12 Paid Internships for High School Students
Internships offer high school students a great way to acquire practical skills, gain industry exposure, and build valuable professional networks. The best part is that paid internships offer both experiential learning and monetary compensation. These internships acknowledge your contributions and ease potential economic burdens. Paid internships tend to be more selective, making them a good addition to your CV.
For those who want work experience in their fields of interest, here is a list of the top 12 paid internships for high school students!
1. Hutton Junior Fisheries Biology Program
Location: Placements available in all 50 states, Canada, Mexico, and Puerto Rico
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Information not available
Dates: 8-week summer internship. Start and end dates are flexible
Application Deadline: January 19
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors or rising college freshman who will be at least 16 years old by their internship start date.
Sponsored by the American Fisheries Society (AFS), this program gives you experience working alongside fisheries professionals and exposes you to careers in aquatic science and conservation. Through AFS’s network of mentors, you will be placed at an internship within a 45-minute commute of your home. Combining mentorship, scientific engagement, and financial support, the Hutton Junior Fisheries Biology Program is a valuable internship for students interested in environmental conservation and marine ecosystems.
2. JCVI Internship Program
Location: La Jolla, CA and Rockville, MD
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 7% acceptance
Dates: June 9 - August 22
Application Deadline: Depends on the open positions at the time of the application
Eligibility: Full-time student. 16 years or older. Applicants must have a 3.0/B average
As a JCVI intern, you will be paired with a faculty member or senior scientist mentor who will guide you throughout the program. You will participate in research projects tailored to match your academic background, skills, and career aspirations. This allows for a personalized experience in scientific inquiry. You will also have access to laboratory equipment and the latest technological advancements in genomics. The program includes a series of professional development workshops and seminars led by experts, which explore emerging trends in biological sciences.
3. Careers in Science (CiS) Intern Program
Location: California Academy of Sciences, San Francisco, CA
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 2-4 % acceptance rate
Dates: Multi-year, year-round participation
Application Deadline: April 1
Eligibility: 9th - 12th graders in SFUSD school. Maintain a GPA of 2.5 and a grade of C or higher in science and math
In this internship, you will engage in fieldwork, science communication, and leadership training through interactive sessions, college tours, and STEM conferences. You will facilitate visitor learning experiences, contribute to Academy exhibits, and work on research and environmental action projects with scientists. As you progress, you will take on leadership roles, join the CiS Leadership Council, and receive individual mentorship from Academy experts. CiS also offers financial literacy and college readiness sessions.
4. Clark Scholars Program
Location: Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 3% estimated acceptance rate, with a cohort size of 12 students each summer
Dates: June 22 - August 27
Application Deadline: February 24
Eligibility: High school students who are 17 years old at the time of the application
In this program, you will work with faculty across diverse fields, including the natural sciences, mathematics, humanities, and fine arts, to conduct research. The program includes seminars, discussions, and field trips. Funded by the Anson L. Clark Foundation, this program offers research experience at one of the nation’s top institutions.
5. Idaho National Laboratory (INL)
Location: Idaho National Laboratory, Idaho Falls, ID
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Cohort size of around 40 students and an acceptance rate of less than 10%
Dates: June - August
Application Deadline: February 28
Eligibility: 16 years old, legal U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents. A minimum overall GPA of 3.0 along with the ability to pass all pre-employment screenings
This internship offers mentorship from INL researchers and industry professionals. You will contribute to cutting-edge projects, gaining exposure to state-of-the-art technology and innovative methodologies. Beyond technical expertise, the internship nurtures professional growth, offering networking opportunities and career guidance. This internship also includes exposure to careers in research, energy, cybersecurity, and other fields.
6. NASA Internships
Location: Various locations across the U.S.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 3-4% acceptance rate
Dates: May/June - August
Application Deadline: May 16
Eligibility: 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale. Full-time high school student. Must be 16 years old at the time of application.
In this program, you will work alongside NASA’s scientists, engineers, and professionals across various fields. You will contribute to projects, develop technical and professional skills, and gain insights into aerospace, space exploration, and STEM innovation. With three internship sessions available annually, OSTEM offers flexibility for students.
