For high school students, an internship can help you gain real-world experience, build professional skills, and explore potential career paths.
But that doesn’t necessarily mean an internship is the best use of your time, nor will it guarantee your admission to a top-ranking college.
(Important note that it’s way more useful to pursue an internship because of your interests and values than because you think it will “look good” to a college—that tends to be a core misunderstanding with college admissions.)
So, what makes a good internship for high school students? How do you find them? When and how should you apply?
This guide will answer all of those questions and more! But before we dive in, let’s start with a basic overview…
TABLE OF CONTENTS
(click to skip ahead)- So… what is an internship?
- How do you balance an internship with school?
- How are summer internships different from summer programs?
- How can internships impact college applications?
- What makes a good internship for high school students?
- How to find internships for high school students
- Top internships for high school students
- Final thoughts on internships for high school students
So… what is an internship?
You may already have a clear understanding here, but in case: An internship is an opportunity to get hands-on, short-term work experience in a field you might be interested in pursuing. In college application land, it falls under the general category of “extracurricular activities.”
As an intern, your responsibilities are typically on the lighter side of professional work. You may only get to assist with simple tasks like data entry, organizing files, or shadowing professionals.
For example, if you think you’d like to major in computer science while in college, you might find an internship that allows you to work on coding projects, learn from experienced software developers, and gain insight into the tech industry.
Or if you’re hoping to start your own business, an internship at a local company, underneath someone who has gone through the process and will help mentor you and give you insight into the highs and lows of entrepreneurship, could be fantastic.
But the value of an internship isn’t limited to your work. As a high school student, an internship can also be valuable for:
Gaining practical experience in a professional setting
Building a network of professional contacts
Developing soft skills such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving
Exploring different career paths to make informed decisions about your future
Enhancing your college applications
How do you balance an internship with school?
Typically, you don’t have to—most internships for high school students take place during the summer break, lasting between one to two months. If an internship does occur during the school year, it will likely allow you to have a flexible schedule to ensure your work doesn’t interfere with your academics.
But in the (rarer) case that your internship is both during the school year and is inflexible, you’ll need to really focus on your time- and project-management skills, planning well ahead so that you can maintain your well-being.
How are summer internships different from summer programs?
Summer internships focus more on real-world work experience in a professional setting, while “summer programs” have a more educational or academic focus.
In some cases, you may also be able to secure a PAID internship (which is awesome), whereas many (maybe most) high school summer programs require paying tuition and program fees. (Side note that “pay-to-play” programs tend to be less impactful on college admissions than their selective counterparts, so keep that in mind when deciding on how to spend your summer.)
We’ll share some of the more reputable paid and unpaid summer internships for high school students later in this guide. But let’s get to why you may be considering an internship in the first place…
How can internships impact college applications?
Again, with the caveat that your primary goal with an internship should be to explore and deepen your interests and values (think of college apps as a great side-benefit), here’s your primary goal when working on college applications: to showcase your strengths, passions, and readiness for college-level work. So, how do internships help? They can help demonstrate your commitment to and experience in a particular field, and allow you to reflect on what you learned and how your experiences shaped you.
For example, let’s say you’re interested in the BA/BS-MD program at the University of Colorado Denver. This program allows students to fast-track the path to becoming a medical doctor. So, the program is quite competitive! (And in case something like that is true of you: here’s a guide to writing BS/MD essays.)
Stating your intention to pursue that type of program on your college application means you’ll have to convince admissions you can handle the program's rigor. If not, they may be hesitant about accepting your application.
But… if you have completed an internship that involves hands-on medical research or shadowing doctors, you have a better chance of convincing admissions officers that you have the dedication and practical experience necessary for the program. (Especially since BS/MD programs tend to prioritize some kind of experience in the medical field—which is understandable, since they don’t want students getting to the MD portion of the program and realizing that they don’t actually want to be a doctor.)
You’d also stand out among other students who may not have similar experiences to justify their reasoning for choosing that major.
Where would you show the value of your internship on your college applications? Well, reflection on your internship experience may become a component of your college application essay or your supplemental essays (expounding on your “why” would likely be a strong choice for some of your writing). You can also list the experience in your activities section.
