19 Best Internships for High School Students
- Stephen Turban
- Aug 31, 2023
- 14 min read
Updated: Mar 31
If you are an ambitious high school student, you should consider doing an internship. Internships in high school showcase your ability to supplement your theoretical knowledge with practical application—a skill that admission officers highly value!
We have curated a list of the 19 best internships for high schoolers across the board. Each of these internships is prestigious and will be a great addition to any college application. We have included internships in various subjects, from aerospace engineering to journalism and marine biology.
If you would like to know more about internships in a specific subject area, you can take a look at our other pieces, where we cover opportunities in biology, marine biology, architecture, law, and psychology!
Why should you consider an internship?
Internships, especially those associated with prestigious companies and universities (e.g., NASA, Bank of America, Princeton, etc.), can build your college admissions profile. Through an internship, you will benefit from real-world experience, and you can explore potential career trajectories! Additionally, pursuing an internship is a great opportunity to network with peers and mentors, which will be valuable for future opportunities and even letters of recommendation.
How did we choose the 19 best internships?
We have used 2 criteria to determine which internships are the best:
Prestige - How prestigious is the host organization? Internships associated with prestigious organizations such as NASA or Princeton are highly valued as they are more credible.
Selectivity - We have used selectivity as an important factor, as gaining admission into a highly selective program shows your academic capabilities. Attending these internships will set you apart from other college applicants!
Here are 19 of the best internships for high school students!
The Ladder Internships program offers virtual internship opportunities for high school students with startups and nonprofits worldwide, making it one of the best internships for high school students interested in gaining real-world experience. As an intern, you will work directly with startup founders from institutions like Harvard, Wharton, and Google, gaining experience in fields such as AI, finance, sustainability, healthcare, and journalism. The program includes mentorship from startup managers and Ladder Coaches, hands-on projects, and structured training in communication and time management. At the end, you will present your work, gaining valuable skills and professional exposure.
Location:Â Virtual
Cost: Starting at $2,490. Financial assistance is available.
Acceptance Rate: Around 10%
Dates:Â These are 8-week programs with multiple cohorts throughout the year, including winter, spring, summer, and fall. The upcoming program starts on March 3.
Application Deadline: There are multiple deadlines throughout the year. The next cohort deadline is February 9.
Eligibility: All high school students can work 10-20 hours/week for 8-12 weeks. These internships are also open to undergraduates and gap-year students.
If you are interested in journalism, this year-long course at Princeton is a great option. The Princeton Summer Journalism Program (PSJP) offers high achievers from low-income families a free residential journalism and college preparation program. You will study politics and current affairs, learn from Princeton professors and journalists, and collaborate with a college advisor. The program includes weekly lectures and workshops led by program graduates and journalists from publications such as The New York Times, The Washington Post, The New Yorker, and CNN. This highly selective program has a three-round application process and a final cohort of up to 40 students.
Acceptance Rate: Below 5%
Cost: No cost
Location: Hybrid (Virtual + Princeton Campus)
Application Deadline: April 23
Program Dates: July 28 - August 7
Eligibility: High-achieving juniors in high school and low-income backgrounds
Conducted by the National Institute of Health, the HiSTEP program offers internships in biomedical engineering and healthcare. The program aims to expand the pipeline of students interested in biomedical and healthcare careers. Spanning 5 weeks in Bethesda, MD, the program focuses on the importance of biomedical research and other STEM-M careers. The HiSTEP program has previously included career readiness, leadership development, and college advising through resources that improve understanding of the college application process, aid in scholarship and mentor finding, and help with the transition to college.
Acceptance Rate: Below 10%
Cost: No Cost + stipend ($2150) and Public transport benefits provided
Location: National Institute of Health Campus (Bethesda, MD)
Application Deadline: 1st February
Program Dates: July 5th - August 3rd.
Eligibility:
Must be a high school sophomore or junior/rising sophomore (turn 17 by June 15th for the Summer program)
Must be a U.S. citizen or hold permanent resident status.
Maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 or higher.
Attend a school where 30% or more of the student body participated in the Federal Free/ Reduced Lunch Program.
Have their primary residence in Virginia, Maryland, or Washington, DC (within 40 miles of the main NIH campus in Bethesda, MD).
NASA’s Office of STEM Engagements provides internship opportunities at all their locations across America. If you live near a NASA facility, you can opt for an internship in a research facility near you! However, if you live away from one, NASA also conducts virtual internships. You can access their database on internships here (you will have to filter through the database to find opportunities open for high school students). Through this internship, you will explore real-world applications of aerospace engineering. This program is a great addition to your college applications because of its reputation and the prestige of working at NASA.
