13 Engineering Internships for High School Students in California
Internships are a great way for high school students to gain real-world experience, acquire new skills, and get familiar with professional settings. Through internships, students can expand their professional network, strengthen their college applications, and explore possible future pathways. Additionally, internships help you acquire essential soft skills, such as problem-solving, cooperation, and communication.
You can also enhance your college applications by pursuing internships in STEM subjects, especially in fields like engineering, which also lay a strong foundation for your future academics. These internships provide a practical, hands-on extension of classroom instruction and offer real-world experience that can showcase a student's commitment, initiative, and enthusiasm for their chosen field.
In this blog, we’ve curated a list of 13 engineering internships for high school students in California that you can consider.
Location: Virtual
Dates: Multiple 8-week cohorts throughout the year, including winter, spring, summer, and fall.
Cost: $2,990. Financial aid is available.
Eligibility: Open to all high school students.
Application Deadline: Multiple deadlines throughout the year. November 24, 2024, deadline for the winter cohort.
Approximately 100 high school students are chosen each year for the competitive Ladder Internships program, which places students with companies and organizations globally as interns. Ladder provides eight sessions with a hosting company (startup) in a structured manner so students can optimize the opportunity.
Students have a wide range of possibilities for their internship, including tech, machine learning, artificial intelligence, engineering, health technology, and more. Along with a Ladder coach who will mentor you throughout the internship, you will collaborate closely with a manager from the host organization. Throughout the internship, you will work on a project of significance to the startup and learn what it takes to deliver the agreed-upon results. One-on-one and group training sessions and skill-building lectures also form part of the program.
2. NASA OSTEM High School Internship Program
Location: These internships are offered across NASA facilities. Students may select roles based in cities they are in.
Dates: These internships are offered in 3 sessions – Fall (16-week program, from late August or early September to mid-December) | Spring (16-week program, from mid-January to early May) | Summer (10-week program, from late May or early June to August).
Stipend: Interns may receive a stipend based on academic level and session length.
Eligibility: Internships are available for full-time high school students who meet a minimum 3.0 GPA requirement.
Application deadline: January (Fall session) | August (Spring session) | October (Summer session)
The NASA OSTEM (Office of STEM Engagement) High School Internship Programmes are ideal for high school students who have a strong interest in mechanical engineering and space exploration. You will be able to interact with state-of-the-art technology leading the way in satellite communication, aeronautical engineering, and space exploration. These internships offer a rich, engaging environment, regardless of your interest in software development, robotics, or the intricate mechanics of spacecraft. This is where you may put your theoretical understanding to use, solving concrete, everyday problems by working with mentors who are research scientists, engineers, and professionals from a wide range of other fields.
This internship serves as a springboard into space exploration and cutting-edge technology. In addition to improving your comprehension of mechanical engineering, working on projects involving satellite communication, aerospace engineering, and other cutting-edge technology will spark your creativity and problem-solving abilities.
Location: Menlo Park, CA
Dates: 6-week program. June - July.
Cost: None. Stipend is available
Eligibility: High school sophomores residing in California
Application Deadline: March 1, 2024
As members of a dynamic workforce, students at Meta Summer Academy (previously Facebook Summer Academy) will get the chance to learn about the daily workings of one of the top social media networks in the world.
Students will learn coding, explore careers, and develop soft skills that may help propel them into successful careers. The objective of the program is to inspire and motivate young people to achieve economic success, stability, and mobility through skills development and early career exploration in the tech industry. Meta promotes accessibility by covering all external transportation costs, guaranteeing that high school students from every part of California can participate.
Location: Virtual
Dates: June 17, 2024 - August 9, 2024
Cost: None.
Eligibility: Students who will be in grades 11-12 at the time of application, OR full-time community college students (within the first 3 years of community college), are eligible to apply.
Application Deadline: Application typically closes in January
Stanford SHTEM: Summer Internship provides a unique opportunity for students to explore computer science and innovative technology. Through projects and group activities, participants are engaged in an experiential learning process, vastly different from traditional classroom instructions. During the internship, participants conducted computer science research, facilitated remotely, and received the supplies needed for hardware projects. All the while, they remain in constant contact with their mentors and other group members.
Interns will get the chance to expand their knowledge of the ever-changing tech sector under the direction of Stanford faculty members and professionals from the industry. The program's focus on multidisciplinary collaboration encourages the development of technical capabilities in addition to teamwork and communication, mirroring real-world settings in tech. Interns are expected to dedicate 30 to 40 hours weekly to the program.
5. Department of Navy’s Science and Engineering Apprenticeship Program (SEAP)
Location: There are several lab locations to choose from across the country.
Dates: Eight weeks in the summer. Exact dates vary depending on the lab you choose.
Stipend: $4,000 (new participant) | $4,500 (returning participant)
Cost: There are no registration costs; however, housing, meals, transportation, and medical expenses are not covered. You can expect to have to travel to and from your lab, depending on your placement.
