15 Fall STEM Internships for High School Students
- Stephen Turban
- 6 days ago
- 12 min read
While many students focus on just summer internships, an internship in the fall can give you an edge. With fewer applicants, you may get better projects, more mentorship, and more individual attention. Fields like science, technology, engineering, and math rely on real-world skills like research, coding, lab work, and technical writing, skills that matter just as much as what you learn in class.
Why should I do a fall internship in high school?
A fall internship can serve as a great foundation if you’re planning to apply for more competitive summer programs.
It helps you build early experience, explore your interests in a lower-pressure setting, and enter summer internships with more confidence and technical skills.
For high school seniors, a fall internship also doubles as a strong talking point in college applications. It shows initiative, time management, and a serious interest in your chosen field — qualities that admissions officers look for.
Whether you're applying to summer research labs or submitting college essays, the skills and stories you gain from a fall internship will make your profile stronger and more well-rounded.
Through a fall internship, you’ll build practical skills in areas like data analysis, machine learning, lab research, programming, and scientific communication. You’ll also have the chance to connect with mentors who can offer advice, new opportunities, and recommendation letters. Having a fall STEM internship on your resume shows colleges that you're serious about taking your skills beyond the classroom.
To help you get started, here is a list of 15 fall STEM internships for high school students!
15 Fall STEM Internships for High School Students
Cost: Free, with most internships having a stipend.
Location: Various NASA centers and facilities
Dates: Varies with multiple cohorts throughout the year (both part-time and full-time opportunities available)
Application Deadline: May 16
Eligibility: U.S. citizen who is a full-time student (high school through graduate-level) or a part-time college-level student enrolled in a minimum of 6 semester hours with a GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale, must be 16 years old at the time of application
NASA’s Office of STEM Engagement (OSTEM) offers internships for U.S. high school students who want real experience in space exploration, aeronautics, science, and technology. You can intern at centers like the Marshall Space Flight Center, Kennedy Space Center, Stennis Space Center, and others.
You’ll work with NASA engineers and scientists on projects like designing prototypes, using simulation software, building lab hardware, testing new technology, analyzing systems, and even helping manage programs like the Student Launch Initiative, an engineering design challenge. You can explore myriad available opportunities here.
Cost: Starting at $1,990. Need-based financial aid is available.
Location: Virtual
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year, including Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter
Application Deadline: Varies depending on the cohort - Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), and Winter (November)
Eligibility: Students who can work for 10-20 hours/week, for 8 -12 weeks. Open to high school students, undergraduates, and gap year students!
Ladder Internships offers a selective program where you can gain virtual internship experience at global startups and nonprofits. With various positions available across different industries, including strong STEM options, you can choose the field that aligns with your interests.
You’ll typically work 5-10 hours per week, contributing to meaningful projects that meet the startup’s needs. At the end of the program, you’ll present your work. Throughout the internship, you’ll receive one-on-one training in communication, time management, and other essential skills, as well as group training with fellow interns.
The program offers opportunities in the U.S., Asia, Europe, and the UK, giving you valuable international exposure. You can explore all the options here on their application form.
Cost: $2,490 with need-based financial aid available
Location: Virtual
Dates: Multiple 8-week cohorts (5-10 hours/week) throughout the year, including Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter
Application Deadline: Varies depending on the cohort - Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), and Winter (November)
Eligibility: High school students in grades 9-12 with coding knowledge in Python, a prerequisite, and prior experience with AI/ML, or have completed a Veritas AI program.
The Veritas AI Internship Program, run by Harvard graduate students, offers high school students the chance to work on real-world AI/ML projects with VC-backed startups over 8 weeks. You’ll be mentored by professionals from top institutions like Harvard, Wharton, Google, Microsoft, and McKinsey & Company.
This internship is ideal for students with prior AI/ML experience who want hands-on exposure to the field. You’ll network with industry leaders, collaborate closely with company executives, and complete a professional-level project presentation. At the end of the program, you’ll also receive a letter of completion from the company. You can learn more about the program here and apply here.
