For ambitious high school students eager to explore technology careers before college, Microsoft’s High School Discovery Program is one of the most coveted summer internships worldwide. Unlike traditional part‑time or volunteer experiences, this paid opportunity offers four weeks of full‑time, onsite engagement with Microsoft teams in Redmond, Washington or Atlanta, Georgia.
Interns — known as Discoverers — work shoulder‑to‑shoulder with experienced professionals and peers to understand key areas of computer science from software engineering basics to product mindset and human‑centered design. The program is designed to cultivate career readiness and professional confidence while connecting students with mentors who guide them through project milestones and industry insights.
In a crowded landscape of summer internships, Microsoft’s Discovery Program stands apart because it targets students before college enrollment, explicitly seeks those without prior experience, and combines technical exposure with soft skills development. This article analyzes the program’s structure, application dynamics, strategic value and what it means for the future of tech talent development.
Program Overview
What the Discovery Program Covers
The Discovery Program is a four‑week, paid, full‑time summer internship that gives rising high school seniors a structured introduction to technology careers. Participants spend approximately 40 hours per week learning core concepts in computer science and collaborating on projects guided by Microsoft professionals.
This is not an observational shadowing experience. Interns build hands‑on experience, practice teamwork in cross‑functional settings and develop professional skills that mirror early career work in tech. They also attend tech talks and networking events designed to convey not just technical knowledge but professional norms and expectations.
Where It Takes Place
The internship is offered onsite at Microsoft campuses in:
- Redmond, Washington (Greater Seattle area)
- Atlanta, Georgia (select districts)
These locations reflect Microsoft’s commitment to expanding access beyond the Bay Area to historically underserved communities and regional talent ecosystems.
Compensation and Benefits
Discoverers are paid for their work, and while traditional employee benefits (like healthcare) are not provided, interns receive:
- Paid sick time
- Paid federal holidays
- Software discounts
- Transit support (e.g., bus passes)
Compensation levels vary slightly by location but generally fall in the competitive range for early internships.
Eligibility Requirements
Eligibility for the Microsoft High School Internship is specific. To qualify applicants must:
Core Academic and Age Criteria
- Be at least 16 years old at the time of the internship.
- Be a graduating high school senior planning to enroll in a bachelor’s degree program fall after the internship.
- Have completed pre‑calculus or equivalent math (or three consecutive years of math including senior year).
These academic baselines ensure students can engage with analytical reasoning and problem‑solving required during project work.
Location and Community Criteria
Eligibility depends heavily on location:
- Redmond, Washington: Applicants must live and attend high school within 50 miles of Redmond.
- Atlanta, Georgia: Applicants must attend a high school within specific public school districts including Atlanta Public Schools and surrounding counties.
For Redmond applicants, additional eligibility often includes participation in Microsoft‑sponsored community organizations such as Computing for All, Rainier Scholars or Washington MESA.
Work Authorization
Applicants must have U.S. employment authorization. Microsoft does not sponsor visas for this high school internship role.
Application Process
How to Apply
Applications are submitted via Microsoft’s careers portal specifically dedicated to high school programs.
A complete application typically includes:
- A resume
- Colleges applied to or accepted at and intended major
- List and description of extracurricular involvement
- Essay (500 words or less) about a collaborative project where the student learned something new.
This essay insight emphasizes growth mindset, curiosity and teamwork — core traits Microsoft evaluates in candidates.
Timeline and Deadlines
While exact dates shift year to year, applications usually open early in the calendar year and close by late February for summer opportunities. Programs run through July and early August.
Interview scheduling begins in March, with offers typically arriving shortly after.
What Interns Actually Do
Hands‑On Projects
Interns build real deliverables through structured modules that may cover:
- Basic programming concepts
- Introduction to product management
- UX design fundamentals
- Collaborative problem solving
These tasks are designed to be accessible to students without prior tech experience while still meaningful and outcome‑oriented.
Mentorship and Networking
Every Discoverer is paired with experienced Microsoft employees who serve as mentors. Mentors guide interns through project milestones, workplace norms and professional feedback loops.
Career Readiness Sessions
Workshops and talks cover topics such as resume building, college planning, industry trends and ethical considerations in technology.
Strategic Impact and Industry Context
Why It Matters
The Discovery Program fills a gap between high school STEM curiosity and early career pathways. By exposing students to professional environments before college, it accelerates exposure, builds confidence and diversifies talent pipelines.
Program alumni are more likely to pursue tech degrees and bring firsthand workplace context into research projects, internships and leadership roles later in university.
Comparison with Other High School Internships
| Program | Duration | Paid | Mentorship | Eligibility |
| Microsoft Discovery | 4 weeks | Yes | Yes | Specific regions |
| Generic STEM internships | 6–10 weeks | Varies | Varies | Broad |
This comparison shows Microsoft’s program is shorter but more structured and mentorship‑intensive than many alternatives.
Risks, Challenges and Trade‑Offs
Geographic Restriction
Limited to specific metro areas, the program leaves out many talented candidates unable to relocate or attend partnering schools.
Competitive Selection
High demand means strong academic and extracurricular profiles are essential for consideration.
Short Duration
Four weeks offers intensive exposure but may not be sufficient for deep skill development in one domain.
Future of High School Internships in 2027
By 2027, high school internships like Microsoft’s Discovery Program will be shaped by:
- Increased virtual components allowing broader access
- Partnerships with community educational organizations to expand diversity
- Data‑driven assessment tools to match interns with project tracks
- Rising importance of AI and generative tools in intern workflows
These trends position internships not just as resume boosters but essential early career development nodes.
Takeaways
- Microsoft Discovery is a structured paid summer internship for rising high school seniors.
- Applicants need academic readiness in math and planned college enrollment.
- Mentorship and real project experience are core features.
- Geographic constraints limit access but ensure community focus.
- The program shapes early career pathways into tech fields globally.
Conclusion
Microsoft High School Internship through the Discovery Program offers rising seniors a rare blend of structured learning, hands‑on project work and professional mentorship. While competitive and geographically constrained, it equips participants with skills, networks and confidence that pay dividends into college and beyond. For students seeking a launchpad into technology careers, understanding eligibility, application strategy and program expectations is the first step toward standing out.
FAQ
What is the Microsoft Discovery Program?
A four‑week paid summer internship for high school seniors interested in technology careers.
Who is eligible to apply?
Applicants must be graduating seniors at least 16 years old, have completed advanced math and plan to enroll in college.
Where does the internship take place?
Held onsite in Redmond, WA and Atlanta, GA.
Is prior coding experience required?
No. Enthusiasm for tech and teamwork matters more.
How can I prepare for interview and selection?
Showcase collaboration experiences, community engagement and curiosity in tech topics.
References
Microsoft Careers. Discovery Program | Microsoft Careers. Retrieved from https://careers.microsoft.com/students/us/en/ushighschoolprogram
Huzzle internship listings, Discovery Program Redmond. Retrieved from https://www.huzzle.com/internships/…
Huzzle internship listings, Discovery Program Atlanta. Retrieved from https://www.huzzle.com/internships/…
College Essay Guy, Microsoft High School Internship Guide. Retrieved from https://www.collegeessayguy.com/…
Better Mind Labs. Why High School Internships Matter. Retrieved from https://www.bettermindlabs.org/…
