Computer science is the study of computer software and hardware. Since computer science is a versatile field, a computer science degree has many career choices, including Video Game Developer, Software Developer, Web Developer, Information Security Analyst, Computer Hardware Engineer, Mobile App Developer, and AI Engineer, among many others. Apart from the high-paying jobs available, you should choose computer science if you have strong problem-solving and research skills, enjoy working in teams, and are creative (required for creating apps and websites).
If you’re a high school student and want to get ready for a computer science degree, summer is the perfect time to do computer science summer internships and take computer science classes. Here are the best internships and programs you need this summer in no particular order.
Let’s begin with computer science internships. Internships are short-term summer computer jobs that give you practical skills and hands-on experience working with a programmer or similar mentor.
If you are a graduating high school senior with a passion for technology/STEM, you can be a Discoverer at Microsoft. This paid computer science summer internships introduces fundamental computer science concepts while working with Microsoft employees on projects to introduce you to the company culture of teamwork and individual excellence.
Duration: 4 weeks, July 10-August 2
Requirements: Varies; open to high school students
Application Deadline: Rolling
A highly selective start-up computer science summer internships, Ladder’s mission is to provide ambitious high school students with a wide range of in-person/remote internships with high-growth companies like YCombinator, Google, and Facebook, regardless of financial background. Students can expect to work 10-20 hours weekly with coaches and mentors on real-world projects at their assigned company.
Duration: 4 weeks, July 10-August 2
Requirements: Varies; open to high school students
Application Deadline: Rolling
Although held in Seattle, this computer science summer internships is open to US high school students who can apply to up to 5 research projects. You’ll then gain hands-on, in-depth learning opportunities with experts and mentors from the most well-established institutions you’ll be matched with. Interns will spend time exploring their chosen field, applying what they’ve learned in practical, real-world scenarios. A maximum $500 stipend is included.
Duration: 8-10 weeks, June-August.
Requirements: Grades 9-12 during current school year
Application Deadline: To be announced
Not-for-profit MITRE Corporation focuses on R&D (research and development) nationwide in various sectors, including healthcare, cybersecurity, transportation, and more. High school students exploring a future in STEM fields can expand their knowledge with this paid computer science summer internships as a student researcher. You’ll collaborate with MITRE expert staff members in cutting-edge research, analysis, and development projects with the end goal of making the world a safer place.
Duration: Usually 8 weeks, May-June
Requirements: Grades 9-12 with at least a 3.0 GPA
Application Deadline: Rolling
While internships can be more difficult for high schoolers to get, classes are very accessible with several topics, lengths, and locations, including online, the most accessible. Chosen your computer science summer internships from our recommendations. Let’s continue with a complementary computer science summer program or two.
High school students get the best of both worlds in this entrepreneurial program that combines business and computer science to teach you how to make your idea a reality. Led by experienced mentors and surrounded by peers, also called “Launchies,” who share your vision, you’ll develop your startup in a 4-week program, from initial research to full launch. An MIT spin-off program, it has been recognized for its quality by the QS Reimagine Education Awards and Inc. Magazine.
Location: In-person at Massachusetts Institute of Technology or online
Requirements: Grades 9-12 at the time applying
High school students who want to attend college at Caltech have the perfect opportunity to experience collegiate life while developing their STEM skills this summer thanks to ID Tech. This is the original and 25 years later, it’s still the most trusted, offering programs like coding, game development, robotics, and more. Get the essentials here then go on to computer science summer internships.
Location: In-person at California Institute of Technology
Requirements: Varies, must be between 13-18 years old
If we’ve inspired you to do computer science summer internships (or start with a computer science summer class), and you can’t wait to get started, get more valuable expert tips on the complete process with Empowerly’s Guide to High School Internships. Empowerly can also help you get up and running tech and non-tech startups with our Startup Internship Program.
