15 Summer Internships for High School Students in Pasadena, CA
- Stephen Turban
- 3 hours ago
- 9 min read
If you are a high school student in Pasadena, taking on a local summer internship is one of the most affordable (and accessible) ways to explore career paths and build skills outside the classroom. You get practical experience that teaches you how to manage responsibilities, work with professionals, and see how your interests translate into actual fields of work.Â
High schoolers in Pasadena have access to a wide variety of internships. At places like Caltech or NASA, you may assist with research projects, analyze data, or see how large-scale experiments are conducted. If you are drawn to the arts, you could explore museum studies, theater production, or work behind the scenes at cultural organizations. These experiences can also strengthen your resume and academic profile, showing colleges and future employers that you took initiative early on.
With that, here are 15 summer internships for high school students in Pasadena, CA! If you're looking for more prestigious internships, check out this set of blogs!
15 Summer Internships for High School Students in Pasadena, CA
Location: Caltech campus, Pasadena, CA
Cost/Stipend: Free to attend; no fees required
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Varies; limited to high school students from Pasadena Unified School District
Program Dates: 6-week summer program, typically mid-June through late July
Application Deadline: Applications typically open in January and close in late March
Eligibility: Open to high school students from Pasadena Unified School District interested in STEM research and mentorship
The California Institute of Technology Summer Research Connection is a six-week program where high school students from Pasadena Unified School District work alongside science teachers in university research labs. You join a team led by Caltech faculty and mentors to conduct hands-on scientific research in fields such as biology, chemistry, physics, or engineering. You learn how to design experiments, analyze data, and present your findings through formal seminar presentations at the end of the program. Some students have even co-authored research papers with Caltech mentors.
Location: Local placements across the U.S. and Canada
Cost/Stipend: Students receive a $3,000 stipend
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Highly selective; approximately 100 students selected annually (12% acceptance rate)
Program Dates: 8 weeks in summer; exact dates vary by mentor placement
Application Deadline: January 19
Eligibility: Rising 11th and 12th-grade students; priority given to underrepresented groups in STEM
The Hutton Junior Fisheries Biology Program gives you hands-on experience in aquatic science and fisheries research through an eight-week summer internship. You work with a professional mentor and take part in field and lab activities such as electrofishing, water testing, habitat restoration, and population surveys. You build practical skills in data collection and analysis while learning about conservation and resource management. The program also focuses on expanding access to science careers by supporting students from diverse backgrounds.
Location:Â Local nonprofit organizations + one week in Washington, D.C.
Cost/Stipend:Â Paid (amount varies by location); summit travel, lodging, and meals covered
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size:Â ~300 students selected nationwide (highly selective)
Program Dates: June–August (8 weeks)
Application Deadline:Â January 15
Eligibility:Â High school juniors and seniors; must be legally authorized to work in the U.S.
The Bank of America Student Leaders Program gives you full-time paid experience at a local nonprofit while helping you build leadership and communication skills. Over eight weeks, you work on community projects, learn about financial literacy, and see how nonprofit organizations operate from the inside. You also take part in the Student Leaders Summit in Washington, where you meet students from across the country, connect with national leaders, and explore civic engagement at a national level. The program helps you grow as a leader while contributing to meaningful work in your community.
Location:Â Remote (available worldwide)
Cost:Â Varies by the program. Financial aid is available
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size:Â Highly selective; cohort size varies
Program Dates: 8–12 weeks; multiple cohorts year-round (Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter)
Application Deadline:Â Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), Winter (November)
Eligibility: Open to high school, undergraduate, and gap-year students; must commit 10–20 hours per week
Ladder Internships places high school students in fast-growing start-up companies where they work on projects in fields such as artificial intelligence, health technology, marketing, journalism, and consulting. You will work directly with company managers and receive guidance from a dedicated Ladder Coach throughout the experience. Over eight weeks, you build practical skills in communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. You contribute to work and present your final project to the company at the end of the internship. Many participating companies have raised over one million dollars in funding, giving you a close look at how start-ups grow and operate.
