STEM Internships for High School Students (2026)
STEM internships for high schoolers are the fastest-growing category of youth career programs, driven by the national push for science, technology, engineering, and math education. Programs range from week-long coding bootcamps to full 10-week research placements at national labs. NASA, the National Institutes of Health, the Department of Energy, and major universities all run STEM-specific programs for students as young as 14. Tech companies like Google, Microsoft, and Apple offer coding intensive programs that don't require prior experience. If you're a high school student who loves building things, running experiments, or solving problems with technology, a STEM internship can transform your passion into a career path — and give your college application an edge that extracurriculars alone cannot match.
Age Requirements & Eligibility
STEM programs typically accept students ages 14–18, with most research-intensive positions requiring students to be 16+. Programs at national labs (Argonne, Brookhaven, Oak Ridge) often require U.S. citizenship due to Department of Energy regulations. University research programs may require a minimum GPA of 3.0–3.5 in math and science courses. Coding bootcamps and tech-focused programs usually have no GPA requirements and welcome beginners.
Top Programs
Research Science Institute (RSI) — MIT
The most prestigious high school STEM program in the country. A free 6-week summer program at MIT for 80 students worldwide. Participants conduct original research alongside MIT professors. RSI alumni are heavily recruited by top universities.
Google CSSI (Computer Science Summer Institute)
A free 4-week program for graduating seniors heading to college for CS. Participants learn web development, programming fundamentals, and product design at Google's offices with Googler mentors.
Department of Energy National Lab Internships
National labs (Argonne, Brookhaven, Fermilab, Los Alamos, Lawrence Berkeley) run summer research programs for high schoolers. Work on physics, chemistry, computational science, and engineering projects. Stipends of $600–$1,000/week.
Girls Who Code Summer Immersion Program
A free 2-week intensive for high school girls and non-binary students interested in computer science. No coding experience required. Participants learn Python, web development, and robotics while connecting with tech industry mentors.
Science Olympiad / FIRST Robotics → Industry Internships
Participation in STEM competitions opens doors to internships. Many tech companies and engineering firms specifically recruit from Science Olympiad, FIRST Robotics, and math competition communities.
Simons Summer Research Program — Stony Brook University
High school students work with Stony Brook faculty on research projects in math, science, and engineering for 8 weeks. Provides a $1,000 stipend plus campus housing. Highly selective (100 students from 3,000+ applicants).
Application Tips
- ✓
For research programs (RSI, Simons, NIH), start preparing in your sophomore year. Build a track record of STEM activities, competitions, and self-directed projects.
- ✓
Coding experience isn't always required for tech internships. Many programs (Google CSSI, Girls Who Code) are designed for beginners. Don't self-select out of opportunities.
- ✓
Create a GitHub profile and post personal projects. Even simple scripts, websites, or data analysis notebooks show initiative and technical aptitude.
- ✓
Ask your science or math teachers to be references — they can speak to your curiosity, problem-solving skills, and work ethic in ways that grades alone cannot.
- ✓
If you don't get into competitive national programs, look for local university research opportunities. Email professors directly with a polite message about your interests and willingness to learn.
A Note for Parents
STEM internships for minors at national labs and government agencies may require background checks and U.S. citizenship verification. University research programs sometimes require students to handle chemicals, lab equipment, or computational resources — programs will provide necessary safety training. The most competitive programs (RSI, Simons) have acceptance rates below 5%, so help your student apply to multiple programs and manage expectations. The application process itself teaches valuable skills in writing, organization, and professional communication.
Get Started
Submit your interest and a PropelGrad advisor will help you find the right internship program for your age, interests, and goals.