized to work in the US

Are you interested in science or math? The CiS intern program is a year-long program for San Francisco high school students with a strong interest in STEM. All interns conduct fieldwork outdoors and facilitate learning experiences, attend interactive trainings twice per month to develop skillsets like science communication, and receive guidance about STEM career paths.

As you advance through the program, you will participate in project groups, too. Participating as a CiS intern will be paid a stipend and will prepare you with the know-how in STEM as a career choice. 

Why it stands out: Stretching across an entire year with paid fieldwork and science communication training, this program builds real-world STEM experience far beyond a typical summer internship.

8. Meta Summer Academy

Location: Meta
Cost/Stipend: Not disclosed, but usually there is a stipend that varies from year to year
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not disclosed
Dates: 15th June – 24th July for 30 hours per week
Application Deadline: 14th February
Eligibility: High school sophomores must live in the area of East Palo Alto, Belle Haven, North Fair Oaks, or Redwood City, with a minimum 2.0 GPA

As one of the most well-known computer science internships in San Francisco for high school students, Meta Summer Academy gives you the chance to spend the summer learning by doing inside one of the world’s biggest technology companies. Over six weeks, you are able to get inside the day-to-day operations of Meta, learn coding and financial literacy, explore careers at Meta, and develop new skills that can help boost your future career.

Not only learning how a company works, but you will also get to network with Meta employees and experience Meta like walking in their shoes. What makes this program interesting is that it is seen as an internship; you will get a stipend for every hour you work. The stipend amount varies per year and will be announced to chosen students.

Why it stands out: It stands out as a paid, internship-style program that immerses high school students in the real operations of a global tech company while building both technical and career-readiness skills.

9. Genomics Research Internship Program at Stanford

Location: Stanford University
Cost/Stipend: Not mentioned, but financial aid is available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Less than 20 positions every year
Dates: 15th June – 6th August
Application Deadline: 28th February
Eligibility: Open to local residents (students) living in Alameda, San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara, or Santa Cruz counties, must be 16 years old or older, must have prior knowledge of biology, chemistry, or computer programming

The Genomics Research Internship Program (GRIP) at Stanford gives you a chance for a summer internship in genetics, especially if you are a Bay Area high school student. During this time, you will spend time in a laboratory and conduct genomics research under a mentor. Not only will you be conducting research, but you will also be expected to attend panels and seminars in biomedical research and regular check-ins with your mentor.

To attend this program, prior knowledge of computer programming is helpful, and it will help you in the long run if you know computer languages like Python, R, or Java. At the end of the program, you will be equipped with a research lab experience, something you can make use of in your college application.

Why it stands out: Hands-on genomics research under expert mentorship, paired with lab work and research seminars, offers a rare early entry into the world of biomedical science.

10. Berkeley Lab Experiences in Research (EinR)

Location: San Francisco, CA
Cost/Stipend: USD 500 per week stipend
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not mentioned
Dates: 15th June – 24th July
Application Deadline: 22nd March
Eligibility: Current 10th to 12th grade students who prioritize students living within a 30-mile radius of Berkeley Lab, must be 16 years old

The Berkeley Lab EinR program is a six-week program for high school students to work with cutting-edge projects with STEM experts. For this program, you can choose one out of four focuses: internships in administration and communication, coding-dependent, data science (coding and non-coding), and experimental research and work with 2 or 3 other interns.

Whatever focus you choose, there is always an interesting project for you to take part in. Therefore, this program isn’t just for those interested in the pure STEM part, but also if you want to work in STEM-adjacent careers such as science communication or organizing a STEM event. 

Why it stands out: With flexible tracks ranging from coding to science communication, this program opens the door to both core STEM and the often-overlooked careers that support it.

11. Project Pull Internship

Location: San Francisco, CA
Cost/Stipend: Stipend of USD 23/hour
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not disclosed
Dates: 8th June – 31st July
Application Deadline: 16th February
Eligibility: Students entering their junior or senior year, or be a college-bound freshman in Fall 2026, live in San Francisco or attend high school in San Francisco, have a minimum 2.75 GPA from their most recently completed semester

The Project Pull is an internship program from the government of San Francisco aiming to connect talented, diverse students with meaningful job opportunities in the city, introduce public sector careers to teenagers, and develop a pipeline of future San Francisco city and county employees. You will develop life skills through their hands-on work experience and weekly enrichment activities.

High school students may apply to be an intern, and college students can apply to be a Team Leader or Mentor Assistant. For high school students, as an intern, you are expected to commit to 20 hours per week (Monday to Friday) during the summer for this project.

