15 Art Internships for High School Students in the Bay Area
- Stephen Turban
- Aug 12
- 11 min read
Updated: Oct 10
If you’re a high school student in the Bay Area interested in visual/performance arts, design, or a related field, art internships can be a powerful way to prepare for college and future creative careers. From painting and sculpture to curation and exhibition design, the Bay Area is home to a vibrant arts scene that offers a range of teen-focused opportunities to sharpen your skills and explore real-world artistic work.
Art internships for high school students in the Bay Area offer various opportunities to connect with professional artists and mentors in the region, work on meaningful creative projects with local communities, and build a strong portfolio for future college and professional opportunities. As an intern, you will also get a taste of what it is like to work in museums, art galleries, or studios while developing communication, design, and collaboration skills.
Whether you’re hoping to pursue a career in fine arts or simply want to challenge yourself creatively, internships are a valuable place to start.
To help you in your search for such opportunities, here is a list of 15 art internships for high school students in the Bay Area.
Location: Virtual
Program dates: Summer cohort II starts from July 14; multiple cohorts run year-round
Application deadline: Multiple deadlines throughout the year; June 23 for summer cohort II
Eligibility: High school students, undergrads, and gap-year students; selected students must commit to working 10–20 hours per week
Ladder Internships offers virtual internships where you get to take on real-world digital projects in partnership with early-stage startups. In the Web Design Track, you will engage in tasks that contribute to establishing or enhancing the visual identity and digital presence of your host company. You will work on tasks like layout design, user interface (UI) development, and branding using tools such as Figma, HTML/CSS, and other platforms. You will be guided by a startup mentor as well as a Ladder Coach who will offer weekly 1:1 support and skill-building workshops. The internship emphasizes professional growth, helping you build portfolio-ready deliverables by the end of the program. This track is meant for students interested in design, user experience, and digital art within a startup environment.
Location: Exploratorium, San Francisco, CA
Cost/Stipend: Paid; stipend amount not specified
Program dates: School year and summer sessions available; dates vary
Application deadline: Typically July for the school-year program; March for the summer program
Eligibility: Students who are 17–21 years old and have valid work permits
The High School Explainer: PACE (Professional Advancement & Career Exposure) Program at the Exploratorium offers students hybrid hands-on experiences in science, art, and museum education. As a PACE participant, you’ll explore roles in exhibit maintenance, public programs, cinema arts, biology labs, and program administration. The internship focuses on providing you with interactive, visitor-facing work that can help you develop communication skills and professional confidence while contributing to the museum’s dynamic learning environment. You will also undergo training covering aspects like exhibit facilitation, science content, career readiness, professional/academic development, and mentorship. During the program, you will be paid and supported through structured training, making it a unique opportunity to build professional experience in a creative, interdisciplinary setting.
Location: San Francisco Center for the Book, San Francisco, CA
Cost/Stipend: No cost; unpaid volunteering opportunity
Program dates: Year-round; flexible scheduling
Application deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Teens and adults who are 14+ years old
The San Francisco Center for the Book offers hands-on volunteer opportunities that introduce high school students to the art of bookmaking, printmaking, and letterpress. As a youth volunteer, you will support instructors during workshops, assist with printing equipment and tools, and help prepare materials for community programs and exhibitions. The center offers opportunities to work with traditional and experimental book arts in a collaborative studio environment. You will gain practical experience with fine art processes and exposure to a vibrant community of artists and educators. The program’s flexible scheduling and focus on skill-building make this an opportunity to consider if you are looking to engage with the local arts scene in a tactile, meaningful way.
Location: Youth Art Exchange, San Francisco, CA
Cost/Stipend: Free; stipend not specified
Program dates: Summer (exact dates vary by year)
Application deadline: Rolling; you can check the official website for the latest updates
Eligibility: Current San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD) high school students
Youth Art Exchange (YAX) offers a summer internship for high school students passionate about art education, community engagement, and creative collaboration. You will assist teaching artists with preparing and managing materials for classes, provide student support during workshops, and contribute to a positive and inclusive learning environment. You will work with mediums such as painting, collage, and sculpture while gaining experience in classroom management, youth engagement, and program coordination. This is an opportunity for SFUSD students to connect with local artists and explore a future in arts education. You will also benefit from mentorship and hands-on involvement in dynamic, community-oriented programs.
