In high school, summers can be more than just a break from classes and homework. They can be a chance to explore your interests, build practical skills, and gain experience that goes beyond what you learn in school. Software development & AI internships in San Francisco for high school students can help you understand how coding, artificial intelligence, and technology careers work in real settings while also strengthening your college applications.

Imagine building your own AI project, working with real-world datasets, learning machine learning concepts from university faculty, or collaborating with students who share your passion for technology. In a city like San Francisco, you could explore the heart of the tech industry while gaining exposure to software engineering, robotics, cybersecurity, data science, and entrepreneurship. Some programs even allow you to work on research projects, visit leading tech companies, and present your work to professionals and mentors.

What kinds of software development and AI internships are available for high school students?

Finding meaningful opportunities in software development and AI can be challenging. Choosing the right program matters because the best experiences combine technical learning with hands-on application and guidance from experienced professionals.

Many universities, organizations, and tech initiatives in San Francisco offer programs focused on artificial intelligence, machine learning, programming, robotics, entrepreneurship, and data science. You could work on coding projects, participate in research, attend workshops and seminars, collaborate on team challenges, and explore the real-world impact of emerging technologies.

To make your search easier, we’ve curated a list of 15 Software Development & AI Internships in San Francisco for high school students. 

For adjacent options, consider the online computer science program, the online AI program, and summer internships in San Francisco.

15 Software Development & AI Internships in San Francisco for High School Students  

1. UCSF AI4ALL

Location: UCSF Mission Bay Campus, San Francisco, CA
Cost: Free
Dates: June 8th – August 14th
Application Deadline: March 25th
Eligibility: SFUSD high school juniors with  AP Statistics and/or AP Computer Science; Not open to international students 

UCSF AI4ALL offers a 10-week summer learning opportunity to high school students. You’ll be introduced to clinical and computational research, work on research projects led by experienced faculty, and engage in hands-on learning while exploring the role of AI in healthcare and biology. You’ll participate in enrichment activities, attend lectures by UCSF professors, and go on field trips to local companies.

You’ll explore personal growth opportunities through career development sessions, learn about careers in medicine, AI, data science, and public health. The program concludes with a group presentation where you’ll get the opportunity to share your work with others.

Why it stands out: You’ll work on AI research projects in healthcare and biology, learn from faculty, and present your findings while exploring careers in medicine and data science.

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

Location: UC Berkeley, San Francisco, CA
Cost: Varies; summer school scholarship available through our bursary programme
Dates:  2 weeks during the summer
Application Deadline: Multiple cohorts with Rolling admissions
Eligibility: Students worldwide ages 15-18; open to international students

Immerse Education’s Software Development & AI Programme offers an immersive, hands-on learning experience to high school students. You’ll gain fundamental knowledge in important areas of technology, including software engineering, programming, machine learning, neural networks, and more. You’ll work on AI projects, receive one-on-one mentorship, and engage in real-world coding exercises.

The program will allow you to develop a range of skills in analytical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving. You’ll gain in-depth knowledge about the real-world impact of software development and artificial intelligence through group workshops, seminar sessions led by industry experts, and visits to renowned Institutions in the fields. 

Why it stands out: You’ll build AI and software projects, learn programming and machine learning concepts, and develop  problem-solving skills through mentorship and real-world coding exercises

3. USF Pre-College Program: AI in Action – Turning Data Into Solutions

Location: University of San Francisco (USF) Campus, San Francisco, CA
Cost/Stipend: Residential: $5795; Commuter: $3495; Application fee: $95
Dates: July 5-18
Application Deadline: Mid-June (Typically)
Eligibility: Rising 9th-12th grade students (ages 14-18); open to international students

USF Pre-College Program: AI in Action – Turning Data Into Solutions offers a two-week summer learning experience to high school students. You’ll work on team projects and explore the fundamental concepts in AI and data science. You’ll engage in the analysis of real-world challenges in healthcare and the environment by applying the latest AI technologies and the Google Cloud platform.

You’ll work on a project and participate in a datathon challenge where you’ll have the opportunity to share practical solutions to these challenges by exploring data insights.