But keep the following in mind: internships aren’t the only way to demonstrate your passion, dedication, and skills on college applications.
Participating in other experiences, such as summer programs, research assistantships, volunteer work, or even part-time jobs, can provide just as much valuable experience.
What makes a good internship for high school students?
College admissions officers tend to prefer to see students dive deeper into an area rather than having a series of unrelated, one-off experiences. So, you’ll know you found a good internship when it allows you to demonstrate increasing commitment and exploration in one of your academic areas of interest. (For more on what colleges look for in students, check out that guide.)
A good internship for high school students also provides opportunities to do things like:
Gain work experience. An internship experience can help you build practical skills and understand workplace dynamics.
Develop a better understanding of a field (and yourself). Internships allow you to see if a particular career path aligns with your interests and strengths.
Clarify your academic interests. What you learn as an intern can guide your course selection and college major choices.
Network with professionals. Professional connections can lead to mentorship and future career opportunities.
Get strong letters of recommendation. Recommendations from professionals in the field can significantly enhance your college applications and future job applications.
A good internship should also be a safe and supportive environment where you can ask questions, learn from mistakes, and grow personally and professionally.
How to find internships for high school students
So, how do you find an internship for high school students? There are a few ways.
Apply for one of the internship programs listed in the next section of this guide.
Search for internships accepting applications from high school students on job boards like Indeed, Glassdoor, or LinkedIn.
Reach out directly to businesses in your community or family network.
Which option is best for you? Let’s explore each option's major pros and cons to help you decide.
1. Apply for one of the internship programs listed in the next section of this guide.
Pros
Structured Programs: These internships are designed specifically for high school students, offering structured and well-defined roles.
Prestige: Being accepted into a competitive program can look impressive on college applications.
Cons
High Competition: These internships can be highly competitive, making it difficult to secure a spot.
2. Search for internships accepting applications from high school students on job boards like Indeed, Glassdoor, or LinkedIn.
Pros
Wide Range of Opportunities: These platforms may offer a wide range of internships in various fields and locations.
Cons
Lack of High School Focus: Many internships on these platforms are geared towards college students or graduates, making it harder to find high school-appropriate roles.
Variable Quality: The quality and relevance of internships can vary greatly, requiring thorough research to find a good match.
3. Reach out directly to businesses in your community or family network.
Pros
Personal Connections: Leveraging personal or community connections can make it easier to secure an internship.
Customization: You may be able to tailor the internship to your specific interests and needs.
Cons
Limited Scope: Opportunities may be limited to the types of businesses available in your community or network.
Less Formal: These internships might not have the same structured learning opportunities as formal internship programs for high school students.
4. Create your own internship or research project.
Pros
Flexibility: You can design an internship or research project that perfectly matches your interests and schedule.
Initiative: Creating your own internship or research project demonstrates strong initiative and leadership skills, which can impress college admissions officers.
Cons
No Established Path: Without guidance or support, it can be challenging to set up an internship or research project from scratch.
Resource Intensive: Finding a willing mentor and defining meaningful work can take significant time and effort.
As you can see, each option has its own set of benefits and drawbacks.
Key takeaway: Consider what best aligns with your goals, interests, and resources to choose the most suitable path.
Top internships for high school students
What’s the best internship for high school students? We don’t have an answer for that: “Best” is relative. (For a concrete illustration, check out the stories of the students’ internship experiences in this guide.) Finding the right internship means considering your academic interests, career aspirations, and the type of experience you want to gain (not simply what you think will “look good”).
With that framing in mind, here's a list of 25 great internships for high school students to help you get started.
1. Adler Planetarium Teen Internships
The Adler Planetarium Teen Internship program exposes high school students to what it’s like to work in a museum. It also helps participants develop valuable skills for community building and professional development. No prior work experience is required.
Who’s eligible?
Chicago area high school students.
Unpaid or paid internship?
Paid.
Application timeline?
The application is typically open from February to March.