Location: University of California’s Institute of the Arts and Sciences, Santa Cruz, CA + trips to San Francisco and surrounding areas
Cost/Stipend: Free with transportation and lunch included; a small stipend or community service hours provided
Program dates: Five weeks (summer; exact dates vary annually)
Application deadline: March 10
Eligibility: Rising juniors and seniors from Santa Cruz County
The IAS Summer Internship introduces high school students to the intersection of contemporary art and social justice through immersive, hands-on learning. Over five weeks, you will get some exposure to galleries, murals, and museums while developing artistic literacy and understanding how art addresses issues like climate change, incarceration, and migration. You will also get a behind-the-scenes look at installation, curation, and event planning, and get to collaborate with peers on real projects such as First Friday exhibitions and audio guide production. The program offers field trips to San Francisco’s Mission District, Stanford’s Cantor Arts Center, and partner institutions, blending cultural exploration with skill-building. As an intern, you will also be mentored by local arts professionals and get to work closely with peers in a supportive, community-oriented environment.
Location: Various arts-based organizations in San Francisco, CA
Cost/Stipend: No cost; $18.67/hour stipend
Program dates: Vary; seven weeks in the summer
Application deadline: May 1
Eligibility: Students who are 14 – 17 years old, living in San Francisco, and are low-income according to San Francisco Public Housing Eligibility Standards
California Lawyers for the Arts is a nonprofit that offers paid summer internships to high school students interested in the arts. As an intern, you will work 16 hours a week at an arts-focused organization like the African American Art and Culture Complex, Mission Cultural Center for Latino Arts, Root Division, Southern Exposure, Yerba Buena Center for the Arts, and Youth Art Exchange. You can indicate your interests, which could be any art form (visual arts, music, cultural storytelling, theater, etc), to work with a corresponding work site. Throughout the internship, you will receive hands-on job training and opportunities to learn about careers in the arts. You will also get to engage in workshops, exercises, tours of art facilities, sessions led by art veterans, and professional and skill development sessions. College counseling is another key component of the program, offering you insights into the college application process as well as academic and career pathways.
Location: Meta Headquarters, Menlo Park, CA
Cost/Stipend: Stipend provided; amount varies year to year
Program dates: June 16 – July 25
Application deadline: February 14
Eligibility: High school sophomores with a minimum 2.0 GPA who reside in East Palo Alto, Belle Haven, North Fair Oaks, or Redwood City
The Meta Summer Academy introduces high school students to a range of creative and professional careers through immersive workshops and mentorship in a major tech setting. While grounded in technology, the program offers exposure to art and media, making it a great fit for students interested in digital creativity. Over six weeks, you will develop skills in coding, financial literacy, and visual storytelling while learning directly from Meta employees through hands-on projects. You will also have access to professional mentorship, peer networking opportunities, and career exploration workshops, gaining insights into both creative and non-technical roles within the tech industry. The program is selective and focused on supporting local Bay Area youth in underrepresented communities.
Location: San Jose Stage Company, San Jose, CA
Stipend: Minimum wages are paid at an hourly rate
Program dates: Flexible; based on applicant availability
Application deadline: Open year-round
Eligibility: High school students
The San Jose Stage Company offers flexible internships to high school students interested in the performing arts and arts administration. As an intern, you will gain experience in stage management, technical production, marketing, and administration, all while collaborating with professionals in a live theater setting. You will be actively involved in the day-to-day operations of a working theater, gaining exposure to rehearsals, performances, and behind-the-scenes planning. Whether you’re drawn to acting, directing, set design, or arts leadership, this internship provides opportunities to build real-world skills and access mentorship in a vibrant cultural space. It can also help you explore the intersection of performing and visual arts in a professional environment.
Location: Institute of Contemporary Art San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
Stipend: $500 stipend for participation
Program dates: November 16 – February 22
Application deadline: October 15
Eligibility: Bay Area students who are 14–18 years old
ICA SF’s Teen Program offers high school students a paid opportunity to explore personal storytelling and contemporary art through zine-making. Led by City Studio teaching artists, the program is inspired by current exhibitions and centers on self-expression, collaborative publishing, and community engagement. During the program, you’ll attend weekly in-person meetings to learn about artists like Maryam Yousif and Kathleen Ryan, explore different media, and use the Mobile Zine-Making Studio and Mobile Art Bike to design your own zines. By the end of the program, you will co-organize a public zine and poetry festival and share your work with a wider audience. Through the program, you will also be eligible for a scholarship toward an undergraduate degree at the California College of the Arts (CCA), making this both a creative and career-building experience.
Location: Various locations across San Francisco, depending on internship placement
Cost/Stipend: No cost; weekly stipends are paid
Program dates: Six weeks in summer; a commitment of 20 hours/week
Application deadline: February 29
Eligibility: Sophomores and juniors, with priority given to rising seniors
The SFUSD Work-Based Learning Summer Internships offer high school students paid experience across a wide range of industries, including media, animation, and marketing, ideal for students interested in creative fields. You can choose an area of interest and will be matched with relevant local organizations to get some insights into career pathways through mentorship and hands-on projects. During the program, you will get to work with a mentor and attend weekly learning seminars with them. Creative arts-focused tracks allow you to explore visual communication, storytelling, and digital production while working in professional settings. You will also build critical soft skills such as communication, time management, and workplace collaboration.