Why it stands out: By placing students directly into public sector roles, this program connects STEM and civic engagement through real work experience inside city government.

12. UCSF High School Intern Program

Location: San Francisco, CA
Cost/Stipend: Students will get a stipend of USD 4500 upon completion of the program
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Up to 20 students each year
Dates: 8th June – 31st July
Application Deadline: 8th February
Eligibility: High school students going to SFUSD or SF charter schools, not available for international students

Students attending San Francisco high schools who are interested in biomedical science should apply to the High School Intern Program (HIP) at UC San Francisco. In this program, you will be matched with a scientist mentor who will guide you through a unique research project. Participants work approximately 35 hours per week conducting biomedical research.

In addition to lab work, you will gain exposure to professional networking, a supportive intern community, and college counseling sessions, including personal statement workshops, transcript reviews, and campus tours.

Why it stands out: By prioritizing access and mentorship over pure academic metrics, HIP opens the door to serious biomedical research for students who might otherwise never get the chance.

13. CMU CS Academy

Location: Online (Self-paced/Classroom-based)
Cost/Stipend: Free (Entirely free for all users)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not disclosed
Dates: Year-round / Flexible (Camps and full-year options available)
Application Deadline: Rolling enrollment
Eligibility: Students across 70+ countries in middle school, 8th/9th grade, and high school (varies by course)

Carnegie Mellon University’s CS Academy provides an online, graphics-based computer science curriculum designed to make learning Python interactive and visually engaging. The program offers a tiered approach to learning: “Exploring Programming” serves as a lightweight introduction for middle schoolers or camp settings, while the flagship “CS1” course provides a robust 12-unit foundation for 8th and 9th graders.

For advanced high school students, the “15-111” course offers a rigorous, honors-level experience that mirrors university coursework and provides the opportunity to earn four college credits upon completion of an exam. By combining a world-class curriculum with a “sandbox” environment for independent creation, CMU CS Academy empowers you to transition from basic logic to sophisticated software development.

Why it stands out: It bridges the gap between high school and higher education by offering a Carnegie Mellon-designed path that allows top-performing students to earn genuine university credit for free.

14. Kode with Klossy

Location: Fully online (Global) and select In-Person locations
Cost/Stipend: Free (No cost to attend)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not disclosed
Dates: Two-week sessions in Summer 2026 (Specific dates announced in Spring)
Application Deadline: Spring 2026
Eligibility: Young women and gender-expansive teens globally, ages 13-18

Kode With Klossy offers a transformative, two-week coding intensive designed specifically for students of traditionally underrepresented genders in STEM. This program provides an inclusive and high-energy environment where you can dive into one of four specialized tracks: Web Development, Machine Learning, Mobile App Development, or Data Science. Beyond the technical skills, the program emphasizes the social impact of tech, addressing critical topics like bias in AI and user accessibility.

You will collaborate with a global cohort of curious and community-minded peers, culminating in a final project that showcases your new expertise. Upon completion, you join an “incredible community” of inspiring alumni, providing a lifelong support network for your future career in technology.

Why it stands out: It removes all financial and experience barriers to elite tech education, providing a high-quality, project-based curriculum that empowers underrepresented voices to lead the future of STEM.

15. Girls Who Code Pathways Summer Program

Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not disclosed
Dates: 29th June – 14th August
Application Deadline: 25th February (early deadline), 10th April (general deadline)
Eligibility: Girls in high school from 9th to 12th grade, accepting applications from around the world

The Girls Who Code Pathways virtual summer program is an international program for girls and non-binary people to tackle hands-on projects in AI, machine learning, cybersecurity, data science, and more. For five weeks online, you will get to explore coursework in five tracks: AI + Data Science, Game Design, Web Development, Cybersecurity, and AI + Society.

Beyond coursework and coding, you will also get real-world insights through virtual partner events with leading tech organizations. You can also connect with other participants through a private Discord server and optional Student Hours for live support and collaboration. At the end of the virtual summer school, you will be awarded a certificate of completion to help you further in your academic career.

Why it stands out: Inclusive global virtual format, offering multiple AI-focused tracks alongside industry partner engagement.

Where Computer Science Meets Educational Innovation

Computer science feels different when you see how code moves beyond exercises and becomes products, systems, and solutions shaped by teams, deadlines, and users daily.

That is why computer science internships in San Francisco for high school students matter, placing you close to innovation, mentorship, and the pace of technology.

As you build, test, debug, and collaborate, you start noticing how learning changes in practice, becoming more creative, independent, and connected to future possibilities ahead.

Want a sharper view of where education is heading next? Our Educational Innovation blogs unpack trends, tools, and ideas that forward-thinking learners should know now.