Cost: Paid internships with a technical hourly rate of $16.50.
Location: Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, NM
Dates: Varies as per the project mentor's timeline post-approval by HR
Application Deadline: September 30 (Spring cohort also offered)
Eligibility: Junior in an accredited New Mexico high school when applying, senior at internship start, 16 years old, GPA of 2.75+, pass pre-employment drug test, computer programming skills desirable.
The Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) offers paid internships for New Mexico high school seniors, providing the chance to work with mentors on impactful technical and professional assignments in STEM fields related to national security missions. You’ll use state-of-the-art equipment and work in a multidisciplinary R&D team to tackle science, technology, and engineering challenges.
You’ll be matched with an open internship position in divisions like Engineering Technology & Design, Bioscience, Physics, Chemistry, Intelligence, and Space Research. This hands-on experience will let you learn advanced technologies, develop problem-solving skills, and work on real-world projects in scientific and engineering research.
Cost: Paid internship (amount not specified)
Location: Varies, primarily in the HQs at Wichita, KS
Dates: Part-time internships available from September to November, Monday to Friday. Check here.
Application Deadline: Varies as per cohort - Summer (January), Fall (April), Spring (October)
Eligibility: High school students at least 16 years old who are U.S. citizens
Textron Aviation offers paid, part-time internships for high school students aged 16 and up, focusing on STEM fields like engineering, manufacturing, IT, and supply chain. You’ll gain technical expertise, sharpen your analytical skills, and contribute to innovative aviation projects.
Mentorship is a key part of the experience, pairing you with professionals and offering networking opportunities for future career growth. Throughout the internship, you’ll receive hands-on training in various areas of the aviation industry, including aeronautical engineering, aviation maintenance, IT, and more. You’ll also have the chance to tour different facilities and shadow professionals in roles that match your career interests.
Cost: None. $750 stipend or $16/hour through SYEP if eligible with WCS's provider. Stipend of about $350 for the Fall session.
Location: Bronx Zoo, Bronx, New York
Dates: Starts in June-August (3 days a week) and continues in the Fall program with meets on 14 Saturdays from September - December
Application Deadline: Typically early March
Eligibility: High school sophomore or junior in good standing, a Bronx resident, should be comfortable in both indoor and outdoor settings
Funded by the National Science Foundation's AISL (Advancing Informal Science Learning), Project TRUE (Teens Researching Urban Ecology) provides high school students the opportunity to engage in field research at the Bronx Zoo. This program pairs you with college students pursuing STEM degrees, scientists, and educators from Fordham University and the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS).
During the summer and fall, you'll contribute to ongoing research projects centered on NYC wildlife and green spaces. As part of a small team, you’ll design and carry out your urban ecology research project.
Cost: Not specified.
Location: NYC Parks, NY (specific Park location varies)
Dates: Flexible dates in the Fall and Spring (8 weeks)
Application Deadline: Applications are accepted on a rolling basis year-round
Eligibility: High school students currently in 9 - 12th Grade, 15 - 18 years of age, permanent residents of the U.S., should be committed to the 10-week program each semester
The NYC Parks' Ranger Conservation Corps offers an urban environmental internship for high school students interested in nature and environmental issues. Held twice a year (fall and spring), the program consists of weekly 2 to 2.5-hour sessions over about 8 weeks.
During the internship, you’ll work with Urban Park Rangers on environmental restoration projects in NYC Parks. You'll also participate in ecosystem lessons, hands-on projects, and educational field trips, such as overnight camps and canoeing trips. Community service credits are earned through stewardship projects, which can be included in your college application.
Stipend: Students who complete the program will earn a $1,000 stipend
Location: Hybrid with technical sessions on Zoom, with three in-person sessions per semester and in-person orientation, demo day, and graduation (locations in Manhattan, downtown LA, and downtown Miami)
Dates: Vary. Once a week for 9 months. Cohort options are Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday from 4:30 p.m. - 7 p.m.