2. Air Force Research Laboratory Scholars Program
The Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) Scholars Program is a full-time summer internship program that allows interns to gain hands-on experience working with full-time AFRL scientists and engineers on research and technology.
Who’s eligible?
Upper-level high school students who are U.S. citizens, at least 16 years old, in good academic standing, and interested in STEM subjects.
Unpaid or paid internship?
Paid.
Application timeline?
The application deadline is typically early to mid-January.
3. Bank of America Student Leaders
Are you passionate about serving and improving your community? The Bank of America Student Leaders program is an internship program connecting community-minded high school students to local nonprofit organizations. (Here’s a guide to the Bank of America Student Leaders program.)
Who’s eligible?
Junior and senior high school students who are eligible to work in the US, in good academic standing, live in one of the participating states and cities, and are not related to a Bank of America employee.
Unpaid or paid internship?
Paid.
Application timeline?
The application deadline is typically in mid-January.
4. BRAINYAC
The Brain Research Apprenticeships in New York at Columbia (BRAINYAC) is a summer internship program offered by the Zuckerman Institute at Columbia University. It gives interns an opportunity to gain hands-on experience assisting scientists with lab work.
Who’s eligible?
10th and 11th grade students who reside in New York City and have been nominated by one of BRAINYAC’s partner programs: S-PREP, Lang Youth Medical, Double Discovery Center, Columbia Secondary School, and BioBus.
Unpaid or paid internship?
Paid.
Application timeline?
The application typically opens in October.
5. Carnegie Museum of Art’s Youth Art Initiative (YAI)
The Carnegie Museums have various summer internship and volunteer opportunities for high school students. The YAI internship program gives interns the opportunity to collaborate with museum staff and artists to produce original projects and public events.
Who’s eligible?
Teenagers who are 13-19 years old, reside in the Pittsburgh area, and are interested in museum careers and other forms of arts management.
Unpaid or paid internship?
Paid.
Application timeline?
Varies. Check the program website for official dates.
6. Cincinnati Museum Center Internships
The Cincinnati Museum Center offers several internship programs for people hoping to gain hands-on experience and learn about professional opportunities in museums and non-profits.
Who’s eligible?
Graduating high school seniors who have already enrolled in an undergraduate degree program.
Unpaid or paid internship?
Unpaid.
Application timeline?
Varies. Internship programs are available throughout the year.
7. Expanding Horizons Internship
The Expanding Horizons Institute (EHI) offers an incredible internship program that exposes first-generation students to professional career paths, guidance, and support during the college application process.
Who’s eligible?
High school juniors and sophomores who reside in the Los Angeles area, will be first-generation college students, attend a Title I high school, and are eligible to work in the United States.
Unpaid or paid internship?
Paid.
Application timeline?
The application deadline is typically at the end of January.
8. GeoSciences Bridge Program
The Geosciences Bridge Program offers a six-week summer internship at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES) in Princess Anne, MD. The program may be a perfect fit if you’re interested in getting hands-on work experience in geosciences and taking two college courses before the start of your freshman year of college.
Who’s eligible?
Graduating high school seniors who are interested in pursuing careers in geosciences, have US citizenship or residency, and have achieved a minimum 2.7 GPA.
Unpaid or paid internship?
Paid.
Application timeline?
The application deadline is typically at the end of May.
9. Hutton Junior Fisheries Biology Program
The Hutton Junior Fisheries Biology Program is an eight-week summer internship and mentoring program for high school students interested in fisheries and aquatic science. It specifically aims to increase opportunities among underrepresented groups in the fishery profession.
Who’s eligible?
High school juniors, seniors, or rising college freshmen who are at least 16 years old by the application deadline.
Unpaid or paid internship?
Paid.
Application timeline?
The application typically opens in mid-November and closes in mid-January.
10. Indiana University Cancer Center Summer Research Internships
The Indiana University Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center offers several summer internships for high school students interested in cancer research. These programs include the Educational Pathways for Cancer Research (EPCR), Summer Program for Academic Research in Cancer (SPARC), and Future Scientists programs.
Who’s eligible?
Future Scientist Program: high school juniors who attend an Indianapolis or Marion County public school, have at least a 3.0 GPA, and have demonstrated interest in scientific research.
