15 Internships for High School Students in Durham, NC
- Stephen Turban
- Aug 13
- 10 min read
Updated: Oct 18
Durham, North Carolina, is home to a growing number of internship programs designed for high school students who want to apply what they’ve learned in school in practical settings.
Whether you're interested in science, business, or the arts, internships give you the chance to work alongside experienced professionals and get a firsthand look at how different industries operate. These experiences offer hands-on learning and often include mentorship, site visits, and meaningful projects. These experiences can help you make more informed decisions about your future, whether you're exploring potential college majors or simply looking to try something new over the summer.
If you're planning to explore internships for high school students in Durham, NC, we’ve narrowed down a list of 15 internship options that balance prestige, rigor, mentorship, and networking opportunities.
If you're looking for more prestigious internships, check out this set of blogs!
15 Internships for High School Students in Durham, NC
Subject Areas: Machine learning, software engineering, start-ups, entrepreneurship, business
Location: Remote! You can work from anywhere in the world.
Application Deadline: Multiple cohorts throughout the year. June 23, for the summer session
Program Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year
Eligibility: Students who can work for 10-20 hours/week for 8-12 weeks. Open to high school students, undergraduates, and gap year students!
The Ladder Internship is a selective program that offers high school students an opportunity to work with startups in fields such as technology, machine learning, AI, finance, sustainability, healthcare, media, and more. Ladder’s start-ups are dynamic, often having raised substantial funding, with founders from top accelerators like YCombinator and companies like Google, Microsoft, and Facebook. During the internship, you will work on a real-world project and present your work at the end. You’ll 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 8 weeks and follows a coaching-plus-work model, not commonly found in similar programs. Apply here.
Subject Areas: Career readiness, public service, workforce development
Location: City of Durham, Durham, NC
Cost: Up to $880 or more (stipend provided)
Program Dates: Exact dates vary annually
Application Deadline: February 21
Eligibility: Durham City or County residents, ages 14–24 by June 30
Durham YouthWorks offers a hybrid internship experience—part virtual, part in-person, designed to help young people develop workplace skills and explore career options across several industries. You’ll be matched with a local employer and gain experience in fields like business, public services, technology, and maintenance, depending on availability. The program includes structured career-readiness training, professional development activities, and mentorship from workplace supervisors. You’ll also have access to resources like the YouthWorks Preparedness Guide to help you navigate your placement. Entry is competitive and may be determined by lottery if applications exceed available spots.
Subject Areas: Healthcare, professional development, health education
Location: Duke University Health System, Durham, NC
Cost: $700–$1600 (stipend provided)
Program Dates: July 8–26
Application Deadline: March 19
Eligibility: Durham City or County residents, ages 14–24 by June 30
The MaryAnn Black Summer Internship Program introduces you to more than 70 healthcare careers through a mix of interactive sessions, hospital visits, and skill-building workshops. Hosted by Duke Health in partnership with Durham YouthWorks, this hybrid internship includes hands-on exposure to different departments within the School of Medicine and the School of Nursing. In addition, you'll take part in workshops covering professional etiquette, test preparation, and career pathways in the healthcare field. The program features mentorship from over 80 Duke professionals who volunteer to guide students through the experience. It’s a structured, active program designed to deepen your understanding of the wide range of roles within a hospital setting.
Subject Areas: Civic engagement, community outreach, design, youth leadership
Location: Durham County Cooperative Extension, Durham, NC (in-person, virtual, or hybrid)
Stipend: Team Lead: $3000 stipend, Youth Civic Leader: Volunteer (eligible for service hours)
Program Dates: Team Lead: June 15–August 8, Youth Civic Leader: June 22–August 1
Application Deadline: Team Lead: April 11, Youth Civic Leader: Rolling acceptance, apply by May 15 (extended to May 25)
Eligibility: Youth ages 14–24
This program gives you the chance to shape Durham’s 2025 Election Guide for Mayor & City Council, while building skills in civic literacy, public communication, and collaborative leadership. As a Team Lead, you’ll work around 30 hours a week managing the process and guiding other youth participants to create multimedia content and election education materials. If you apply as a Youth Civic Leader, you’ll spend a minimum of 6–8 hours per week developing candidate questionnaires, interactive resources, and outreach content. All participants gain training from experts in local government, design, and digital engagement, with the chance to interact directly with elected officials. It’s a collaborative, youth-driven environment focused on civic participation.
