For high school students interested in technology, internships provide a valuable opportunity to move beyond classroom learning and gain first-hand experience in professional technical environments. Tech internships in California for high school students let you apply computational thinking, develop practical skills, and explore how technology supports industries ranging from software development and artificial intelligence to healthcare, research, and national security.

Many opportunities combine hands-on assignments, collaborative projects, technical workshops, and professional development. You may analyse datasets, develop software applications, build machine learning models, contribute to research initiatives, or help solve technical challenges under the guidance of experienced mentors. These experiences can strengthen your problem-solving, communication, teamwork, and workplace skills while helping you identify the areas of technology that interest you most before university.

What kinds of tech internships for high schoolers are available in California?

Universities, national laboratories, government agencies, healthcare institutions, and technology organizations across California offer internships that allow students to work on authentic projects under the supervision of experienced mentors. Participants often engage in coding, data analysis, computational research, technical problem-solving, and interdisciplinary collaboration while gaining insight into professional technology environments. Many programs in the state combine project-based learning with workshops, seminars, networking opportunities, and career development activities. 

Finding strong technology internships requires evaluating both the quality of the learning experience and the level of meaningful project involvement. Some internships focus on research and scientific computing, while others provide exposure to software engineering, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, product development, or technology-driven innovation. The right option for you will align with your goals while also offering a mix of exploration and hands-on engagement. To make selection easier, we have curated a list of 15 tech internships in California for high school students. The options here are selected based on mentorship quality, project-based learning opportunities, institutional credibility, technical exposure, and opportunities for meaningful professional development.

Key takeaways

• SEAP pays $4,000 for new participants or $4,500 for returning participants, admitting approximately 300 students nationally over eight to 10 weeks, but is restricted to US citizens.
• Immerse Education’s Career Insights Programme includes a San Francisco tech track running two weeks, open to students aged 15 to 18, with weekly 1:1 career coaching and personalized resume feedback.
• Meta Summer Academy is free with a variable stipend, restricted to 10th graders who are full-year residents of East Palo Alto, Belle Haven, North Fair Oaks, or Redwood City.
• QCaMP at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory admitted 38 students in its last cohort, offering hands-on quantum computing exposure at no cost, though it requires living near Berkeley.
• Berkeley Lab’s Experiences in Research pays $500 per week over six weeks, letting students indicate preferences for placements in data science, computational modeling, or coding.
• Stanford’s AIMI Summer Research Internship charges a $45 application fee plus a $2,400 program participation fee, though financial assistance is available for qualifying students.
• The California Cyber, AI and VR Institute’s High School Research Internship runs nearly year-round from February through November, combining foundational training with independent research culminating in a paper and poster.
• Nearly every tech internship in California requires US citizenship, with Immerse Education’s Career Insights Programme standing out as a rare option explicitly open to international students aged 15 to 18.

15 Tech Internships in California for High School Students

1. Science and Engineering Apprenticeship Program (SEAP)

Location: Various Department of the Navy Laboratories in the U.S., including in CA
Stipend: $4,000 (new participants) or $4,500 (returning participants)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; ~300 students/year (California-specific numbers not available)
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 is one of the more research-intensive tech internships in California for high school students, placing participants in Department of the Navy laboratories. You will work alongside scientists and engineers on active projects in technology, science, engineering, and related fields. The programme emphasises hands-on research, technical problem-solving, and mentorship from laboratory professionals.

You will examine real-world scientific challenges and observe how research supports technological development within the Navy. You will gain exposure to professional laboratory environments while developing research and analytical skills. By the end of the program, you will have a clearer understanding of STEM careers and applied scientific research.

Why it stands out: You will contribute to active Department of the Navy research projects while receiving direct mentorship from working scientists and engineers.

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

Location: University of California, Berkeley, San Francisco, California
Cost: Varies; summer school scholarship available through our bursary programme
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; an average of 7 participants per class
Dates: Multiple summer cohorts available
Application Deadline: Varies based on cohort
Eligibility: High school students worldwide aged 15-18; open to international students

Among the tech internships in California for high school students, Immerse Education’s Software Development and AI Summer Internship offers an international, residential option for participants aged 15–18. You’ll explore programming, game development, coding, and foundational AI concepts through structured academic sessions.

