I've heard about internships at big companies like Google and I'm really interested. Does anyone know how a high school student might apply for these opportunities or what the requirements might be?
Certainly! Major tech companies, including Google, do offer internship programs for high school students. For Google in particular, the primary program for high school students in the United States is their Computer Science Summer Institute (CSSI). There's also the Generation Google Scholarship for rising college freshmen.
CSSI is normally open for high school seniors and focuses on development skills, like Python programming, and gives an insight into Google's culture. The program is highly selective and looks for students who are passionate about computer science. To apply, you need to submit an online application where you provide academic and extracurricular information and answer essay questions.
Applications typically open in the beginning of the year, and those accepted into the program get to participate during the summer. While Google does not publish specific requirements, having knowledge of computer programming through classes or relevant extracurricular activities could strengthen your application.
Keep in mind, opportunities like these are extremely competitive. So, apart from having a strong interest, it's imperative to demonstrate dedication and initiative in computer science through your classes, projects, and related activities. Showcasing your problem-solving skills, creativity, and tenacity would be beneficial as well.
As for the Generation Google Scholarship, it's given to students who are about to start their first year in college and intend to study computer science. The award also comes with an invitation to a Summer Retreat at Google.
Please stay updated through the Google's Students website to get the exact timeline for applications and the most accurate information. Good luck!
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