For students interested in emerging technology, AI internships in California for high school students can offer an early chance to move beyond theory and start applying ideas in real settings. Through tasks like writing and testing code, analysing datasets, building small-scale models, or supporting research and development work, you begin to understand the tools, workflows, and expectations that shape artificial intelligence and software development.

Imagine spending your summer working with startups, research labs, or tech organisations across California. Picture contributing to real AI projects while being guided by experienced mentors. These experiences offer hands-on exposure to how cutting-edge technology is developed and applied across industries.

The structure of internships, usually built around scheduled work sessions, mentor guidance, and project deliverables, also reflects how specific fields operate in real-world settings. As a result, you gain not just technical exposure, but also a clearer understanding of how academic study connects to practical outcomes.

What kinds of opportunities can you find in California?

California has a distinct advantage when it comes to seeking early professional exposure. With major universities, research labs, and technology companies concentrated in and around the city, the state offers a setting where academic ideas and industry applications coexist. The proximity to Silicon Valley means you are not only learning technical concepts but also observing how they are developed, tested, and deployed at scale. Access to professionals, startup ecosystems, and research-driven environments adds another layer of context, making the city a practical place to explore internships in technology-focused fields.

Internships in the state can vary in scope. For instance, some internships may offer exposure to a niche aspect of AI, while others can offer a broad introduction to AI and its applications across fields. Some may come with stipends, some will offer expert mentorship, and many will offer opportunities to build a network. This is where having the right information becomes essential, as to make the most of the experience, you need to choose an internship that aligns with your goals.

To help you navigate these options, we have compiled a list of 15 AI internships in California for high school students. 

If you’re looking for more options, you can also have a look at online coding summer programs for high school students. 

15 AI Internships in California for High School Students

1. Science and Engineering Apprenticeship Program (SEAP)

Location: Various Department of the Navy laboratories across the country, including sites in CA
Stipend: Paid
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; ~300
Dates: 8-10 weeks in the summer
Application deadline: November 1st
Eligibility: High school students in grades 10-12 who are 16 years old by the start of the program and are U.S. citizens

SEAP places you in a Department of the Navy research laboratory, where you will contribute to ongoing technical projects under the supervision of scientists and engineers. Depending on your placement, your work may involve coding, simulations, data analysis, or experimental support in areas such as AI, robotics, or engineering.

The program introduces you to the structure of federal research environments, including lab protocols and project workflows. Scientists/researchers provide you with guidance on both technical skills and professional expectations. You will also attend seminars and briefings that offer context on how research supports broader technological objectives. 

Why it stands out: It allows you to work within the Department of the Navy labs and gain insight into how research contributes to large-scale, mission-driven technological development.

2. Immerse Education’s San Francisco Summer School

Location: UC Berkeley, Berkeley, CA
Cost: Varies according to program; summer school scholarship available through our bursary programme
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; an average of 7 participants per class
Dates: Two weeks during the summer
Application deadline: Multiple summer cohorts with rolling admissions
Eligibility: High school students, ages 15-18, from around the world

As one of the more academically focused AI internships in California for high school students, Immerse Education’s summer schools are designed to simulate aspects of university-level learning through small-group instruction, project work, and direct engagement with subject specialists. You will attend academic sessions focused on software development and AI, where concepts are introduced and then applied through guided coding tasks and projects. One-on-one tutorials and feedback sessions will provide individualised academic support, similar to mentorship models used in university settings.

The curriculum also includes career-oriented workshops covering pathways in technology, helping you connect subject exploration to future academic choices. Industry exposure through guest speakers or site visits offers context on how AI and software development are applied professionally. You will also work on an individual project, which allows you to consolidate your learning and present your work in a structured format. You can find more details about the application here.

Why it stands out: The combination of small-group teaching, one-on-one tutorials, and project work closely reflects university instructional models, offering a structured preview of academic study in AI and software development.

