15 Prestigious Business Management Internships for High School Students
- Stephen Turban
- 50 minutes ago
- 11 min read
Internships are one of the most effective ways for high school students to gain early exposure to professional environments. Through internships, students develop practical skills such as communication, project management, and teamwork while gaining insight into how industries operate. Participating in internships can strengthen college applications by demonstrating initiative, curiosity, and commitment to academic interests.
For students interested in business, prestigious business management internships for high school students provide an opportunity to explore how organizations operate, make strategic decisions, and manage teams. Many of these opportunities also offer exposure to marketing, consulting, entrepreneurship, and operations. Additionally, online internships have become increasingly accessible and affordable, allowing students to gain professional experience regardless of location.
Below is a curated list of 15 prestigious business management internships for high school students based on prestige, rigor of professional experience, and opportunities to network with professionals.
Why should I do a business management internship in high school?
A business management internship in high school allows students to gain early exposure to professional environments while developing real-world skills. Instead of learning business concepts only through textbooks, students observe how professionals analyze markets, manage teams, and develop strategies. Another key benefit is career exploration. Business management spans multiple areas, including entrepreneurship, consulting, marketing, finance, and operations. A prestigious business management internship for high school students helps identify which areas align with their interests. Students also build transferable skills such as research, communication, project management, and presentation skills, which are valuable across industries and strengthen future internship applications.
Location: Remote
Cost: Varies depending on placement | Financial aid available
Program Dates: Multiple cohorts offered in spring, summer, fall, and winter
Application Deadline: Varies by cohort: spring (January), summer (May), fall (September), winter (November)
Eligibility: High school students, undergraduates, and gap year students who are able to commit 8–12 weeks and dedicate 10–20 hours per week
The Ladder Internship Program connects you with high-growth startups where you work remotely on real-world business projects. During the internship, you may contribute to areas such as market research, business strategy, product development, marketing campaigns, or consulting tasks, depending on your assigned team. Because many of the partner companies are early-stage startups, you gain insight into how businesses launch new products, manage operations, and scale. Throughout the program, you receive guidance from both a startup manager and a dedicated Ladder coach, who support your professional development and help you navigate project work. The internship emphasizes independent work, collaboration with startup teams, and accountability in meeting project goals.
Location: Multiple locations across the United States (varies by participating community)
Cost/Stipend: Paid internship ($17/hour or local minimum wage, whichever is higher)
Program Dates: 6-week summer internship (June–July)
Application Deadline: March 16
Eligibility: Students who are at least 18 years old and have recently completed high school (within the last 2 years) with limited post-secondary credits
The Bank of America Student Leaders® Program is a nationally recognized leadership and internship initiative designed to help students gain real-world experience while supporting their communities. Through this selective program, you complete a six-week paid internship with a local nonprofit organization, where you contribute to projects that address community needs and support social impact initiatives. In addition to the internship, you attend the Bank of America Student Leaders Summit, a three-day leadership event that brings together participants from across the country. During the summit, you explore how the public, private, and nonprofit sectors collaborate to address economic and social challenges while developing leadership and career skills.
Location: London, New York, San Francisco, and Tokyo
Cost/Stipend: Varies according to program | Financial aid available
Program Dates: 2 weeks during the summer
Application Deadline: Multiple summer cohorts with rolling admissions
Eligibility: High school students aged 15–18
The Immerse Education Business Management Track allows you to explore business careers while studying in major global commercial hubs. Each location highlights a different business ecosystem: London focuses on global finance and entrepreneurship, New York emphasizes corporate strategy and international markets, San Francisco explores startup culture and technology-driven businesses, and Tokyo introduces students to international business and innovation in Asian markets. During the program, you participate in project-based learning, business case studies, and workshops designed to introduce key management concepts, including strategy, leadership, and operations. You may also visit company offices or industry spaces to observe how organizations operate in real-world settings.
Location: Various locations across the United States
Cost/Stipend: Paid internship
Program Dates: 8 weeks during the summer (typically May–June)
Application Deadline: Applications typically open in September and close in January
Eligibility: High school seniors planning to attend a 4-year accredited U.S. college or university with a minimum GPA of 3.0 | Approximately 150 fellows selected annually
The Emma Bowen Foundation (EBF) Summer Internship places you in paid roles at leading companies in media, entertainment, and technology. During the program, you are assigned to one of three tracks: Business, Content, or Innovation, which determines the type of projects you work on. Students in the business track may contribute to tasks such as marketing strategy, communications, research, or project coordination within major organizations. Throughout the internship, you support ongoing company initiatives while learning how professional teams manage projects, deadlines, and operations. Many placements are with prominent companies such as Paramount, NBCUniversal, and other major media organizations, giving you exposure to large-scale corporate environments.