Acceptance Rate: Around 5%
Cost:Â No cost; stipend provided
Location: Varies, different for each internship offered
Application Deadline: Varies from internship to internship
Program Dates: Varies from internship to internship, but should be in one of these three cohorts -
Fall - from late August/early September to mid-December (16 weeks)
Spring - from mid-January to early May (16 weeks)
Summer - from late May/early June to August (10 weeks)
Eligibility: High school students who are U.S. citizens and have a minimum of a 3.0 GPA
The NYC Office of the Mayor offers internships to high school students interested in the functioning of city government and policy. You can apply to the department of your choice.
You will work with full-time staff on various tasks, including conducting research, managing incoming inquiries, analyzing data, drafting briefings, staffing events, and more. Through the bi-weekly Speaker Series, you will learn more about the inner workings of the City government. Guest speakers include Deputy Mayors, Commissioners, Program Directors, and other senior staff. You will also get a chance to develop a service project with other interns! The goal is to design and execute a project to uplift New Yorkers in need.
Acceptance Rate: <30% for Summer
Cost: No cost; a salary of $15/hour is provided
Location: New York City
Application Deadline: Summer term - Mid-March, Fall-Spring Term - August 11th
Program Dates: Summer term – June through August, Fall/Spring terms - October 2nd - April 19th
Eligibility: Must be 16 years of age or older, must be enrolled in high school or accepted to an undergraduate degree program.
Note. For the Fall/Spring Term, you must be a New York City resident and be enrolled in high school.
Internships at the Treasury allow students to collect, analyze, and present policy data, conduct research, and summarize academic literature and news important for priority missions. This is a great program to build a foundation for a future career in international policy. Through these internships, you get the chance to gain management and organizational skills through interactions with Treasury colleagues and other U.S. government agencies. You can choose to work in any one of the several offices that make up the Treasury Departmental Offices (headquarters).
Acceptance Rate: Around 10-12%
Cost: Fully funded, no stipend provided
Location: Washington, D.C.
Application Deadline: Varies for all three Internship periods -
Spring Internship Period - Apply in October.
Summer Internship Period - Apply in December.
Fall Internship Period - Apply in June.
Program Dates: Treasury typically offers internship opportunities in the spring, summer, and fall:
Spring Internship Period (January-May)
Summer Internship Period (May-August)
Fall Internship Period (September-December)
Eligibility: Students must be U.S. citizens and must be enrolled or accepted at an accredited institution
The Hutton Junior Fisheries Biology Program is an 8-week paid summer internship and mentoring program sponsored by the American Fisheries Society. As a Hutton Scholar, you will be mentored by a fisheries professional in your local area. You will gain fisheries science experience in marine or freshwater areas, conducting laboratory and field research. You will participate in resource conservation and management projects. Potential activities include electrofishing, examining specimens, data processing, establishing aquatic vegetation and fish habitats, and more! An added benefit is an all-expense paid trip to the Hutton Scholars Summit conducted at the University of Arkansas.
Acceptance Rate: 12%
Cost: No cost; stipend provided ($3,000 for 8 weeks)
Location: Based on your locality (Hutton aims to match students within a 45-minute commute of your home)
Application Deadline: February 14th
Program Dates: June to August (It depends on the Scholar's schedule)
Eligibility: High school students who live and have residency in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
This summer internship program is an opportunity for you to work alongside NASA subject matter experts. The program is centered around Earth and space research. As an intern, you will assist with analyzing and visualizing data in your respective area of research. You can expect to work on Earth and space research (either through astronaut photography or galaxy classification), climate research, mission design (through satellite design or Mars Rover resource utilization), and more. There is a virtual learning component to the program and then an onsite experience at the University of Texas, Austin. You will present your research at the program's concluding symposium.
Acceptance Rate: Approximately 3-4%
Cost: No cost
Location: University of Texas, Austin, TX
Application Deadline: February 20
Program Dates: June 25th - July 7th (remote), July 8th - July 22nd (onsite).
Eligibility: Rising juniors and seniors (at the time of the program) who are U.S. citizens
The SEAP Program allows high school students to conduct Naval research while being mentored by scientists and engineers at the DoN. Prospective students can choose between the 30 labs spread out over the country. Lab choices are based on interest (e.g., very few labs offer Marine Biology as a topic of interest, while Statistics and Engineering are more common among the labs). Some topics of research covered in the SEAP program are Submarine Life Support, Development of Ansys Fluent Workflow for Axial Fan Simulation and Flow Around Objects, and Catalytic Oxidation of Li-Ion Electrolyte. You can see past intern contributions here!
