10 Summer Internships in Atlanta for High School Students
If you are a high school student in Atlanta, these summer internships should definitely be on your radar! They can give you a glimpse into the professional world in a field of your interest, while equipping you with practical skills and knowledge. Internships offer an opportunity for you to explore different industries, understand workplace dynamics, and build a strong network. An internship experience will also help you make informed decisions about which field you wish to pursue in the future!
An internship significantly enhances your college applications, as admission officers seek students who are dedicated and driven. Participating in a summer internship demonstrates initiative, a willingness to learn, and the ability to apply academic knowledge in real-world settings, setting you apart from other applicants.
Here’s 10 of the best summer internships for high schoolers in Atlanta!
1. STEM @GTRI
Cost/Stipend: Free. Students will receive a stipend.
Application Deadline: January 21, 2024
Program Dates: June 10, 2024 - July 19, 2024
Eligibility:
Be a Georgia resident attending a public, private, charter, or home school in Georgia
Be at least 16 years old by April 1, 2024.
Be in the high school graduating class of 2024, 2025, or 2026.
Location: Georgia Tech Research Institute, Atlanta, GA
At the Georgia Tech Research Institute (GTRI), you will have the opportunity to dive into STEM subjects through a five-week paid summer internship. This program places interns in GTRI laboratories, including a field office in Warner Robins, providing them with hands-on experience in cutting-edge science and engineering research projects. You will work under the mentorship of GTRI researchers on a range of projects, covering robotics, cybersecurity, rapid prototyping, app development and more.
In addition to conducting research, you will be expected to engage in a series of enrichment activities including workplace orientation, lab tours, and specialized training sessions in areas like soldering and circuit board design. This is complemented by regular interactions with GTRI and Georgia Tech researchers, as well as undergraduate and graduate students. The internship ends with a final presentation, where interns showcase the outcomes of their projects in their teams.
Cost: $1990. Some financial aid is offered.
Application Deadline: Multiple deadlines throughout the year. Summer cohort: April 14, 2024 (Regular Admission 1) | May 12, 2024 (Regular Admission 2).
Program Dates: 8-week programs with multiple cohorts throughout the year.
Eligibility: Open to all high school students, who can work for 10-20 hours/week, for 8-12 weeks. These internships are also open to undergraduates and gap-year students!
Location: Virtual!
Ladder Internships is a selective program that offers students virtual internship opportunities at startups and nonprofits around the world. The startups range across a variety of industries, and you can choose which field you wish to intern in. This is also a great opportunity for students to explore areas they think they might be interested in, and better understand professional career opportunities in those areas.
The fields include technology, machine learning and AI, finance, environmental science and sustainability, business and marketing, healthcare and medicine, media and journalism and more. You can explore all the options here on their application form. As part of the internship, you will work on a real-world project that is of genuine need to the startup, and present your work at the end of their internship. In addition to working closely with your manager from the startup, you will also work with a Ladder Coach. Interns are offered one-on-one training in communication, time management and other such valuable skills and will also have the opportunity to attend group training sessions with other interns in their cohort.
Cost/Stipend: There is no cost. Students will receive a stipend
Application Deadline: January 31, 2024
Program Dates: May 29, 2024 - July 9, 2024
Eligibility:
Completion of sophomore year in high school and it's your first time participating in the program.
16 years old by the program start date.
Location: University of Georgia, Athens, GA (about 1 hour from Atlanta)
The University of Georgia's Young Scholars Program (YSP) offers a paid summer internship that allows students to explore agricultural, food, and environmental sciences. This five-week program will be oriented around scientific research, allowing you to work 30 hours a week alongside UGA faculty mentors. You will be actively engaged in hands-on research projects. The program also includes workshops and visits to agricultural operations, broadening your understanding of the field and the variety of careers available in agriculture.
On completing your research project, you will present your findings at the Young Scholars Pre-Collegiate Research Conference during the final three days of the program. This poster presentation offers you the opportunity to hone your communication skills by discussing your work with peers, faculty, and professionals.
