15 Best Paid Internships for High School Students
Internships are one of the best ways for high school students to gain real-world experience, build practical skills, and explore career interests early on. They offer a chance to work on meaningful projects, connect with professionals, and develop a deeper understanding of different industries — all while strengthening your college applications.
While many internships are unpaid, there are several excellent programs that also offer stipends, making them more accessible and rewarding. These paid opportunities allow you to earn while you learn, adding value both professionally and financially.
To make your search easier, we’ve curated a list of the 15 best paid internships for high school students. Each one combines mentorship, hands-on learning, and compensation to help you grow and make the most of your time.
1. NASA Office of STEM Engagement (OSTEM) Internship
Location: In-person at any NASA center or virtual, depending on the project
Dates:
Fall: Late August – Mid-December
Spring: Mid-January – Early May
Summer: Late May – August
Application Deadline: Fall: May 16 | Spring: September 12 | Summer: February 27
Eligibility: High school students who are at least 16 years old, have a 3.0 cumulative GPA on a 4.0 scale, and are U.S. citizens are eligible to apply
NASA’s Office of STEM Engagement provides students with paid internships in all its facilities throughout the country. For high school students, this is a good chance to contribute to NASA projects while getting coached by dedicated NASA mentors. This program has professional development training, career advancement opportunities, one-on-one mentorship, and collaboration with top engineering, IT, finance, science, and business experts.
Some of the disciplines offered through the internships include aeronautics, space science, space microbiology, communications, engineering, technology, ecology, and outreach. During your time at NASA, you will design experiments, analyze data from active space missions, and create state-of-the-art technologies.
2. Meta Summer Academy
Location: Meta Headquarters, Menlo Park, CA
Dates: June 16 - July 25
Application Deadline: February 14
Eligibility: Students who:
are high school sophomores
have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0
are full-year residents of East Palo Alto, Belle Haven, or Redwood City
Participating in the Meta Summer Academy enables you to explore a variety of practices within Meta and engage directly in its daily activities as an extern. This six-week program is in its thirteenth iteration and has impacted hundreds of high school students. As an extern, you'll need to commit approximately 30 hours each week. Throughout the academy, you will receive personalized mentorship from Meta employees who will guide you through your projects and tasks.
If you're located in California, your transportation costs will be fully covered. Getting into this internship is regarded as highly prestigious among internships for high school students because of the strict selection process. Only 150 students are chosen for the final cohort.
3. Bank of America Student Leaders Program
Location: Varies; final summit in Washington, D.C.
Dates: Dates vary, but you can expect your 8-week internship to begin shortly after the end of your school year
Application Deadline: January 15
Eligibility: High school students in their junior or senior year are eligible to apply. The full list of eligibility requirements is available here.
Through this initiative, the Bank of America looks to inspire a sense of civic responsibility by mentoring students who want to make a positive change in their communities. Each year, the bank picks 300 high school students from more than 100 different regions. If you get into the program, you’ll work on community service initiatives and gain a deeper knowledge of what afflicts society.
Interns will tackle real-life tasks related to financial planning and community leadership. A highlight of the program is a week-long National Student Leadership Summit in Washington, DC, where the bank fully funds all travel, accommodation, and meals. The internship holds significant value thanks to Bank of America’s strong standing in both the corporate and nonprofit sectors.
4. Hutton Junior Fisheries Biology Program
Location: Placement is determined by your location to assign students to sites within a 45-minute commute from their homes
Dates: 8 weeks during the summer, but exact start and end dates are flexible and arranged between the student and their mentor
Application Deadline: January 19
Eligibility: Students entering their junior or senior year of high school and incoming college freshmen who reside in the United States, Mexico, or Canada are eligible to apply. Applicants must be at least 16 years old by the application deadline
The Hutton Junior Fisheries Biology Program is an 8-week summer internship and mentorship opportunity sponsored by the American Fisheries Society (AFS). The program aims to ignite interest in aquatic and fisheries sciences, particularly encouraging participation from students from marginalized backgrounds.
If you become a Hutton Scholar, you’ll be involved in initiatives related to natural resource preservation and fisheries management. You will work in freshwater and marine environments, which will help you develop practical skills. One of the program's highlights is an all-expenses-paid trip to the Hutton Scholars Summit, hosted at the University of Arkansas.
5. KP Launch High School Internship Program at Kaiser Permanente
Location: Internships are available at the Kaiser Permanente Medical Center or business office nearest your location
Dates: June 16 - August 1
Application Deadline: January 6
Eligibility: Applicants must be between 16 and 19 years old by June 1, legally authorized to work in the United States, and currently enrolled in high school or graduating during the current academic year.
Kaiser Permanente is a healthcare-focused organization that offers a student internship. If you get into this program, you’ll collaborate with medical experts, gain insight into specialties like pharmacy, nursing, lab sciences, and more.