Acceptance Rate: Around 10-15%
Cost: No cost + stipend of $4,000 (new participants) or $4,500 (for returning participants)
Location: Varies depending on lab choice.
Application Deadline: 1st August
Program Dates: Varies from lab to lab (expect it to be conducted in the summer months).
Eligibility: Open to rising Juniors and Seniors (at the time of the program) who will have turned 16 years old by the start date of the program and are U.S. citizens
Note: Eligibility changes based on lab to lab (with some labs changing the grade and age minimum and others opening the program for permanent residents and dual citizens).
10. Bank of America Student Leaders Program
The Bank of America offers hundreds of high school students across the country an opportunity to engage with their communities in meaningful ways. Students are paired with a local nonprofit organization to participate in a paid eight-week internship. Popular participating nonprofits include Habitat for Humanity and The Boys and Girls Club. As part of the internship experience, students convene in Washington, D.C., at the National Student Leaders Summit, where they interact with professionals in a variety of fields ranging from business to governmental affairs. We've covered this opportunity in detail here!
Acceptance Rate: Between 5-8%
Cost: Fully funded, hourly stipend
Location: Washington D.C.
Application Deadline:Â TBD, applications open in October
Program Length:Â Eight weeks
Eligibility: Current junior or senior high school students who are legally authorized to work in the U.S
The NIST Summer High School Intern Program (SHIP) is an eight-week, unpaid internship for students interested in STEM research. Held at NIST’s campuses in Boulder, CO, and Gaithersburg, MD, this program is one of the best internships for high school students looking to gain experience in measurement science, engineering, and technology development. Interns have the opportunity to work alongside scientists on individual research projects within six specialized laboratories, including the Communications Technology Laboratory (CTL), Engineering Laboratory (EL), and Physical Measurement Laboratory (PML). The program requires you to live near NIST and arrange your own housing and transportation.
Location:Â Boulder, Co and Gaithersburg, MD NIST Campuses.
Cost:Â No cost
Cohort size: 40-60 students
Dates: June 16 – August 8
Application Deadline: February 6
Eligibility: Juniors and seniors in High School.Â
The U.S. Senate Page Program is a competitive internship for high school students interested in government and public service. As a page, you will assist with legislative tasks such as delivering correspondence, preparing the Senate Chamber, and supporting senators during debates.
The program requires professionalism, adherence to a strict code of conduct, and the ability to manage a demanding schedule. In addition to daily responsibilities, you will participate in organized field trips around Washington, D.C. Pages receive a stipend, making this a unique opportunity to gain firsthand experience in the legislative process.
Location:Â Capitol and Senate Offices, Washington D.C.
Stipend: Interns are paid on an annual salary basis of $37,238. Since interns serve for less than a year, they do not earn an entire annual salary.
Cohort size: 30 positions are available
Dates:Â Spring: January 26 - June 6 | Summer Session 1: June 8 - June 27 | Summer Session 2: July 8 - August 1 | Fall: September 1 - January 23
Application Deadline: Application deadlines for each session vary by each office.
Eligibility: The semester program is for high school juniors aged 16 or 17 by the appointment date, and the summer program is for rising juniors and seniors of the same age. A minimum GPA of 3.0 is required.
The AFRL Scholars Program is a summer internship for upper-level high school students interested in STEM research. This stipend-paid opportunity allows you to work alongside AFRL scientists and engineers on advanced research projects, gaining hands-on experience with cutting-edge technology and real-world innovations.
The program is designed to provide exposure to research-based work while fostering technical skills and professional development. Some locations also offer opportunities for those interested in education-related fields or K–12 teaching.
Location:Â Several locations across the United States. Check the detailed information here.Â
Stipend: Stipends are paid based on the education level. Check the exact amount here.Â
Acceptance Rate: 8-10%Â
Dates:Â Start dates may vary based on the AFRL sites and/or projects to which you are applying.
Application Deadline: January 10.
Eligibility: Upper-level high schoolers with a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale, who are US citizens. You must also be eligible to work 40 hours a week for summer internship positions.
The Eugene and Ruth Roberts Summer Student Academy at City of Hope is a 10-week, fully funded biomedical research internship for high school and college students. As an intern, you will design and conduct independent research projects under the guidance of leading scientists, gaining hands-on experience in molecular biology, genetics, and cancer research. You will present your findings through poster sessions, oral presentations, and written reports, building both research and communication skills. The program also includes weekly seminars on advanced scientific topics, career discussions, and field trips. Participants receive a $4,500 stipend upon completion.
Location: City of Hope Center
Stipend: $4,500Â
Acceptance Rate: Last year, 71 students were selected from 750 applications. So, the acceptance rate is around 10%.