Cost/Stipend: There is no cost. Students will receive a stipend
Application Deadline: March 21, 2024
Program Dates: June 10, 2024 - July 19, 2024
Eligibility: Students who are members of the classes of 2024 and 2025 are eligible to apply.
Location: Atlanta, GA
The Atlanta Bar Association Summer Law Internship Program (SLIP) is a great way for you to gain firsthand experience in the legal profession. Established in 1993, SLIP offers valuable work experience, enhances your understanding of the law, fosters mentor relationships within the Atlanta legal community, and increases diversity within the legal field. You will be engaged in a rigorous program that combines practical work assignments with educational enrichment, ensuring a comprehensive introduction to the legal system. The program is structured around weekly All Intern Meetings (AIMs) that feature guest speakers and progress tests to assess interns' understanding of the material covered.
Beyond the work experience, the internship includes an educational component that requires you to engage with topical legal issues. A significant part of the program is the Terrence Croft Essay Competition, where interns write a 750-word essay on a United States Supreme Court decision. This not only deepens their legal knowledge but also enhances their research, writing, and analytical skills.
Cost/Stipend: There is no cost. Students will receive a stipend
Application Deadline: February 12, 2024
Program Dates: June 10, 2024 - July 19, 2024
Eligibility: Rising and graduating high school seniors who will be at least 17 years old by the start of the program
Location: Emory Winship Cancer Institute, Atlanta, GA
Through the Emory University Winship Summer Scholars Research Program you will have the opportunity to dive into cancer research. This six-week program offers the opportunity to work one-on-one with a Winship physician or lab-based researcher, conducting significant research in a real lab or clinical setting. It will immerse you in the field of oncology, with field trips to prestigious institutions like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention David J. Sencer Museum and the Georgia Institute of Technology. Additionally, you'll learn from lectures by various specialists in oncology-related careers.
This program ends with a presentation at a symposium on the last day of the program, where you're encouraged to showcase your research findings to Winship doctors, researchers, graduate students, as well as family and teachers. Through mentorship, lectures, and hands-on research, the Winship Summer Scholars Research Program offers a comprehensive introduction to the challenges and rewards of cancer research.
Cost/Stipend: There is no cost. Students will receive a stipend
Application Deadline: February 16, 2024
Program Dates: June 3, 2024 - July 10, 2024
Eligibility:
Rising high school juniors and seniors
Must be 16 years old by June 3, 2024
Must be from a historically underrepresented minority group
Location: Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA
The Next Gen High School Internship Program at Emory University's Department of Human Genetics is designed for students from underrepresented minorities in STEM fields. Recognizing that students come from varied educational backgrounds and may not have had equal exposure to STEM disciplines, the program is structured to accommodate all levels of prior experience. Interns will benefit from a combination of lectures for general knowledge and hands-on experience in both laboratory and clinical settings, ensuring a comprehensive learning experience.
You will be paired with mentors who will guide you through your projects, offering valuable insights and support to help them meet the learning objectives of the program. Beyond the summer internship, the Department of Human Genetics at Emory University continues to engage students with activities and programs throughout the school year.
Cost/Stipend: There is no cost. Students will be paid $15 per hour
Application Deadline: April 19, 2024
Program Dates: June 3, 2024 - August 2, 2024
Eligibility: All high school students are eligible.
Location: ACLU, Atlanta, GA
The ACLU Georgia Internship Program is a great opportunity for you to work across various departments in the union, including legal, policy, communications, community engagement, and development. It provides a practical learning environment for those interested in the intricacies of civil liberties and civil rights within Georgia. Based on your interests and career aspirations, you can participate in a range of activities from recruiting and training volunteers, supporting event creation and coordination, to conducting legal research and drafting memoranda. This diversity in roles ensures that every intern has the chance to contribute significantly to the union’s mission while gaining invaluable experience in their chosen area.
