10 Nuclear Engineering Internships for High School Students

For high school students eager to explore future careers, internships are an affordable, hands-on way to gain practical skills, industry exposure, and valuable connections. Internships provide real-world learning experiences in professional settings, often at top colleges and research organizations.

For those passionate about nuclear engineering, internships offer a unique chance to work on groundbreaking projects in energy, radiation detection, and nuclear security. 

With so many options available, we’ve curated a list of the top 10 nuclear engineering internships for high school students to help you find the best opportunities. 

1. AFRL Scholars Program

Location: Multiple locations. Click here to know more.

Stipend: $501.60/week

Application Deadline: January 10

Dates: Vary based on AFRL sites and/or projects 

Eligibility: Students who are 16 years or older by the session application deadline with a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale

The AFRL Scholars Program offers paid internships for high school students with a strong interest in STEM. Interns can engage in research projects ranging from aerospace propulsion and rocket testing to composite material development and space system reliability. 

Students interested in nuclear engineering can explore areas like advanced propulsion technology and materials science, where nuclear principles are often explored for energy efficiency and safety. The program provides direct mentorship from AFRL scientists, helping interns develop industry-relevant skills and valuable connections in research and technology fields.

2. Ladder Internship Program

Location: Remote! You can work from anywhere in the world.

Cost: Starting at $2,490 (financial aid available)

Application Deadline: Deadlines vary depending on the cohort. Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September) and Winter (November). 

Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year, including Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter.

Eligibility: Students who can work for 10-20 hours/week, for 8-12 weeks. Open to high school students, undergraduates, and gap year students

Ladder Internships is a highly selective program connecting ambitious high school students with exciting start-ups across various industries. Participants gain hands-on experience working with fast-growing companies in fields like AI, deep tech, health tech, marketing, journalism, and consulting. 

These start-ups typically raise over $1 million in funding, offering interns an opportunity to contribute to real-world projects alongside industry professionals. Throughout the 8-week virtual program, interns receive mentorship from a Ladder Coach, collaborate with their managers, and present their work to company leaders. Interested students can explore available opportunities here and apply here.

3. Oak Ridge Next Generation STEM Internship Program (NGSI)

Location: Oak Ridge National Laboratory, TN

Stipend: $500 per week  

Application Deadline: 

• March 13 (Summer)

• June 15 (Fall)

Dates: June 9 - July 25

Eligibility: Juniors, seniors, and recent graduates from accredited high schools or home school programs in Anderson, Blount, Knox, Loudon, Morgan, Roane, and Sevier counties, ages 16 and above by the time of appointment, with a GPA of 3.0/4.0

The Oak Ridge Next Generation STEM Internship Program allows students to collaborate with scientists, engineers, and professionals from diverse backgrounds. Research topics span across a wide range of engineering fields, including Nuclear Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science Engineering, Radiation Protection, and more. Over a 7-week summer period, you will gain practical experience and insights through professional development activities, workshops, and networking.

4. Veritas AI 

Location: Virtual

Cost: $2,290 for the 10-week AI Scholars program | $5,400 for the 15-week AI Fellowship with Publication & Showcase | $6,900 for both. Need-based financial aid is available for AI Scholars. You can apply here. 

Application Deadline: On a rolling basis. Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September) and Winter (November).

Dates: Multiple 12-15-week cohorts throughout the year, including spring, summer, fall, and winter.

Eligibility: Ambitious high school students located anywhere in the world. AI Fellowship applicants should either have completed the AI Scholars program or exhibit experience with AI concepts or Python.

Veritas AI, led by Harvard graduate students, provides two enriching programs for high schoolers eager to explore artificial intelligence. The AI Scholars program is designed for beginners, offering 10 interactive sessions covering fundamental AI, machine learning, and data science concepts, along with hands-on projects. 

For more experienced students, the AI Fellowship with Publication & Showcase offers one-on-one mentorship from top university researchers to develop a customized project. A key highlight is access to an in-house publication team, guiding students in publishing their work in high school research journals. You can go through previous projects here.

5. Oak Ridge Appalachian STEM Academy

Location: Oak Ridge National Laboratory, TN

Cost: Free

Application Deadline: December 6

Dates: July 5 – July 18

Eligibility: High school students who are 16 and older residing in or attending a public, private, charter, or homeschool in a designated Appalachian county

The Oak Ridge Appalachian STEM Academy is a two-week learning program for high school students from Appalachia, providing exposure to various STEM fields. Students get to work on real-world research projects like the Site Selection for Nuclear Modular Reactors, using GIS tools to analyze geospatial data for SMR site suitability. 