Location: Kansas City, MO
Cost/Stipend: Paid ($12–$14/hour) plus a $2,500 scholarship upon completion
Program Dates: Session 1: June 2–27 | Session 2: July 7–August 1
Application Deadline: February 1
Eligibility: High school students from the Kansas City metropolitan area
The Youth Entrepreneurship Program (YEP) provides high school students with hands-on experience working with high-growth startups in the Kansas City entrepreneurial ecosystem. During the program, you are matched with a startup that aligns with your interests and skills, where you contribute to real projects and gain insight into how early-stage companies operate. Interns work approximately 30 hours per week, supporting business operations such as research, marketing initiatives, product development support, or strategy tasks, depending on the company placement. This exposure allows you to observe how startups build teams, develop products, and navigate growth challenges.
Location: Burbank, CA, and Los Angeles County, CA
Cost/Stipend: Paid internship plus a $5,000 college scholarship (paid in instalments)
Program Dates: Paid summer internships each year during college (beginning the summer after high school graduation)
Application Deadline: Typically in February
Eligibility: Graduating high school seniors from Burbank or Los Angeles County with a minimum GPA of 3.0 and plans to attend a four-year college | Approximately 5–6 students selected annually
The Warner Bros. Discovery Reach Honorship Program is a prestigious internship–scholarship program designed for students interested in the business side of the media and entertainment industry. If selected, you receive a scholarship along with the opportunity to complete paid summer internships at Warner Bros. Discovery for up to four consecutive summers while attending college. During the internship, you work in departments such as marketing, finance, communications, operations, publicity, and media research, gaining insight into how a major film and television studio operates. You contribute to real projects while learning about production pipelines, marketing strategies, and corporate decision-making within the entertainment industry.
Location: Redmond, WA, and Atlanta, GA
Cost/Stipend: Paid internship
Program Dates: Atlanta: July 6–31 | Redmond: July 13–August 7
Application Deadline: Applications typically open in early February | Interviews begin in March
Eligibility: High school graduating seniors planning to begin a bachelor’s degree; must live within 50 miles of Redmond, WA, or in an eligible Atlanta-area school district,s and have completed pre-calculus or an equivalent course
The Microsoft Discovery Program is a four-week internship designed to introduce graduating high school seniors to careers in technology and business within one of the world’s leading technology companies. During the program, you work onsite at Microsoft’s Redmond or Atlanta campus and participate in hands-on projects that explore how technology solutions are developed and implemented. Throughout the internship, you collaborate with Microsoft employees while gaining exposure to different areas of the company, including product development, technology strategy, and project teamwork. You also receive mentorship from professionals who guide you in developing technical and professional skills.
Location: Multiple U.S. locations
Cost/Stipend: Paid internship
Program Dates: Summer program beginning in June
Application Deadline: Applications typically open before the summer cycle
Eligibility: High school students aged 16–18
The CLA High School Internship Program offers a paid summer opportunity for students interested in exploring careers in business, accounting, and professional services. During the internship, you work with teams at CLA (CliftonLarsonAllen), gaining exposure to real projects and client-focused work in a professional services environment. Throughout the program, you will develop foundational workplace skills while learning how firms in accounting and consulting manage projects, collaborate with clients, and deliver professional services. Interns often assist with research, administrative tasks, and project support, helping you understand how business operations function in a real-world setting.
Location: Kaiser Permanente facilities across Northern California
Cost/Stipend: Paid internship ($24/hour)
Program Dates: June 15–July 31
Application Deadline: January 9
Eligibility: High school students aged 16–19 living in a Northern California Kaiser Permanente service area | Priority given to juniors and seniors
The Kaiser Permanente KP LAUNCH High School Internship Program is a seven-week paid internship that introduces high school students to careers in healthcare administration and hospital operations. During the program, you work full-time in a Kaiser Permanente department, gaining exposure to how healthcare systems operate beyond direct clinical care. You will support administrative and operational teams in departments such as internal medicine, nursing administration, or patient services. While interns do not participate in patient treatment or medical procedures, the experience allows you to understand how healthcare organizations coordinate patient care, manage resources, and maintain efficient hospital operations.