Subject Areas: Neuroscience, biomedical research, professional development
Location: Duke University, Durham, NC
Cost: Stipend provided
Program Dates: June 16–August 8
Application Deadline: February 9
Eligibility: High school sophomores, juniors, or seniors (not attending college in the fall); must attend a public or charter high school in Durham, be at least 16 by June 16, and be a U.S. citizen, national, permanent resident, or legal resident
DUNE is a full-time summer research program that places you in a Duke neuroscience lab based on your interests, where you’ll complete a hands-on research project under the guidance of professional mentors. Alongside your lab work, you’ll join workshops focused on scientific communication, college preparation, and careers in science and medicine. You’ll be able to engage with peers and mentors through networking events and a final poster session, where you present your research to the Duke community. The program is designed to be rigorous yet supportive, especially for students without prior research experience. Daily lunches and a stipend are provided to help make full-time participation accessible.
Subject Areas: Environmental science, forestry, natural resources research
Location: NC State University, Raleigh, NC
Cost: Free (students may receive up to a $1,000 stipend based on participation)
Program Dates: July 7–August 1
Application Deadline: Typically in April
Eligibility: High school students
This four-week program introduces you to forestry and environmental science through hands-on research, seminars, and mentorship. You’ll work with professionals, college students, and faculty to learn about the scientific process and explore various career paths in natural resources. Activities include fieldwork, lab research, and participation in NC State’s undergraduate research seminars. Near the end of the program, there is the opportunity to present your findings at a research symposium either in the fall or spring. The program emphasizes community-building and professional development for students interested in environmental careers.
Subject Areas: Biotechnology, pharmaceutical sciences, clinical research, STEM
Location: North Carolina Central University, Durham, NC
Cost: $1,000 stipend
Program Dates: June 15–27 | July 13–25
Application Deadline: April 1
Eligibility: Rising 11th and 12th-grade high school students
This two-week residential program immerses you in biotechnology and pharmaceutical sciences through classroom instruction and hands-on lab experiments. Hosted by NCCU’s Biomanufacturing Research Institute and Technology Enterprise (BRITE), the program introduces you to STEM careers while offering training in drug discovery, research design, and science communication. You’ll explore topics like health disparities and entrepreneurship, engage with faculty and scientists, and take part in a tour of a biotech company. The residential aspect gives you a preview of college life, with dorm living and meals at Pearson Cafeteria included. It’s designed for students who are pursuing a STEM pathway and want to gain lab experience early.
Subject Areas: Clinical research, medicine, pharmacology, scientific writing
Location: Duke Clinical Research Institute, Durham, NC
Cost: $2,600 stipend
Program Dates: June 23–July 25
Application Deadline: January 3
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors (preferably rising seniors), U.S. citizens or permanent residents
The STAR Program gives you an in-depth look at academic and clinical research through a six-week, full-time summer experience at Duke. You’ll work in teams with faculty mentors to develop a research question, conduct a literature review, and co-author a research paper with the potential for publication. The program includes lectures on medical ethics, statistics, and pharmacology, as well as workshops on scientific writing. Participants aged 18 and older may also shadow physicians during hospital rounds. Finally, you’ll present your team’s work in a formal setting. The program will simulate real-world research environments while providing mentorship to students.
Subject Areas: Social equity, public policy, academic writing, research
Location: Duke University, Durham, NC
Cost: Free (includes breakfast and lunch)
Program Dates: July 8–July 25
Application Deadline: March 31
Eligibility: 9th–11th grade students currently enrolled in Durham Public Schools
This three-week summer institute gives you the chance to explore the root causes of inequality through academic research and collaborative projects. Ran by the Samuel DuBois Cook Center on Social Equity at Duke, the program focuses on enhancing your skills in writing, research, and public speaking. You'll study issues like race, class, gender, and economic disparities, and develop your own research on potential solutions to these challenges. The program encourages critical inquiry and student-led exploration, culminating in presentations that showcase your findings. It's designed for students interested in social justice, policy, or academic research.
Subject Areas: Engineering, transportation, public administration, construction, technology
Location: Various locations across North Carolina (based on project availability and student preferences)
Cost: $13.60/hour (stipend)
Program Dates: Semester-based; flexible year-round options
Application Deadline: June 30
Eligibility: Current high school students in North Carolina, age 16 or older, with a minimum 2.3 GPA
This year-round internship allows you to work part-time with the N.C. Department of Transportation, gaining experience across areas like engineering, aviation, construction, human resources, and civil rights. You’ll be paired with NCDOT staff and take part in real projects, meetings, and educational tours, all while customizing your placement based on your interests. The program includes exposure to multiple transportation divisions—from rail and ferry systems to highway and transit operations. It’s a hands-on opportunity to explore public service careers, strengthen workplace skills, and see how state government functions in real time. Assignments are available across the state, and placements are determined by location availability and student preferences.
