15 Fine Art Internships for High School Students
- Stephen Turban
- 2 days ago
- 10 min read
If you’re interested in fine arts, you might be looking for ways to gain experience beyond your classes. Internships can help you explore areas like painting, illustration, museum work, or art education while learning how creative fields operate in professional settings. They also give you a chance to build your portfolio and develop skills in research, communication, and creative practice.
Why should I participate in a fine art internship in high school?
Participating in a fine art internship can help you understand how the art world works beyond a school environment. Rigorous programs challenge you with projects that strengthen your technical and creative skills while introducing you to different roles in the arts. They also offer opportunities to connect with artists, curators, and peers who share your interests.
To help with your search, below is a list of 15 fine art internships for high school students.
If you’re looking for free online research opportunities, check out our blog here.
Location: Remote
Cost: Varies depending on program | Financial aid available
Program Dates: Multiple cohorts offered in spring, summer, fall, and winter
Application Deadline: Varies by cohort: spring (January), summer (May), fall (September), and winter (November)
Eligibility: High school students, undergraduates, and gap year students able to commit 8–12 weeks and dedicate 10–20 hours per week
The Ladder Internship Program is a selective virtual internship that connects students with high-growth startups across a range of industries. During the program, you work remotely with a startup team on real-world projects across technology, AI and machine learning, health tech, marketing, journalism, consulting, and related areas. Because these companies are typically in rapid growth stages, you gain exposure to fast-paced startup environments and the processes involved in building and scaling early-stage companies. You may contribute to research, product development, marketing strategy, or other operational tasks depending on your placement and interests. You can find the application details here.
Location: New York City, NY
Cost/Stipend: $1,100 stipend upon completion
Program Dates: July 7–August 7
Application Deadline: March 13
Eligibility: High school students in grades 10–11 who reside in and attend school in New York, New Jersey, or Connecticut | Have not completed another internship at The Met
The Met High School Internship Program offers students the opportunity to gain professional experience at The Metropolitan Museum of Art. During the internship, you work alongside museum professionals and explore careers across a variety of departments, including curatorial, education, social media, imaging, and design. The program is designed for students interested in learning about museum operations while developing professional and collaborative skills. Throughout the internship, you participate in structured activities such as cohort meetings, mentorship sessions, and career-readiness workshops. You also gain practical experience through departmental placements where you support ongoing projects and learn how museums present and preserve art.
Location: London, New York, San Francisco, and Tokyo
Cost: Varies according to program | Financial aid available
Program Dates: 2 weeks during the summer
Application Deadline: Multiple summer cohorts with rolling admissions
Eligibility: High school students aged 15–18
The Immerse Education Fine Art Track allows high school students to explore careers in the arts while studying in major global creative hubs. Each location highlights different aspects of the fine arts industry. The London track focuses on art history and museum culture; New York emphasizes contemporary art and gallery networks; San Francisco explores creative industries and interdisciplinary art practices; and Tokyo introduces students to global and traditional influences in the visual arts. During the program, you participate in project-based learning activities, workshops, and industry visits designed to provide exposure to professional environments in the arts. These experiences may include visiting galleries, studios, or cultural institutions while learning about artistic processes and creative careers.
Location: Baltimore, Boston, Detroit, New Orleans, New York, Philadelphia, and Washington, D.C. (expansion to Los Angeles planned)
Stipend: Paid internship | Stipend varies by location
Program Dates: June–August (exact dates vary by city)
Application Deadline: Typically in March
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors who reside in participating cities
The Bloomberg Arts Internship Program (BAI) connects high school students with paid internships at arts and cultural organizations across several major U.S. cities. Through the program, you gain hands-on experience working with institutions such as museums, galleries, and cultural nonprofits while learning how the creative sector operates behind the scenes. During the internship, you may support projects related to arts administration, exhibition planning, event coordination, marketing, or community engagement. In addition to workplace experience, the program includes professional development workshops, college-preparation training, and networking opportunities with artists and professionals.
