12 Free+Online Summer Internships for High School Students
- Stephen Turban
- Jun 13
- 8 min read
Free online summer internships offer high school students an accessible way to explore career interests and develop professional skills. These internships often focus on project-based learning, mentorship, and exposure to tools used in fields like tech, business, healthcare, and more. Because they’re remote and cost nothing to join, students from different places can participate without financial or location-related barriers.
If you are looking to build a strong resume or explore a future major in an accessible manner, these programs provide flexibility and the opportunity to build a strong skillset early on. They offer a chance to network with professionals and peers, which can prove valuable in the future. Completing a free + online internship in a subject that interests you can show college admissions officers your intellectual curiosity.
To help you get started, we’ve curated a list of 12 free and online summer internships for high school students!
12 Free+Online Summer Internships for High School Students
Location: Remote
Cost: Financial aid available
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year, including spring, summer, fall, and winter.
Application Deadline: Deadlines vary depending on the cohort
Eligibility: Students who can work for 10-20 hours/week for 8-12 weeks
Ladder Internships is a selective, virtual internship program for high school students looking to gain real-world experience with startups and nonprofits around the globe. These startups, typically funded with over a million dollars, offer interns the chance to work on impactful projects. Over 8 weeks, you will work on hands-on projects in fields like AI, finance, health tech, journalism, and more, often directly with founders from institutions like Harvard and Google. The program includes mentorship from both startup managers and Ladder Coaches, along with structured training in communication and time management. At the end of the internship, students present their work, gaining practical exposure and valuable career skills.
Location: Virtual
Stipend: Virtual interns do not receive a stipend. They only receive a certificate of completion.
Application Deadline: March 1
Program Dates: 5 weeks, July - August
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors from across the United States
Johns Hopkins Medicine’s 5-week virtual summer program is for high school juniors and seniors interested in neurological sciences. The program is geared towards students from underrepresented communities. It offers research exposure, mentorship, and training in basic lab techniques. You will attend educational sessions and professional development workshops designed to promote interest in STEM careers. You will receive a certificate upon successful completion. The program is open to students across the U.S. To learn more about this program, check out our complete guide here.
Location: Virtual
Cost: $850 (financial aid is available)
Application Deadline: February 28
Program Dates: June 16 - June 27
Eligibility: High school students over the age of 14 by the start of the program.
The Stanford Center for Artificial Intelligence in Medicine and Imaging (AIMI) offers a two-week virtual summer internship for high school students interested in AI and healthcare. You will attend lectures, collaborate on research projects, and receive mentorship from Stanford researchers and students. The program features guest talks through Virtual Career Lunch and Learns. You can also apply for the ‘Student Lead’ role to assist in project leadership, gaining additional experience. Students who complete the program earn a certificate, with some eligible for an extended research opportunity. To learn more about this program, check out our complete guide here.
Location: Remote and in-office.
Stipend: Some internships are paid.
Application Deadline: Summer applications typically close in March/April. You can check more details here.
Program Dates: The Summer program runs between June and August.
Eligibility: High school students
The FPRI Internship Program provides high school and college students with the opportunity to gain experience in international relations. As an intern, you will work with scholars, assisting in research or supporting communications, events, or operations. Some roles may require specific skills like foreign languages or content creation. You will also have the opportunity to attend policy seminars, access FPRI events, and publish research on the Intern Corner. You will be paired with an experienced professional who will provide mentorship and help you build skills such as critical thinking, collaboration, and time management. Summer interns also benefit from weekly foreign policy seminars and career-focused guest speaker sessions. To learn more about this program, check out our complete guide here.
Location: Various NASA centers in the country + remote options
Stipend: The amount depends on the academic level and session duration
Application Deadline: Summer: February 28 | Fall: May 16
Program Dates: Summer: Late May or early June to August | Fall: Late August or early September to mid-December
Eligibility: High school students with a minimum GPA of 3.0 who are U.S. citizens and at least 16 years old by the time they apply.
NASA’s OSTEM Internship offers paid opportunities for high school and college students to work on STEM projects. As an intern, you will collaborate with NASA mentors in fields such as space science, engineering, AI, data analysis, and space technology. With flexible on-site and virtual options, the program focuses on skill development, mentorship, and professional growth. You can contribute to experiment design, mission data analysis, or technological innovation across a range of disciplines, including space microbiology, ecology, aeronautics, and communications. This program will help you strengthen your technical skills, deepen your understanding of STEM concepts, and establish a professional network that can support your future academic and career goals. For tips on getting an internship at NASA, check out our blog here.
Location: Virtual.
Stipend: No stipend.
