Applying for internships in high school provides students with real-world work experience, allowing them to apply theoretical knowledge gained in the classroom to practical situations. Completing internships demonstrates initiative, motivation, and a proactive approach to learning. Moreover, early exposure to real-world applications of math through internships can positively impact a student’s college application. Proficiency in math is often considered a strong indicator of analytical and logical reasoning skills, which are essential in many academic disciplines. 

Demonstrating accelerated math by completing a challenging internship showcases a student’s intellectual curiosity and academic rigor. Additionally, strong math skills are often required for admission to competitive programs, especially in fields such as science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). All in all, picking up a math internship enhances a student’s overall academic profile, contributing to a competitive college application. In this blog, we have curated ten math internships for high school students. 

1. MIT’s Research Science Institute (RSI)

Cost/Stipend: Fully funded, stipend provided, $40 application fee with a need-based refund.

Location: Massachusetts Institute of Technology (Cambridge, MA)

Application Deadline: Closed for 2024. To be announced for 2025.

Program Dates: 6 weeks, specific dates to be announced for 2025

Eligibility: High School Juniors only (U.S. and International)

Note: We’ve detailed how you can build a strong application to get into RSI here.

Each year, the Research Science Institute (RSI) welcomes 100 exceptionally talented high school students to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). What sets RSI apart is its distinction as the pioneering, fully-funded summer STEM program that seamlessly integrates on-campus theoretical coursework with off-campus immersion in science and technology research. Every year, approximately twelve RSI students have the privilege of engaging in mathematics research projects. The MIT Mathematics Department Faculty Advisors for RSI meticulously pair each student with a mathematics graduate student mentor who shares compatible interests. 

Working closely with an MIT faculty advisor, the graduate student mentor collaborates to formulate a research project tailored to the student’s strengths and interests. Throughout the RSI program, the graduate student mentors conduct daily meetings with their mentees, providing guidance, feedback, and support. The RSI faculty advisors overseeing these mathematical endeavors are Prof. David Jerison and Prof. Ankur Moitra, while André Dixon serves as the program assistant. This collaborative approach ensures that RSI students immersed in mathematical research receive personalized attention and mentoring from experienced individuals in the field.

2. Ladder Internships (Math Track)

Cost/Stipend: Starting from $1,990. A stipend may be provided. Financial assistance is available.

Location: Remote! You can work from anywhere in the world.

Application Deadline:

• Spring cohort: February 18, 2024

• Summer cohort (Early): February 18, 2024

• Summer cohort (Regular): April 14, 2024

Program Dates: Multiple cohorts run throughout the year.

Eligibility:

• Students who can work for 10–15 hours/week, for 8–12 weeks are welcome to apply.

• The program invites applications from high school students, undergraduates, and gap year students.
  

Ladder Internships, designed exclusively for high school students, provides virtual internship opportunities with startups and nonprofits worldwide, spanning diverse industries, including math. Participants have the flexibility to choose the industry they are passionate about and gain practical experience in their selected field. Engaging in hands-on projects relevant to the host company, students delve into real-world research to apply their classroom knowledge in a professional setting.

In the math track, interns may work on collecting, analyzing, and interpreting data sets. They could be involved in statistical modeling and hypothesis testing. Tasks might also include creating visualizations to communicate findings. Throughout the internship, students will benefit from dual mentorship. Their manager at the organization offers direct guidance, while a dedicated Ladder coach serves as a secondary mentor, assisting them in navigating the professional landscape. This holistic approach ensures that students not only contribute effectively to their projects but also develop crucial professional competencies.

We’ve covered Ladder Internships in depth here!

3. Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) Scholars Program

Cost/Stipend: Fully funded, stipend provided.

Location: Kirtland/AMOS, Eglin/Hurlbert air force bases

Application Deadline: This may vary based on the AFRL sites and/or projects to which you are applying.

Program Dates: Varies from project to project, but you can expect it to be during the summer months for 9 weeks.

Eligibility: High schoolers with a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale, who are US citizens and have a valid driver’s license. You must also be eligible to work 40 hours a week for summer internship positions.

For ambitious upper-level high school students with a keen interest in aerospace engineering, the AFRL program presents an enriching summer opportunity before college. Upon selection, you’ll benefit from mentorship provided by seasoned AFRL scientists and engineers, guiding you through immersive experiences, including laboratory tours and hands-on involvement in groundbreaking research and technology. Your engagement in the program may involve delving into aerospace and mechanical design, specifically focusing on cutting-edge technologies like morphing aircraft.

These opportunities extend beyond the undergraduate and graduate levels, welcoming high school students to participate. Ensure you filter for specific opportunities tailored to high school students. As a math-focused participant, you might find yourself contributing to areas like pioneering data structures for advanced satellite navigation signals, or engaging in experimental navigation satellite signals simulation and testing.

