5 answers
Ryan
Student
Shawano, Wisconsin
2
Questions
Asked
1503 views
Where can I find online high school student opportunites for CS ?
As a high school student interested in comp sci, I have been searching for any kind of structured program for the summer like research or internships. I am only able to locate either over priced programs or programs that only accept specific demographics.
I am from Wisconsin so there are no local opportunities near me. I plan on creating some solo projects in the summer, but a resume booster would be appreciated.
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5 answers
Minghao CHEN
27
Answers
Cambridge, Massachusetts
Updated
Minghao’s Answer
Totally get where you’re coming from—it’s frustrating when most CS summer programs are either super expensive or only open to certain groups. Being in Wisconsin where there aren’t many local opportunities makes it even harder.
That said, you still have some great options. Programs like MIT PRIMES or Stanford’s AI4ALL are free and highly respected, though competitive. You can also try reaching out directly to professors at universities—just send a short, thoughtful email explaining your interest and including your resume or personal projects. Some students have been able to land remote research experiences this way.
If that doesn’t work out, doing your own projects over the summer is still a solid move. Build an app, try a machine learning model on real data, or contribute to an open-source project on GitHub. These kinds of hands-on experiences look great on a resume and often stand out more than overpriced camps.
Keep pushing—you're clearly motivated, and that matters more than having the perfect program.
That said, you still have some great options. Programs like MIT PRIMES or Stanford’s AI4ALL are free and highly respected, though competitive. You can also try reaching out directly to professors at universities—just send a short, thoughtful email explaining your interest and including your resume or personal projects. Some students have been able to land remote research experiences this way.
If that doesn’t work out, doing your own projects over the summer is still a solid move. Build an app, try a machine learning model on real data, or contribute to an open-source project on GitHub. These kinds of hands-on experiences look great on a resume and often stand out more than overpriced camps.
Keep pushing—you're clearly motivated, and that matters more than having the perfect program.
This is great, I will definitely look into all of this. Thank you!
Ryan
I emailed a local professor last summer with my GitHub link and ended up doing a small data project remotely. Definitely worth trying—you lose nothing by asking.
Minghao CHEN
If you build something cool on your own, consider writing a blog post or sharing it on LinkedIn. It helps you stand out and sometimes leads to unexpected opportunities.
Minghao CHEN
Not all great experiences come from formal programs. I learned more from building my own Python chatbot last summer than I did from any camp.
Minghao CHEN
If you’re stuck for ideas, try solving real-world problems around you. One of my friends built a simple scheduling app for his school, and now it's on his resume and portfolio.
Minghao CHEN
Open-source communities are super welcoming to students. Start small—fix a bug, improve docs—it all counts and shows initiative.
Minghao CHEN
You don’t need to be in Silicon Valley to build skills. Everything you need is online—just pick a project and go all in. That’s how real CS learning happens.
Minghao CHEN
Michelle M.
Actress
2317
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Ryan !
It's awesome to see how ambitious you are and self-directed with your mention of doing some independent CS projects this summer. Way to go !
I want to let you know that whatever independent projects you do this summer very well can be presented on your resume. You can list them under Independent Projects, the start and stop date and the name of the project. Definitely add those to your resume. Now lets talk about in-person, on site opportunities.
Many times, students seem to think that the only opportunities are through a program or internship and looking for those end in no results. I always advise that instead of those, seek volunteer work. There are computer businesses that would probably be thankful for extra help. Contact and ask to volunteer at Computer Haus, Shawano Tech, and Lifetime Computer Solutions. They are all right there in your town.
In addition, you have options to apply for volunteer work doing CS related work at your local hospitals, the Public Library and you can even try any of the community colleges Computer Labs or CS Departments. Any place that you do your volunteer work will have some sort of computer system that people need help with. So focus on the words Volunteer Work and you just may find something quick.
It'll be important to follow through with the independent projects you plan to do, also. Your resume will reflect that you can work independently as well as with others. Sometimes these opportunities are not in the realm of "structured" and that's okay because your classes during the school year are and it's admirable to create your own opportunities through projects as well as volunteer work which is hands on experience.
I hope this helps and I wish you well !