7. NYC Mayor’s Office Internship Program
Location: New York City Hall, New York City, NY
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 10%
Dates: June - August
Application Deadline: March 30
Eligibility: Must be 16 years or older. Must be enrolled in high school and should have current working papers/employment certification
New York City is a global hub for business, the arts, education, and technology, making it ideal for students to gain industry exposure and professional connections. Through this internship, you will work within the city government, tackling real challenges NYC residents face and contributing to projects shaping the city's future. The program gives you the tools to make a tangible impact on the city.
8. U.S. SENATE PAGE PROGRAM
Location: Various locations in the U.S.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Information not available
Dates: June - August
Application Deadline: Application deadlines vary by office.
Eligibility: 16 or 17-year-old high school students. 3.0 GPA
Working in Washington, D.C., you will gain experience in public service, develop communication and leadership skills, and engage with senators and national leaders. You will assist in delivering legislative materials, preparing the Chamber for sessions, and supporting floor debates and roll call votes. This prestigious experience deepens your understanding of the legislative process and prepares you for a future career in law, politics, and public service.
9. Youth Conservation Corps
Location: YCC programs are offered by National Forests across the United States
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Information not available
Dates: 1-3 months in the summer
Application Deadline: Information not available
Eligibility: Age 15 at the start of enrollment with a valid Social Security Number and able to obtain a state work permit.
In this internship, you will engage in outdoor work that preserves natural resources while developing leadership and teamwork skills. Projects may include trail restoration, habitat preservation, wildfire prevention, and park maintenance. You will gain exposure to diverse career paths in conservation, ecology, and sustainability, working alongside professionals in the field. This experience strengthens college applications and resumes while inculcating environmental responsibility.
10. AFRL Scholars Program
Location: Kirtland/AMOS, Eglin/Hurlbert air force bases
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 8-10% acceptance rate
Dates: Summer months for 9 weeks
Application Deadline: Varied based on the AFRL sites and/or projects
Eligibility: High schoolers with a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale who are US citizens and have a valid driver's license. Eligibility to work 40 hours a week for summer internship positions.
This internship can help you build problem-solving skills, expand your professional network, and prepare for a career in aerospace, defense, and advanced technology. It provides research experience in STEM, supporting the Federal STEM Strategy and the Department of Defense (DoD) STEM mission for the U.S. Department of the Air Force.
11. Spark Summer Internship Program (Spark SIP)
Location: Greater Seattle Area, Seattle, WA
Dates: June to August
Acceptance rate/cohort size: <5%, with 5-6 students making it to the final cohort
Application Deadline: May 1
Eligibility: High school students who can work for 40 hours/week
This program offers hands-on learning experiences, allowing you to engage with industry experts, educators, and community leaders. Through personalized mentorship, you will gain career insights and practical skills. This program offers insight into future academic and career paths and gives you the tools for personal and professional growth.
12. Mercer County Student Internship Program
Location: Mercer County, Trenton, NJ
Acceptance rate/cohort size: No information available
Dates: July 7 – August 29
Application Deadline: April 12
Eligibility: High school students of 15 years of age; living in Mercer County or attending a school in Mercer County
This program exposes you to local government operations, helping you develop new skills and enhance your resume. You will work across various Mercer County departments, gaining insights into public service. You will also participate in skill-building workshops on career readiness, resume writing, financial literacy, public speaking, networking, and civic engagement.
If you’re looking for a rewarding internship in artificial intelligence, check out Veritas AI’s Internship program!
The AI Internship Program by Veritas AI is founded and run by Harvard graduate students. Through the 8-week internship, students have the opportunity to work with VC-backed startups on real-world AI/ML projects. Students work directly with mentors from Harvard, Wharton, Google, Microsoft, McKinsey & Company, and more. This program is a great opportunity for students who have prior experience with AI/ML and are looking to gain real-world exposure to a career in the field. Students get a chance to network with industry professionals, work closely with company leadership, and receive a letter of completion from the company at the end of the internship. You can learn more about the program here and apply here.
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