Eligibility: High school students who have completed at least grade 9 and are at least 16 years old when the internship begins can apply. Graduating seniors are eligible as well. There is room for some exceptions. Students are recommended to check whether their preferred lab choice has any other particular requirements.
Application deadline: Applications open in August and close on November 1st every year.
The Department of Navy's Science and Engineering Apprenticeship Program (SEAP) offers students a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience in science and engineering. Through practical projects in cybersecurity, software development, algorithm design, and data analysis, participants are exposed to emerging technologies and apply what they have learned in the classroom.
SEAP, typically an eight-week summer apprenticeship, provides students with an immersive experience in a professional research setting. They receive essential insights into scientific research and development while being supervised to navigate their given projects. This curriculum is perfect for high school students interested in applying science outside of the classroom, especially those thinking about careers at the intersection of science and technology and national defense.
6. California Academy of Sciences CiS Intern Program
Location: California Academy of Sciences, San Francisco, CA.
Dates: After school and on weekends, year-round participation for 2-3 years till graduation.
Stipend: Students will receive a stipend, but information on the exact amount is not available.
Eligibility: Students who
- are currently enrolled full-time as a 9th or 10th-grade student in an SFUSD school - check if your school qualifies here;
- have maintained a GPA of 2.5 and a grade of C or higher in science and math;
- can obtain a valid work permit (US citizens and others authorized to work in the US);
- can commit to all attendance requirements for 2 or 3 years through high school graduation;
- can commute to the Academy and nearby locations after school and on Saturdays during the school year, and on weekdays in the summer (some remote work may be required);
- demonstrate interest and enthusiasm for learning, teaching, and doing science; can apply.
Application Deadline: April 5, 2024.
Approximately 8-10% of students are accepted into this program! The program website does not mention acceptance stats but notes that they accept about 42 students each year.
CiS is a multi-year, year-round, paid internship and youth development program for students who come from communities underrepresented in STEM, including girls and students of color. If you’re interested in pursuing a career in the sciences, you can consider this immersive internship program. As an intern, you will work alongside scientists, researchers, and educators at the California Academy of Sciences. You will learn the ropes of scientific research and science communication. This internship includes interactive training sessions twice a week, outdoor field activities, and guidance on your college applications. In groups, you will work on a science research or environmental action project.
7. Sandia National Laboratories
Location: Livermore, CA | Albuquerque, NM | other Sandia sites.
Dates: Year-round, if you choose that program option. For the Co-op internships, you can select your internship period, in coordination with Sandia and your school.
Summer Interns - 40 hours per week | Year-round Interns - 25 hours per week
Stipend: Students will receive a stipend commensurate to the work they put in, and it will vary with the internship role.
Eligibility: Students who are at least 16 years old, are enrolled full-time in an accredited college, university, or high school, and are U.S. citizens can apply. Those applying must have a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale for R&D, technical or business roles.
Application deadline: Rolling deadline, as internship openings are continuously updated.
As a contractor for the U.S. Department of Energy, Sandia National Laboratories provides year-round and summer internships for students. Applying to technical, business, and R&D positions will enable students to work on significant national projects through their lens of interest. This internship offers the chance to obtain practical experience in a research setting. You will collaborate with seasoned scientists and engineers on initiatives that push technology forward. Areas like cybersecurity, energy, engineering, and software are all covered under the scope of this internship. You will work with a manager who will help you set your work assignment, schedule, and internship duration.
8. Air Force Research Laboratory (ARFL) Scholars Program
Location: Edwards Air Force Base, CA.
Dates: Varies from project to project, but you can expect it to be during the summer months for 9 weeks.
Stipend: $468.80 per week
Eligibility: High school students with a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale are highly encouraged to apply, but a GPA of less than 3.0 will not disqualify applicants. Students applying must be at least 16 years old (by the application deadline). It’s recommended you read through all the eligibility requirements before applying.
Application Deadline: Applications typically close in January.
With this program, you can visit AFRL laboratories, work on cutting-edge research and technology, and get advice from full-time AFRL scientists and engineers. You may anticipate working on projects in areas such as metalens design and modeling, intricate electromagnetic structures, and aerospace/mechanical design for evolving aircraft technologies, to mention a few. In research fields like biomedical engineering, aeronautical engineering, electrical engineering, additive manufacturing, biochemistry, aerodynamic modeling, adaptive optics, photovoltaics, and more, you will work on practical projects to gain hands-on experience.
Make sure to filter for opportunities specifically available to high school students, as these are also available to undergraduate and graduate students.
9. The Intern Project Summer Program
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Dates: June - August
Cost/Stipend: No cost; a stipend is provided.
Eligibility: South LA students in grades 10-12, High School DACA/Undocumented Youth, High School Foster Youth & system-involved youth. All applicants must be available to attend at least 80% of the program workshops which are after-school Thursdays 4:30-6:30pm. Majority of the program is virtual.
