20 Paid Internships for High School Students
- Stephen Turban
- Dec 22, 2023
- 15 min read
Updated: Apr 14
Engaging in an internship not only provides practical experience but also offers a multitude of other advantages. It's an excellent chance to apply classroom knowledge to real-world scenarios, fostering a deeper understanding of concepts. Although all internships can be rewarding experiences, paid internships have the added benefit of being more competitive than their unpaid counterparts. Adding a competitive paid internship to your resume can boost your college admissions profile. The financial compensation they offer can be used to invest in your future academic success.
To help you get started, we’ve curated this list of 20 paid internships across the U.S.! These internships provide students with a platform to explore a range of subjects, concepts, and fields.
Every year, Bank of America selects about 300 high school students from over 100 diverse communities for this internship. Selected students work at a local non-profit organization and develop leadership skills. You will learn about the various aspects of running a non-profit organization and engage in community service projects. The internship includes a week-long National Student Leadership Summit held in Washington, DC. The bank will cover the travel, food, and stay. This internship is well-regarded because Bank of America has a strong reputation. For a deep dive into this program and its benefits, check out this article!
Stipend/Cost: It is a paid internship, but no information is available on the exact amount. The trip to Washington DC is covered by the bank!
Application deadline: January 17
Eligibility: Current high school juniors and seniors are eligible. See all eligibility criteria here.
Program dates: Dates vary by location, but the internship usually begins shortly after the school year ends and lasts 8 weeks (including the trip to Washington, DC).
Location: The program is held all across the country. Use the location finder to find an internship location near you!
NASA’s Office of STEM Engagements offers paid internships at all its locations nationwide. These internships are an exceptional opportunity for high school students to work on current projects at the agency under the guidance of a NASA mentor. The program offers training, mentoring, and career development opportunities. The internships are offered in various subjects, including space science, engineering, aeronautics, technology, space microbiology, ecology, and even outreach and communications. You could design experiments, analyze data from space missions, or develop new technologies. Interning with NASA is a prestigious experience you can showcase in your college application! To learn more about NASA's internships for high schoolers, check out this blog.
Stipend/Cost: No application cost. A stipend is provided, based on academic level and session length.
Application deadline: February 2 (summer Internships). The office also offers internships in the fall and spring, with different deadlines. Check for updates!
Eligibility: Internships are available for full-time high school students who meet a minimum 3.0 GPA requirement and are US citizens.
Program dates: These internships are offered in 3 sessions – Summer (10-week program, from late May or early June to August) | Fall (16-week program, from late August or early September to mid-December) | Spring (16-week program, from mid-January to early May) |
Location: These internships are offered across NASA facilities.
Kaiser Permanente offers an internship that introduces students to professional work and career development in healthcare. As an intern, you will work alongside healthcare professionals and learn about various medical disciplines, such as nursing, pharmacy, laboratory sciences, and more. This program encourages students to explore the business and administration aspects of healthcare, offering experience in accounting, administration, R&D, and beyond. Interns receive an hourly wage and engage in weekly workshops on professional development. The internship is mentored. We’ve covered more about this internship in our guide here.
Stipend: No cost, interns receive a stipend of $15.50-18 per hour.
Application deadline: January 2
Eligibility: Students who are aged 16-19 by June 1, legally eligible to work in the U.S., and current high school students and/or graduating seniors.
Program dates: June 17 - August 2
Location: You can intern at a Kaiser Permanente Medical Center or business office closest to where you are. Find a location near you.
This is a multi-year, year-round internship and youth development program for students from communities underrepresented in STEM. The program cultivates critical thinking, problem-solving, workforce readiness, and community leadership. Starting as rising sophomores or juniors and continuing through high school, interns at the California Academy of Sciences grow in responsibility based on their performance. Interns attend bi-monthly sessions on science communication, career insights from STEM professionals, and life skills like financial literacy. This internship includes outdoor field activities and guidance on your college applications. You will work on a science research or environmental action project in groups. Check out this detailed dive into the program.
Stipend/Cost: No application cost; a stipend is provided, but information on the amount is not available. Applicants must manage their own commute to the Academy.
Application deadline: April 5
Eligibility: Students who are currently enrolled full-time as a 9th or 10th-grade student in an SFUSD school - check if your school qualifies here, have maintained a GPA of 2.5 and a grade of C or higher in science and math, and can obtain a valid work permit.
