15 Internships for High School Students in Charleston, SC
- Stephen Turban
- 5 hours ago
- 11 min read
High school can be a great time to dive into your interests and gain some practical and professional experience in a field of your choice before college. An internship can help you do just that! Internships allow you to gain exposure to real work environments where you can build practical skills and connect with mentors in your field of interest. Internships can also help you explore different industries while developing soft skills like communication, time management, and problem-solving. If you’re based in Charleston, SC, and looking for an affordable way to intern, consider local internships!
Whether you are interested in healthcare, marine biology, tech, or the arts, Charleston offers a range of opportunities to help you learn from and work alongside professionals in an area of your choice. Many of them provide access to expert mentorship, fieldwork, training, presentations, and opportunities to work on real-world problems.
To help you with your search, we have come up with a curated list of 15 internships for high school students in Charleston, SC.
Location: Remote
Cost: Varies based on the selected program format; financial aid available
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year
Application deadline: November 16 for the upcoming winter cohort; multiple cohorts throughout the year
Eligibility: High school students, undergraduates, and gap year students who can work for 10–20 hours/week for 8 to 12 weeks.
The Ladder Internship program is a selective opportunity for high school students looking to work with startups in fields such as AI, finance, sustainability, technology, machine learning, healthcare, media, and more. Ladder’s start-ups are high-growth companies, often having raised substantial funding, with founders from top accelerators like YCombinator and companies like Google, Microsoft, and Facebook. During the internship, you will be paired with one high-growth organization, work on a real-world project, and present your work at the end. You will be guided by a startup manager and a Ladder Coach, who will act as a second mentor and help you navigate the startup environment. The internship lasts eight weeks and follows a unique coaching-plus-work model.
Location: NIWC Atlantic, Charleston, SC
Stipend: $4,000 for new participants | $4,500 for returning participants
Dates: Eight weeks, typically June – August (exact dates vary by lab)
Application deadline: November 1
Eligibility: U.S. citizens, at least 16 years old by internship start date, currently enrolled in high school, completed at least grade 9 (lab-specific exceptions may apply)
SEAP offers high school students in Charleston the opportunity to participate in real research projects within the Department of the Navy (DoN). At NIWC Atlantic in Charleston, you will work alongside Navy scientists and engineers for eight weeks, gaining hands-on experience in areas like cybersecurity, robotics, communications systems, and naval engineering. The program emphasizes mentorship, allowing you to explore research in depth while developing technical and professional skills. It’s a competitive opportunity, students are selected based on academics, personal statements, and recommendations. If accepted, you will receive a stipend and work full-time on a first-shift schedule. You will shadow professionals, attend professional development events, and network with peers and researchers during the program.
Location: Nationwide (including SC); placement within ~45 minutes of student’s home
Stipend: $3,000
Dates: Eight weeks between mid-June and late July/early August, flexible dates
Application deadline: January 19
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors or rising college freshmen, at least 16 years old by internship start date, residing in the U.S., Canada, Mexico, Puerto Rico, or the Pacific Islands
The Hutton Junior Fisheries Biology Program, run by the American Fisheries Society, is an eight-week paid summer internship designed to introduce high school students to careers in fisheries science and aquatic ecology. If selected, you will be paired with a professional mentor and gain experience in conducting fish population surveys, water quality testing, lab analysis, and environmental education. Internships are tailored to your location and interests and can include outdoor fieldwork, lab research, and conservation projects. You will also receive a $3,000 stipend and participate in a flexible work schedule arranged with your mentor.
Location: Charleston County Government, North Charleston, SC + other sites within the county
Stipend: $15/hour
Dates: June 16 – July 24
Application deadline: May 2
Eligibility: Students ages 16–21, Charleston County residents, currently enrolled in high school or college
The Charleston County Summer Youth Internship Program offers local high school and college students a chance to gain paid work experience in public service settings. You will work in government offices, public libraries, or other county departments while earning $15 per hour. The program focuses on developing workplace readiness and soft skills through both hands-on assignments and dedicated training sessions. Opportunities vary by age, with younger students typically placed in administrative or library roles, while those over 18 may work in more specialized areas like Animal Services or Public Works. The experience includes an orientation, mentorship from county staff, and a formal program graduation. While positions are competitive, this internship can offer exposure to civic careers and structured professional development.
