20 Online Summer Internships for High School Students
- Stephen Turban
- Apr 28
- 11 min read
If you’re looking for a way to spend your summer in a productive manner as a high school student, consider a summer internship!
Completing an internship in high school helps you build real-world experience early on. It gives you the chance to apply what you’ve learned in class to actual projects, whether in research, technology, media, healthcare, or policy. All of the programs on this list are remote, so you can take part from anywhere while still working closely with professionals in the field.
Depending on the internship, you might gain experience with coding, research methods, data analysis, writing, or design. You also get a clearer idea of what working in a certain field is like, which can help you make informed decisions about college majors and future careers. A strong internship experience shows colleges that you’re curious, motivated, and ready to take the initiative beyond the classroom.
To help you get started, we’ve put together a list of 20 online summer internships for high school students!
20 Online Summer Internships for High School Students
Location: Remote
Acceptance Rate: Highly selective
Cost: Starting at $2,490 (financial aid available)
Program Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year, with the summer cohort starting on June 2
Application Deadline: Varies by cohort. The deadline for the summer cohort is April 13.
Eligibility: High school students, undergraduates, and gap year students (able to commit 10-20 hours per week for 8-12 weeks).
The Ladder Internship Program is a selective remote internship that matches high school students with fast-growing startups in fields like tech, AI, health, marketing, journalism, and consulting. You’ll work on real projects and wrap up the program by presenting your work directly to company leaders.
Throughout the internship, you’ll be guided by experienced startup mentors and a dedicated Ladder Coach. Many of the startups in the program have raised over $1 million in funding, so you get exposure to how real businesses operate and grow. This is a chance to build practical skills, learn how startups work, and make a strong impression in a professional setting.
Location: In-person at Johns Hopkins University or Virtual
Acceptance Rate: Highly selective, up to 8 students per cohort for in-person sessions
Cost/Stipend: Free; in-person participants receive hourly wages plus transportation support
Program Dates: In-person: June – August (8 weeks) and Virtual: July – August (5 weeks)
Application Deadline: December 1 – March 1
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors; in-person applicants must attend a Baltimore-area high school
The Johns Hopkins Internship in Brain Sciences (JHIBS) is a summer research program for high school students interested in neuroscience and medical research. It’s designed to support diversity in the field and gives you the chance to work closely with neuroscientists at Johns Hopkins.
You’ll take part in guided lab research, attend seminars on brain science, and join discussions with experts. At the end of the program, you’ll present your research through a talk or a poster session, gaining experience in both science and communication.
Location: Virtual
Acceptance Rate: Small cohorts with one-on-one mentoring
Cost: $2,490
Program Dates: Multiple 8-week cohorts throughout the year (Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter)
Application Deadline: Varies by cohort
Eligibility: High school students with prior experience in AI/ML or completion of a Veritas AI program.
Veritas AI is founded and run by graduate students from Harvard. Its programs are designed for high school students who want to create independent projects in areas related to artificial intelligence. In the AI Fellowship program, you work one-on-one with PhD mentors from top universities over 12 to 15 weeks.
You can choose a topic that connects AI, machine learning, data science, or computer science with your interests. Your final project might be a research paper, software model, app, or presentation. Many students use their work for high school journal submissions or to support their college applications. Previous projects have included predicting breast cancer risk using genetic data, analyzing stock trends, classifying music genres, and identifying asteroid types.
Location: Virtual and on-site options at NASA centers
Acceptance Rate: Highly selective
Stipend: Varies based on position applied
Program Dates: Varies by position (check the NASA OSTEM website for details)
Application Deadline: February 28 (Summer), May 16 (Fall)
Eligibility: U.S. citizens, high school students with a minimum GPA of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale); specific requirements vary by internship.
The NASA Office of STEM Engagement (OSTEM) Internship Program offers high school students hands-on experience in space-related research and technology. You’ll work with NASA scientists and engineers on projects in areas like AI, machine learning for air traffic systems, robotics, and AR/VR.
You’ll contribute to active research while building technical and problem-solving skills. Mentorship is provided throughout the program, and internships are available at multiple NASA centers. For a comprehensive list of available positions, visit the NASA OSTEM Internship page.
Location: Virtual, with additional opportunities in Greater Seattle, WA
Acceptance Rate: 3-5% (highly selective)
Cost/Stipend: No cost; some projects offer stipends
Program Dates: May to August (8-12 weeks, depending on project)
Application Deadline: Applications for summer typically open in March or April
Eligibility: High school students who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents.
The Spark Summer Mentorship Program (SPARK SMP) is a competitive virtual internship for high school students interested in AI, machine learning, and data science. You’ll be matched with mentors from universities and the tech industry and work on real-world research projects based on your interests.