Program dates: Multi-year, year-round participation; selected applicants will be invited for an in-person group interview on April 27
Location: California Academy of Sciences, San Francisco, California
The National Institutes of Health (NIH)'s HS-SIP presents an opportunity for students to explore biomedical research with scientists and mentors. This program involves participation in ongoing research projects, data analysis, and acquiring fundamental laboratory skills. Within the HS-SIP framework, two programs, namely the High School Scientific Training and Enrichment Program (HiSTEP) and HiSTEP 2.0, are detailed here. Partnering with research institutions, HiSTEP exposes participants to scientific investigations spanning disciplines. It offers not only an introduction to scientific, professional, and personal skills but also leadership training, wellness initiatives, and an exploration of STEM-M (science, technology, engineering, math, and medical) careers.
Stipend: $2,300–2,530 (for students currently in high school) | $2,570–2,840 (for students who have graduated high school)
Application deadline: February 1.
Eligibility: Students who are high school juniors or seniors at the time of application (or have recently graduated) and are 17 years or older on June 15 may apply. Please review all eligibility requirements before applying.
Program dates: Minimum 8 weeks in summer; specific dates are unavailable.
Location: Students have the option to select from various NIH campuses nationwide.
The NYC Mayor’s Office Internship Program offers work assignments, government engagement, and service projects for students interested in the functioning of city governance and policy. Students can apply to the department of their choice. As an intern, you will collaborate with full-time staff at the office and work on projects such as research and data analysis, managing incoming inquiries, staffing events, and outreach initiatives. Through the bi-weekly Speaker Series, you will learn about the inner workings of the City government. Guest speakers include Deputy Mayors, Commissioners, Program Directors, and other senior staff. You will also get a chance to develop a service project with other interns! The goal is to execute a project to impact the most deserving communities in New York.
Stipend: No cost. High school students are paid $15/hour.
Application deadline: March (Summer term) | August (Fall-Spring term). The exact dates are yet to be announced.
Eligibility: Students who are 16 years or older, enrolled in high school or accepted to an undergraduate degree program, and New York City residents.
Program dates: June - August (Summer term) | October - April (Fall-Spring term)
Location: New York City, New York
The Hutton Junior Fisheries Biology Program, an 8-week program sponsored by the American Fisheries Society (AFS), is a summer internship focused on cultivating interest in fisheries and aquatic science among underrepresented groups. Each Hutton Scholar will be matched with a fisheries professional in their area who will be their mentor for the program. You will participate in resource conservation and management projects, learning how to conduct laboratory and field research. Activities include electrofishing, examining specimens, data processing, establishing aquatic vegetation and fish habitats, and more! An added benefit is an all-expense paid trip to the Hutton Scholars Summit conducted at the University of Arkansas! To learn more about this program, check out our complete guide here.
Stipend: No cost, $3,000 stipend, and all-expense paid trip to the Hutton Scholar’s Summit.
Application deadline: January 16
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors who live and have residency in the United States, Mexico, and Canada. Must be at least 16 years old by the application deadline.
Program dates: The program start and end dates are flexible and determined by the student and their mentor. Typically, they are 8 weeks in the summer.
Location: It's based on your locality (Hutton aims to match students within a 45-minute commute of their home).
The American Psychological Association (APA) is a scientific and professional organization representing psychologists in the United States. APA internships cater to students who are enthusiastic about applying psychological expertise for societal benefit. These internships span roles in policy, research, communications, and financial services. Securing an internship with APA offers a valuable chance to deepen your understanding of professional psychology within a nationally recognized organization.
Stipend: No cost. Paid and unpaid internships are available.
Application deadline: Varies based on the internship.
Eligibility: While specific details may vary based on the internship, students who are enrolled at least part-time in an academic institution at the time of applying are eligible. Students under the age of 18 must submit an official District of Columbia Work Permit with their application.
Program dates: Internships are offered year-round; exact dates vary based on the internship.
Location: Remote or Washington, DC.
As a participant in the Meta Summer Academy, you will learn about practices in Meta be a part of its day-to-day environment. You will be expected to participate for 30 hours per week. You will be mentored by Meta Summer Academy mentors, who are Meta employees. The academy offers students a unique exposure to the tech industry. Your transportation from anywhere in California will be taken care of. Securing an internship at Meta as a high school student is a matter of prestige, as the selection process is quite competitive, with only 150 students making it to the final cohort. Check out our review here!
Stipend: No cost. Students will receive a stipend.
Application deadline: March 1
Eligibility: High school sophomores with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 who are full-year residents of East Palo Alto, Belle Haven, or Redwood City.