Application Deadline: August 3 for Fall cohort
Eligibility: Rising juniors and seniors at public or charter schools in NYC (all boroughs), Los Angeles County, or Miami-Dade/Broward County. Must be a resident of these areas.
America on Tech's Tech Flex Leaders (TFL) program is a 9-month immersive learning experience designed to help you develop coding and UX design skills, with no prior coding experience required. In the first semester, you'll dive into web development, mastering HTML, CSS, and Bootstrap.
At the end of the semester, you'll showcase your skills at a Demo Day, where top teams from all cohorts present their final web projects. In the second semester, you'll choose a tech track like digital marketing, data science, advanced web development, UX design, or product management.
Cost: Students who complete the 55 hours of research and present their projects at the Research Symposium each receive a $500 stipend
Location: DNA Learning Center, Brooklyn, NY
Dates: Vary, with lab training generally in August and continuing in Fall and through the school year
Application Deadline: May 27
Eligibility: NYC high school students in grades 9 - 12 must be at least 13 years of age and reside in NYC.
The DNA Learning Center’s Urban Barcode Research Program (UBRP), supported by the Pinkerton Foundation, offers NYC high school students a mentored research experience in urban biodiversity. In this program, you'll use DNA barcoding to identify and study species found in NYC.
The program includes training and workshops throughout the academic year to help you build your research skills. After completing an introductory lab course, you'll conduct an independent research project under the guidance of scientific experts. Past student projects have explored various species, such as microbes, ants, tree frogs, and fungi. You’ll complete at least 55 hours of research and present your findings at a spring symposium.
Cost: $150 with financial aid offered
Location: Alley Pond Park, Douglaston, NY
Dates: Vary, scheduled on Saturdays, 9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Application Deadline: August 1
Eligibility: Current high school students at least 14 years old, should be able to participate in outdoor activities for at least 2 hours, be able to commit to attending 5 out of 6 classes (excluding orientation), with their own transportation to the site
The Alley Pond Environmental Center (APEC) offers field biology internships for high school students to acquire STEM skills in the natural spaces of Alley Pond Park and other parts of Queens, NYC. You will explore marine ecosystems, learn about conservation and urban water management, and work alongside your peers on APEC's ongoing research projects.
You will learn from environmental professionals how to conduct a biodiversity survey of flora and fauna, observe birds, collect and test soil and water samples, identify macroinvertebrates, participate in coastal seining activities, and more! The educational experience will develop key research skills in ecological and environmental sciences, such as analyzing and maintaining field data records and making presentations.
Cost: A stipend of $2,500 upon completion of research and program requirements
Location: Manhattan, NYC
Dates: Varies with summer component in August (4 weeks) and research lab sessions starting in Fall (260 hours September – May), AMNH Colloquium in June
Application Deadline: Typically March
Eligibility: High school student currently enrolled in 10th or 11th grade or equivalent standing, and passing classes for the last three or more semesters + either attended an AMNH partner school or participated in previous AMNH programs
The Science Research Mentoring Program (SRMP) at the AMNH gives you hands-on research experience in a real scientific setting. The program starts with a 4-week summer institute focused on data science, where you’ll learn about AI and machine learning in research. After that, you'll spend the academic year working in AMNH labs on projects in fields like astrophysics, anthropology, and genetics.
You’ll develop skills in coding (Python, R), data analysis, and scientific communication. You'll work directly with a scientist, collect and analyze data, and learn how to present your research. The program also includes workshops on teamwork, STEM equity, and professional development. At the end of the program, you'll present your work at the AMNH June Colloquium.
Cost: Paid internship
Location: California Academy of Sciences, Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, CA
Dates: Varies during the school year and summer
Application Deadline: Early April
Eligibility: Full-time 9th or 10th grade student in SFUSD, GPA of 2.5+, C or higher in science and math, must obtain a valid work permit (US citizens/authorized workers), commit 2-3 years until high school graduation, able to commute to the Academy and nearby locations.