3. TECH360

Location: Downtown Los Angeles, CA (virtual + in-person sessions)
Cost: $500 
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: Cycle 1: June 15th – July 2nd | Cycle 2: July 13-30
Application deadline: May 24th
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors, ages 15-19, who are attending Los Angeles County high schools

TECH360 is a free, stipend-based program that introduces you to foundational concepts in computer science and artificial intelligence through a mix of instruction and collaborative work. You will learn core skills in web development alongside an introduction to machine learning concepts, exploring how different areas of technology connect. The program includes discussions on the societal impact of AI, including ethics and bias, providing a broader academic context for technical learning

A key component is the group project, where you will design and present a technology-based solution, reflecting how project-based learning is used in university programs. Interactive sessions and teamwork mirror the collaborative environments common in tech and academic settings. The experience ends with a final presentation of your work, helping you build communication and problem-solving skills.

Why it stands out: Its integration of technical training with discussions on ethics and societal impact offers a more contextualized introduction to AI than purely skills-based programs.

4. Meta Summer Academy

Location: Menlo Park, CA
Stipend: Paid
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive
Dates: June 15th – July 24th
Application deadline: February 14th
Eligibility: High school sophomores who are year-round residents of Belle Haven, North Fair Oaks, East Palo Alto, or Redwood City and hold a minimum of 2.0 cumulative GPA

Among the most recognisable AI internships in California for high school students, Meta Summer Academy provides early exposure to the rigour and expectations of a large technology company. You will participate in workshops covering coding fundamentals, digital media, and project-based tasks that reflect real-world workflows. The programme also introduces how different teams contribute to product development, offering insight into interdisciplinary collaboration.

Mentorship from industry professionals will help you understand day-to-day responsibilities in technology roles. Alongside technical skills, you will develop communication and teamwork abilities that are essential in both academic and workplace settings. Program activities will also help you connect technical concepts to broader themes such as data use and platform design. 

Why it stands out: Exposure to workflows within a major technology company provides early insight into how technical skills translate into large-scale product development and collaboration.

5. The Intern Project Program

Location: Various organizations in Los Angeles, CA
Stipend: Paid + college credit available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: Cohorts in the fall, spring, and summer
Application deadline: Varies by cohort
Eligibility: LA County 10th – 12th graders 

The Intern Project places you in a professional work environment where you will contribute to ongoing projects across industries, including technology and engineering. Over the course of the internship, you will gain practical experience while also participating in workshops focused on communication, project management, and career readiness. Mentorship and informational interviews will provide insight into different career paths and professional expectations.

You will also engage with peers and professionals across sites, building a broader understanding of workplace environments. The program awards college credit and a stipend, adding a formal component that can support future academics and college applications

Why it stands out: The integration of paid work experience, college credit, and structured professional development creates a clear link between academic planning and workplace exposure.

6. Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) Scholars Program

Location: Multiple AFRL sites across the country, including California
Cost/Stipend: No cost; stipend for CA site: $874.62/week + additional travel stipend (check updated details here)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: Summer, fall, and spring positions (dates vary by site and project); a minimum commitment of eight weeks is required.
Application deadline: January 10th for summer
Eligibility: Upper-level high school students who are U.S. citizens

The AFRL Scholars Program offers high schoolers the chance to work within U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory facilities on real STEM research projects. As a participant, you will work with scientists and engineers on research at the intersection of rocketry, space tech, and artificial intelligence. Your daily tasks may involve experimental testing, data analysis, computational modeling, or prototype development, depending on the lab and research focus.

The program allows you to tour labs and explore active defense and aviation research environments where physics principles are applied to real-world problems. This experience also provides early exposure to advanced tech research, federal research environments, and STEM pathways connected to aerospace and defense.

Why it stands out: You will engage with real aerospace research and lab environments while working with scientist mentors.

7. UCSC Science Internship Program (SIP)

Location: UC Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA
Cost: $4,250 + $68 non-refundable application fee + housing costs; limited number of partial and full need-based scholarships available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: June 15-19 (Online research week) + June 22nd – August 7th (In-person research weeks) + August 8th (Presentation Day)
Application deadline: February 27th
Eligibility: Students who are 14-17 years old and currently enrolled in high school; some projects may require interns to be at least 16 years of age. International students can also apply

The UCSC SIP places you in a university research environment where you will work on an open-ended project under the guidance of faculty and research mentors. The program begins with a short online research orientation, followed by several weeks of in-person lab work, mirroring how academic research is conducted at the university level. You will contribute to project design, data collection, analysis, and the communication of findings.