Program dates: June 17 - July 26
Location: Meta headquarters, Menlo Park, CA
The Summer High School Internship Program (SHIP) offers a competitive internship for rising 12th-grade students. The program is designed for students from underrepresented communities who are interested in biomedical science. The program commences with a 2-week intensive focusing on laboratory safety techniques and essential skills. The subsequent 6 weeks involve interns working alongside mentors in research groups in Seattle. Interns engage in research seminars, attend professional development workshops, and participate in team-building social activities. The program culminates in presentations showcasing interns’ contributions. Check out our guide to this program here.
Stipend: No cost, a stipend is provided. Interns must arrange their housing and transportation.
Application deadline: March 31.
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors can apply.
Program dates: The program will be held from June-end to mid-August.
Location: Fred Hutch Cancer Center, Seattle, Washington.
The KPMG U.S. Empower High School Experience is designed to introduce high school students to accounting and professional services. This initiative covers fundamental accounting principles, auditing procedures, tax concepts, and advisory services. Through workshops, collaboration on case studies, and engagement with KPMG professionals, participants understand the practicalities of this industry. It’s a valuable opportunity to establish a foundation for future careers in finance and accounting. A standout feature of the KPMG U.S. Empower High School Experience is its emphasis on networking and mentorship. Moreover, attendees can attend guest lectures and workshops led by industry experts, further enriching their understanding of this field.
Stipend: $25 an hour
Application Deadline: Unspecified
Eligibility: Rising junior or senior in high school who lives within commuting distance of a KPMG office.
Program dates: 3 weeks in July
Location: New York City
This 7-week summer internship offers an opportunity for students to contribute to research at Fermilab. Under the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Science, Fermilab is a prominent hub for particle physics exploration. Focused on particle physics and accelerator research, this program incorporates interns into Fermilab’s scientific endeavors. Collaborating with scientists, interns work on projects spanning particle physics, particle accelerators, detectors, computing, and quantum science. This involves data collection via surveys, contributing to the team’s research abstract, and regular oral presentations that encapsulate the progress made during the program. The projects represent a subset of Fermilab’s research areas, all detailed on the lab’s official webpage. To learn more about this program, check out our complete guide here.
Stipend: $16.20 per hour
Application Deadline: January 15
Eligibility: Students who are high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors at the time of application are eligible. Students must be enrolled in an Illinois high school and be US citizens or have permanent resident status.
Program Dates: June 17 — August 2
Location: Fermilab, Batavia, IL. Note that transportation, housing, or meals will not be provided. Fermilab can help you with discounted rates for local hotels near the internship site.
The Science and Engineering Apprenticeship Program (SEAP) places high school students in Department of Navy (DoN) laboratories for an 8-week summer internship in Naval research. This program is ideal for students looking to explore science and engineering in their future academics. You will be mentored by scientists and engineers as you work on STEM projects. You will build your knowledge in disciplines such as computer science and aeronautics. Your lab choice is based on your subject of interest. Highly selective, SEAP offers around 300 placements across 38 labs nationwide. Look at this deep dive for more info on the program.
Stipend: $4,000 (New participants) | $4,500 (Returning participants)
Application deadline: Applications close November 1 every year.
Eligibility: High school students who have completed at least grade 9 and are at least 16 years old when the internship begins can apply. Check whether your preferred lab choice has any other requirements.
Program dates: Eight weeks in the summer; varies depending on the lab you choose.
Location: There are several lab locations to choose from across the country.
The Met offers fully-funded internships for high school students interested in art, design, architecture, and creative expression. They have two internship tracks –one during the school year and another in the summer. These internships introduce students to art, museums, and creative professions, fostering skill development, networking, and work experience. MET interns engage with museum experts and professionals in marketing, scientific research, social media, law, and education. Additionally, they participate in Career Labs, gaining advice from working professionals.
Stipend: $1,100
Application deadline: October (year-round internships) | March (summer internships)
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors based in and around New York City
Program dates: January 14 - June 9 (year-round) | June 25 - August 12 (summer)
Location: The Met Fifth Avenue, New York
A prestigious internship opportunity for students interested in computer science and related fields, SPARK SIP has an acceptance rate of less than 5%. The program allows students to explore research opportunities in the field, learn from scholars and leaders, and gain experience through a full-time summer internship program. Students must select 5-6 projects that they’d like to work on and will be assigned sponsors. For the cohort, the research project list included the following topics (among others): Detection tool for tick-borne infections or breast cancer, DNA Sequence Classification based on Electrical Signatures, and 2D Materials - A new class of conductors and semiconductors for future.
To learn more about this program, check out our complete guide here.
Stipend/Cost: A $500 stipend is offered. For in-person internships, students are expected to manage their own boarding, lodging, and local transportation.
