14 Internships in Massachusetts for High School Students
- Stephen Turban
- Jun 23
- 8 min read
For high school students in Massachusetts, internships provide an accessible opportunity to gain hands-on experience, develop professional skills, and explore potential career paths before college. From research labs and tech startups to law offices and healthcare settings, these internships go beyond observation, letting you contribute to real projects and learn directly from experts in the field.
Many of the internships below are hosted by leading universities, hospitals, and organizations across the state, offering mentorship, training, and exposure to professional environments. Whether you're aiming for a future in science, business, public policy, or the arts, there's something here to match your goals.
To help you get started, we’ve curated 14 internships in Massachusetts for high school students. If you're looking for more prestigious internships, check out this set of blogs!
Location: Remote
Cost: Starting at $2,490 (financial aid available)
Application Deadline: Deadlines vary depending on the cohort.
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!
Ladder Internships is a selective program for motivated high school students to intern with fast-growing start-ups. These start-ups work in many fields, including technology, AI/ML, health tech, marketing, journalism, consulting, and more. The virtual internship is usually 8 weeks long.
You can explore all the options here on their application form. Ladder’s start-ups are high-growth companies on average raising over a million dollars. In the program, interns work closely with their managers and a Ladder Coach on real-world projects and present their work to the company. Here is the application form.
Location: Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA
Cost: Free
Application Deadline: December 11
Program Dates: June 22 – August 2
Eligibility: High school juniors
At the Research Science Institute (RSI), participants can explore science and engineering through a combination of hands-on research projects and engaging classes held at MIT. Each summer, 100 high school students are invited to participate in the program.
You will begin with a week of immersive STEM courses led by expert instructors. Following this, you will dedicate five weeks to your personal research project, receiving support from seasoned scientists and mentors. In the concluding week, you will share your results via a written report and a conference-style presentation.
Location: Local architecture firms in Boston, MA
Cost/Stipend: No cost; Interns are paid.
Application Deadline: Applications are accepted on a rolling basis
Program Dates: July 7 – August 15
Eligibility: Boston public high school students in grades 9–12
This six-week summer program gives Boston public school students a chance to explore architecture by interning at local firms. In collaboration with the Mayor’s Summer Jobs Program, it provides paid opportunities to explore architecture and design.
You will engage in actual projects, attend site visits, and gain insights from industry professionals. Throughout this experience, you can develop practical skills in drawing, presenting, and 3D modeling, while also enhancing essential soft skills such as teamwork, communication, and time management.
Location: Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston/Cambridge/Somerville, MA
Cost: Free; stipend provided
Application Deadline: January 31
Program Dates: June 30 – August 8
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors or recent graduates who live or study in Massachusetts
The Youth Neurology Education and Research Program at Massachusetts General Hospital is for high school students from underrepresented backgrounds who are interested in the brain and nervous system.
Students start with a short "boot camp" to learn basic research skills. Then, each student is matched with a neurology expert at MGH to work on a research project. Along the way, they meet doctors and scientists, learn about their careers, and get real research experience. The program ends with a student presentation, and participants get help with publishing their work and applying for awards.
Location: Broad Institute, Cambridge, MA
Cost/Stipend: No cost; a $3,600 stipend and partial reimbursement for transportation costs are provided to participants.
Application Deadline: January 22
Program Dates: June 30 – August 8
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors who attend a high school in Massachusetts within commuting distance of the Broad Institute, have earned a B or better in science and math classes
The Broad Summer Scholars Program (BSSP) is a six-week research-focused program for high school students passionate about science. You’ll work with scientists at the Broad Institute on research projects in areas like cancer, mental health, genetics, infectious diseases, and more.
Besides doing hands-on research, you’ll attend science talks, learn about different science careers, and present your work in a poster session. Additionally, you will participate in social events, attend a college fair, and network with fellow like-minded students.
Location: Museum of Science, Boston, MA
Cost/Stipend: No cost; Both paid and unpaid opportunities are available.
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Program Dates: Typically a 7-week program between July and August
Eligibility: High school students between the ages of 14 and 19 can apply.
The Museum of Science offers paid internships that enable students to gain hands-on experience with the museum's operations and develop professional skills. Interns can work in various areas, including education, visitor support, business, technical support, and hands-on roles.
Every week, you will also participate in workshops covering subjects such as financial management and crafting resumes and cover letters. Additionally, you will tour various museums and local colleges. As an intern, you will enjoy free entry to the Museum of Science, along with access to all its exhibits and venues.
Location: Massachusetts, MA
Cost/Stipend: Stipend provided
Application Deadline: Rolling basis
Program Dates: Varies depending on opportunity
Eligibility: High school students who are at least 16 years old
The High School Apprenticeship Challenge offers paid internships for underrepresented and low-income high school students in Massachusetts. Annually, it facilitates the creation of more than 150 internships in research labs and small life sciences firms by subsidizing intern wages. Before starting the internship, students get training in biotechnology, biomedical science, and workplace skills.
