In search of summer internships for high school students? We’ve compiled an extensive internship list in our high school student summer internships guide.
Lazy summers are so last year! Make this summer of high school count by choosing to participate in a summer internship.
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If you’re considering a summer internship, we’ve got all the important details, paid or unpaid, internships abroad, how to find positions, and we’ll even share some links to reputable internships you may be interested in this 2024 guide of summer internships for high school students.
Summer Internships for High School Students
No matter what field you are considering, an internship can be a valuable way to learn more about it and make important decisions about the college or university you choose, your major, and your long-term career goals.
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You will be exposed to the ins and outs of the industry, the expectations and responsibilities, the various rules and occupations and how they work together, and more. You can find internships in nearly any field, but here are some of the most common:
- Finance
- Information Technology
- Media, Communications, Public Relations or Journalism
- Medical
- Science
- STEM
Be sure to follow the links to learn about exciting internships offered in each field and whether it’s for high school vs. college students.
Paid Summer Internships for High School Students
While many summer internships are unpaid, it is possible to find a paid internship as a high school student. Expect to make minimum wage or slightly more, and perhaps have some nice perks.
Here are some examples of paid internships for high school students:
- Air Force Research Library Scholar Program (OH)
- GeoSciences Bridge Program (MD)
- Hutton Junior Fisheries Biology Program (MD)
- Microsoft High School Intern Program (MD)
- Army Educational Outreach Program (varies)
Getting paid is nice, but remember that all internships offer something of great value: a unique, hands-on learning opportunity.
Free Internships for High School Students
Many students get hung up on whether an internship is paid or unpaid, but it’s important to note that there are also internship experiences that you have to pay for.
Programs like these are highly competitive and usually include alluring perks like offering college-level courses, awarding a certificate or credential, providing travel opportunities, or paying for room and board, for example. Sometimes internships are combined with study abroad programs, in which case you will need to pay for your travel costs and living expenses.
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Internship experiences like these, where you pay, are the exception, not the rule. If they are not offering something that makes the program worth the cost, look elsewhere. Most internships are free for you.
Summer Internships for High Schoolers Abroad or Overseas
Completing a summer internship abroad or overseas is an incredible opportunity worth considering. During an abroad or overseas internship, you will be completely immersed in another culture.
Keep in mind that these aren’t paid internships. In fact, oftentimes you will have to pay for the experience (including travel expenses, room, and board, etc.). Think of it as a study abroad program in which you are immersing yourself even deeper, and giving back to the area you’re exploring.
Here are a few reputable programs that connect high school students with summer internships abroad or overseas:
- Projects Abroad: offer volunteer-based internships for those interested in nonprofit or humanitarian work. Work in dentistry in Ghana, human rights in Tanzania, or with wildlife in Zimbabwe. Limit your search by country or by field.
- Maximo Nivel: takes interns to Costa Rica, Guatemala, and Peru. You could work in fields like hospitality & tourism, business, human rights, and special education, or customize your own internship experience.
- GVI: coordinates 6-24 week internships in Africa, Latin America, Asia, Europe, and Australia. Choose from a number of fields – animal care, women’s empowerment, teaching, health, business, and more.
- GoAbroad: is a comprehensive guide to study abroad, and internship abroad programs.
Internships like these are the perfect way to maximize your experience abroad and show college admissions officers or scholarship committees that you are very serious about your future.
How to Find a Summer Internship for Highschool Students
How do I get a summer internship when I am a high school student? Internships are often geared more toward college students, so it can be a challenge to find internship opportunities for high school students.
Here are some helpful tips to get you started:
- Speak up: Tell your parents, your parent’s friends, your friend’s parents, teachers, coaches, and every adult you know that you are interested in a summer internship in a specific field. Your Aunt Pam’s best friend’s former employer may be looking for help, but if you don’t speak up that connection will never be made.
- Post it Online: Post to Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram asking if anyone knows of internship opportunities at a specific business or in a specific industry. If you mention a business, be sure to tag them!
- Talk to your Guidance Counselor at School: If businesses are actively looking, your guidance counselor may know. He or she might also know about internships that former students have had, so they can offer promising leads.
- Cold Call: Contact local libraries, hospitals, museums, zoos, YMCAs, churches, newspapers, television stations, senior centers, and other businesses to ask if they offer internships or volunteer opportunities for high school students.
- Look Online: Utilize search sites such as CollegeVine, Glassdoor, Idealist, Glassdoor, and Indeed. Establish an account and upload your resume on the professional social media site LinkedIn, too. These are great tools when researching business internships for high school students.
How to Apply for a Summer Internship
Applying for the best internships for high school students is just like applying for a job. Whether you are applying for finance, science, or medical internships for high school students, it’s important to know how to apply and how to prepare for a summer internship.
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If you’re interested in a summer internship in a particular field, make sure you are knowledgeable about that field. Have you taken all the courses your high school offers that relate to the field? Have you joined related clubs or organizations?