Regular interaction with mentors and research teams will provide insight into collaboration within academic labs. The experience also introduces expectations around scientific writing and presentation, culminating in a formal presentation day. Working across disciplines, including AI-related fields, can help you explore how computational methods intersect with broader research areas.

Why it stands out: It offers direct participation in open-ended university research projects, with sustained lab work and mentorship, providing you with a close approximation of undergraduate research experiences.

8. Army Educational Outreach Program (AEOP) High School Internship

Location: Various U.S. Army Research Labs and university research centers nationwide
Stipend: Paid
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive
Dates: 5-10 weeks; typically June – August
Application deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: High school students who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents; site-specific requirements may apply

The AEOP High School Internship places you in a research lab environment where you work alongside scientists and engineers on active projects. Assignments may involve areas such as artificial intelligence, data analysis, or engineering applications, depending on the lab’s focus.

You will gain hands-on experience with research methods, tools, and technologies used in professional settings. Mentorship is a central component, with guidance provided on both technical tasks and research processes. The program also includes professional development sessions and exposure to STEM career pathways. 

Why it stands out: Placement within active government or affiliated research labs offers access to applied STEM work that is typically not available at the high school level.

9. Stanford AIMI Summer Research Internship

Location: Online
Stipend: $2,400 + $45 application fee; financial aid available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; ~50 students/session
Dates: June 15-26 | July 6-17
Application deadline: February 20th; applications open on December 15th
Eligibility: U.S. high school students, ages 14 and up; preference for students with math or computer programming skills or experience working on a healthcare project

As one of the more prestigious AI internships in California for high school students, this virtual internship introduces you to the application of AI in healthcare through a combination of lectures, mentorship, and project-based learning. You will work in small teams on research projects, applying concepts such as data analysis and model evaluation. Instruction from researchers and clinicians provides context on how AI is used in medical settings.

The curriculum also focuses on ethical considerations, including bias and responsible use of data. Dedicated project time will allow you to develop both technical and collaborative skills, and sessions with guest speakers will offer insight into academic and industry pathways. The experience concludes with a presentation of your project.

Why it stands out: Its focus on healthcare applications provides domain-specific exposure, helping you understand how AI is applied within a specialized academic and professional field.

10. SHTEM: Summer Internships for High Schoolers at Stanford University

Location: Stanford University, Stanford, CA
Cost/Stipend: $95 non-refundable application fee; no stipend, but financial assistance may be available if required.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: June 22nd – August 14th
Application deadline: February 1st
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors who are at least 14 by June 21st and are U.S. citizens/permanent residents

SHTEM is a research-focused internship where you will work in small groups on interdisciplinary projects guided by Stanford mentors. The program emphasizes connections between STEM and the humanities, exposing you to how different fields intersect in research.

You will engage with research questions through reading, discussion, and project development, reflecting university-level academic practices. Regular meetings and collaborative work simulate research group dynamics. The program requires a consistent time commitment, mirroring expectations in academic research settings. You will present your work at the end of the program.

Why it stands out: Its emphasis on interdisciplinary research highlights how STEM fields intersect with broader academic domains, rather than focusing solely on technical specialization.

11. Stanford AIMI Academic Year Research Internship

Location: Virtual
Cost: $4,800; scholarships available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: September 29th – June 5th
Application deadline: Rolling; first-come, first-served registration
Eligibility: Domestic high school students; preference is given to Stanford AIMI Summer Research Internship alumni.

This academic-year internship provides a structured introduction to research in health-focused artificial intelligence. You will work in small groups on projects using real-world datasets, guided by Stanford mentors through weekly sessions. The program is centered on consistent, long-term engagement, similar to research commitments in college.

In addition to project work, you will attend sessions led by professionals working in AI and healthcare. The experience includes both independent and collaborative work, requiring time management and sustained effort. Final deliverables include presentations and written summaries, with some projects progressing toward publication.

Why it stands out: The extended academic-year format allows for sustained research engagement, with opportunities for projects to develop beyond initial findings.