Why it stands out: You’ll work on team-based AI projects, analyze real-world data using tools like Google Cloud, and present solutions through a datathon challenge.

4. Kode With Klossy – AI Summer Camp

Location: San Francisco, CA
Cost: Free
Dates: July 20-31
Application Deadline: March 31st
Eligibility: Young women and gender expansive teens ages 13-18; Open to students worldwide

Kode With Klossy – AI Summer Camp offers a two-week, free learning opportunity to high school students. You’ll explore your interest in STEM fields while learning the fundamental coding concepts. The program allows you to choose one from the three curricula, including artificial intelligence, data science, and web development.

Through the AI curriculum, you’ll learn about different machine learning and AI concepts such as natural language processing, algorithms, chatbot training with Python, and data sets. You’ll understand the everyday impact and role of AI and develop valuable skills for future career exploration in the field.

Why it stands out: You’ll learn coding through tracks like AI, data science, or web development and explore real-world applications of technology.

5. UC Berkeley Engineering Summer Machine Learning & AI Research Training (BeSMART)

Location: UC Berkeley College of Engineering, Berkeley, CA (14.4 miles from SF)
Cost: $7,000; Scholarships are available
Dates: July 27th – August 7th
Application Deadline: April 15th
Eligibility: High school students ages 15-17; open to international students

UC Berkeley Engineering Summer Machine Learning & AI Research Training (BeSMART) offers a two-week residential learning experience to high school students. You’ll attend lectures, participate in hands-on activities involving real data sets, and learn from expert instructors.

You’ll develop a range of skills in machine learning, advanced applications, Python programming, and data analytics. The program will allow you to experience college life, interact with graduate and undergraduate students at UC Berkeley, and go on visits to different places, including Silicon Valley companies, Berkeley Student Lab, and more. 

Why it stands out: You’ll work with real-world datasets in machine learning and Python, interact with UC Berkeley students and researchers, and visit Silicon Valley companies and research labs.

6. NASA OSTEM High School Internships

Location: NASA Ames Research Center (Mountain View, CA / SF Bay Area)
Cost/Stipend: Free; Stipends vary by internship length and type
Dates: Late May/Early June-August
Application Deadline: February 28th
Eligibility: High school students ages 16 and above with a minimum 3.0 GPA; Must be U.S. citizens 

NASA OSTEM High School Internships offer high school students a hands-on learning experience in STEM. You’ll have the opportunity to work with and learn from engineers, scientists, and researchers at NASA, develop technical skills, and engage in real-world activities through a combination of theory and application of technology.

You’ll explore a range of areas in STEM, including data analysis, robotics, satellite communication, and aerospace engineering. You’ll engage in a collaborative learning environment, interact with peers sharing similar interests, and work on structured projects.

Why it stands out: You’ll work on real NASA projects in areas like robotics, aerospace, and data analysis while learning from scientists and engineers in a collaborative research environment.

7. UC Berkeley’s Management, Entrepreneurship, & Technology (M.E.T.) Innovation Academy

Location: UC Berkeley campus, Berkeley (San Francisco Bay Area), CA
Cost: $10,499
Dates: June 21st – July 8th
Application Deadline: March 31st
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors; open to international students 

UC Berkeley’s Management, Entrepreneurship, & Technology (M.E.T.) Innovation Academy offers a residential, summer learning opportunity to high school students. The program is offered by the College of Engineering and Haas School of Business at UC Berkeley and will allow you to develop and sharpen your engineering skills. You’ll gain knowledge from different industry professionals, including product managers, marketers, and technologists from top tech companies.

You’ll engage in prototype development at Berkeley’s Jacobs Institute for Design Innovation, explore cultural hotspots and sporting events through Bay Area outings, and engage in conversations with M.E.T alumni and students. The program will allow you to work on a group Capstone project and pitch your startup ideas to potential investors.