Steps you can take to apply and prepare for your internship include:
- Create a Resume: Draft a resume and cover letter that detail your experience, accomplishments, grades in high school, and interests.
- Ask for References: Ask teachers, school counselors, managers, or any leaders you work with to write a letter of recommendation and serve as a reference for your application.
- Apply: Once you find an internship you’re interested in, apply through the company website or email address. Be sure to submit all requirements listed.
- Be Prepared for an Interview: Dress and behave professionally when attending your interview. Try to arrive 15 minutes early for the interview as well.
- Ask Questions: During the application process or interview, research the company and ask insightful questions. This will show the company you’re interested and willing to learn.
After following these steps, once you land an internship, be sure to take it seriously and prove to the company they made the right choice. This can be a great stepping stone in your career path.
Once you have secured an internship, prepare by learning as much as you can about the company. The company’s website can be a valuable resource. Look for an about section and/or any news articles, and make note of the names and titles of important people.
What Is a Summer Internship for High School Students?
Summer internships can offer high school students a short-term job experience in a field they may be considering. It’s an opportunity to learn about the industry and the different career options available, and to network with professionals.
Having high school summer internships on your resume or college application will set you apart from other applicants. It will show your commitment and tenacity. In highly competitive fields especially, the connections made through internships can lead to job recommendations and offers years down the road.
Is Internship Good for High School Students?
Yes, internship is good for many high school students. High school internships allow you to gain real-world experience in a field that you may be interested in pursuing. An internship can also help you decide if your chosen career path fits with your skills and goals.
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For example, you may intern at an accounting firm only to realize that you may enjoy sales and marketing more than numbers. You may even be able to find online internships for high school students. A summer internship also allows you to make connections with those in your chosen field and it looks great on resumes for future job prospects and college applications.
Do You Get Paid for Internships?
Are summer internships paid or unpaid? Most internships are unpaid, however, you can find some that offer stipends. But even without pay, the experience affords you the unique opportunity to see how the industry operates from the inside, and learn from and work alongside those in your dream profession.
Before accepting an internship, be sure you understand the expectations, outcome, and compensation so that it can be a positive learning opportunity for you.
Can You Get an Internship at the Age of 15?
Who can apply for summer internships? Nearly any student can find and apply for a summer internship. Some opportunities are open to high school freshmen through seniors, but many employers limit the applicant pool to those who are 16 and older.
There are many internships for teenagers to consider based on their age, grade level, and interests. Be sure to research various internships to choose the one that best fits your needs and eligibility.
Are Summer Internships Worth It?
Yes, summer internships are worth it for many students. Summer internships let you explore your interests, develop useful skills, and build your resume. You will learn about the workplace and different peoples’ roles so you can make decisions about which career path you might pursue.
You can network with professionals who can provide the recommendations you need for college admissions or a scholarship application, or who could one day connect you with a job. There are even scholarships for high school sophomores.
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For example, those who intern in a hospital setting may later find a job working as a medical records specialist, which according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, is expected to see a 7% growth rate over the next 10 years. By interning at the hospital, the intern already has a foot in the door.
25 Summer Internship Programs for High School Students
Whether you’re a freshman just starting to think about your future, or a senior ready to jump into the workforce, there are plenty of summer internship programs available.
Location: Chicago, Illinois
Eligibility: High school freshmen, sophomore, juniors, and seniors
The Adler Planetarium offers internships to high school students who are active with STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and math) to help prepare them for a variety of careers.
Air Force Research Library Scholar Program
Location: Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors
The Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) Scholars Program features a paid summer internship to students pursuing STEM degrees. Students will enjoy hands-on experiences working with full-time AFRL scientists.
Army Educational Outreach Program
Location: Varies
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors
Students can apply to spend their summer either in a research lab or one of the US Army Research Laboratories and Centers. This internship allows you to experience firsthand innovation and research driving the future of the United States.
Bank of America Student Leader Program
Location: Washington, D.C.
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors
The Bank of American Student Leaders program is part of the company’s ongoing initiative and commitment to youth employment. The program readers students to be successful in the workforce through leadership training and offering work experience.
Location: New York City, New York
Eligibility: High school sophomores and juniors
The Zuckerman Institute’s Brain Research Apprenticeships in New York at Columbia (BRAINYAC) program, held at Columbia in New York, prepares high school students for a career in science. Interns will work directly on a research project and side-by-side with real scientists.
Brookhaven National Laboratory High School Research Program
Location: Upton, New York
Eligibility: High school seniors
The high school research program at Brookhaven National Laboratory offers students access to a real-world scientific community and research experience that can later carry over to applications and resumes.
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Eligibility: High school sophomores, juniors, and seniors
The California Science Center’s community teen interns work directly with various community partners to help others learn virtually and in person through hands-on science activities.