It's awesome to see how ambitious you are and self-directed with your mention of doing some independent CS projects this summer. Way to go !
I want to let you know that whatever independent projects you do this summer very well can be presented on your resume. You can list them under Independent Projects, the start and stop date and the name of the project. Definitely add those to your resume. Now lets talk about in-person, on site opportunities.
Many times, students seem to think that the only opportunities are through a program or internship and looking for those end in no results. I always advise that instead of those, seek volunteer work. There are computer businesses that would probably be thankful for extra help. Contact and ask to volunteer at Computer Haus, Shawano Tech, and Lifetime Computer Solutions. They are all right there in your town.
In addition, you have options to apply for volunteer work doing CS related work at your local hospitals, the Public Library and you can even try any of the community colleges Computer Labs or CS Departments. Any place that you do your volunteer work will have some sort of computer system that people need help with. So focus on the words Volunteer Work and you just may find something quick.
It'll be important to follow through with the independent projects you plan to do, also. Your resume will reflect that you can work independently as well as with others. Sometimes these opportunities are not in the realm of "structured" and that's okay because your classes during the school year are and it's admirable to create your own opportunities through projects as well as volunteer work which is hands on experience.
I hope this helps and I wish you well !
Thanks for the advice, I am going to look to find a way to provide something useful to Lifetime Computer Solutions, thank you for the response!
Ryan
You are very welcome, Ryan !
Michelle M.
Rosalind Radcliffe
Software Architect
19
Answers
Durham, North Carolina
Updated
Rosalind’s Answer
Consider joining a FIRST program! Check it out at https://www.firstinspires.org. FIRST has different levels and teams worldwide, including in Wisconsin. It's a great chance to work with others and build skills needed for a computer science career. Plus, it's not just a summer activity; you can be involved during the school year too.
You can also gain experience by contributing to open-source projects. This lets you collaborate with a community. Just remember to follow the contribution guidelines. A simple way to start is by updating documentation.
Another option is online badging programs like z Xplore - https://ibmzxplore.influitive.com/users/sign_in. These programs help you learn new skills and earn badges, which look great on your resume.
Volunteering is a fantastic way to gain experience early on. Many community groups would love extra help, and it looks impressive on your resume. It also helps you discover what you’re interested in.
Starting your own project is another great idea. Share it as open source and use modern tools like a development environment and GitHub. This experience will be valuable as you move forward.
Most importantly, have fun while learning. This is a wonderful time in your life to explore, experiment, and grow. Try different things to find out what you enjoy and might want to pursue as a career.
You can also gain experience by contributing to open-source projects. This lets you collaborate with a community. Just remember to follow the contribution guidelines. A simple way to start is by updating documentation.
Another option is online badging programs like z Xplore - https://ibmzxplore.influitive.com/users/sign_in. These programs help you learn new skills and earn badges, which look great on your resume.
Volunteering is a fantastic way to gain experience early on. Many community groups would love extra help, and it looks impressive on your resume. It also helps you discover what you’re interested in.
Starting your own project is another great idea. Share it as open source and use modern tools like a development environment and GitHub. This experience will be valuable as you move forward.
Most importantly, have fun while learning. This is a wonderful time in your life to explore, experiment, and grow. Try different things to find out what you enjoy and might want to pursue as a career.
I appreciate you taking the time to answer this, I will definitely check out FIRST.
Ryan
Nital Desai,PMP
Project Management
3
Answers
Frisco, Texas
Updated
Nital’s Answer
There are few state level summer program for high school students via state colleges or universities.You should check with your school counselor or nearby community colleges. Also, there are reputed companies such as Google, Khan Academy,etc.. they have summer program for high school students that will help.
Nital Desai,PMP
Project Management
3
Answers
Frisco, Texas
Updated
Nital’s Answer
There are few state level summer program for high school students via state colleges or universities.You should check with your school counselor or nearby community colleges. Also, there are reputed companies such as Google, Khan Academy,etc.. they have summer program for high school students that will help. I also know that some state colleges professors always need some help so sending out email to state college professor asking for internship opportunities would help also.
Thank you for the advice, Nital.
Ryan