Mentored by experts at Oak Ridge National Laboratory, participants gain hands-on experience and develop critical problem-solving skills. The program concludes with a poster session, where students present their research to dignitaries and peers.

6. Idaho National Laboratory High School Internship Program 

Location: Idaho National Laboratory, ID

Stipend: Paid; the amount is not specified

Application Deadline: February 28

Dates: 6-8 weeks beginning in mid-June

Eligibility: Enrolled rising juniors, rising seniors, and recently graduated students, ages 16 and above, with a minimum overall 3.0 GPA

The Idaho National Laboratory (INL) High School Internship Program provides a 6-8-week paid summer internship where you’ll gain valuable hands-on experience working on cutting-edge research projects. Under the mentorship of top-tier scientists and researchers, interns explore diverse fields such as nuclear energy, cybersecurity, and environmental science. 

You can apply STEM concepts to real-world challenges, build technical skills, and enhance your academic knowledge. This immersive internship also fosters personal growth and offers insight into potential college and career paths. 

7. Westinghouse Science Honors Institute

Location: Western Pennsylvania

Cost: Free

Application Deadline: Not specified 

Dates: October – March

Eligibility: High school juniors from Western Pennsylvania and surrounding communities 

The Westinghouse Science Honors Institute (WSHI) is a free STEM program for high school juniors in Western Pennsylvania. Experts from NASA, Penn State, and Westinghouse Electric Company, among others, provide insights into cutting-edge research and career opportunities. You will gain exposure to real-world applications of STEM and get to network with professionals and like-minded peers.

A highlight is the opportunity to engage with engineers and scientists working on advanced technologies, including nuclear energy and space exploration. By completing an online exam, you will also earn a Certificate of Completion.

8. Young Investigators’ Summer Program in Nuclear Engineering

Location: NC State University, Raleigh, NC

Cost: $2,100 

Application Deadline: April 30

Dates: July 7 – July 25

Eligibility: High school rising juniors, rising seniors & graduating seniors

The Young Investigators’ Summer Program in Nuclear Engineering is an immersive experience in nuclear science. Through lectures, labs, and hands-on projects, students explore topics like radiation detection, nuclear materials, and industrial plasmas.

You will get to visit NC State’s Department of Nuclear Engineering, engage with faculty, and tour labs, including the PULSTAR research reactor. Field trips to industry facilities will provide additional insight into nuclear careers and real-world applications. This program is designed for students eager to explore nuclear engineering and cutting-edge research.

9. Sandia National Laboratories Internships and Co-ops

Location: Sandia National Laboratories (various sites)

Stipend: Competitive pay rates as per the internship chosen

Application Deadline: Varies depending on the internship

Dates: Summer, co-op, and year-round internships exist with different dates. You can check the details here.

Eligibility: Students must be at least 16 years old. Other criteria depend on the internship you apply for

The Sandia National Laboratories Internships and Co-ops give students the chance to work on real-world, impactful projects in fields like nuclear energy, cybersecurity, and engineering design. Interns gain hands-on experience, collaborate with top scientists and engineers, and receive mentorship from industry leaders.

Through Sandia’s Intern Institute Program, you will work on cutting-edge research while also participating in professional development and social activities. These internships offer competitive pay, potential academic credit, and state-of-the-art training. With options for summer, year-round, and co-op internships, you gain valuable experience that can lead to full-time employment. 

10. PREFACE: The Rensselaer Summer Engineering Design Program

Location: Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, NY

Cost: $4,000

Application Deadline: April 4

Dates: July 20 – August 2

Eligibility: Students entering the 11th or 12th grade

PREFACE is a 2-week residential summer program at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute for rising high school juniors and seniors interested in engineering and technology. Students engage in hands-on projects, lectures, and team challenges, exploring topics in nuclear energy, AI computing, and engineering design.

This year’s theme delves into nuclear reactor design, waste management, and the social implications of nuclear energy. Students will also explore computer hardware design and AI-driven computing through guided projects and interactive workshops. With mentorship from Rensselaer faculty and students, you’ll get to experience college life firsthand, gain insight into engineering careers, and learn about the college application process.