Location: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Eligibility: High school sophomores, juniors, and seniors
Carnegie museum interns have the opportunity to work at one of the four Carnegie museums helping to share their passion for art while gaining valuable work experience.
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Location: Varies
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors
The Department of Defense STEM internship allows students to solve real-world problems with cutting-edge technology. Students are even taught how to build robots using various technology.
Location: Princess Anne, Maryland
Eligibility: High school seniors
The Geosciences Bridge Program is a 6-week paid internship for high school seniors who are looking for a career in geosciences. The internship offers hands-on activities, lectures, field trips, and even two-for-credit college courses.
Hutton Junior Fisheries Biology Program
Location: Varies
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors
The Hutton Junior Fisheries Biology Program is an 8-week summer internship. The internship is paid and is sponsored by the American Fisheries Society (AFS). This is a great internship for those looking for a career in aquatic science.
Johns Hopkins Internship in Brain Sciences
Location: Baltimore, Maryland
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors
This highly competitive internship is an 8-week, in-person program. It allows selected students to participate in a research program and exposes them to a career in neurological sciences.
Microsoft High School Intern Program
Location: Redmond, Virginia
Eligibility: High school seniors
Microsoft interns will engage in a curriculum that is designed to help students learn programming fundamentals. With mentorship from Microsoft employees, interns will also develop career readiness skills.
Location: Varies
Eligibility: High school freshmen, sophomores, juniors, or seniors
NASA internships foster the STEM workforce by teaching the younger generations across its four campuses. A NASA internship allows students to participate in research or experiential learning with the help of a mentor at NASA.
New York County District Attorney’s High School Internship Program
Location: Manhattan, New York
Eligibility: High school sophomores, juniors, or seniors
The Manhattan District Attorney’s High School Internship Program is a striped-paid internship that gives students a look into the criminal justice system. Students will attend workshops and discussions surrounding civic engagement, leadership, community involvement, criminal justice, and more.
New-York Historical Society’s Student Historian Program
Location: New York City, New York
Eligibility: High school sophomores, juniors, or seniors
The New-York Historical Society’s Student Historian Program introduces high school students to research and creative digital projects. Students will engage in activities to foster their knowledge and understanding of American history.
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Location: Ithaca, New York
Eligibility: High school sophomores and juniors
The Plant Genome Research REU internship is stipend-paid and designed to help students who are 16 years of age gain research experience and decide if a scientific or biological major is the right path. Students will work with scientists to help with scientific discoveries, research skills, and more.
Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory
Location: Virtual
Eligibility: High school seniors
Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory (PPPL) offers internship positions to high school seniors. The semester-long internship allows students to work with engineers on various physics research projects.
Smithsonian High School Internships
Location: Varies
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors
The Smithsonian offers multiple internships for high school students including the Robert P. Kogod Arts Internship, The Shirley Ann Jackson Science Internship, and the Young Ambassadors Program. Its programs are designed to foster knowledge of science, arts, and humanities.
Stanford Compression Forum Summer Internship
Location: Virtual
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors
The Stanford Compression Forum Summer Internship is an 8-week long internship that focuses on the research of transcending traditional disciplinary boundaries. Projects will span various categories including science, engineering, arts, linguistics, psychology, biology, neuroscience, and more.
Location: Washington, D.C.
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors
The Library of Congress offers various internship opportunities for high school students. Some internships are paid while others offer academic credit. Internships span a variety of categories like archaeological research, folk life, and others that give students the opportunity to analyze, organize, and interpret collections.
The Met High School Internship Program
Location: New York City, New York
Eligibility: High school sophomores and juniors
The Met High School Internship Program connects students with art, museums, and creative professionals. This program gives students the opportunity to develop skills, network, and gain real work experiences while working directly at the Met.
The Scripps Translational Science Institute ((STSI)
Location: La Jolla, California
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors
STSI’s Student Research Internship Program is designed for students looking to pursue a career in health and science. The internship allows students to work with a team of scientists in genomics, bioinformatics, digital medicine, and community engagement.
Location: Varies
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors
The U.S. Secret Service offers various programs for high school students. Students can choose to work among the brightest and most committed in the nation while also serving their country.
University of Rochester LLE Summer High School Research Program
Location: Rochester, New York
Eligibility: High school seniors
The LLE Summer High School Research Program is an 8-week internship that provides students with a scientific research experience in a realistic environment. Students will be assigned a research project and work directly with a staff scientist.
Getting Into a Summer Internship Program in High School
Opting to apply for a summer high school internship is a great way to not only show initiative to future employers but also give you an idea of what career path you’d like to take.
There are many paid and unpaid internships available for students of all ages in high school. Be sure to do your research on what each internship offers and where they are located.
Once you have your list narrowed down, you can start applying. Internships always look great on your resume as you research and apply to accredited colleges after graduation.