Subject Areas: Nutrition, public health, research methods, health science
Location: Virtual
Cost: Free
Program Dates: June 3–June 26
Application Deadline: March 15
Eligibility: High school students
This four-week virtual internship introduces you to the basics of nutrition science and academic research through lectures, mentoring, and an independent project. You’ll attend Zoom sessions twice a week with UNC researchers, graduate students, and admissions staff to learn about nutrition topics, study design, and career pathways in health sciences. Your final task is to create and present a five-minute research presentation on a nutrition-related topic of your choice. The program also includes guidance on the college admissions process and insights into UNC’s nutrition programs. This experience gives you the chance to explore science and health research from home while gaining presentation and project management skills.
Subject Areas: Agriculture, environmental science, food science, research methods
Location: North Carolina A&T State University, Greensboro, NC
Cost: Stipend provided
Program Dates: June 15–27
Application Deadline: February 28
Eligibility: U.S. citizens who are rising high school juniors or seniors with a minimum GPA of 2.8
This two-week residential program gives you the opportunity to explore careers in agricultural and environmental sciences through hands-on research. You'll live on campus, work with faculty mentors, and carry out independent research projects in areas like food science, plant biology, or environmental sustainability. The experience also includes seminars and field activities designed to expose you to real-world scientific challenges. At the end of the program, you'll present your research findings and may be eligible for a stipend if you enroll in an agriculture-related major at NC A&T. The program aims to build early interest and skills in STEM disciplines through structured mentorship and academic engagement.
Subject Areas: Environmental conservation, trail maintenance, land restoration, public service
Location: Multiple sites across North Carolina (including Durham, Raleigh, Old Fort, Davidson, and Pisgah National Forest)
Cost: Paid (stipend provided)
Program Dates: June 16–August 8 (3–6 week sessions depending on crew)
Application Deadline: Rolling (positions posted in early March; varies by location)
Eligibility: North Carolina residents ages 15–18
The Youth Conservation Crews program gives you the chance to contribute to conservation efforts across North Carolina while developing practical skills and work experience. You’ll join a small team of peers and work under trained crew leaders on projects like trail construction, invasive species removal, habitat restoration, and sign installation. Some crews are day-based, meaning you return home after each shift, while others, like the camping crew, require overnight stays in national forests for the entire session. Locations and project focus vary, offering opportunities to engage with different environments and community partners. It’s a physically active program designed for teens looking to explore environmental work and make a tangible impact in their local ecosystems.
Subject Areas: Biomedical engineering, scientific research, STEM education
Location: Duke University, Durham, NC
Cost: Stipend provided
Program Dates: June 16–August 1
Application Deadline: February 16
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors or seniors in North Carolina, age 16 or older
DukeREP is a seven-week, in-person research program that places you in a Duke Biomedical Engineering lab, where you’ll work on scientific projects under faculty and graduate student mentorship. Alongside lab work, you'll participate in weekly seminars and workshops focused on college readiness, career exploration, and engineering topics. Social activities and access to professionals in the field help you build a network while gaining hands-on technical experience. Priority is given to students from Durham Public Schools, though all eligible students in North Carolina can apply. The program is especially focused on increasing STEM access for students from underrepresented or economically disadvantaged backgrounds.
Subject Areas: Sports management, marketing, event planning, nonprofit administration
Location: Durham Sports Commission, Durham, NC
Cost: Free
Program Dates: Varies by season (Spring, Summer, or Fall)
Application Deadline: Spring – November 15, Summer – March 15, Fall – July 10
Eligibility: High school seniors and college students enrolled at an accredited institution
This internship offers hands-on experience in the sports industry through direct involvement with events and operations managed by the Durham Sports Commission. You’ll support event planning, marketing efforts, and community engagement activities related to local, regional, and national sporting events. The program is designed to develop skills in communication, teamwork, and nonprofit operations while providing exposure to the intersection of sports and tourism. Interns may also take on individual projects tailored to their career interests. While unpaid, the internship can be used for academic credit, and participants must be available for some evening and weekend 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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