High School Internships: 50+ Programs

Internships for High School Students: 50+ Programs & How to Apply (2026)

Introduction

Internships are no longer just for college students. Across the United States, thousands of high school students participate in internship programs every year, gaining real-world experience, exploring career interests, building professional skills, and strengthening their college applications.

Whether you are a sophomore beginning to think about career paths, a junior looking to stand out in college admissions, or a senior wanting hands-on experience before heading to university, this guide covers the best internship opportunities available to high school students in 2026.

We will explore top programs across STEM, business, healthcare, arts, government, and education, along with practical advice on how to find, apply for, and succeed in your first internship.

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Why Internships Matter for High School Students

College Application Advantage

Admissions officers at selective colleges consistently rank meaningful extracurricular experiences, including internships, as a significant factor in admissions decisions. An internship demonstrates initiative, maturity, professional skills, and genuine interest in a field.

Career Exploration

Before committing to a college major or career path, an internship lets you test-drive a profession. Many students discover their passions (or eliminate options) through internship experiences.

Skill Development

Internships develop professional skills that classroom education cannot replicate:

• Communication in professional settings
• Time management and meeting deadlines
• Working with adult colleagues
• Problem-solving in real-world contexts
• Technical skills specific to the field

Networking

Building professional relationships early creates a network that serves you throughout college and your career. Supervisors from high school internships often become mentors and reference letter writers.

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Top STEM Internship Programs

NASA SEES (STEM Enhancement in Earth Science)

NASA's high school internship program allows students to work alongside NASA scientists on Earth science research. The program runs during summer months at the University of Texas in Austin.

• Eligibility: US high school students ages 15+
• Duration: 5 weeks (summer)
• Compensation: Stipend provided
• Application deadline: Typically February-March

Google Computer Science Summer Institute (CSSI)

Google's three-week introduction to computer science for graduating high school seniors. The program is designed for students with limited exposure to CS and prioritizes students from historically underrepresented groups in tech.

• Eligibility: Graduating high school seniors admitted to a 4-year university
• Duration: 3 weeks (summer, virtual and in-person options)
• Compensation: Stipend provided
• Application deadline: Typically January-February

Microsoft High School Internship

Microsoft offers paid internships for high school students in the Puget Sound area of Washington state, focusing on technology, engineering, and business operations.

• Eligibility: High school students ages 16+ in the Seattle/Redmond area
• Duration: Summer (6-8 weeks)
• Compensation: Paid hourly
• Application deadline: Spring

MIT Lincoln Laboratory

MIT Lincoln Lab offers a summer research program for high school juniors and seniors interested in STEM fields. Students work directly with scientists and engineers on defense and technology projects.

• Eligibility: Rising juniors and seniors with strong STEM backgrounds
• Duration: 6 weeks (summer)
• Compensation: Stipend provided
• Application deadline: February

Research Science Institute (RSI) at MIT

One of the most prestigious summer science programs for high school students globally. Run by the Center for Excellence in Education, RSI brings 80 students to MIT for six weeks of scientific research.

• Eligibility: Rising seniors with exceptional academic records
• Duration: 6 weeks (summer)
• Compensation: Free (fully funded, including travel)
• Application deadline: December-January

Simons Summer Research Program at Stony Brook

Stony Brook University hosts high school students for mentored research in science, math, and engineering.

• Eligibility: Rising seniors from the US
• Duration: 8 weeks (summer)
• Compensation: $1,000 stipend + dormitory housing
• Application deadline: February

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Business and Finance Internships

Bank of America Student Leaders Program

Bank of America places high school juniors and seniors in paid summer internships with local nonprofits while also providing leadership training and networking opportunities.

• Eligibility: Juniors and seniors in communities where Bank of America operates
• Duration: 8 weeks (summer)
• Compensation: Paid
• Application deadline: January-February

Junior Achievement Company Program

Junior Achievement programs across the country let high school students start and run actual small businesses with mentorship from local business leaders.

• Eligibility: High school students (varies by local JA office)
• Duration: Semester-long or year-long programs
• Compensation: Students earn from their business ventures

National Academy Foundation (NAF) Internships

NAF partners with high schools to create career academies in finance, hospitality, IT, engineering, and health sciences. Students in NAF academies receive paid summer internships with partner corporations.

• Eligibility: Students enrolled in NAF academy high schools
• Duration: Summer (varies)
• Compensation: Paid

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Healthcare Internships

NIH Summer Internship Program

The National Institutes of Health offers summer research internships for high school students ages 17+ at NIH facilities in Bethesda, Maryland.

• Eligibility: US citizens or permanent residents, age 17+
• Duration: 8 weeks minimum (summer)
• Compensation: Stipend provided
• Application deadline: March

Volunteer and Shadowing Programs

Most hospitals and healthcare systems offer volunteer or shadowing programs for high school students:

• Mayo Clinic Summer III Program: Research internship in Rochester, MN for high school juniors and seniors
• Children's Hospital programs: Many children's hospitals (Children's National, Boston Children's, CHOP) offer structured teen volunteer programs
• Local hospital volunteering: Contact your nearest hospital's volunteer services department

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Arts and Humanities Internships

Smithsonian Institution Youth Programs

The Smithsonian offers multiple programs for high school students across its museums, including internships at the National Museum of American History, Air and Space Museum, and the National Zoo.