Dates:Â June 2 - August 8
Application Deadline:Â March 12. If you plan to submit supplementary documents, they must be submitted by March 11.
Eligibility: High school students who are at least 16 years of age and have completed high school courses in chemistry and biology.Â
The Stanford Institutes of Medicine Summer Research Program (SIMR) is an eight-week medical research internship for high school juniors and seniors. As an intern, you will conduct hands-on research in one of eight fields, including immunology, neurobiology, and bioengineering, under the guidance of Stanford mentors. The program includes morning lectures, full-time lab work, and a research poster presentation at the end. A bioengineering boot camp is also available for students seeking a practical learning experience without a lab component. With a highly competitive selection process, SIMR provides a rigorous and immersive research opportunity.
Location:Â Stanford University, Stanford, California.
Stipend: $500 at a minimum.Â
Cohort size: 50 students
Dates: June 9 – July 31
Application Deadline: February 22
Eligibility: Open to juniors and seniors who are 16 or older by the program start date, U.S. citizens or permanent residents, and currently living in and attending high school in the U.S.
The Careers in Science (CiS) Intern Program is a multi-year, paid STEM internship at the California Academy of Sciences for San Francisco high school students from underrepresented communities. As an intern, you will conduct fieldwork, participate in science communication, and contribute to research projects led by Academy scientists. The program offers interactive training, leadership opportunities, mentorship, and college preparation. You will gain hands-on experience in research and environmental action projects, developing skills for future careers in STEM through immersive, real-world learning.
Location:Â California Academy of Sciences
Stipend: Students will receive a stipend, but information on the exact amount is not available, but it will be above minimum wage.Â
Cohort size: Around 45-50 students (based on previous year stats)
Dates:Â After school and on weekends, year-round participation. Interns enter the program in June as rising sophomores or juniors and continue through high school graduation.
Application Deadline: April 1
Eligibility:Must be a full-time 9th or 10th-grade student in an SFUSD school with a GPA of 2.5 or higher and a grade of C or above in science and math.
The Met High School Internship Program offers paid, fully funded internships for NYC high school students interested in art, museums, and creative fields, making it one of the best internships for high school students in the arts. As an intern, you will gain hands-on experience in areas such as marketing, social media, conservation, scientific research, and education while participating in professional development, career labs, and networking opportunities. The program runs year-round or during the summer, offering direct mentorship from Met Museum professionals. Students from diverse backgrounds and interests are encouraged to apply, providing an opportunity to explore museum careers beyond traditional art roles.
Location:Â The Met Fifth Avenue, New York, New York.
Stipend: $1,100Â
Acceptance rate: The acceptance rate is estimated to be 3-4%
Dates: School-year Internship: January 11 – June 13 | Summer Internship: June 21 – August 8
Application Deadline: School-year Internship: October 28 | Summer Internship: March 7Â
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors based in and around New York City (must attend a high school or homeschool in New York, New Jersey, or Connecticut).
The Student Historian Internship at the New-York Historical Society is a research-focused program where high school students explore American history and digital humanities through hands-on projects. As an intern, you will use museum and library resources to create digital public history projects, meet museum professionals, and develop skills in historical analysis, communication, and digital media. This academically rigorous program is suited for students interested in history, museums, and digital storytelling. It provides a deeper understanding of historical research and public engagement.
Location:Â New York Historical Society, New York, NY
Stipend: $700
Cohort Size: 25 students
Dates: The Student Historian internship runs twice a year—during the academic year (late October to early June) and in the summer (July 8 to August 14).
Application Deadline: Applications for summer internships open in the first week of February (Last date: March 30). Applications for academic-year internships open in early June.Â
Eligibility: High school students entering grades 10, 11, or 12 can apply. Applicants must live in and attend school in the New York City metro area.
The KP Launch High School Program offers high school students the opportunity to explore non-medical careers in healthcare. As an intern, you will work at Kaiser Permanente’s Oakland headquarters and Northern California medical offices, gaining hands-on job experience, mentorship, and exposure to healthcare administration.
The program includes real-world projects, skill-building opportunities, and an hourly wage of $23. It provides valuable insight into the business and operational aspects of healthcare while allowing you to work alongside industry professionals.
Location: Kaiser Permanente Medical Center or other business offices. Check your closest location here
Stipend:Â $23/hourÂ
Cohort Size: 40-50 students
Dates: June 16 – August 1Â
Application Deadline:Â January 6
Eligibility: High school students aged 16–19 who are legally able to work in the U.S. and have permanent residency in a Northern California Kaiser Permanente service area. Priority is given to juniors and seniors.Â
Another 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 that I founded with researchers at Harvard and Oxford. Last year, we 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: PSJP logo