If you’re a high school student hoping to explore STEM programs this summer, you’ve got a lot of impressive potential programs to explore (more on those toward the end).
One to add to your list (if you haven’t already, since you’re here), is the Meta Summer Academy (sometimes called Meta’s high-school internship/externship program).
Below, we’ll cover
What the program is
Who it’s for
How to figure out if you should apply
How to apply (with timelines)
And how to prepare
Let’s dive in.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
(click to skip ahead)What is the Meta Summer Academy Program?
(And what makes Meta Summer Academy internships different/valuable)
The Meta Summer Academy is a six-week summer program offered by Meta Platforms (the parent company of Facebook, Instagram, Oculus, etc.) that gives high school students hands-on exposure to tech, coding, career exploration, mentorship, and soft-skill development.
Here are the key features:
It runs for six weeks during the summer (for 2025, for example, from Monday, June 16 to Friday, July 25) and you’ll work about 30 hours per week.
You’ll be part of a cohort of high school students who are getting exposure to tech, career pathways, and mentorship—not just passive observation.
You’ll gain both hard skills (coding, perhaps VR/AR exposure) and soft skills (teamwork, communication, professional behavior) that will boost your college profile and future readiness.
It is paid or stipend-based (so you’re compensated for your time)—which sets it apart from a lot of unpaid internships.
But note: It is geographically restricted—at least currently, the program is open only to students who reside in specific cities/neighborhoods in the Bay Area. (more on eligibility below.)
Big plus: You do not need prior experience in tech or coding to apply.
In short: If you’re eligible, this is potentially a high-impact opportunity to explore tech, build skills, and show initiative—all of which are key for college and career.
Who’s eligible for Meta’s program?
(Eligibility criteria + key “must-haves”)
Before you dive in, there are some pretty specific eligibility requirements. If you meet them, awesome.
If not, you might still use the rest of this guide to prepare for similar programs elsewhere. (A lot of the guidance below will be useful regardless of what summer program you attend.)
Here are the eligibility criteria for Meta Summer Academy:
You must be a sophomore in high school during the academic year prior to the summer program.
You must be a full-year resident of one of the following places:
East Palo Alto
Belle Haven
North Fair Oaks
or Redwood City (California)
no exceptions
You need a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0.
You need to submit a current transcript (first-semester grades of your sophomore year) and a teacher/counselor/community recommendation.
No prior work experience is required.
Wait, why these restrictions?
Probably a few (seemingly positive) reasons:
The geographic restriction means Meta is focusing the program on students in their local community, possibly to try to benefit that community, and also potentially to build a local pipeline and to provide opportunity where access may be limited.
The relatively modest GPA minimum (2.0) means the program is aiming to be accessible; they’re not just chasing high-flyers but are looking for students with potential and motivation.
The recommendation and transcript requirement show that while prior experience isn’t required, you do need to show you’re serious and capable of handling the opportunity.
What this means for you
It depends:
If you live outside the listed neighborhoods or cities, you are unfortunately not eligible for this specific program.
If you live within the eligible areas, you should check your transcript, ensure your recommendation plan is lined up, and start prepping your application now.
So, think of this as an “if this fits you exactly, go for it” program—if not, consider it a model of what you might aim for next year or via another company.
What kind of students should apply?
If you’re wondering, “Should I apply?”, the answer depends mostly on
how you think about your future
what you’re curious about
and how you’ll show up
Here are the types of students who will be strongest candidates and benefit most:
You should apply if…
You’re interested in tech innovations, coding, design, product, user-experience, or simply how a company like Meta builds world-scale products.
You don’t necessarily need to know how to code right now—many students don’t—but you are willing to learn, explore, ask questions, take risks.
You want to build your professional self: you’re curious about how business, design, tech and people work together.
You want to boost your college-application story: This internship can become a strong component of your extracurricular/experience narrative.
You’re motivated, dependable, and ready to commit ~30 hours/week over six weeks in the summer. That means showing up, being measured, meeting deadlines, interacting with mentors, being part of a team.
You want community: This program often brings peers who are exploring similar paths, so you’ll have a cohort, network, and support.
You might not want to apply if…
You’re not in one of the eligible neighborhoods or regions (we’re stating the obvious, but again, check carefully).
You don’t have the availability to commit the summer time (for whatever reason).
You’re doing something equally amazing elsewhere and don’t want to split focus—sometimes it’s wiser to go “all-in” on one strong experience rather than spread yourself too thin.
You just want a “line on your résumé” without engagement: This program asks for real effort. If you’re not ready to show up with curiosity, it won’t serve you as well.