Location: Jimerson Birr office, Jacksonville, FL
Cost/Stipend: Unpaid internship
Program Dates: 4–6 weeks during the summer
Application Deadline: Applications typically close in the spring
Eligibility: High school students able to work onsite at the firm’s Jacksonville, Florida office
The Jimerson Birr High School Summer Internship Program (HSSIP) provides high school students with direct exposure to the operations of a commercial law firm. Hosted by Jimerson Birr, a firm recognized among the Best Law Firms in America by U.S. News & World Report, the program introduces you to how legal and business teams collaborate within a professional services environment. During the internship, you can select a department that aligns with your interests, including accounting, legal services, communications and marketing, or information technology. You will work closely with attorneys and department leaders, gaining insight into how legal teams manage cases, conduct research, and support client needs.
Location: New York City, NY
Cost/Stipend: Paid internship
Program Dates: Summer internship (typically June–August)
Application Deadline: January 16
Eligibility: Students aged 16–24 who live in one of the five boroughs of New York City, are enrolled in high school or college, and are legally authorized to work in the U.S.
The Ladders for Leaders Program is a competitive internship initiative that connects high school and college students with paid summer placements at leading corporations, nonprofit organizations, and government agencies across New York City. The program is part of the NYC Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP) and focuses on placing motivated students in professional environments to gain practical workplace experience. Before beginning their internships, participants complete 30 hours of pre-employment training, which includes résumé and cover letter preparation, interview practice, and lessons in workplace etiquette and communication. This training ensures that you enter your internship with the foundational professional skills needed to succeed in a corporate or nonprofit setting.
Location: Various locations across the United States
Cost/Stipend: Paid | Stipend varies depending on the department and federal pay scale
Program Dates: Varies depending on the specific internship placement
Application Deadline: Varies by position
Eligibility: U.S. citizens aged 16 or older enrolled in high school with a minimum GPA of 2.0
The U.S. Department of State Pathways Internship Program offers high school students the opportunity to gain professional experience working with federal agencies across the United States. The program includes the Internship Experience Program (IEP) and the Internship Temporary Program (ITEP), both designed to introduce students to public service and government operations. Through this program, you may be placed with federal agencies such as the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), Office of Management and Budget (OMB), Department of Commerce, or Department of Transportation, depending on available internship postings. These placements provide exposure to government functions related to finance, administration, public policy, human resources, and organizational management.
Location: Ohio Hi-Point Career Center and partner businesses across Ohio
Cost/Stipend: Free to participate | Some placements may be paid
Program Dates: During the school year | Schedules depend on the placement type
Application Deadline: Varies by program and school schedule
Eligibility: High school students with at least a 95% attendance rate | Must have a 2.5 GPA and maintain a C or better in all classes | Must have no major discipline infractions and must pass employer background check (if applicable)
The Ohio Hi-Point Work-Based Learning (WBL) Program provides high school students with opportunities to gain practical career experience while still in school. Through partnerships with local businesses and organizations, the program offers opportunities for job shadowing, internships, apprenticeships, and other structured workplace experiences. During the program, you may explore fields such as business, healthcare, education, engineering, or the arts, depending on your career interests and available placements. These experiences allow you to observe professional workflows, assist with projects, and understand how organizations operate in real workplace settings.
Location: Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL), primarily in Washington State
Cost/Stipend: Paid internship (stipend varies by role)
Program Dates: Academic year (August–May) or summer (June–August)
Application Deadline: Summer internships typically close in March | Academic-year internships close in June
Eligibility: High school students interested in STEM or business careers | Some laboratory roles require interns to be at least 18 years old
The PNNL High School Internship Program provides students with hands-on experience in scientific research, engineering, and business operations at a national research laboratory. During the program, you may work alongside scientists, engineers, or business professionals, depending on your interests and the internship placement. Academic-year interns typically work up to four hours per day during the school year, while summer interns may work full-time from June through August. In many cases, students can also receive elective academic credit through their school’s work-based learning programs.
Location: Hunter College Main Campus, New York City, NY
Cost/Stipend: Stipend provided to all participating students
Program Dates: Cohort 1: June 29–July 10 | Cohort 2: July 13–24 | Cohort 3: July 27–August 7
Application Deadline: May 1
Eligibility: Youth aged 13–21 from the New York City metropolitan area | Priority given to students from underserved communities | Approximately 60 participants per cohort
The Journey to Leadership Program is a six-week leadership development initiative designed to help young people build the skills needed to become effective leaders in civic, community, and professional settings. Hosted at Hunter College, the program focuses on strengthening communication, critical thinking, and public leadership abilities through structured training sessions. During the program, you participate in workshops, seminars, networking sessions, and debate labs that emphasize leadership development and civic engagement. These activities help you learn to articulate ideas clearly, engage in constructive debate, and understand the responsibilities of leadership roles.
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, check out students’ reviews of the program here and 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 graduate of Harvard College, where he earned an A.B. in Statistics. 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.
Image Source - Bank of America logo