4. NASA and UT Austin’s SEES High School Summer Intern Program

Cost/Stipend: Fully-funded

Location: Hybrid (On-site experience at the University of Austin, Texas campus)

Application Deadline: February 24, 2024

Program Dates:

• May 1 — Aug 4, 2024 (sophomores)

• May 1 — July 20, 2024 (juniors)

Eligibility: High school sophomores and juniors who hold U.S. citizenship can apply.

For high school students with a passion for mathematics, the SEES competition stands as a highly prestigious and fiercely competitive opportunity. Hosted by UT Austin in collaboration with NASA, this national-level internship program offers the chance to collaborate with NASA subject matter experts, delving into Earth and space research.

As a math enthusiast participating in SEES, you play a crucial role in analyzing and visualizing data, essential skills that drive project advancement and form the foundational knowledge sought in aerospace engineering. The program incorporates a virtual learning component, providing a unique opportunity to enhance your mathematical skills in the context of real-world research. 

Following the virtual phase, an onsite experience at the University of Texas, Austin awaits, where you can immerse yourself in the collaborative atmosphere of a prestigious research institution. One of the highlights is the chance to present your research at the Virtual SEES Science Symposium, showcasing your contributions to Earth and space research. 

5. MIT Lincoln Laboratory Radar Introduction for Student Engineers

Cost/Stipend: Fully funded. Students only pay for their transportation to and from MIT. Transportation to Lincoln Laboratory will be provided.

Locations: Held at both the MIT campus in Cambridge, MA, and Lincoln Laboratory in Lexington, MA.

Application Deadline: March 7, 2024

Program Dates: July 14— July 27, 2024

Eligibility: Open to rising seniors passionate about STEM who hold US citizenship.

For math enthusiasts with a specific interest in radar systems, MIT’s LLRISE program provides an ideal internship opportunity. Taking place throughout July, this program focuses on equipping participants with the skills to construct small radar systems, including both Doppler and range radar. This immersive experience offers the chance to work alongside highly talented scientists and engineers, delving into the mathematical principles that underpin radar technology. 

As an attendee, you’ll not only gain hands-on experience in building radar systems but also receive expert guidance to enhance your understanding of the mathematical intricacies involved. Conducted at two prestigious locations — the MIT campus in Cambridge, MA, and Lincoln Laboratory in Lexington, MA — the workshop provides a unique blend of theoretical knowledge and practical application.

6. NASA Office of STEM Engagements (OSTEM) Internships

Cost/Stipend: No application cost. A stipend is provided, based on academic level and session length.

Location: These internships are offered across NASA facilities. Students may select roles based on the cities they are in.

Application deadline: The office also offers internships in the Summer, Fall, and Spring, deadlines for which are different. Check for updates!

Eligibility: Internships are available for full-time high school students who meet a minimum 3.0 GPA requirement and are US citizens.

Program dates: These internships are offered in 3 sessions — Summer (10-week program, from late May or early June to August) Fall (16-week program, from late August or early September to mid-December) | Spring (16-week program, from mid-January to early May) |

NASA’s Office of STEM Engagements provides paid internships at its various locations nationwide, presenting a remarkable opportunity for high school students with a passion for mathematics. Participants have the chance to collaborate on ongoing projects within the agency, working closely with a NASA mentor. Internships within this program cover a spectrum of math-related subjects and disciplines, offering exposure to areas such as applied mathematics, data analysis, and mathematical modeling. 

This opportunity is an example of a NASA internship for students interested in math, particularly data visualization, modeling, and analysis. Responsibilities encompass the assessment of data gathered during the snow seasons spanning 2017 to 2020, identifying and rectifying errors, and contributing to the formatting and analysis process to ensure data readiness for archival purposes. Proficiency in data analysis and scripting is preferred as candidates will craft metadata, generate charts, and prepare presentation materials aimed at introducing the data to the broader snow research community.

7. University of Maryland MathQuantum Summer Research Program 

Cost/Stipend: No cost. Fall and Spring fellows receive a stipend of $2,500 along with an additional $1,000 allocated for conference or workshop attendance. Summer fellows, with an intensive 8-week commitment, enjoy a stipend of $5,200, housing at the UMD College Park campus, $1,000 for conference or workshop attendance, and an additional $500 to cover travel for those outside Washington DC.

Location: University of Maryland, College Park, MD.

Application Deadline: TBA for 2024–25.

Program Dates: 6 weeks in the Spring, or Fall, and 8 weeks in Summer. Specific dates are unspecified.

Eligibility:

• Must be working/interested in Mathematics, Computer Science, or Physics and interested in quantum.

• Fall and Spring fellows must be UMD College Park students or students at a local institution able to commute to campus while Summer fellows can be from anywhere.

• Must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents (non-U.S. persons may apply but cannot receive a stipend).