Location: Pasadena City College, Pasadena, CA
Cost/Stipend: Free to attend; students receive a stipend
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; exact acceptance rate not publicly disclosed
Program Dates: June 23 – August 1; weekday sessions
Application Deadline: June 3
Eligibility: Rising 11th and 12th-graders with an interest in construction, engineering, or skilled trades. Priority is given to students from the Pasadena Unified School District.
The Construction Readiness and Future Training Program at Pasadena City College gives high school students hands-on experience in skilled trades while earning pay and college credit. You train in areas such as building inspection, electrical systems, welding, and industrial fabrication, all under the guidance of experienced professionals. The six-week program includes full-day sessions that mirror the structure of construction jobs. You also receive daily free meals, mentorship, and exposure to workplace practices that prepare you for careers in the trades.Â
Location: NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), Pasadena, CA, and other NASA centers nationwide
Cost/Stipend: Paid federal internship; hourly wage varies by center and year
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive; hundreds of high school students selected nationally
Program Dates: Summer session typically runs 8 weeks (June–August); spring and fall sessions also available
Application Deadlines: Summer – February 28; Fall – May 22
Eligibility: U.S. citizens aged 16–18 who live within 50 miles of a NASA center. Students must be enrolled in high school and meet GPA and coursework requirements.
NASA Office of STEM Engagement offers paid internships for high school students near Pasadena, including placements at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory and other NASA sites. You work alongside scientists, engineers, and mission specialists on projects in space exploration, robotics, aeronautics, and planetary science. You can apply to up to fifteen different projects each cycle, with options in coding, data analysis, mission operations, and more. The program also includes career development and mentorship, giving you early exposure to federal science and engineering careers.
Location: Pasadena-area Kaiser Permanente medical centers and other sites across Southern California
Cost/Stipend: Paid, part-time internship (20 hours per week)
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Competitive; varies by site
Program Dates: 6–8 weeks, June–August (exact dates vary by medical center)
Application Deadline: Varies by site; typically in the spring
Eligibility: High school students ages 16+ living near a participating Kaiser Permanente medical center
Kaiser Permanente Summer Youth Employment Program gives high school students in Pasadena paid work experience at local health care facilities. You spend six to eight weeks in administrative and support roles, learning how hospitals and clinics operate behind the scenes. The program includes weekly workshops on workplace skills, career planning, and health care pathways. You also connect with professionals and mentors who help you build confidence in communication, teamwork, and organization. By the end of the internship, you will have experience in a medical setting and a stronger foundation for future college or career goals.
Location: Pasadena, CA (various city departments and community sites)
Cost/Stipend: Paid internship; up to $2,000 for 110 hours of work and training
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Varies by year; limited slots for Pasadena residents only
Program Dates: Summer; training begins in early June, internships run through August
Application Deadline: March 31
Eligibility: Pasadena residents ages 14–24 from low- to moderate-income households. Altadena and surrounding city residents are not eligible.
The Pasadena ROSE Program gives high school students and young adults their first paid work experience through city-based internships. After completing the required training, you are matched with a one-hundred-ten-hour assignment in departments such as recreation, clerical services, technology, or law enforcement. You build early skills in communication, responsibility, and professionalism while working in a supportive environment. The program is sponsored by the City of Pasadena Parks, Recreation, and Community Services Department and is designed to help you gain confidence and prepare for future jobs.
Location: Pasadena, CA (various city events and nonprofit/for-profit organizations)
Cost/Stipend: Unpaid, experiential program
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Limited; slots vary by year
Program Dates: Ongoing throughout the year; includes summer and school-year events
Application Deadline: Varies; students must complete registration to participate
Eligibility: High school students enrolled in Pasadena schools. Parental permission is required.