The program includes projects where you build simple applications or game-based systems. Sessions also include discussions and insights from professionals working in the tech industry. You will work in small groups and complete tasks across the duration of the program.

Why it stands out: It gives you location-based exposure to Silicon Valley, along with project-based work in software and game development.

3. Meta Summer Academy

Location: Meta, Menlo Park, CA
Cost/Stipend: Free; stipend availability and amount vary by year
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: June 15th – July 24th
Application deadline: February 14th; applications open on December 1st
Eligibility: 10th graders with a minimum GPA of 2.0 who are full-year residents of East Palo Alto, Belle Haven, North Fair Oaks, or Redwood City; no prior coding or work experience is required

Meta Summer Academy is one of the most well-known options featured among these tech internships in California for high school students. The six-week career exploration program introduces you to coding, financial literacy, art and media, networking, and professional development through structured learning activities. It combines career exploration with technical and interpersonal skill development.

You will gain exposure to different roles within the technology sector while interacting with Meta employees, executives, guest speakers, and program mentors. The curriculum includes opportunities to build coding skills, strengthen communication skills, and reflect on future academic and career interests. You will also participate in networking activities that connect classroom learning with industry perspectives. 

Why it stands out: You will explore both technical and non-technical careers in the technology industry while engaging directly with Meta employees and professionals.

4. 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: Selective
Dates: 5-10 weeks; typically June – August
Application deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: High school students who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents; additional site-specific requirements may apply

AEOP’s high school internships are paid research experiences that place students in Army-sponsored research laboratories and university partner labs. You will work alongside scientists and engineers while contributing to research in areas such as cybersecurity, computing, software, and engineering. The program emphasizes hands-on learning, scientific inquiry, and mentorship within active research environments.

You will apply classroom knowledge to real-world challenges while developing technical and professional skills. Internships are typically full-time and provide opportunities to use laboratory equipment, practice research methods, and explore STEM career pathways. You will also gain access to training resources, workshops, networking opportunities, and career guidance. 

Why it stands out: You will contribute to professional research alongside Army researchers and university scientists while receiving professional development support and a stipend.

5. AFRL Scholars Program

Location: Multiple Air Force Research Laboratory locations, including Edwards Air Force Base in 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 internships (dates vary by site and project); a minimum commitment of eight weeks required
Application deadline: January 10th for summer
Eligibility: Upper-level high school students who are U.S. citizens; specific age and education requirements can vary by site

The AFRL Scholars Program is a paid research internship that places students in Air Force Research Laboratory environments. You will gain exposure to scientific and engineering research through full-time participation in laboratory projects. The program emphasizes applied research, technical problem-solving, and collaboration with research mentors.

You will examine real-world challenges related to science, engineering, and advanced technologies while working in a professional research setting. You may contribute to ongoing or new projects and learn how research supports national defense and technological development. The internship also introduces you to research processes, workplace expectations, and scientific communication. 

Why it stands out: You will work within an Air Force laboratory research environment and gain direct exposure to ongoing scientific and engineering research.

6. America On Tech (AOT) TECH360: Intro to AI

Location: Downtown Los Angeles, CA
Cost/Stipend: No cost; $500 stipend
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: June 15th – July 2nd (Cycle 1) | July 13-30 (Cycle 2)
Application deadline: May 31st
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors attending a high school in Los Angeles County; graduating seniors and previous AOT participants are not eligible. International student eligibility is not specified, but the program is designed for local LA students.

For participants interested in artificial intelligence, TECH360: Intro to AI is one of the most specialised tech internships in California for high school students. You’ll examine how generative and predictive AI models are developed while exploring the data science and machine learning concepts behind them. The programme also emphasises responsible AI use, ethical decision-making, and practical technology skills.

You will apply your learning through structured activities, discussions, and collaborative problem-solving exercises. Most sessions are delivered virtually, with required in-person meetings in Los Angeles. You will build communication and teamwork skills through a final group project focused on designing an AI-powered solution. The program also offers insights into AI technologies and tech career pathways.

Why it stands out: You will develop and pitch an AI-powered solution while learning how artificial intelligence is built, applied, and evaluated in practice.