Unlike other internships for high school students, you’ll also be exposed to how healthcare operates and its business side. This comes with hands-on involvement in administration, development, finance, and research. Participants are paid hourly and participate in weekly sessions focused on building professional skills.
6. New York City Office of the Mayor Internship
Location: New York City, NY
Dates: July 7 – August 29
Application Deadline: March 30
Eligibility: Applicants must be at least 16 years old, currently enrolled in high school or accepted into an undergraduate program, and—if applying for the Fall or Spring term—must be residents of New York City.
The NYC Mayor’s Office Internship Program offers a well-rounded experience tailored for students curious about how city government and public policy operate. During the internship, you’ll work alongside the Office’s staff on various tasks, including conducting research, analyzing data, handling public inquiries, supporting events, and participating in outreach efforts.
A highlight of the program that sets it apart from other internships for high school students is the bi-weekly Speaker Series, which gives interns a closer look at the city’s administrative processes. These sessions feature talks from key city officials such as Deputy Mayors, Commissioners, and senior program leaders. Additionally, interns team up to create a service project to make a positive difference in underserved communities across New York City.
7. Science and Engineering Apprenticeship Program (SEAP) by the Department of Navy
Location: Multiple lab sites are available nationwide for students to choose from
Dates: The internship lasts for eight weeks during the summer, with exact dates varying by lab location
Application Deadline: November 1 every year
Eligibility: High school students who have finished at least 9th grade and are 16 or older at the start of the internship are eligible to apply. Graduating seniors may also apply. Some exceptions may be made, but applicants should review the specific requirements of their chosen lab, as additional criteria may apply
The Science and Engineering Apprenticeship Program (SEAP) offers high school students an immersive, 8-week summer experience inside Department of Navy (DoN) labs, where they contribute to real-world Naval research. Participants can collaborate with top-tier scientists and engineers at Navy research facilities across the U.S., engaging directly in cutting-edge STEM projects.
Under the guidance of experienced mentors, students gain hands-on exposure in areas such as computer science, aeronautical engineering, and more. SEAP is a competitive and highly regarded program, offering approximately 300 internship opportunities across 38 Navy labs nationwide.
8. California Academy of Science Careers in Science (CiS) Intern Program
Location: California Academy of Sciences, San Francisco, CA
Dates: This is a multi-year, year-round program
Application Deadline: April
Eligibility: Eligible students must:
Be currently enrolled full-time in 9th or 10th grade at an SFUSD school (check here to confirm if your school is eligible);
Maintain a minimum GPA of 2.5 and have earned at least a C grade in both math and science;
Be able to secure a valid work permit (applicants must be U.S. citizens or otherwise authorized to work in the U.S.);
Commit to all program attendance requirements for 2 to 3 years, continuing through high school graduation;
Be able to travel to the Academy and nearby locations after school and on Saturdays during the academic year, as well as on weekdays during the summer (some virtual participation may be required);
Show genuine enthusiasm for science, along with an interest in learning, teaching, and hands-on exploration.
This is a long-term, year-round internship and youth development program for students from historically underrepresented communities in STEM fields, including young women and students of color. The program emphasizes the development of analytical thinking, problem-solving abilities, career preparation, and leadership within the community.
Interns participate in bi-monthly interactive workshops covering topics like science communication, real-world advice from STEM professionals, and vital life skills such as managing personal finances. You’ll also collaborate with scientists, educators, and researchers at the California Academy of Sciences, engaging in outdoor fieldwork and receiving support with the college application process. Working in teams, students also complete a science-focused research or environmental project as part of their hands-on experience.
9. Fred Hutch Summer High School Internship Program
Location: Fred Hutch Cancer Center, Seattle, WA
Dates: June 23 - August 15
Application Deadline: March 31
Eligibility: Students entering their senior year of high school are eligible to apply
The Summer High School Internship Program (SHIP) is a selective, full-time, paid internship for 8 weeks. The program was made to elevate students from marginalized backgrounds who want to pursue biomedical science. During your six-week spell, you’ll join research teams in Seattle and work under the mentorship of industry experts.
Participants attend scientific seminars, join career development sessions, and participate in community-building social events alongside their hands-on lab work. The experience wraps up with final presentations, where interns share the results of their work and contributions to their research groups.
10. U.S. Senate Page Program
Location: United States Senate, Washington, D.C.
Dates:
Spring 2025: January 26 – June 6
Summer Session I: June 8 – June 27
Summer Session II: July 8 – August 1
Fall 2025: September 1 – January 23
Application Deadline: Details can be found on your senator’s official website; if not listed, you’re encouraged to reach out to their office directly for more information
Eligibility: Eligible applicants are high school juniors who will be 16 or 17 years old by the start of the program and have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 or a B average.