The Pasadena Youth Ambassador Program gives high school students hands-on experience supporting city and nonprofit events in public-facing roles. You might serve as a docent, event assistant, planner, or spokesperson while building skills in teamwork, event coordination, and community outreach. You also connect with local organizations, take part in civic engagement, and gain exposure to new opportunities across Pasadena. The program helps you strengthen leadership, communication, and organizational skills that support future college and career goals.
Location: Virtual via Zoom (for students in California’s 28th Congressional District)
Cost/Stipend: Free
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective; cohort size not publicly disclosed
Program Dates: November 12 – March 4; includes 8–9 scheduled meetings
Application Deadline: September 15
Eligibility: High school students (grades 9–12) who reside or attend school in California’s 28th Congressional District
The Congressional Youth Advisory Council gives high school students the chance to work directly with Congresswoman Judy Chu’s office and community leaders on issues that matter to young people. You take part in virtual meetings, group discussions, and one in-person session focused on civic engagement, leadership, and public service. As a member, you collaborate with peers and staff to develop policy recommendations that support local communities. You learn how the government works, strengthen your communication and teamwork skills, and build connections with public officials and community organizations.
Location: Los Angeles County, CA
Cost/Stipend: Paid internship; stipend varies by placement
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective; cohort size not publicly disclosed
Program Dates: Summer; exact dates vary by placement
Application Deadline: Varies by placement; check the program website for updates
Eligibility: High school students from Los Angeles County
The Talent Internship Program gives you paid work experience with local employers in South and Southeast Los Angeles. You take on projects in professional settings, learning how industries like business, technology, health care, and community development operate. You build skills in communication, leadership, and workplace readiness while working with mentors who support your growth. The program also focuses on social impact and personal development, helping you gain confidence and prepare for college and future careers.
Location: Los Angeles County, Burbank, CA (Warner Bros. Studios)
Cost/Stipend: Paid internship plus college scholarship
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Highly selective; 5 students selected annually
Program Dates: Summer (after high school graduation)
Application Deadline: Typically, March
Eligibility: High school seniors in the Los Angeles County area
Warner Bros Reach Honorship Program gives you hands-on experience in the entertainment industry while helping you pay for college. As a graduating high school senior, you work across departments such as production, content development, marketing, communications, post-production, finance, and human resources. You contribute to projects in film, television, and games while learning how a major studio operates. You also receive mentorship from Warner Bros staff and take part in professional networking that helps you explore careers in media and entertainment.
Location: Pasadena, California
Cost: $5,600 (Bay Area Session and Session I); $3,600 (Session II)
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective; cohort size varies
Program Dates: Summer; multiple 2, 3, and 5-week sessions
Application Deadline: Varies by session
Eligibility: Rising 6th–12th-grade students, including graduating seniors
The DaVinci Camp Summer Institute gives you hands-on experience in science, engineering, mathematics, and the arts through workshops, lab visits, and creative projects. You work in teams to solve problems, think critically, and explore both your analytical and artistic strengths. You also get a taste of college life by spending time on university campuses and meeting alumni from places like Berkeley, Stanford, MIT, and Caltech. Activities range from music and dance to astronomy and museum tours, giving you a chance to learn in both academic and creative settings.
Location: Remote; partner organizations in over 20 countries
Cost/Stipend: Program fee varies by duration and placement
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Open enrollment; not selective
Program Dates: 4–24 weeks; part-time or full-time with flexible start dates
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Eligibility: High school students (typically age 16+), college students, and recent graduates. Requires internet access and English proficiency
The United Planet Virtual Internship Program gives you the chance to work with nonprofits and community organizations around the world from home. You take part in international projects focused on public health, education, sustainability, social justice, and business. With support from a United Planet advisor, you build professional and cross-cultural skills while contributing to causes that matter. Past interns have created fundraising campaigns, taught online classes, conducted environmental research, and developed outreach materials for health programs.
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 researchÂ
Image Source - NASA logo