7. LA Promise Fund’s The Intern Project (TIP)

Location: Various organizations in Los Angeles County, CA, UA
Cost/Stipend: Free; stipend and one college credit available
Dates: June – August (eight weeks)
Application deadline: TBA
Eligibility: Students in 10th, 11th, or 12th grade who attend a public school in Los Angeles County

TIP offers students paid internships, placing them within organizations across Los Angeles County. As an intern, you will be placed in a local organization based on your interests, gaining exposure to technology-related work within engineering, business, healthcare, media and entertainment, government, and nonprofit sectors. The program emphasizes workplace learning through remote or on-site internships at partner companies and institutions.

You will build and apply professional skills in real work environments while receiving career development support and mentorship. This can also be an opportunity to build workplace communication, collaboration, and professional readiness skills while earning college credit. By the end of the program, you will have practical work experience and a clearer understanding of potential career pathways.

Why it stands out: You will complete a paid internship while earning college credit and gaining direct workplace experience.

8. SHTEM Summer Internships for High Schoolers @ 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 an eight-week program that introduces high school students to interdisciplinary research at Stanford University. You will work in small research groups on projects that combine concepts from fields such as computer science, engineering, biology, neuroscience, psychology, linguistics, design, and the humanities. The program emphasizes research exploration beyond traditional subject boundaries while exposing you to new academic disciplines.

You will examine research questions, contribute to collaborative projects, and learn from Stanford faculty, staff, and student mentors. Most of your time will be spent conducting research and developing project outcomes within your assigned team. You may be able to present your work to the rest of the cohort at the end of summer.

Why it stands out: You will participate in interdisciplinary Stanford research projects and explore how different STEM fields intersect with humanities, design, and human-centered inquiry.

9. UC Merced Inclusive Interaction Lab High School Internship Program

Location: Virtual + University of California, Merced, CA
Cost/Stipend: None
Dates: 12 weeks during summer
Application deadline: Second week of April; early March submissions are preferred
Eligibility: U.S. high school students

The High School Internship Program at UC Merced’s Inclusive Interaction Lab expands the range of this list of tech internships in California for high school students through its focus on software development and human-computer interaction. You’ll complete an independent or collaborative project in areas such as user experience design, accessibility technology, emotion recognition, robotics, stress detection, or personal assistants.

You will learn how to formulate research questions, gather and analyze data, evaluate user perspectives, and transform ideas into functional solutions. The program is designed to offer exposure to the research process, opportunities to refine technical and communication skills, and develop a deeper understanding of how technology can address real-world challenges.

Why it stands out: It offers direct faculty mentorship and placement within a small research cohort, allowing you to conduct authentic university-level research while exploring the intersection of computer science, technology design, and human-centered innovation.

10. Sandia National Laboratories Internships

Location: Sandia National Laboratories, Livermore, CA; internships also available in other U.S. Sandia labs
Cost/Stipend: Free; competitive hourly pay and benefits available
Dates: Year-round and summer internships (10 to 12 weeks)
Application deadline: Varies by internship position
Eligibility: High school students, ages 16 or above, with a GPA of 2.5 for clerical and labor-intensive internships and 3.0 for all other internships; most internships are limited to U.S. citizens. Exact details vary by opportunity

Sandia National Laboratories offers research and technical internships that allow you to apply STEM knowledge to real-world scientific, engineering, cybersecurity, energy, and technology challenges. You will work alongside scientists, engineers, and technical professionals on projects connected to national research priorities. The program emphasizes problem-solving, research exposure, and professional development through direct participation in laboratory and technical work.

You will gain experience using advanced equipment, research tools, and industry-standard methodologies. Many internships include mentorship from experienced researchers as well as opportunities for collaboration within interdisciplinary teams. Depending on your role, you may contribute to research, engineering design, software development, energy systems, cybersecurity, or related tech fields.

Why it stands out: You will work on real research and engineering projects at a U.S. national laboratory while receiving mentorship from scientists and technical experts.

11. SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory’s Summer Internship Program

Location: SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory, Menlo Park, CA
Cost/Stipend: Not mentioned
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: Up to 12 weeks from May until September
Application deadline: Varies based on the opportunity
Eligibility: High school (ages 18 and up), undergraduate, and graduate-level college students who are authorized to work in the U.S.