The Careers in Science (CiS) program at the California Academy of Sciences is an internship designed for San Francisco high school students from underrepresented communities in STEM. You’ll learn from STEM professionals through presentations, hands-on activities, and lab work.
The program includes specialized training and gives you the chance to design and host educational activities for museum visitors. Working with a small team of peers, you’ll also engage in a science research or environmental action project guided by Academy researchers or partners.
Cost: A stipend of $16.50/hr
Location: LES Community Lab, New York, NY (for LES Jr Scientist internship), BioBase Harlem at Columbia University (for Harlem Women in STEM internship and Harlem Jr Scientist internship)
Dates: School year dates October - July (once weekly) with a July-August summer component (if applicable)
Application Deadline: Typically early March
Eligibility: Grade 9-11, attending a NYC school in the Lower East Side, Chinatown, Harlem, Washington Heights, or Inwood. Preference for Harlem, Washington Heights, or Inwood students for the Harlem Science Internship.
BioBus, Inc. offers paid internships for minority, female, and low-income high school students in NYC who are interested in science and research. The program includes the Lower East Side (LES) Junior Scientist Internship, the Harlem Women in STEM Junior Scientist Internship, and the Harlem Junior Scientist Internship. You’ll work on a research project in a community lab with guidance from a BioBus scientist during the school year (September to June) and present your work at the end.
You’ll use research-grade microscopes and equipment to design experiments and develop your project. You’ll also gain teaching and leadership experience by co-instructing science programs for younger students and the public. The program may also include professional development seminars, college workshops, and career lectures to help you explore future STEM opportunities.
Cost: None
Location: Carnegie Science Center, Pittsburgh, PA
Dates: Vary, with a 4-hour shift per week throughout the school year to build up to 100 hours
Application Deadline: Varies as per positions available, typically April 1 for summer, and August 1 for the school year
Eligibility: High school student at least 14 years old by the application deadline (students up to 18 years are eligible)
The Carnegie Science Center welcomes teen volunteers across various departments, offering you the chance to gain hands-on experience while engaging with visitors at exhibitions, demos, and activities. Most roles require a minimum 4-hour weekly commitment, and you’ll get the opportunity to share your passion for science and technology with the public.
Before you start, you'll receive training and attend an orientation session. Volunteer roles are assigned based on your skills, interests, and availability. Opportunities are available in departments such as the Buhl Planetarium, the Animals & Habitats section, the digital fabrication lab, and demo theatres, among others. Check here for current volunteer opportunities.
Cost: Not specified.
Location: Virtual
Dates: Varies with quarter-time internships available all year round, from 1 to 9 months
Application Deadline: Open all year round
Eligibility: Sophomores, juniors, and seniors with a GPA over 3.25 and at least one honors science or honors English class (exceptions in appropriate cases)
EnergyMag offers unpaid internships for high school students to help build professional skills and gain research experience in the renewable energy and climate change sectors. You will work on a specific project related to a company, technology, or market in the field of renewable energy.
Throughout the internship, you'll conduct in-depth research, communicate with relevant people, analyze the data you gather, and submit a final report. If your report meets the required standards and is approved by your mentor, it will be published on the EnergyMag website with your name credited. Upon completing a publishable report, you will receive a Letter of Accomplishment highlighting your work and EnergyMag’s appreciation.
One other option—the Lumiere Research Scholar Program
If you are interested in pursuing independent research, consider applying to one of the Lumiere Research Scholar Programs, selective online high school programs for students founded with researchers at Harvard and Oxford. Last year, we had over 4,000 students apply 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. Last year, we had 150 students on full need-based financial aid!
Stephen is one of the founders of Lumiere and a Harvard College graduate. He founded Lumiere as a PhD 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.
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