Why it stands out: You’ll combine engineering, entrepreneurship, and product innovation by building prototypes at UC Berkeley, learning from Silicon Valley professionals, and pitching startup ideas to real venture investors

8. Berkeley Summer Computer Science Academy

Location: UC Berkeley campus, Berkeley (San Francisco Bay Area)
Cost/Stipend: $5,197 + $25 Application fee
Dates: June 21st – July 3rd
Application Deadline: March 17th
Eligibility: Students who have completed 10th or 11th grade by the start of the program. More information here; open to international students 

Berkeley Summer Computer Science Academy offers a two-week intensive learning experience to high school students interested in artificial intelligence and computer science. You’ll explore the fundamental concepts in AI, including generative AI, supervised machine learning, AI ethics, and reinforcement learning.

You’ll participate in coding challenges while applying a visual programming language called Snap, and work on a programming project in your areas of interest. You’ll explore concepts in computer science, engage in problem-solving, and learn through a curriculum developed by Dan Garcia, a UC Berkeley computer science teaching professor.

Why it stands out: You’ll explore AI topics like generative AI and machine learning, take part in coding challenges using Snap, and build your own computer science project.

9. Meta Summer Academy

Location: Menlo Park, San Francisco Bay Area, CA
Cost/Stipend: Free; A stipend is paid
Dates: June 15th – July 24th
Application Deadline:
Eligibility: High school sophomores with a minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA; Must be full-year residents of either East Palo Alto, Belle Haven, Redwood City, or North Fair Oaks

As one of the most prestigious software development & AI internships in San Francisco for high school students, Meta Summer Academy offers a six-week real-world learning opportunity. You’ll closely observe and gain in-depth knowledge about the everyday tasks conducted at the Meta social media network. The program will allow you to learn coding, develop specific soft skills, and explore different careers in the field of technology.

You’ll engage in 30 hours of work every week, receive guidance from professionals at Meta, and also gain knowledge about ethics in artificial intelligence. The program also allows you to explore a range of non-technical concepts, including self-reflection, financial literacy, networking, and media arts.

Why it stands out: You’ll gain hands-on exposure to careers at Meta through coding projects, mentorship, and workplace learning while exploring AI ethics, networking, and professional soft skills.

10. The Army Educational Outreach Program (AEOP)

Location: Multiple locations, including the University of California, Berkeley, in the San Francisco Bay Area, CA.
Cost/Stipend: Free; An educational stipend is paid
Dates: Vary by internship sites and shared on selection
Application Deadline: Rolling basis
Eligibility: High school students who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents 

The Army Educational Outreach Program (AEOP) offers paid Research opportunities to high school students. You’ll get to explore your interest in STEM through engaging in the latest research work in university labs and the U.S. Army Research Laboratories and Centers.

You’ll receive mentorship from engineers and professional scientists while exploring career pathways in STEM. You’ll work on meaningful projects offered in a range of areas, including AI algorithms, spectroscopy, analog systems, laser cooling, and more.

Why it stands out: You’ll work on paid STEM research projects in university and Army labs while learning from scientists and engineers in areas like AI, laser systems, and advanced technologies.

11. UC Berkeley – ROAR Academy

Location: UC Berkeley campus, Berkeley, CA (14.4 miles from SF)
Cost/Stipend: $2,200 + $50 Application fee
Dates: July 6-17
Application Deadline: Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis after April 10th
Eligibility: Rising 9th-12th-grade high school students; international students may be considered for participation 

UC Berkeley – Robot Open Autonomous Racing (ROAR) Academy offers a two-week learning opportunity to high school students. The program is focused on a range of areas in STEM, including machine learning, Python programming, large language models, and autonomous driving algorithms.

You’ll attend lectures, participate in coding exercises, and engage in simulations while learning from scientists, faculty, and researchers at UC Berkeley. You’ll get to participate in ROAR simulation competitions conducted in a software simulation environment called the Simulation Racing Series. 