Location: The Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, MA
Cost/Stipend: No cost; participants receive a stipend of $15 per hour.
Application Deadline: Typically in May
Program Dates: 12-month program
Eligibility: Applicants must be Boston residents and/or attend a Boston Public School.
This paid program, lasting a year, is tailored for high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors who have an interest in the arts. It emphasizes the development of leadership skills, the exploration of museum careers, and the promotion of creativity through various art classes and workshops.
You’ll get behind-the-scenes access to the museum, meet artists, and learn how the museum works. As part of the program, you’ll also help visitors as a Visitor Aide and Program Assistant, and take part in planning events for teens.
Location: Massachusetts (Boston, Worcester, and Springfield)
Stipend: $15.00/hour
Application Deadline:
Boston: Rolling
Worcester: April 10
Springfield: April 11
Program Dates:
Boston: July 1 – August 15
Worcester & Springfield: June 30 – August 8
Eligibility: High school students who are residents of Boston, Worcester, and Springfield; specific requirements vary by location.
The Judicial Youth Corps Program, offered by the Supreme Judicial Court of Massachusetts, provides high school students with a summer internship to gain insight into the court system and legal principles. Participants will receive instruction and mentorship from judges, lawyers, clerks, probation officers, and other court personnel who dedicate their time voluntarily. The program features mock trials, field trips, and collaborative discussions.
Location: Boston, MA
Stipend: Annual salary of $33,488
Application Deadline: Spring Session: September 12 | Summer Session: January 31 | Fall Session: May 1
Program Dates: Varies depending on the session
Eligibility: You must be a U.S. citizen, 16–17 years old, a high school junior or rising junior/senior, with at least a 3.0 GPA.
In the Senate Page Program, you will learn how the U.S. Senate operates by participating in essential daily tasks such as delivering documents, preparing the Senate chamber, and assisting during votes and debates. You will gain an insider's perspective on the lawmaking process and closely observe the efforts of Senators and their teams.
Alongside your duties, you will attend the United States Senate Page School, taking honors-level courses in English, Math, Science, and Social Studies. The program also includes field trips to historic sites in the Washington, D.C. area.
Location: Various locations across the US, including Massachusetts; Virtual options available
Stipend: Varies depending on location and project
Application Deadline: Rolling. Applications open on December 4 and remain open throughout the year.
Program Dates: Summer (specific dates vary by project and lab)
Eligibility: Those applying must be current high school students who are U.S. citizens or permanent legal residents. Additional eligibility requirements vary by location. Check details here.
The AEOP High School Internship program enables students to work on real-world research with university scientists or experts from the Department of Defense. Interns get hands-on experience using advanced lab equipment and work on projects like plasma propulsion, quantum science, and electrical engineering. The program provides access to top research labs and mentorship from STEM professionals, helping students plan their education and future careers.
Location: Northeastern University, Boston, MA
Cost: Free
Application Deadline: February 20
Program Dates: June 23 – July 31
Eligibility: Massachusetts residents (within commuting distance of Northeastern University) who are rising high school seniors. More info here.
The Young Scholars Program (YSP) at Northeastern University is a summer program for rising high school seniors interested in engineering. You’ll conduct practical research on initiatives such as battery chemistry and cancer treatments, in addition to participating in workshops covering robotics, radar, and additional topics. You’ll also visit companies and labs like Biogen and the U.S. Army Natick Soldier Systems Center to see how engineering is applied in real-world scenarios.
Location: Remote
Cost: $850 + $40 application fee
Application Deadline: February 28
Program Dates: June 16 – 27
Eligibility: U.S. high school students over the age of 14 at the start of the program; students with a mathematical/computer science background or students with experience in the healthcare sector are given preference
The Stanford AIMI Summer Research Internship provides a structured introduction to the impact of artificial intelligence on medicine through a two-week virtual experience. You will work on research projects, attend lectures from Stanford engineers and scientists, and take part in mentorship sessions that highlight how machine learning is reshaping healthcare.
The program features live lectures, group discussions, coding workshops, and career talks with industry experts. Key areas of focus include medical diagnostics, AI in imaging, and advancements in healthcare systems.
Location: Various NASA centers in the country.
Stipend: Interns may receive a stipend dependent on internship, academic level, and session length.
Application Deadline: Fall: May 16 | Spring: September 12 | Summer: February 27
Program Dates:
Fall: 16-week program, from late August or early September to mid-December
Spring: 16-week program, from mid-January to early May
Summer: 10-week program, from late May or early June to August
Eligibility: Must be a full-time high school student with a 3.0+ GPA and a U.S. citizen.
NASA’s Office of STEM Engagement (OSTEM) offers paid internships for high school and college students to work on science, technology, aeronautics, and space projects. As a participant, you can explore a diverse range of fields, including space science, aeronautics, engineering, technology, space microbiology, and outreach and communications.
You will engage in projects with the support of seasoned mentors, acquiring practical experience in activities such as research, data analysis, and assisting in current engineering initiatives. There are three sessions each year; check the website for openings.
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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