Location: Boston, MA
Cost/Stipend: Free | Paid ($15 per hour)
Program Dates: 12-month program
Application Deadline: Applications typically open in February
Eligibility: High school students in the Boston area
The Museum of Fine Arts (MFA) Teen Programs offer Boston-area high school students the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in museum environments while exploring careers in the arts. Through initiatives such as the Teen Arts Council, Visitor Aide roles, and Program Assistant positions, you can engage directly with museum operations and contribute to programming designed for teen audiences. You will support museum activities by assisting visitors, helping organize events, and collaborating with museum staff on teen-focused programs. The program also provides opportunities to develop leadership skills and work closely with curators, artists, and museum professionals while gaining insight into how major cultural institutions operate.
Location: Chicago, IL
Cost/Stipend: Paid internship
Program Dates: June–August (summer internship)
Application Deadline: Applications typically open in the spring through After School Matters
Eligibility: Chicago high school students aged 16 or older
The Art Institute of Chicago Summer Internship Program provides high school students with hands-on experience at one of the most influential art museums in the United States. During the summer internship, you work alongside museum staff and other teen interns to support museum programming, educational initiatives, and public events. As an intern, you may assist with gallery tours, workshops, festivals, and visitor engagement activities, helping the museum connect with local and international audiences. The internship also includes opportunities to go behind the scenes of museum operations, interact with curators and artists, and learn how exhibitions and programs are developed.
Location: New York City, NY
Cost/Stipend: Free | Paid internship opportunity through YI Leaders
Program Dates: After-school programs during the academic year and summer sessions
Application Deadline: Varies by program (deadline for YI Artists typically falls in January)
Eligibility: New York City high school students
The Youth Insights (YI) Program at the Whitney Museum of American Art connects high school students with contemporary artists, museum educators, and cultural professionals. Participants engage in collaborative art-making, discussions, and workshops centered around contemporary art and social themes. The YI Artists program is a semester-long experience where students work directly with practicing artists and create original work for a culminating exhibition. The YI Arts Careers summer program introduces students to arts institutions across New York City and explores career paths in the creative sector. Students who complete YI programs can apply to become YI Leaders, a paid internship where participants assist with public programs, lead tours, and support museum initiatives. These experiences offer hands-on exposure to museum operations and contemporary art practices.
Location: New York City, NY
Cost/Stipend: Paid internship ($16.50/hour)
Program Dates: Summer program (approximately 6 weeks)
Application Deadline: Varies annually
Eligibility: Rising high school sophomores and juniors enrolled in New York City public or charter schools | Limited to 10 students
The Artslife Internship at the Museum of Arts and Design (MAD) is a paid summer program that introduces high school students to careers in museums and the broader arts sector. During the program, you explore different departments across the museum, including curatorial, education, communications and marketing, visitor services, development, and collections management. The internship begins with a week dedicated to team building and orientation, followed by several weeks of project-based learning with museum staff, designers, and arts professionals who serve as mentors. Through a combination of mentorship, collaborative projects, and professional development, you gain firsthand experience working within a major cultural institution.
Location: New York City, NY
Cost/Stipend: Paid ($16.50/hour; up to 120 hours per year)
Program Dates: September–June (school-year program)
Application Deadline: Applications typically reopen in June for the following academic year
Eligibility: NYC high school students entering grades 10–12
The Creative Practice Internship at the Brooklyn Museum allows high school students to explore careers in art education and museum programming while working closely with artists, educators, and museum staff. In this program, you assist teaching artists in leading studio art classes for participants of different ages, gaining experience in both creative practice and education. Throughout the internship, you collaborate with other teens from across New York City to develop projects connected to museum exhibitions and broader themes such as art, fashion, design, and social justice. The program encourages participants to express their ideas through art while learning how artistic practice can engage communities and promote dialogue.
Location: Chicago, IL
Cost/Stipend: Paid program (participants can earn up to $1,600 per year)
Program Dates: September–June (academic year program)
Application Deadline: Applications typically open in March
Eligibility: Teens aged 15–19 from the Chicago area
The Teen Creative Agency (TCA) at the Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago is a cultural leadership and creative development program designed for teens interested in contemporary art, community engagement, and museum work. You will meet at the museum once a week throughout the academic year to collaborate on projects, explore art, and develop leadership skills. During the program, you engage directly with contemporary artists, museum staff, and cultural professionals, gaining insight into how museums develop programs and connect with communities. Participants also visit other cultural institutions across Chicago, allowing you to learn more about the city’s creative ecosystem and build relationships with professionals in the arts sector.