Why it stands out: It lets you explore machine learning, Python, and autonomous driving through coding exercises, simulations, and competitions in UC Berkeley’s ROAR Simulation Racing Series

12. City College of San Francisco (CCSF) – CNIT 430: Intro to AI

Location: CCSF Ocean Campus (Harry Britt Building), San Francisco, CA
Cost: Free
Dates: Early June to late July (tentative, based on previous years)
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: High school students; open to students worldwide 

City College of San Francisco (CCSF) – CNIT 430: Intro to AI offers you hands-on learning in artificial intelligence. You’ll explore the fundamental AI concepts and understand the ethical aspects and practical applications.

You’ll engage in a range of activities, including the critical evaluation of algorithmic decision-making and its ethical impact, AI tool deployment, and the application of AI concepts to scenarios in cybersecurity defense. The program will allow you to develop skills in real-world problem-solving and threat analysis. 

Why it stands out: It lets you explore AI concepts through hands-on activities focused on ethical decision-making, cybersecurity applications, and real-world problem-solving.

13. SFUSD CTE Industry Partner Internships (Information Technology Track)

Location: San Francisco, CA
Cost/Stipend: Free; Paid opportunity (amount not specified)
Dates: Six weeks during the summer
Application Deadline: Typically Spiring
Eligibility: Current 10th-11th grade students enrolled at a San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD) high school; International students are not eligible 

SFUSD CTE Industry Partner Internships (Information Technology Track) offers a paid learning opportunity to high school students. You’ll participate in hands-on learning beyond the classroom curriculum, gain knowledge from IT industry mentors, and engage with a network of peers and professionals sharing similar interests.

You’ll work for a minimum of 20 hours every week, attend a professional seminar every week with guidance from your SFUSD mentor or supervisor, and develop career readiness and workplace skills. 

Why it stands out: It lets you gain hands-on IT industry experience through paid internships, weekly professional seminars, and mentorship from industry professionals and SFUSD supervisors.

14. Columbia University – Pre-College Online Programs – Data Science and Machine Learning 1

Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: $4,018 + $80 nonrefundable application fee
Dates: Summer A: July 6-17; Summer B: July 20-31
Application Deadline: April 2nd
Eligibility: Rising 9th-12th grade students  with a 3.3 Cumulative GPA; open to international students 

Columbia University – Pre-College Online Programs – Data Science and Machine Learning 1 will introduce you to hands-on learning opportunities in the field. You’ll gain mastery over machine learning algorithms, Python coding, and understand the real-world impact of data science and machine learning.

You’ll learn ethical data presentation and analysis while also getting to explore future career pathways in the field. The course does not require any prior knowledge or experience and gives you the chance to learn through either in-person or Virtual sessions. 

Why it stands out: It lets you explore machine learning and data science through hands-on Python projects while learning about ethical data analysis and real-world AI applications.

15. Stanford AIMI Summer Research Internship (Virtual)

Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: $2,400 + $45 Application fee
Dates: Session A: June 15-26; Session B: July 6-17
Application Deadline: February 20th
Eligibility: Rising 9th-12th grade U.S. high school students; not open to international students 

Stanford AIMI Summer Research Internship offers a two-week virtual learning opportunity to high school students. You’ll gain knowledge about AI in healthcare fields through lectures taught by trainees, clinicians, and researchers at Stanford. You’ll be paired with Stanford mentors and student leads and receive valuable guidance and mentorship while working on AI Research projects.

The program will allow you to explore a range of topics, including model evaluation, machine learning fundamentals, responsible AI, medical imaging AI, datasets, and clinical applications. You’ll interact with guest speakers from various industries, participate in social and community-focused events, and develop skills in teamwork and problem-solving.

Why it stands out: It lets you work on AI healthcare research with Stanford mentors while exploring topics like medical imaging, responsible AI, and machine learning through lectures and collaborative projects.

From AI Projects to Modern Learning

When you build a chatbot, train a model on real data, or create an app from scratch, you learn by testing your ideas.

With software development & AI internships in San Francisco for high school students, you can practise coding, troubleshoot problems, and explain technical decisions clearly.

That experience can change how you think about learning, because you’re not just absorbing information; you’re applying it to real challenges.

For more ways to rethink education, visit our Educational Innovation blogs for edtech insights, teaching trends, and future-ready learning strategies.