If you’re a student who wants to focus on the public service field, then the U.S. Senate Page Program is a great opportunity. You’ll interact with influential national leaders and witness Senate debates up close. Some duties include distributing official documents and correspondence across the Capitol and Senate offices, assisting during roll call votes, helping senators and staff during legislative discussions, and delivering bills and amendments to the presiding desk.
What makes this a highlight compared to other internships for high school students is that you’ll get a deeper understanding of the legislative process. Not only that, you receive first-hand exposure to the federal government in Washington, D.C.
11. Stanford Institutes of Medicine Summer Research Program (SIMR)
Location: Stanford University, Stanford, CA
Dates: June 9 - July 31
Application Deadline: February 22
Eligibility: Students currently in 11th or 12th grade who are 16 years or older are eligible to apply
SIMR is considered one of the top-tier internship opportunities, blending hands-on research with direct mentorship. This 8-week summer program allows students to work closely with a mentor — typically a Stanford Ph.D. student or postdoctoral researcher — on real biomedical research projects.
Applicants choose from one of eight focus areas: Immunology, Neurobiology, Cancer Biology, Bioengineering, Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Cardiovascular Biology, Bioinformatics, and Genetics & Genomics. Throughout the program, you'll work under the guidance of distinguished scientists, researchers, and doctoral fellows in the medical sciences. With only about 50 students accepted each year and an estimated acceptance rate under 3%, SIMR is highly competitive.
12. Tech Flex Leaders
Location: The program follows a hybrid model and is offered in New York, Miami, and Los Angeles
Dates: The program runs for 9 months, beginning in September
Application Deadline: August 3
Eligibility: Students in 11th or 12th grade who attend high school in New York City, Los Angeles, or Miami are eligible to apply
The Tech Flex Leaders program is designed for high school students interested in technology. It covers not just the basics but dives deeper. You get to choose between specialized tracks like UX design, Web Development, Data Science, and more.
The program has hands-on workshops, training in modern programming languages, and hackathons, all designed to elevate your critical thinking and creativity. Tech Flex Leaders gives students a strong foundation in theory and the practical skills required to excel in the tech field.
13. Amazon Future Engineer Scholarship & Internship
Location: Amazon headquarters, Seattle, WA
Dates: The program takes place over 8 weeks in the summer following your first year of college
Application Deadline: Typically December
Eligibility: U.S. high school seniors are eligible if they:
Are currently taking or have previously completed a high school or dual-enrollment college course focused on computer science, engineering, or robotics;
Have a cumulative GPA of at least 2.3 on a 4.0 scale (or equivalent);
Can show evidence of financial need
The Amazon Future Engineer Program, though structured like an internship, is an excellent starting point for high school students interested in technology. Participants can earn scholarships of up to $10,000 per year while also gaining valuable hands-on experience and insight into Amazon's fast-paced, innovative work environment.
You’ll contribute to real-world projects alongside tech professionals, applying what you’ve learned in school to solve practical challenges. Through the program, you’ll develop a strong computer science base, connect with professionals in the field, and explore various career options in the tech world.
14. Summer Experience at the Coriell Institute For Medical Research
Location: The Coriell Facility, Camden, NJ
Dates: Typically runs in the summer
Application Deadline: May 15
Eligibility: Applicants must be at least 17 years old and hold U.S. citizenship before the program begins
The Coriell Institute, a genetic and stem cell science pioneer, offers a highly competitive Summer Experience program for students eager to dive into cutting-edge biomedical research. Participants work side-by-side with leading scientists, attend expert-led lectures, carry out independent research projects, explore data analysis techniques, take part in a resume-building session, and present their results at the program’s conclusion.
Interns also gain hands-on experience in Coriell’s Cytogenomics and Stem Cell laboratories, which are not available in other internships for high school students. Students can apply for one of several focus areas within the program, like production laboratories, research & development, and project management.
15. Microsoft’s High School Discovery Program
Location: Redmond, WA or Atlanta, GA
Dates: July 7 - August 1
Application Deadline: February 26
Eligibility: Graduating high school seniors who will be entering their first year of a bachelor’s degree program and live within 50 miles of Redmond, Washington, are eligible. Applicants must be at least 16 years old and legally authorized to work in the U.S. for the entire duration of the program.
Microsoft’s High School Discovery Program is designed for students seeking practical experience and a deeper look into the world of technology. Participants, known as “Discoverers,” will be introduced to key principles in computer science and the basics of programming while also building essential career skills.
Throughout the program, Microsoft professionals serve as mentors, guiding students through their learning journey. The experience is meant to help students see how their personal interests and strengths can translate into a future career in technology, at Microsoft or within the broader tech industry.
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