EPCR and SPARC: Graduating high school seniors who belong to a population underrepresented in medicine, are US citizens or green card holders, and are interested in cancer research.
Unpaid or paid internship?
Paid.
Application timeline?
It varies by program, but applications typically open in the last quarter of the year.
11. Johns Hopkins Internship in Brain Sciences
The Johns Hopkins Internship in Brain Sciences (JHIBS) is a 5-8 week summer research program that exposes high school students to careers in the neurological sciences. Interns get the opportunity to work on research projects at the Johns Hopkins Department of Neurology or virtually.
Who’s eligible?
In-Person Internship: high school juniors and seniors who attend a Baltimore City public school and (typically) come from underrepresented or disadvantaged backgrounds.
Virtual Internship: high school juniors and seniors who attend any school across the United States and (typically) come from underrepresented or disadvantaged backgrounds.
Unpaid or paid internship?
Paid.
Application timeline?
The application usually opens at the beginning of December and closes at the beginning of March.
12. Kaiser Permanente LAUNCH Program
The Kaiser Permanente (KP) Launch Program is a seven-week internship program designed to give high school interns exposure to administrative and supporting careers in healthcare environments. The program aims to increase diversity in healthcare careers by supporting students from diverse backgrounds and underserved communities.
Who’s eligible?
Current high school students and graduating seniors who are 16-19 years old, have a permanent residence in a Northern California Kaiser Permanente designated service area, are not a dependent of Kaiser Permanente employees or physicians, and have proof of eligibility to work in the United States legally.
Unpaid or paid internship?
Paid.
Application timeline?
The application deadline is usually in mid to late December.
13. Library of Congress High School Summer Internship
The High School Summer Internship, offered by the Office of the Librarian/Informal Learning Office, is an intensive four-week summer internship opportunity. Participating interns learn about the Library of Congress (LOC) and help the Center for Learning, Literacy and Engagement develop and create content to support family and youth engagement in a new exhibition space in the LOC.
Who’s eligible?
Current high school students who are at least 16 years old, are US citizens/permanent residents/visa holders, and have an interest in libraries and museums.
Unpaid or paid internship?
Unpaid.
Application timeline?
The application deadline is typically the end of April.
14. Met High School Internship
The Met High School Internship Program provides student interns opportunities to develop professional skills, gain work experience, and network with creative professionals at the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
Who’s eligible?
High school juniors and seniors who reside or attend school in New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut.
Unpaid or paid internship?
Paid.
Application timeline?
The application typically opens at the beginning of February and closes in early March.
15. Microsoft Discovery Program
The Microsoft Discovery Program provides a four-week internship, during which interns develop foundational design and product development skills while being mentored by Microsoft employees.
Who’s eligible?
Graduating high school seniors who live near Redmond, Washington OR Atlanta, Georgia, have an interest in technology, have completed pre-calculus or an equivalent course, and are connected to participating Microsoft organizations (depending on location).
Unpaid or paid internship?
Paid.
Application timeline?
The application deadline is typically mid-March.
16. NASA Internship Programs
The NASA Internship Programs provide training, mentoring, and career development opportunities for students interested in contributing to NASA’s mission to advance science, technology, aeronautics, and space exploration. High school students can apply for NASA’s Office of STEM Engagement (OSTEM) internship.
Who’s eligible?
High school students who are at least 16 years old and US citizens.
Unpaid or paid internship?
Paid.
Application timeline?
There are three internship sessions throughout the year. Check the website for the best application timeline for you.
17. Research Internships at Boyce Thompson Institute
The Boyce Thompson Institute (BTI), Cornell University, and the USDA provide six-week internships for high school students interested in gaining research experience and exploring scientific career paths. Internships currently offered are in plant science research and computational biology. These internships require no prior lab experience.
Who’s eligible?
High school students who are at least 16 years old by the start of the program.
Unpaid or paid internship?
Paid.
Application timeline?
Applications are usually accepted from November until the end of March.