Application Deadline: March 12, every year
The Intern Project offers students real-world computer science experience and in-depth learning in the field of technology. This project is a good fit for students who want to explore different aspects of computer science, from software development to data analytics and beyond.
During the program, you will be introduced to a specific theme or problem statement that aligns with current industry trends and challenges. For instance, the focus could be on developing a mobile application that addresses a social issue, creating a website for a local non-profit organization, or even working on a small-scale machine learning project. You will engage in tasks such as coding in languages like Python or JavaScript, utilizing frameworks for web development, or employing tools for data analysis and visualization. The emphasis on collaborative work teaches you about the dynamics in a real-world tech team. At the end of the project, you will have the chance to present a demo of your work.
10. UCSC Science Internship Program
Location: University of California Santa Cruz, CA.
Dates: June 26, 2024 - August 18, 2024
Cost: $4,000
Eligibility: Students who are at least 14 years old on the program start date can apply.
Application Deadline: March 31, 2024
With this program, students can dive into computer science research and technology development. You will work on projects that may involve software development, computational modeling, data analysis, or exploring new algorithms. These projects are not just theoretical, but are often part of ongoing research at UCSC, giving you a taste of the real challenges and breakthroughs in the field.
Interns will be paired with a mentor who guides them through a specific research project, tailored to align with their interests and skills in computer science. This mentorship will help you gain valuable insights into the research process, problem-solving strategies, and technical skills. You will also participate in lab meetings, and make meaningful contributions to the research team’s objectives. The program culminates in a symposium where you will present your findings.
Location: Virtual
Dates: The start date for the cohort is November 11, 2024
Cost: $2,490
Eligibility: Open to high school students who have prior experience with AI/ML or have completed a Veritas AI program
Application Deadline: October 20, 2024
The AI Internship Program by Veritas AI is founded and run by Harvard graduate students. Through the 8-week internship, students have the opportunity to work with VC-backed startups on real-world AI/ML projects. Students work directly with mentors from Harvard, Wharton, Google, Microsoft, McKinsey & Company, and more.
This program is a great opportunity for students who have prior experience with AI/ML and are looking to gain real-world exposure to a career in the field. Students get a chance to network with industry professionals, work closely with company leadership, and receive a letter of completion from the company at the end of the internship. You can learn more about the program here and apply here.
12. Army Educational Outreach Program (AEOP) High School Internships
Location: There are AEOP locations in almost every state. Students may select their preferred location. The program is intended for commuters. Transportation, meals, and housing are not provided. (Opportunities are available in New York City).
Dates: This is a summer internship program, specific dates vary from location to location.
Cost/Stipend: No cost; Stipend is provided but varies from location to location.
Eligibility: Those applying must be current high school students who are U.S. citizens or permanent legal residents. Additional eligibility requirements vary by location. Check details here.
Application deadline: Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. Check AEOP’s Summer 2024 opportunities here for the application dates.
This program is a chance to work one-on-one with a university researcher or Department of Defense (DoD) scientist mentor on research projects. As an intern, you will be exposed to high-tech equipment and cutting-edge techniques in state-of-the-art laboratory facilities, and have access to professional scientists and engineers. Additionally, you will learn from other STEM practitioners during the internship. The Army-sponsored research that you will be a part of addresses the USA’s biggest challenges. The program aims to hone critical thinking, problem-solving, and teamwork skills to prepare you for a career in STEM.
If you’re interested in engineering, you can select research opportunities like the ones offered by New York University, where you’ll get to work in the field of computer science and electronic engineering, or you can opt to work at the CUNY-Advance Science Research Center (New York) in the field of biochemical engineering. In the second half of the summer program, you’ll focus on experimental realizations of basic quantum tools.
13. Berkeley Lab Director’s Apprenticeship Program
Location: Berkeley, CA.
Dates: June 18 - July 26
Cost: None. Stipend of $500 per week is paid.
Eligibility: Students in grades 10-11. Priority is given to students in the Bay area.
Application Deadline: April 1
The Director's Apprenticeship Program serves as a hands-on introduction to STEM fields for students who are just beginning their STEM journey. BLDAP is a project-based high school STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) program that provides guidance on colleges and careers to its participants and helps them build a STEM network in a real-world work setting. Participants will engage in hands-on projects, an engaging computer science short course, and weekly discussions with STEM professionals.
The course will cover data science, an introduction to Python, and several scientific projects and experiments. All the resources required for participants to finish projects and communicate with researchers and operations staff will be provided. A final presentation will be made by each participant.
Looking for an immersive internship experience?
Check out Ladder Internships!
Ladder Internships is a selective, virtual internship program that connects students with startups and nonprofits from industries around the world! As part of the internship, you will work on real-world projects that are important to the startup and present your work at the end of the internship. You will also be mentored by their manager from the startup as well as a Ladder Coach. Apply now!
Stephen is one of the founders of Ladder Internships and a Harvard College graduate.