Location: MUSC Hollings Cancer Center, Charleston, SC
Stipend: Paid
Dates: June 16 – August 1
Application deadline: March 3
Eligibility: Current sophomores and juniors at Burke High School, Charleston Charter School for Math and Science, North Charleston High School, or St. John’s High School with a minimum GPA of 2.5
Hosted at the MUSC Hollings Cancer Center, the SC CHEER Youth Enjoy Science Program is a two-year research-focused initiative designed for high school students from four Charleston-area schools. If selected, you will spend two consecutive summers engaged in cancer research labs, guided by mentors from the biomedical field. The program offers hands-on lab experience, professional development workshops, and opportunities to present your research findings. As a participant, you will also explore the social impact of cancer disparities in South Carolina while developing key scientific and communication skills. A limited number of one-year spots are available for new students each cycle, but preference is given to those who commit to the full two-year experience.
Location: South Carolina Aquarium, Charleston, SC
Stipend: $10/hour
Dates: January – December; includes orientation, training classes, and summer internship (late May – December)
Application deadline: November 1
Eligibility: Current 11th-grade students in the Charleston area
The South Carolina Aquarium High School Intern Program is a year-long opportunity designed to introduce Charleston-area 11th graders to marine science, environmental education, and career readiness. You will begin with monthly training classes from January to April, where you will learn about animal care, ocean science, and public engagement. Following the training sessions, 10 students will be chosen for a paid summer and fall internship. If selected for the experience, you will work directly with Aquarium staff on educational programming and conservation activities. You will also help organize Teen Job Shadow Days for middle and high school students in the community. In the final phase, five returning interns are chosen to mentor the next class, which can add leadership experience to your resume.
Location: Boeing Airport Campus, North Charleston, SC
Stipend: $17.50/hour
Dates: June 6 – July 31
Application deadline: April 7
Eligibility: Rising or graduating high school seniors in Charleston County School District, Berkeley County School District, or Dorchester County District 2
The Boeing South Carolina Student Development Program is a full-time, paid summer internship designed for high school seniors in the Charleston area who are interested in careers in aerospace, engineering, or supply chain management. You will work at Boeing’s North Charleston Airport Campus and gain hands-on experience in advanced manufacturing while earning high school credit. You will pursue engineering or supply chain roles and get paid $17.50 per hour through a third-party staffing agency. The internship follows a first-shift schedule, Monday through Friday, with no paid time off, so consistent attendance is expected. This structured opportunity offers both technical exposure and insight into Boeing's workplace culture.
Location: Charleston County Consolidated 9-1-1 Center & EMS, Charleston, SC
Stipend: $16.30/hour
Dates: Four to six weeks in the summer + select weekends during the school year
Application deadline: Rolling (based on interest form and availability)
Eligibility: Current juniors at Charleston County public high schools who are Charleston County residents, have parental/guardian approval, and an interest in public safety
The Charleston County Student Leadership & Intern Program offers high school juniors the chance to explore careers in public safety through a structured, two-year paid internship. This program will place you directly with professionals in 9-1-1 Dispatch and Emergency Medical Services, providing on-the-job training during summer and select weekends throughout the school year. You will earn a stipend while building skills relevant to crisis response, communication, and emergency operations. In addition to gaining work experience, you will also earn high school credit as part of the program. The experience can also offer insights into pursuing a career in public safety or emergency response.
Location: Varies by region (Lowcountry AHEC covers Charleston, Berkeley, and surrounding counties)
Cost: Free
Dates: Varies by region and activity; typically includes summer enrichment programming
Application deadline: Varies by region (contact local AHEC coordinator for details)
Eligibility: High school students in South Carolina, especially from rural or medically underserved areas, with a strong interest in a health-related career
The South Carolina AHEC Summer Health Careers Program offers high school students early exposure to the wide range of career paths in healthcare. Through regional academies, online modules, service projects, and live webinars, you will gain academic preparation guidance, career exploration opportunities, and the chance to interact with healthcare professionals. This program is designed to help you understand the education and skills needed for different roles in health and medicine, from public health to clinical care. Participation can include in-person and virtual activities depending on your location, with local coordinators supporting you throughout the process.
Location: Various Department of State offices across the U.S. (varies by listing)
Stipend: Paid based on GS pay scale (typically GS-1 or GS-2 for high school students)
Dates: Vary by posting; typically align with academic calendars or summer break
Application deadline: Rolling (early application recommended)
Eligibility: U.S. citizens, ages 16+, enrolled at least half-time in high school or another qualifying educational institution, with a GPA of 2.0 or higher; must obtain a security clearance and pass drug screening
The Pathways Internship Program is a federal opportunity that allows students to gain paid work experience while exploring careers in government. Hosted by the U.S. Department of State, this program includes two tracks: the Internship Experience Program (IEP) and the Internship Temporary Program (ITEP). Both tracks are designed to align with your academic goals and provide exposure to public service careers. You may work in policy, administration, international affairs, cybersecurity, or other fields, depending on department needs. While positions are posted throughout the year on USAJOBS.gov, they are competitive and often close once a set number of applications are received.