• Eligibility: High school students (varies by program)
• Duration: Summer or school year
• Compensation: Some programs provide stipends

The Kennedy Center Internship Program

The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts offers internships for students interested in arts administration, performing arts, and event management.

Local Theater, Museum, and Gallery Internships

Many regional theaters, art museums, and galleries welcome high school interns. These positions develop skills in event planning, marketing, arts education, and community engagement.

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Government and Civic Internships

Congressional Internships

Many US Senators and Representatives offer high school internship programs in their Washington, DC, and district offices. Tasks include constituent services, legislative research, and office administration.

• How to apply: Contact your Representative or Senator's office directly
• Duration: Summer or semester
• Compensation: Usually unpaid (some offices offer stipends)

City and State Government Internships

Most city halls, state legislatures, and government agencies offer youth internship programs. The availability and quality of these programs often correlate with which states have the best educational systems. Check your city or state government website for specific opportunities.

Girls State and Boys State

The American Legion sponsors week-long civic education programs where high school juniors simulate state government operations. While not a traditional internship, these programs provide significant civic experience and are highly regarded by college admissions.

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How to Find Internships

School Resources

• School counselor: Your guidance counselor often has connections to local employers offering student internships
• Career center: Many high schools have career centers with internship listings and application support
• CTE programs: Career and Technical Education courses often include internship components. Many private elementary and secondary schools also offer structured career exploration programs that feed into internships

Online Platforms

• Chegg Internships: Lists opportunities specifically for high school students
• InternMatch: Filters internships by education level
• LinkedIn: Follow companies you are interested in and check their careers pages
• Handshake: Some programs use Handshake for high school internship postings
• Local community foundation websites: Often list youth employment programs

Direct Outreach

Many high school internships are not formally advertised. Write professional emails to:

• Local businesses in fields that interest you
• University professors conducting research you find exciting
• Nonprofit organizations aligned with your interests
• Professionals in your family's network

A well-written email expressing genuine interest, your relevant skills, and your willingness to learn opens more doors than you might expect.

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How to Apply Successfully

Resume Tips for High School Students

You may feel like you have nothing to put on a resume. You have more than you think:

• Academic achievements: GPA, honor roll, academic awards, AP courses
• Extracurricular activities: Clubs, sports, student government, volunteering
• Skills: Computer skills, languages, certifications (CPR, Microsoft Office)
• Work experience: Babysitting, lawn care, retail, tutoring
• Community service: Hours, organizations, leadership roles
• Relevant coursework: Classes directly related to the internship field

Keep your resume to one page. Use a clean, professional format. Proofread meticulously.

Writing a Cover Letter

Your cover letter should answer three questions:

1. Why this organization? Show that you have researched the company and understand their work
2. Why this role? Connect your interests and skills to what the internship involves
3. What do you bring? Highlight specific experiences, skills, or qualities that make you a strong candidate

Keep it to one page. Be genuine and enthusiastic without being over-the-top.

Parental Consent and Legal Considerations

• Students under 18 typically need parental consent for internships
• Federal labor laws restrict the hours and types of work for minors
• Some internships require a work permit from your school
• Unpaid internships at for-profit companies must meet specific Department of Labor criteria
• Paid internships may require a Social Security number and W-4 form

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Making the Most of Your Internship

Professional Behavior

• Arrive on time (or early) every day
• Dress appropriately for the workplace
• Put your phone away during work hours
• Ask questions when you do not understand something
• Take notes and keep a journal of what you learn
• Complete every task, even small ones, with care and attention

Building Relationships

• Learn everyone's name and role
• Ask your supervisor for regular feedback
• Show interest in other people's work
• Attend any social events or team activities
• Express gratitude to colleagues who help you

Documenting Your Experience

• Keep a log of projects you worked on and skills you developed
• Save work samples (with permission) for your portfolio
• Ask for a letter of recommendation before your internship ends
• Connect with colleagues on LinkedIn
• Write thank-you notes to your supervisor and team

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Paid vs. Unpaid Internships

Paid Programs

Many top programs for high school students are paid. Federal and state programs (NASA, NIH, Bank of America Student Leaders) typically include stipends ranging from $500 to $5,000 for the summer. Some private companies pay hourly wages of $12-$20/hour.

Unpaid Considerations

Unpaid internships are common, particularly at nonprofits, government offices, and small businesses. Before accepting an unpaid position, consider:

• Can you afford to work without pay? Transportation and lunch costs add up
• Does the experience offer genuine learning, mentorship, and skill development?
• Is the organization taking advantage of free labor, or is there a structured educational component?

School Credit

Some high schools award academic credit for internship experiences. Check with your counselor about whether your school has an internship-for-credit program, which may have specific documentation requirements.

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Internships and Online School Students

Students enrolled in online school programs often have schedule flexibility that makes them excellent candidates for internships during traditional school hours. This is an advantage worth mentioning in your applications.

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Conclusion

Internships give high school students a head start on career exploration, professional skill development, and college preparation that classroom learning alone cannot provide. The programs listed in this guide represent some of the best opportunities available, but thousands more exist at local businesses, nonprofits, hospitals, and government offices in your community.

Start by talking to your school counselor, researching programs online, and reaching out directly to organizations that interest you. The initiative you show in seeking and completing an internship speaks volumes about your character and potential.

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Last Updated: April 2026 Written by the SchoolHub Team