You can choose to work on 1 to 5 projects, with past topics including predictive analytics, disease detection, extreme weather modeling, and quantum computing. Some projects are like internships and may include stipends. The program helps you build practical skills in areas like algorithm development, statistical modeling, and data analysis.
Location: Virtual
Acceptance Rate: approx. 30 students per cohort
Cost/Stipend: None
Program Dates: June 2 – August 29
Application Deadline: April 9 (or earlier if max capacity is reached)
Eligibility: Must be at least 16 years old by December 31, entering junior or senior year in the fall, with a GPA of 3.0 or higher, and have completed at least one high school biology course.
The NASA GeneLab for High Schools (GL4HS) is a 12-week online bioinformatics internship for high school students interested in space biology and data science. You’ll learn how to analyze genetic data from spaceflight experiments using tools from computational biology, statistics, and machine learning.
The program includes courses like “Molecular Biology and the Omics Revolution,” virtual field trips, and guest lectures from NASA scientists. You’ll also work on a team research project using large datasets. Top teams are invited to present their work at the American Society for Gravitational and Space Research Conference.
Location: Virtual
Acceptance Rate: Competitive
Cost: Free
Program Dates: April 15 – June 15
Application Deadline: April 15
Eligibility: High school students with a background in computer science
The EDIT ML Summer Internship Program at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center is a research internship for high school students interested in artificial intelligence in healthcare. You will work on projects that involve building and testing machine learning models to support clinical decision-making and improve patient care.
You’ll gain experience with medical imaging, natural language processing (NLP), and data analysis using tools like Python and R. You’ll also work with healthcare professionals and present your research findings at the end of the program.
Location: Virtual
Acceptance Rate: Low selectivity
Cost: Free
Program Dates: 3-month internship from June to August (extensions available)
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: All high school students
The Building-U Internship is a flexible, online opportunity where high school students help build a growing resource hub for academic and extracurricular programs. You’ll research and organize information about scholarships, competitions, internships, and other student opportunities.
With more than 10 role types available, you can tailor the experience to match your interests, whether in writing, research, design, or data management. The program is free and not highly selective, making it a good starting point for gaining practical experience.
Location: Various companies across Los Angeles, CA | Virtual options available
Acceptance Rate: Competitive
Stipend: Provided (amount varies based on the internship)
Program Dates: June 17 – August 9
Application Deadline: March 1
Eligibility: High school students in LA County, including DACA/Undocumented Youth and Foster Youth in grades 10-12
The Intern Project (TIP) offers paid summer internships to high school students in Los Angeles County, placing them at organizations in sectors like engineering, technology, business, healthcare, and government. The program is run by the LA Promise Fund and is highly selective, with applicants evaluated based on academic performance, interest statements, and teacher recommendations.
You can apply for roles in software development, data analytics, web design, or machine learning. Depending on your assignment, you might gain experience in Python, JavaScript, SQL, Excel, Tableau, and GitHub while learning to manage deadlines, work in teams, and communicate professionally.
Location: Virtual or Hybrid at the Smithsonian Science Education Center, Washington, DC
Acceptance Rate: Highly competitive
Stipend: Available (amount unspecified)
Program Dates: 8-10 weeks between March and May
Application Deadline: February 3 – March 7
Eligibility: High school students (16+ years old), undergraduates, or graduate students
The Smithsonian Science Education Center (SSEC) Internship offers high school students a chance to support national STEM education initiatives through digital media and science communication projects. Hosted by the Smithsonian Institution, the internship is remote and typically runs during the summer.
You’ll work alongside education specialists and communication teams to create digital learning resources, manage content calendars, and produce graphics or videos for the Smithsonian’s online platforms. Depending on your role, you may develop skills in science writing, Adobe Creative Suite, Canva, social media analytics, or educational outreach.
12. Girls Who Code
Location: Virtual
Acceptance Rate: Selective
Cost/Stipend: Free; a need-based $300 stipend is available
Program Dates: Session 1: July 1 – July 18 and Session 2: July 28 – August 8
Application Deadline: April 11
Eligibility: Female and non-binary high school students in grades 9-11
The Girls Who Code Summer Immersion Program is a free, two-week virtual internship for female and non-binary high school students. You’ll build technical skills in areas like HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and user interface design while working on projects such as websites, games, or apps.
The program also includes career panels, mentorship, and daily support from trained instructors. Whether you’re just starting or have some coding experience, you’ll get help learning how to build and design digital products. Eligible students can also apply for a $300 need-based stipend.