Application deadline: Applications typically close in May
Eligibility: All high school students (grades 9-12) who are US citizens or permanent residents
Program dates: 6-12 weeks in the summer.
Location: Various locations across the country. Some may be remote
The JHIBS program provides an opportunity to gain valuable experience in neuroscience research. The program aims to make neurological sciences more inclusive and representative. During the program, you will participate in research under researchers' guidance as well as projects, discussions, seminars, weekly personal and professional development sessions, and interactions with neuroscientists at JHU. At the end of the program, you will present your research via an oral or poster presentation. See past projects here!
Application Deadline: March 1, every year.
Program Dates: 8 weeks, June - August (in-person); 5 weeks, July - August (virtual)
Eligibility: Juniors and seniors from around the country can apply to the 5-week, virtual program. Juniors and seniors residing in Baltimore City and the metro area from underrepresented groups are eligible for the in-person program.
Location: This program offers both virtual and in-person options. The in-person program will be held at the Johns Hopkins Department of Neurology on the East Baltimore campus.
Stipend: In-person participants receive an hourly stipend (amount varies), while virtual interns receive a stipend of $500.
The U.S. Senate Page Program is a competitive internship for high school students interested in government and public service. As a page, you will assist with legislative tasks such as delivering correspondence, preparing the Senate Chamber, and supporting senators during debates. The program requires professionalism, adherence to a strict code of conduct, and managing a demanding schedule. In addition to daily responsibilities, you will participate in organized field trips around Washington, D.C. Pages receive a stipend, making this a unique opportunity to gain experience in the legislative process.
Location: Capitol and Senate Offices, Washington D.C.
Stipend: Interns are paid on an annual salary basis of $37,238. Since interns serve for less than a year, they do not earn an entire annual salary.
Cohort size: 30 positions are available
Dates: Spring: January 26 - June 6 | Summer Session 1: June 8 - June 27 | Summer Session 2: July 8 - August 1 | Fall: September 1 - January 23
Application Deadline: Application deadlines for each session vary by each office.
Eligibility: The semester program is for high school juniors aged 16 or 17 by the appointment date, and the summer program is for rising juniors and seniors of the same age. A minimum GPA of 3.0 is required.
The AFRL Scholars Program is a summer internship for upper-level high school students interested in STEM research. This opportunity allows you to work alongside AFRL scientists and engineers on advanced research projects, gaining experience with cutting-edge technology. The program is designed to provide exposure to research while fostering technical skills and professional development. Some locations also offer opportunities for those interested in education or K–12 teaching.
Location: Several locations across the United States. Check the detailed information here.
Stipend: Stipends are paid based on the education level. Check the exact amount here.
Acceptance Rate: 8-10%
Dates: Start dates may vary based on the AFRL sites and/or projects you are applying to.
Application Deadline: January 10.
Eligibility: Upper-level high schoolers with a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale who are US citizens. You must also be eligible to work 40 hours a week for summer internship positions.
The Eugene and Ruth Roberts Summer Student Academy at City of Hope is a 10-week, fully funded biomedical research internship for high school students. You will design and conduct independent research projects under the guidance of scientists, gaining experience in molecular biology, genetics, and cancer research. You will present your findings through poster sessions, oral presentations, and written reports, building research and communication skills. The program includes weekly seminars on advanced scientific topics, career discussions, and field trips. Participants receive a $4,500 stipend upon completion.
Location: City of Hope Center
Stipend: $4,500
Acceptance Rate: Last year, 71 students were selected from 750 applications. So, the acceptance rate is around 10%.
Dates: June 2 - August 8
Application Deadline: March 12. If you plan to submit supplementary documents, they must be submitted by March 11.
Eligibility: High school students who are at least 16 years of age and have completed high school courses in chemistry and biology.
The Student Historian Internship at the New York Historical Society is a research program where high school students explore American history and digital humanities through projects. As an intern, you will use museum and library resources to create digital public history projects, meet museum professionals, and develop skills in historical analysis, communication, and digital media. This academically rigorous program is suited for students interested in history, museums, and digital storytelling. It provides a deeper understanding of historical research and public engagement.
Location: New York Historical Society, New York, NY
Stipend: $700
Cohort Size: 25 students
Dates: The Student Historian internship runs twice a year—during the academic year (late October to early June) and in the summer (July 8 to August 14).
Application Deadline: Applications for summer internships open in the first week of February (Last date: March 30). Applications for academic-year internships open in early June.
Eligibility: High school students entering grades 10, 11, or 12 who live in and attend school in the New York City metro area.
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 Ph.D. 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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