This internship gives students exposure to real-world science and technology research at an accelerator lab. As an intern, you will support tech-focused work for SLAC projects and carry out responsibilities determined by departmental needs. Your daily work may include programming, data processing, offering experimental support, or assisting researchers in analyzing experiment outcomes.

Alongside hands-on lab work, you will attend seminars and lab tours to see how research is conducted at a large scale. This program can help you develop professional lab skills, teamwork skills, and problem-solving while working on real projects.

Why it stands out: You will engage in real lab work and explore tech college and career paths within STEM research.

12. QCaMP (Quantum, Computing, Mathematics, & Physics) Student Summer Program

Location: Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA
Cost/Stipend: No cost; stipends available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified; the last cohort included 38 students
Dates: June 29th – July 24th
Application deadline: April 3rd
Eligibility: High school students who will be at least 16 years old by the first day of camp and live near Berkeley, CA; graduating seniors can apply, but students who have previously attended QCaMP are not eligible

QCaMP gives you hands-on, internship-style exposure to quantum information science at one of the country’s leading national laboratories. Working alongside researchers from Sandia National Laboratories, Berkeley Lab, and Los Alamos National Laboratory, you will build a foundation in computing fundamentals and quantum physics through modules covering topics like bits and gates, superposition, entanglement, and probability and statistics.

Throughout the day camp, you will gain hands-on experimental experience with quantum circuits, work through activities and worksheets alongside researchers, and take part in career talks and Q&A sessions covering real pathways into the quantum workforce. Past student cohorts have gone on to build independent projects, including a quantum computing game called Quegg. As sessions are at LBNL, the program offers you exposure to professional lab environments.

Why it stands out: It offers a no-cost opportunity to work directly with national laboratory researchers on quantum computing, a fast-growing field.

13. Stanford Center for Artificial Intelligence in Medicine and Imaging (AIMI) Summer Research Internship

Location: Remote
Cost: Application fee: $45 + Program participation fee: $2,400; financial assistance available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: ~50 students/session
Dates: Session A: June 15-26 | Session B: July 6-17
Application deadline: February 20th
Eligibility: High school students who are 14 or older and U.S. citizens; those with prior experience in a healthcare project and/or strong math or computer programming skills are preferred

This virtual program is designed for high school students interested in learning about the use of AI in the context of healthcare innovation. As an intern, you will explore how AI is used to address challenges in medicine and work on addressing a real medical problem with the assistance of AI tools.

You will work with other high school participants on research projects, engage in social activities, attend virtual group work sessions, and participate in career-oriented sessions led by speakers from diverse professional backgrounds. Throughout the program, you will have access to mentorship offered by Stanford Student Leads and researchers. You may also get to access an extended academic year research opportunity once the summer internship ends. 

Why it stands out: Through hands-on projects, you will explore the future of emerging tech within the context of healthcare applications while connecting with professionals, the Stanford community, and peers.

14. California Cyber, AI and VR Institute (CalCyAIVR) High School Research Internship

Location: Primarily online with select in-person lab experiments and field trips in Southern California
Cost: Not specified; limited income- and merit-based scholarships available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: February – November
Application deadline: January 31st
Eligibility: Full-time U.S. high school students; basic coding skills preferred

The High School Research Internship at the CalCyAIVR is a year-long research program that allows you to explore emerging technology fields while working on applied research projects under the mentorship of university faculty. You will engage with disciplines such as data science, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, computational neuroscience, and virtual reality, examining how these technologies can be applied to real-world challenges in areas such as healthcare and business.

The program is structured to help you progress from foundational technical training to independent research and scholarly communication. By the end of the program, you will have completed the research project and gained experience presenting and documenting your work in formats commonly used within academic and professional research environments.

Why it stands out: It combines year-long faculty-guided research with opportunities to produce a research paper and poster, giving you sustained exposure to advanced tech fields and skills crucial for university research programs.