Location: Virtual and in person
Acceptance Rate: Selective
Cost/Stipend: $25 application fee (waivers available for financial need)
Program Dates: June 18 – August 8
Application Deadline: February 2
Eligibility: Remote/in-person computer lab internships require age 15+; wet-lab internships require age 16+
The ASSIP program at George Mason University is an eight-week summer research internship where high school students work with faculty mentors on STEM projects. You’ll explore areas such as cybersecurity, electrical engineering, and computational science, using tools like Python, R, or MATLAB.
During the program, you’ll gain experience in data analysis, mathematical modeling, agent-based simulations, and applied statistics. You’ll also strengthen your skills in scientific writing, presenting research findings, and solving problems using data and computational methods.
Location: Remote
Cost/Stipend: Some fees apply, but scholarships are available!
Program Dates: Rolling; summer options available
Application Deadline: Varies by start date
Eligibility: High school students (age 16+)
The United Planet Virtual Internship is open to students aged 16 and older. You’ll work with non-profit organizations in countries like Peru, Nepal, or Ghana on real-world projects in areas such as public health, education, sustainability, or social entrepreneurship.
You’ll build skills in communication, research, time management, and cross-cultural teamwork. You’ll also gain experience in project planning and problem-solving while receiving regular guidance from a mentor.
Location: Virtual and in person
Acceptance Rate: Selective
Cost/Stipend: $100
Program Dates: June 1 – August 6
Application Deadline: April 18
Eligibility: Open to high school students interested in computer science and mathematics
The Colorado School of Mines Computer Science Internship Program gives high school students hands-on experience in computer science, math, and technology. You can join the program either remotely or in person, depending on your location and schedule.
You will work on projects that help you build skills in programming, problem-solving, and analytical thinking. The curriculum focuses on logic, mathematical reasoning, and algorithmic thinking. These are key skills for both academic success and careers in tech. You do not need prior experience in computer science to apply. Students selected for the program are notified in mid-April.
Location: Virtual and in person
Acceptance Rate: Selective
Cost/Stipend: $850 + $40 application fee
Program Dates: June 16 – 27
Application Deadline: December 9 - February 28
Eligibility: High school students (14+), U.S. residents; student leads must be CA residents; CS undergrads can apply for lead roles.
The Stanford Center for Artificial Intelligence in Medicine and Imaging (AIMI) Summer Research Internship is a two-week virtual program where you will explore how artificial intelligence is used in healthcare. Led by Stanford researchers, the program introduces you to deep learning, medical image analysis, and algorithm development for disease detection.
You will work on real-world projects that show how machine learning models interpret medical data. Along the way, you will gain insight into how AI tools support diagnosis and treatment. The program also includes Virtual Career Lunch and Learn sessions with professionals from academia, nonprofits, and government agencies. After completing the internship, you will receive a certificate of completion.
Location: Virtual and in person
Acceptance Rate: Selective
Cost/Stipend: Free with $13/hour stipend
Program Dates: June 17 – July 26
Application Deadline: Mid-January
Eligibility: High school students (14+), U.S. residents; student leads must be CA residents; CS undergrads can apply for lead roles.
The MPFI Summer Research Internship offers high school students a chance to explore brain structure, function, and development through hands-on research. You can choose one of three focus areas: neuroscience, scientific programming, or mechanical engineering.
Location: Remote
Acceptance Rate: Highly selective
Cost: Free
Program Dates: February – May (Spring Session), June – August (Summer Session), September – December (Fall Session)
Application Deadline: July 23
Eligibility: High school students with strong writing and research skills.
The FPRI High School Internship is a competitive, research-intensive virtual program designed for students passionate about foreign policy, national security, and global affairs. You’ll work with FPRI scholars and policy experts on in-depth research projects, engaging in tasks like policy writing, data analysis, and drafting policy briefs.
You’ll also build essential skills such as research, critical thinking, time management, and problem-solving. Exceptional interns may have the opportunity to publish their work on FPRI’s Intern Corner, a platform that presents student research on current global issues.
Location: Virtual and in person
Acceptance Rate: Highly selective
Cost: Free
Program Dates: Varies by position
Application Deadline: Varies by position
Eligibility: Open to high school students with at least one honors science or honors English class and a GPA over 3.25
The EnergyMag Journalism Internship provides students with the opportunity to gain real-world experience in energy and environmental journalism. As an intern, you’ll work on writing, researching, and reporting articles that explore topics like renewable energy, climate policy, and clean technology.
You will receive mentorship and editorial feedback from experienced writers and editors, contributing to published articles on the EnergyMag platform. You will also learn skills in content creation, media analysis, and digital storytelling, making this a great choice for students passionate about both journalism and sustainability.
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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