Location: Palmetto Promise Institute, Columbia, SC
Cost/Stipend: None
Dates: Fall, Spring, or Summer (exact dates vary; summer Junior Policy Scholars work independently)
Application deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: High school students in South Carolina
The Palmetto Promise Institute Internship Program provides high school and college students opportunities to gain experience in public policy, legislative analysis, and communications. Based in Columbia, SC, just steps from the Statehouse, the program allows you to work alongside policy researchers on real projects related to state governance. You will attend legislative hearings, contribute to policy publications, and receive regular mentorship from staff. You may also apply as Junior Policy Scholars, a more flexible, remote summer opportunity focused on independent research and advocacy. Both roles are designed to build writing, critical thinking, and policy communication skills in a professional setting.
Location: Various national and international research labs (coordinated through GSSM, based in Hartsville, SC)
Cost: Free
Dates: Six weeks in summer (typically June – mid-July); research placements arranged during junior year
Application deadline: Not specified; admission to GSSM required
Eligibility: GSSM students entering senior year, selected based on academic performance and program participation
GSSM offers a summer research experience through two signature programs: the Summer Program for Research Interns (SPRI) and the Research Experience Scholars Program (RESP). These six-week programs are available exclusively to GSSM students between their junior and senior years. You will be placed in university or corporate labs across South Carolina, the U.S., or abroad, working on real scientific research under the guidance of academic or professional mentors. During your senior year, you will analyze your findings and present them at GSSM’s Annual Research Colloquium and other academic forums. This opportunity can help you learn about the scientific method while building skills in critical thinking, data analysis, and formal scientific writing.
Location: Charleston, SC (Tri-county area; includes Berkeley, Charleston, and Dorchester counties)
Cost: Free (includes paid employment, tuition, books, and materials)
Dates: Two-year program beginning in the summer
Application deadline: Opens in February after the annual Information Session
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors, seniors, or graduating seniors who are at least 16 years old by June 1, able to achieve qualifying ACCUPLACER scores, eligible to work in the U.S., and committed to completing the full two-year program
The Charleston Regional Youth Apprenticeship Program offers high school students in the tri-county area the opportunity to “learn and earn” through a two-year paid apprenticeship in high-demand career fields. You will work part-time with a local employer while taking related college-level courses, free of charge, at Trident Technical College. Apprenticeships are available in pathways such as cybersecurity, welding, healthcare, engineering, culinary arts, and more. You will gain job experience, mentorship, nationally recognized credentials, and up to a year of college credit while still in high school.
Location: Online (hosted by the University of Southern California)
Cost: Free
Dates: June 1 – August 1
Application deadline: May 19
Eligibility: Current high school students with a minimum GPA of 3.5; graduating seniors are not eligible
The USC Center for the Political Future (CPF), in partnership with the USC Wrigley Institute for Environment and Sustainability, hosts a fully remote summer internship for high school students focused on environmental policy and political analysis. During the program, you will complete two major writing assignments: a legislative policy memo and a legislative process analysis on a sustainability-related bill of your choice. You will be expected to attend all virtual check-in sessions, meet deadlines, and revise your work based on feedback from program administrators. If you successfully meet all program requirements, you will be recognized as official research interns and have one of your papers published on the CPF website. The program can offer you insights into public policy, climate advocacy, or government.
Location: Virtual internships available for students in Charleston, SC
Cost/Stipend: $25 application fee (need-based fee waivers available); no stipend
Dates: June 18 – August 8
Application deadline: February 2
Eligibility: Students who are at least 15 years old
ASSIP offers virtual research internships in a variety of fields, including engineering, neuroscience, medicine, chemistry, statistics, computer science, and physics. You can choose a mentor offering a remote research format within your area of interest. You will spend eight weeks engaging in research within your chosen track while also refining your scientific writing and communication skills over remote sessions. As an ASSIP participant, you will also learn about STEM career paths while engaging in discussions led by researchers, professors, and/or professionals. The program ends with a research symposium, where you will learn about the research conducted at ASSIP over the summer.
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!
Lydia is an alumna from Harvard University and studied Molecular and Cellular Biology & Economics. In high school, she was the captain of her high school’s Academic Decathlon team and attended the Governor's School of Engineering and Technology. She is working as a life sciences consultant after graduation.
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