Location: San Francisco, CA
Cost/Stipend: $150 honorarium upon completion
Program Dates: September 20, October 4, October 18, November 1, November 15 (five sessions)
Application Deadline: September 4
Eligibility: Students aged 15–18 living in the San Francisco Bay Area
The ICA SF Teen Program is a short-term arts leadership and creative development program designed to introduce high school students to contemporary art and careers in the creative sector. Hosted by the Institute of Contemporary Art San Francisco, the program explores current social, political, and cultural themes through artistic practice and discussion. You will meet for five interactive sessions led by museum educators and artists. These sessions combine dialogue about contemporary exhibitions, hands-on creative activities, and discussions about artistic practice and cultural leadership. You will learn how museums present contemporary art while developing your own ideas and creative responses to the topics explored.
Location: Milwaukee, WI
Cost/Stipend: Paid internship (transportation and dinner provided)
Program Dates: 10 weeks, 10 sessions (March–May) | Check exact dates here
Application Deadline: January 23
Eligibility: Students aged 16–18 in grades 11–12 attending a Milwaukee-area high school
The Satellite Teen Internship Program at the Milwaukee Art Museum is a paid opportunity that allows high school students to engage closely with visual art while gaining experience in museum education and community programming. During the internship, you explore the museum’s collection, collaborate with peers on creative projects, and develop skills in discussing and presenting artwork to different audiences. You will learn about potential careers in the visual arts by interacting with museum professionals and practicing artists. The program also emphasizes community engagement; interns mentor elementary school students from Milwaukee Public Schools by guiding them through museum galleries and helping facilitate art-making activities.
Location: Milwaukee, WI
Cost/Stipend: Paid internship (lunch and MCTS bus tickets provided)
Program Dates: July 10–August 1
Application Deadline: June 6
Eligibility: Students aged 16–18 in grades 11–12 (or recent graduates) attending a Milwaukee-area high school
The ArtXpress Internship at the Milwaukee Art Museum is a summer program focused on public art, community engagement, and collaborative design. You work with professional artists and museum educators to create a large-scale public artwork, often addressing social or community-focused themes. You draw inspiration from the museum’s exhibitions and collections as you develop concepts for the final project. The program also includes gallery visits, discussions about artistic practice, and collaborative planning sessions. At the end of the internship, students present their work publicly, and projects such as murals or installations may be displayed throughout the community. This experience helps participants build teamwork, communication, and artistic skills while gaining exposure to museum careers.
Location: San Francisco, CA
Cost/Stipend: Paid internship
Program Dates: Summer session or school-year program
Application Deadline: Open until filled (varies by cohort)
Eligibility: Students aged 17–21 who can obtain a valid work permit
The High School Explainer: PACE Program (Professional Advancement & Career Exposure) at the Exploratorium offers students hands-on work experience within a museum environment that combines science, art, and interactive learning. You will work alongside museum staff while supporting visitor engagement and learning initiatives across the institution. During the program, interns gain exposure to several museum departments, including exhibit maintenance, public programs, cinema arts, bio lab operations, and program administration. By assisting in these areas, you learn how museums design interactive exhibits, develop educational programming, and maintain spaces that encourage public exploration.
Location: Hybrid (virtual and in-person in Monmouth County, NJ, depending on role)
Cost/Stipend: Unpaid | Participants receive community service hours
Program Dates: Summer internship with mandatory training sessions in July
Application Deadline: Applications typically open in February | Positions are filled on a first-come, first-served basis
Eligibility: High school students aged 15–18 | Limited spots (typically 8–10 interns per role)
The PWN Teen Internship Program offers high school students a chance to gain experience in education, publishing, and journalism while developing writing and communication skills. The program is designed for students interested in creative writing, storytelling, and media, and it provides opportunities to contribute to real projects that support a teen literary community. Participants can choose from several internship roles. Teaching Assistant interns support youth writing programs by helping instructors teach creative writing to younger students and assisting with lesson planning. Editorial Assistant interns work with program coordinators on editorial projects, including creating content for blogs, marketing materials, and managing the organization’s online literary magazine, Bridge Ink. Students interested in journalism can apply to The Interview Project, where they learn interviewing and storytelling techniques and publish narrative pieces based on real interviews.
One Other Option—The Lumiere Research Scholar Program
If you’re 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, check out students’ reviews of the program here and 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 graduate of Harvard College, where he earned an A.B. in Statistics. 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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