What are some of the most competitive high school internships?

Hey everyone, so I'm starting to search for internships relevant to my interests - possibly engineering or computer science. I've heard that there are some super competitive high school internships for these areas. Anyone know what these might be? Also, what strategies can I use to ensure a good shot at landing one of these internships?

There are several highly competitive internships related to engineering and computer science that are available to high school students. Among these are Microsoft's High School Internship, Google's Computer Science Summer Institute (CSSI), and the Research Science Institute (RSI). Each of these internships offer unique opportunities to gain firsthand exposure to the fields of engineering and computer science.

Microsoft's High School Internship allows students to work on real-world software engineering projects. Google's CSSI is a three-week introduction to computer science for students who have an interest in technology. RSI, on the other hand, is a highly rigorous summer research program in math, science, and engineering.

To have a good chance of landing these internships, here are some strategies you can consider:

1. Start Early: Preparing your application materials well before the deadline gives you plenty of time to refine and perfect your resume and cover letter. You might also use the time to gather recommendation letters from teachers or counselors.

2. Showcase Relevant Skills: Take the time to highlight any coding languages you know or engineering projects you've worked on. It's not just about displaying your academic prowess, these internships want to see practical, applied knowledge and a passion for the industry.

3. Express Genuine Interest: Make sure to convey your curiosity and passion for the field in your application. This can be demonstrated through extracurricular activities, personal projects, or even through your stated career goals.

4. Leaning Into Your Strengths: If you excel in a particular area, whether it is coding, design, problem solving, or something else, make sure to emphasize that in your application.

Remember that these are competitive programs, so don't be disheartened if you don't get selected. There are other opportunities out there. Consider looking at local companies or organizations for internships or even job shadowing experiences. This could range from technology start-ups to university labs. Often, these smaller opportunities can provide highly valuable hands-on learning experiences too.