18. Princeton Laboratory Learning Program
The Princeton Laboratory Learning Program is a full-time, free research internship for high school students interested in the sciences or engineering. Interns help run ongoing research programs while receiving close supervision and mentorship from Princeton faculty and research staff. The internship program spans five to six weeks.
Who’s eligible?
High school students who are at least 16 years old by June 15 and are US citizens, legal permanent residents, or international students currently attending a US high school. Students who have graduated from high school but have not yet turned 18 by June 15 may also apply.
Unpaid or paid internship?
Unpaid.
Application timeline?
The application period is typically from February 15 to March 15.
19. Scripps Research Translational Institute (SRTI) Research Internships
The Scripps Research Translational Institute (SRTI) offers a 10-week summer research internship program for high school, undergraduate, graduate, and professional students. Interns develop the necessary skills to become future leaders in translational medical research.
Who’s eligible?
High school students who are at least 16 years old before the start of the internship and can demonstrate a strong interest in genomics or mHealth translational research.
Unpaid or paid internship?
Unpaid.
Application timeline?
The application deadline is usually at the end of March.
20. Smithsonian Internships
The Smithsonian offers several internship opportunities to high school students. The programs' aims vary, but all provide opportunities for interns to participate in projects that directly or indirectly help Smithsonian research.
Who’s eligible?
Varies by program. Check the official page.
Unpaid or paid internship?
Varies by program. Check the official page.
Application timeline?
Varies by program. Check the official page.
21. Stanford SHTEM Summer Internship Program
The Stanford Compression Forum offers this eight-week virtual summer internship program to expose students to multifaceted research projects. SHTEM stands for science, humanities, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Interns receive mentorship from students, faculty, and staff of the Stanford Compression Forum and its affiliated organizations.
Who’s eligible?
High school juniors or seniors who are at least 14 by mid-June.
Unpaid or paid internship?
Unpaid.
Application timeline?
The application deadline is typically at the end of February.
22. Student Historian Internship Program
The New York Historical Society offers the Student Historian Internship Program, which provides participants with opportunities to conduct research in museums, libraries, digital humanities, and history fields. At the end of the program, participants share their scholarship through creative digital projects.
Who’s eligible?
High school students entering grades 10, 11, or 12 who live in and attend school in the New York metro area.
Unpaid or paid internship?
Interns who attend a Title 1 School, are eligible for free or reduced lunch, or attend a private school and receive need-based financial aid will be offered a stipend. Interns who don’t qualify for need-based aid do not receive any form of compensation.
Application timeline?
The application deadline is typically at the end of September.
23. USSS Pathways Program
The United States Secret Service (USSS) Pathways Program provides students with opportunities to work in government agencies and explore federal careers. Students who successfully complete the program may be eligible for permanent jobs in the civil service.
Who’s eligible?
Students who are at least 16 years of age by the program appointment date.
Unpaid or paid internship?
Paid
Application timeline?
Varies depending on the session. Check the official page.
Final thoughts on internships for high school students
An internship can be a great way to gain work experience, make money, network with professionals, and strengthen your college applications.
But remember, the internship should be related to one of your core academic interests and should allow for reflection and growth if your goal is to become a more competitive applicant for college admissions.
Here again are a few ways to find an internship:
Apply for one of the internship programs we shared in this guide.
Search for internships accepting applications from high school students on job boards like Indeed, Glassdoor, or LinkedIn.
Reach out directly to businesses in your community or family network.
Create your own internship or research project.
Still unsure if an internship is the best way to spend your summer? Check out this blog next: How to Spend Your High School Summer.
Special thanks to Ameer Drane for writing this blog post
Ameer is a freelance writer who specializes in writing about college admissions and career development. Prior to freelancing, Ameer worked for three years as a college admissions consultant at a Hong Kong-based education center, helping local high school students prepare and apply for top colleges and universities in the US. He has a B.A. in Latin American Studies from the University of Chicago and an M.A. in Spanish Linguistics from UCLA. When he’s not working, Ameer loves traveling, weight lifting, writing, reading, and learning foreign languages. He currently lives in Bangkok, Thailand.
Top values: Growth / Diversity / Empathy