Location: Multiple sites across Northern California, including the Bay Area
Stipend: Offered; amount varies depending on the role
Program dates: July – August
Application deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: High school and college students aged 16 and older
Galileo Camps’ Summer Internships give high school students a chance to gain paid work experience while supporting creative, hands-on learning environments for younger campers. As an intern, you’ll help with the organization and functioning of summer camps and choose from a variety of roles like lesson assistant, activities planner, logistics coordinator, and operations support. You will collaborate with a team of educators, artists, and staff to ensure smooth daily camp operations. You will also assist in camp and activity setup and takedown, and help lead activities (can be art-based) that foster creativity and innovation. This opportunity can offer you opportunities for leadership training, arts-based engagement, and behind-the-scenes experience in youth education.
Location: Rock Paper Scissors Collective, Oakland, CA
Cost/Stipend: Free; academic credit may be available
Program dates: Customizable; varies by intern and project
Application deadline: Rolling; contact for availability
Eligibility: Students who are 15 – 25 years old
The Rock Paper Scissors Collective (RPSC) in Oakland offers a flexible, community-based arts internship that blends creativity with leadership and professional development. As a youth intern, you will work closely with a collective member mentor to design and implement a personal art-based project while developing curating, organizing, and entrepreneurship skills. The program has collaborated with the Oakland Museum of California, First Place for Youth, Bay Area Community Services, and the Oakland Public Library. Past participants have gone on to earn scholarships to prestigious art schools like CCA. This internship emphasizes community engagement and artistic growth and is tailored to meet your individual goals in a collaborative and socially conscious art environment. You may be able to get academic credit for your participation; however, this has to be arranged in discussion with your school.
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: Unpaid; community service hours provided
Program dates: Summer; exact dates vary by internship role
Application deadline: Rolling till the position is filled
Eligibility: High school students who are 15–18 years old
Project Write Now’s Teen Internship Program offers high school students hands-on experience in creative writing, journalism, and literary publishing through three distinct tracks. The Editorial Assistant role is a virtual opportunity that allows you to contribute original content to Project Write Now’s teen programming and help manage its youth literary magazine, Bridge Ink. Here, you will design and create flyers, social media posts, etc. If selected for the Interview Project opportunity, inspired by Humans of New York, you will develop real-world journalism skills as you interview and profile individuals with compelling stories. Training is mandatory for each opportunity and is conducted virtually. You will gain community service credit and resume-boosting experience in the literary arts through this program.
Location: Asian Art Museum, San Francisco, CA
Cost/Stipend: No cost or stipend; discounts on museum membership and merchandise, access to certain events and exhibitions, and other benefits offered to volunteers
Program dates: Flexible; volunteers must commit for at least one year and a minimum of 96 hours in a year, i.e., two four-hour shifts/month
Application deadline: None; applicants accepted year-round
Eligibility: Anyone who is 16 or older
The Asian Art Museum offers volunteering opportunities to adults as well as high school students interested in exploring Asian art and working with local artists and museum professionals. Through hands-on assistance in organizing workshops, discussions, and curated events, you will explore Asia’s artistic and cultural heritage while developing your own creative voice. While not an internship, the volunteering opportunity can offer hands-on learning experiences and chances to engage with the Bay Area’s broader arts ecosystem, building lasting peer connections and professional networks. You’ll also gain the opportunity to strengthen your portfolio and extracurricular résumé through meaningful creative contributions and civic engagement.
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: Free; unpaid, but verified volunteer hours provided
Program dates: Year-round; dates vary by opportunity
Application deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: High school students
Interns4Good connects high school students with nonprofits to complete graphic design projects that blend creativity with community impact. If you’re interested in digital arts, this internship gives you the opportunity to work on real-world assignments such as logo design, animated characters, comic books, magazines, and social media graphics. You will work remotely, submit weekly progress reports, and collaborate with nonprofit partners, developing both creative and professional skills in a structured, supportive setting.
Volunteer hours are certified and may be used for school credit or college applications. Past nonprofit partners include organizations like Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation, Learning Ally, and Volunteer New York. The program offers flexibility and opportunities to contribute to positive social impact.
One other option—the Lumiere Research Scholar Program
If you want to pursue research in art or design, consider applying to Lumiere Research Scholar Programs, which are selective high school programs founded in partnership with Harvard and Oxford researchers. Last year, 4,000+ students applied for just 500 spots in the research program. You can learn about the application and available programs on the application form here.
Also, you can check out the Lumiere Research Inclusion Foundation, a nonprofit research program for talented, low-income students. Last year, it offered 150 students full need-based financial assistance.
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 in which students work one-on-one with a mentor to develop an independent research paper.
Image Source - Ladder Internships logo