Application Deadline: Applications are open all year round
Program Dates: Half-time internships (2 to 8 weeks) are available in summer. | Quarter-time internships (1 to 9 months) are available all year round.
Eligibility: Sophomores, juniors, and seniors who have taken at least one honors science or honors English class with a minimum GPA of 3.25
The EnergyMag Research Internship is a virtual program for high school students interested in renewable energy. You will explore companies, technologies, or markets while developing research and analytical skills. With mentorship and support, you will produce publishable reports and gain experience in networking, communication, and professional writing. Flexible time commitments are available, which enables you to gain insights into renewable energy research without interrupting your academic plans. Successful participants receive a Letter of Accomplishment.
Location: Virtual.
Stipend: No stipend.
Application Deadline: Applications typically close in February.
Program Dates: 2 weeks in June.
Eligibility: Open to rising 10th, 11th, and 12th-grade students and recent graduates.
Hosted by UT Southwestern’s Department of Psychiatry, this two-week virtual summer internship is open to rising 10th–12th graders and incoming college freshmen. The program explores diverse careers in mental health, from psychotherapy to neuroscience and interventional psychiatry. Sessions are led by professionals, including psychiatrists, neuropsychologists, and social workers. You will engage in readings, discussions, and Q&As to understand the field and its pathways. The program focuses on mentorship, offering students the opportunity to form relationships with professionals in the field.
Location: Virtual.
Stipend: Paid internships are available.
Application Deadline: Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
Program Dates: Internships are offered year-round (spring, summer, fall, winter).
Eligibility: High school students who are U.S. citizens.
The APA Internal Internship Program is a great opportunity for high school students interested in psychology and its impact. You will explore areas such as research, policy, communications, and education, applying theory to practice in a professional setting. You'll gain experience, attend workshops, and connect with experts in the field. The program helps you develop skills and explore non-traditional psychology careers while expanding your professional network. You will also participate in discussions, group projects, and additional programming tailored for future professionals.
Location: Virtual.
Stipend: No stipend.
Application Deadline: Applications are accepted year-round.
Program Dates: Multiple opportunities throughout the year, including summer (an internship lasts 5 months from the start date).
Eligibility: High school, college, and university students with an interest in STEM areas.
The Seaside Sustainability Internship is a virtual, part-time opportunity for high school students interested in STEM and environmental conservation. As an intern, you will work across diverse fields, like Marine Studies, IT, Outdoor Leadership, Journalism, and more, often joining two teams at once. Roles range from team member to project manager, with the flexibility to explore interests. While unpaid, the internship offers Volunteer Service Awards and course credit, depending on school policies. You will collaborate remotely with peers from around the world using project management tools and Google Workspace, gaining experience in teamwork and professional communication.
Location: Remote and in-person at George Mason University
Stipend: No stipend.
Application Deadline: Mid-February (tentative)
Program Dates: June 18 - August 8
Eligibility: Students must be 15 years of age or older
George Mason University’s Aspiring Scientists Summer Internship Program (ASSIP) offers high school students an 8-week research experience in fields like neuroscience, bioengineering, and environmental science. As an intern, you will work alongside faculty on projects, using tools like PCR, gel electrophoresis, Python, and R. Through meetings with role models and participation in discussion forums, you’ll learn about various professions. You’ll build skills in experimental design, data analysis, scientific writing, and literature review. Formats include in-person, remote, or hybrid, and some students even publish or present their work at conferences. To learn more about this program, check out our complete guide here.
Location: Virtual or Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory, Laurel, MD
Stipend: No stipend.
Application Deadline: February 15
Program Dates: June 24 - August 21
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors aged 15 or older with a GPA of 2.8 or higher.
ASPIRE by Johns Hopkins University gives high school juniors and seniors the chance to explore STEM careers through projects with mentors at the Applied Physics Laboratory (APL). The program emphasizes curiosity, persistence, and independent thinking, encouraging you to explore STEM fields without pressure. You’ll gain technical and interpersonal skills while working in areas like public relations, R&D, or social impact. Though primarily virtual, some in-person sessions are required. To learn more about this program, check out our complete guide here.
Location: Virtual
Stipend: A stipend is provided (the exact amount is not specified).
Application Deadline: March 17
Program Dates: June 24 - August 21
Eligibility: This internship has flexible start and end dates between August - October
This internship provides high school students with the opportunity to support curriculum development, sustainability guides, and communication efforts, including writing, research, and social media. You will help plan in-person events for NESST, a global education network focused on sustainability in STEM. Tasks include coordinating with attendees, drafting agendas, recruiting speakers, and managing logistics. Ideal candidates have strong writing and research skills, an interest in science or education, and the ability to meet deadlines. Interns are mentored by SSEC staff and receive feedback on their work.
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.
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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