12. EDIT AI Summer Internship Program

Location: Online
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive
Dates: June – August
Application deadline: March 1st
Eligibility: High school students worldwide with a demonstrated ability in computer science

EDIT AI is a research-focused internship where you will work with complex biomedical datasets to develop and evaluate machine learning models.The program introduces workflows and tools used in advanced computational research, including high-performance computing environments. You will engage in tasks such as coding, data processing, and model refinement under mentorship.

Workshops and seminars will provide additional context on research methods and responsible AI practices. The program emphasizes handling large-scale, high-dimensional data across multiple formats. You will also gain experience presenting findings to research audiences.

Why it stands out: Exposure to high-performance computing and large-scale biomedical datasets reflects the technical demands of advanced research environments.

13. George Mason University: Aspiring Scientists Summer Internship Program (ASSIP)

Location: Online internships available
Cost: $1,299 +$25 application fee; fee waivers available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: June 18th – August 12th
Application deadline: February 15th
Eligibility: High school students around the world and undergraduates who are at least 15 years old 

ASSIP is a research internship that allows you to work directly with faculty or research mentors on projects across STEM fields, including AI and machine learning. You will participate in tasks such as data analysis, experimental design, and technical documentation, reflecting real research practices.

The program includes workshops on scientific writing and presentation, supporting skill development beyond technical work. Interaction with mentors and peers will offer you insights into academic research environments. You will also explore STEM career pathways through seminars and discussions. The program concludes with a formal research symposium. 

Why it stands out: Direct mentorship from university faculty, combined with a formal research symposium, mirrors the structure of undergraduate research programs.

14. Kode With Klossy Summer Camps

Location: Virtual and in-person camps (sites vary by year and typically include CA)
Cost: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: June 1-12 | July 6-17 | July 20-31 | August 3-14
Application deadline: March 31st
Eligibility: Women and gender expansive teens around the world, ages 13-18

As one of the more specialised programmes related to AI internships in California for high school students, Kode With Klossy offers free, two-week coding camps designed specifically for young women and gender expansive teens who want to learn how to code. While not a typical internship, the free programme allows you to learn from professionals and work on projects. You will join tracks like data science, web development, or artificial intelligence and machine learning to learn how to work with tools like SQL and Python, use HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, or study algorithms and natural language processing.

Beyond track-specific learning, each camp includes a speaker series featuring women in tech, who will share insights into what careers in the field look like. You will also gain access to the broader Kode With Klossy alumni community upon completing the program.

Why it stands out: This short program allows you to learn through tech-focused subject tracks, project work, and internship-like networking experiences at no cost. 

15. Genesys Works

Location: Bay Area, CA
Stipend: $10,000 – $13,000 during senior year
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: Eight weeks of summer training between the junior and senior year + paid internship (20 hours/week) during the school year
Application deadline: Typically, spring
Eligibility: Juniors in high school who are on track to graduate and can work in the U.S.

Genesys Works is a year-long program that combines summer training with a part-time internship during your senior year. The initial training phase focuses on building technical and professional skills, preparing you for placement in a corporate work environment. During the internship, you will take on a role related to IT, data, or business operations, depending on your placement.

Ongoing mentorship and coaching support both workplace performance and college planning. The program also includes structured guidance on applications, financial aid, and career pathways. Working alongside professionals will provide you with some insight into how technical and business functions operate within organizations. This format allows you to connect academic preparation with real-world experience over time.

Why it stands out: Its year-long structure, combining training, internship experience, and college advising, provides continuity that is uncommon in shorter programs.

From Learning AI to Exploring Real Careers

An AI internship can do something school alone rarely does: show you how ideas move from theory to tools, products, and practical decisions.

That is why the 15 AI internships in California for high school students mentioned in this article matter so much, placing you closer to mentors, meaningful projects, and the pace of real innovation.

As you learn, test your strengths, and work through real challenges, you begin to understand which parts of tech genuinely interest you and where they could lead.

Curious what careers could grow from that first step? Open our Career Exploration blogs to discover exciting paths, fresh ideas, and future possibilities you may not have considered yet.