15. Berkeley Lab’s Experiences in Research (EinR)

Location: Virtual or Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA
Cost/Stipend: No fee; stipend of $500/week
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: June 16th – July 25th
Application deadline: March 23rd
Eligibility: Local high school students in grades 10-12, ages 16 and up

Berkeley Lab’s EinR program offers high school students the opportunity to work with scientists and engineers on real-world STEM research projects. Among the paid tech internships in California for high school students, it provides placements in data science, computational modelling, coding, or data analysis.

Over six weeks, you will contribute to ongoing projects, support lab experiments, build coding skills, analyse experimental data, and review scientific literature. The program emphasizes mentorship, allowing you to learn how research is conducted in a professional research environment. The internship wraps up with a poster symposium where you will present your work and practice scientific communication.

Why it stands out: It combines tech exposure with research experience, letting you work closely with mentors and earn a stipend for your contributions.

Frequently asked questions: Tech internships in California for high school students

Are tech internships in California open to international students?

Most tech internships in California require US citizenship or permanent residency, including SEAP, AEOP, and Stanford’s SHTEM and AIMI programs. Some programs, like UC Merced’s Inclusive Interaction Lab and Sandia National Laboratories, don’t explicitly rule out international students but require US work authorization for most roles. Immerse Education’s Career Insights Programme is a clear exception, open to students aged 15 to 18 from anywhere in the world.

Do tech internships in California pay a stipend?

Many do, though amounts and payment structures vary widely. SEAP pays $4,000 to $4,500, Berkeley Lab’s Experiences in Research pays $500 per week, and the AFRL Scholars Program pays $874.62 per week plus travel. Some programs, like Stanford’s SHTEM and AIMI internships, charge an application or participation fee instead of paying a stipend, though financial assistance is often available. Always confirm a program’s cost and stipend structure directly, since the two can coexist in surprising combinations.

How competitive are tech internships in California?

Selectivity varies considerably. QCaMP and Berkeley Lab’s Experiences in Research are described as selective, admitting cohorts in the dozens from a much larger applicant pool. Community-based programs, like Meta Summer Academy or America On Tech’s TECH360, tend to have narrower geographic eligibility rather than an extremely low acceptance rate. Regardless of selectivity, meeting residency, GPA, and coding-experience prerequisites precisely matters as much as the overall strength of your application.

What is the difference between a research-based and a career-exploration tech internship?

Research-based internships, like UC Merced’s Inclusive Interaction Lab or Berkeley Lab’s QCaMP, place you on an active research project where you contribute to real technical questions under faculty or scientist mentorship. Career-exploration programs, like Meta Summer Academy or Immerse Education’s Career Insights Programme, instead focus on broad industry exposure, networking, and professional development rather than a single deep research question. If you already know you want lab experience, a research-based program suits you better; if you’re still exploring career paths, a career-exploration program offers more breadth.

Do you need prior coding experience for a tech internship in California?

It depends on the program. Meta Summer Academy explicitly states no prior coding or work experience is required, making it accessible to complete beginners. Others, like Stanford’s AIMI Summer Research Internship, prefer applicants with strong math or programming skills, and the CalCyAIVR internship prefers basic coding skills as a starting point. Check each program’s eligibility section closely, since expectations range from open access to fairly specific technical prerequisites.

Is Immerse Education a good option for exploring tech careers in California?

Immerse Education’s Career Insights Programme is a strong choice if you want direct industry exposure in San Francisco without needing US citizenship. The two week program covers software development and AI through project-based learning, workshops, and visits to established companies, alongside weekly 1:1 career coaching and personalized resume feedback. You’ll present your findings to industry professionals at the end of the program and receive a certificate, giving you concrete material for future applications regardless of where you live.

Use Real-World Experience to Shape Your Future

Hands-on technical work can reveal how you solve problems, collaborate with others, and respond when an idea does not work as expected.

The 15 tech internships in California for high school students mentioned here offer practical exposure to coding, artificial intelligence, research, cybersecurity, data analysis, and professional technology environments.

Compare each opportunity’s mentorship, project depth, eligibility, location, and technical focus to identify the experience that matches your current skills and future ambitions.

Ready to discover where your growing technical strengths could lead? Browse our Career Exploration blogs for practical guidance, emerging career paths, and ideas to help you take your next confident step forward.