Key takeaway here: The “ideal candidate” is someone who is ready to explore, grow, work, and reflect. If you are that student—go ahead and pull together your application.
How to apply to the Meta Summer Academy (including an application timeline)
Here’s your roadmap for applying—step by step.
Step 1: Check the current application window
Applications tend to open in December and close in February. (For example, the 2025 program application opened December 1, 2024 and closed February 14, 2025 at 11:59 PM.)
Letter(s) of recommendation and transcripts must also be submitted by the same deadline.
Mark these dates in your calendar right now.
Step 2: Gather materials
Current transcript (first semester of your sophomore year) or screenshot if your school doesn’t provide semester grades.
Recommendation form completed by a teacher/counselor/community leader. Only one is required, but make sure it’s someone who knows you well.
Your application form (online)—be ready to answer questions about your interest in tech, your background, your goals, your community.
Think ahead about your “why”: Why are you applying? What do you hope to learn? How will you contribute?
Set aside time for proofreading and revision (this is your “story” as a high school candidate).
Step 3: Submit your application
Submit the online form by the deadline (with all supporting documents). Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.
After submission: Relax, but stay alert. Some programs send confirmations; monitor your email (including spam).
If there is any required follow-up (e.g., interview, additional writing)—make sure you respond promptly.
Step 4: If accepted → Prepare for the summer
Be ready for the time commitment: The 2025 program, for example, ran Monday, June 16 to Friday, July 25 for six weeks, about 30 hours per week.
Plan your logistics: transportation, summer schedule, family/friends’ expectations.
Think ahead: What do you want to get out of the experience? What skills do you want to build? What connections do you hope to make?
Go in with a growth mindset: Be ready to show up on-time, engage fully, ask questions, learn openly, and reflect. This isn’t “just summer fun” —it’s a career-exploration launchpad.
Step 5: Use the experience effectively
Keep a journal or log of what you’re doing, learning, contributing. Why? Because you’ll refer back to this for college essays and future resumes.
Network: Develop mentors, ask smart questions, build relationships with fellow interns.
Reflect: At the end of the six weeks, think about what surprised you, what you loved, what you’d do differently. That reflection can become powerful writing material for college apps.
Why this opportunity matters (and how to leverage it for college & beyond)
There are a bunch of possible benefits from Meta Summer Academy. Here are a few.
1. Real-world exposure
You get to see how a major tech company operates, which gives you concrete experience and insight into careers, teams, product design, tech development, even workplace culture.
2. Skill building (hard + soft)
You’ll build technical (coding, engineering, data) skills and professional skills (communication, problem-solving, working in a team, deadlines) that serve you no matter your major or career.
3. Strengthen your college application
Having a high caliber experience like this can show things like initiative, maturity, leadership potential, willingness to learn. Admission officers notice (for more on “Admission Nutrients”, check out that guide).
4. Network and community
You’ll meet mentors and peers who are serious about similar paths. That network can support you in the future (college, internships, jobs).
5. Clarify your direction
Doing this kind of experience helps you ask: “Do I like tech? Product? Design? Business? Engineering? Do I want to pursue this further?” The sooner you know, the better you can align high school, college, and career choices.
For your college apps…
On your college essays: Reflect on how the experience changed you. What did you learn? How did you grow? What are you going to do next?
Be ready to write about the project you worked on, what you found challenging, what you enjoyed, and what you’ll do differently.
What insights did you gain? How did the experience shift your understanding, or maybe even world view?
Final Thoughts
Just remember that this is more than just “I’ll have something to put on my résumé.” It’s about stepping into a growth zone, where you explore what you're capable of, what you’re curious about, and who you want to become.
Here’s a quick self-check:
Do I have the time this summer (~30 hours/week for 6 weeks)?
Am I ready to commit to showing up, learning, reflecting?
Do I live in the eligible region?
Do I want to build tech-adjacent skills and explore a professional environment?
Can I prepare my transcript, recommendation, and application by the deadline)?
If you answered yes to those—probably go for it. If you answered no to some, give it some thought, but also explore similar programs elsewhere, like
The Research Science Institute (RSI)
The Princeton Summer Journalism Program
Telluride Association Summer Seminar
The most important thing is the mindset: be curious, be proactive, be ready to grow.
Andrew Simpson, CEG’s Editorial Director, has worked as an educator, consultant, and curriculum writer for the past 20 years, and earned degrees from Stanford in Political Science and Drama. He feels most at home on mountain tops and in oceans.
Top Values: Insight/Growth | Truth | Integrity