Although the MathQuantum Summer Research Program is a fellowship, it offers its candidates an internship stipend, in-depth research, and one-on-one mentorship, with no application cost. This program caters to two primary categories of candidates: current mathematics students seeking entry into the realm of quantum information science (QIS) and those with varying levels of experience in QIS aiming to enhance their expertise with stronger mathematical skills.

For individuals with a foundational background in mathematics but limited exposure to quantum information science, the program serves as a gateway into this exciting research area. The program also prioritizes professional development and networking, focusing on broader impacts and proposal writing, complemented by personalized one-on-one career mentoring and guidance.

8. Texas Tech University’s Anson L. Clark Scholars Program

Cost/Stipend: No cost, the program provides a $750 stipend. On-campus meals, room and board, and weekend activities/programming are covered. Travel to and from the program location and personal and medical expenses are not covered.

Location: Texas Tech University (Lubbock, TX)

Application Deadline: TBA for 2024–25

Program Dates: TBA for 2024–25

Eligibility: At least 17 years of age by the program start date, and should graduate in 2023 or 2024 (U.S. and International)

The Anson L. Clark Scholar Program at Texas Tech University provides an exceptional opportunity for 12 highly qualified high school juniors and seniors, including those with a strong passion for mathematics. This unique program spans a concentrated 7-week summer research internship, allowing students to choose a subject of their interest, including mathematics.

For math enthusiasts participating in the program, the pathway to delve into their chosen research area involves collaborating closely with experienced faculty members. Through mentorship and guidance, students can tailor their research projects to incorporate mathematical principles and methodologies. Whether it’s exploring mathematical modeling, data analysis, or any other math-centric approach, the program offers the flexibility for students to apply their passion for mathematics to the subject of their choice.

9. Stanford University’s SHTEM Summer Internships for High School Students

Cost/Stipend: $50 application fee, no stipend provided

Location: Virtual

Program Dates: June 17 — August 9, 2024

Application Deadline: March 1st, 2024

Eligibility: 

• Must be currently a high school junior or senior in the 2023–2024 school year (i.e. 11th or 12th grade at the time of application).

• Must be at least 14 by June 17.
  

SHTEM (Science, Humanities, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) is a prestigious virtual internship opportunity for ambitious high school students and community college students that blends the traditional disciplinary boundaries between STEM and Humanities subjects. Participants will be assembled into diverse projects tailored to capitalize on their current interests and strengths, providing exposure to new areas of exploration. These projects, guided by mentors from the Stanford Compression Forum and affiliated organizations, offer a unique opportunity to explore the application of mathematics across diverse disciplines.

These projects will receive guidance from mentors, including students, faculty, and staff associated with the Stanford Compression Forum and its affiliated organizations. Math enthusiasts can expect to engage in mathematical modeling, data analysis, and algorithm development within the context of information and communication sciences. The interdisciplinary nature of the projects will also involve mathematical contributions to engineering, linguistics, psychology, biology, neuroscience, computer science, technology, philosophy, and design.

10. Boston University RISE Internship in Mathematics and Statistics

Cost/Stipend: $5,350 for tuition not including room and board, $3,120 / $3,426 for meals, $50 application fee. Financial aid is available. Find more information on costs here. Information on stipend not specified.

Location: Boston University, MA

Application Deadline: TBA for 2024–25

Program Dates: TBA for 2024–25

Eligibility:

• Must be entering their senior year of high school the same year they attend the program
  

If your passion lies in hands-on research within the realm of Mathematics and Statistics, the Research in Science & Engineering (RISE) Internship Track at Boston University offers an immersive opportunity to delve into the diverse facets of university laboratory research. Navigate through the departmental websites and faculty profiles available on this page to explore the exciting research landscape at BU. This exploration will not only familiarize you with the ongoing research at the university but also help you identify professors whose research aligns with your mathematical interests.

As a RISE Internship student in Mathematics and Statistics, you will actively engage in a research project, honing valuable technical and analytical skills throughout the program. The culmination of your efforts will be showcased in the Poster Symposium. In certain instances, research interns may even have the chance to submit their work to prestigious national competitions such as the Regeneron Science Talent Search.

One more option — the Lumiere Research Scholar Program

If you are interested in doing university-level research in mathematics, then you could also consider applying to the Lumiere Research Scholar Program, a selective online high school program for students founded with researchers at Harvard and Oxford. Last year, over 4000 students applied for 500 spots in the program! You can find the application form here. Also check out the Lumiere Research Inclusion Foundation, a non-profit research program for talented, low-income students.

Trisha Malhotra, an Ashoka University alumna, has 5 years of experience being a freelance writer and currently writes for Lumiere Education. She is passionate about music, reading, and Brazilian jiu-jitsu, as well as a devoted cat parent.

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