Interns are not only involved in the day-to-day operations but also in broader initiatives that impact the community and state at large. For instance, those in the Community Engagement position work on the front lines, interacting directly with volunteers and the public to drive ACLU’s initiatives forward. Development interns dive into the critical behind-the-scenes work of fundraising and donor management, essential for the organization's sustainability. Legal interns engage deeply with litigation efforts, offering a rigorous experience for law students interested in civil liberties litigation. Policy interns research and analyze legislation, contributing to informed advocacy and decision-making, while Voter Rights interns play a pivotal role in ensuring free and fair elections through volunteer organization and policy analysis.
Cost/Stipend: There is no cost. Students will receive a stipend
Application Deadline: March 3, 2024
Program Dates: Eight week summer intensive under an academic year program
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors are eligible to apply. Applicants must be enrolled full time in high school for the 2023–2024 year.
Location: High Museum of Art, Atlanta, GA
The High Museum of Art's Teen Team program invites fifteen high school students to immerse themselves in the world of art, culture, and history. Teen team members are provided with a unique platform to develop civic and team-building skills, while also exploring a variety of professional careers and pathways within the arts. The program offers you behind-the-scenes access to the museum, allowing you to assist in the planning of Teen Nights and other public events. Moreover, you will gain knowledge about the museum's exhibitions and collections.
Throughout the Teen Team program, which includes a summer intensive and continues with involvement throughout the school year, you will work on a variety of projects aimed at engaging teens, youths, and families with the museum's offerings. Interaction with High Museum staff and arts professionals further enriches the experience, offering mentorship and learning opportunities.
Cost/Stipend: There is no cost. Students will receive a stipend
Application Deadline: February 23, 2024
Program Dates: 5 weeks starting June 3 or June 10, 2024
Eligibility: High school students at least 16 years old to apply and be available to work between the dates of June 1st and July 31st
Location: Technology Association of Georgia, Atlanta, GA
The TAG-Ed High School Summer Internship Program is ideal for high school students interested in the technology sector, offering a blend of real-world experience and hands-on learning within the STEM fields. As an intern, you will engage in projects that not only enhance your technical skills but also provide a clear insight into the professional environment of your chosen field.
The structure of the TAG-Ed internship fosters a collaborative environment by pairing two or more interns on a project, guided by a professional with expertise in the relevant field. The projects come with clear goals and objectives, ensuring that interns have a focused direction and a sense of purpose throughout the program.
Cost/Stipend: There is no cost. Students will receive a stipend
Application Deadline: April 12, 2024
Program Dates: 8 weeks over the summer
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors, seniors, and recent graduates from eligible communities, including Atlanta. Interns must come from families with an income below the HUD Median Family Income (MFI) in their county
Location:
Explore construction management with DPR's Build Up High School Internship, a program specifically designed for high school students interested in exploring the vast sector of commercial construction. Over the course of eight weeks, you will commit 35-40 hours each week to work in-person, directly within a job trailer alongside a project team dedicated to constructing a significant commercial construction venture. This hands-on experience allows you to witness and contribute to the complexities of managing a multi-million-dollar project, offering a unique perspective on the collaborative, innovative, and technical aspects that underpin the construction industry.
You will undertake an 8-week Capstone Project, which culminates in a presentation to your peers and professionals. The internship encourages confidence in professional interactions, inviting you to ask questions, receive feedback, and engage in discussions with adults in a professional setting. The program facilitates mentor relationships in construction, engineering, and architecture, offering guidance, insights, and connections.
One other option - Lumiere Research Scholar Program
If you are interested in doing university-level research, then you could also consider applying to the Lumiere Research Scholar Program, a selective online high school program for students founded by Harvard and Oxford researchers. Last year, the program had over 4000 students apply for 500 spots in the program! You can find the application form here.
Stephen is one of the founders of Lumiere and a Harvard College graduate. He founded Lumiere as a Ph.D. student at Harvard Business School. Lumiere is a selective research program where students work 1-1 with a research mentor to develop an independent research paper.
Image Source: GTRI logo