8 Education Internships for High School Students
Pursuing internships in high school can provide a significant advantage when it comes to college applications and future career aspirations. For students interested in the field of education, gaining hands-on experience through internships can showcase dedication, practical knowledge, and a commitment to the profession. These opportunities not only enhance a student’s resume but also allow them to explore teaching methods, educational leadership, curriculum design, and more, helping them stand out in a competitive academic environment.
The field of education offers a broad spectrum of career possibilities—from becoming a classroom teacher to working in educational policy, administration, or even educational technology. Internships allow students to gain first hand exposure to these areas, helping them discover their interests and strengths. They also provide a realistic view of the demands and rewards of working in education, helping students determine if this is the right career path for them. In this blog, we explore 10 education internships that high school students can pursue.
1. Smithsonian Office of Internship Programs - Education Internship
Cost / Stipend: There is no cost. Interns are paid a stipend of $700 per week.
Location: Smithsonian Libraries and Archives, Washington, D.C.
Application Deadline: There is no information available on the website. You can check here for updates.
Internship Dates: There is no information available on the website. You can check here for updates.
Eligibility: All high school students are eligible to apply.
This internship focuses on the relaunch and expansion of the Smithsonian Libraries and Archives Education department Traveling Trunks resource-lending kit. These multimedia kits, filled with resources from across the Smithsonian Institution, offer immersive educational experiences designed for middle school students. Interns play a key role in building and scaling a national museum education resource.
Key responsibilities include conducting research, supporting the design of the final Traveling Trunk, and helping create digital content to enhance the trunks' reach. Interns also gain experience in developing evaluation methods for the program and may assist with 3D printing objects for the trunks. Those with graphic design skills may contribute to design elements, while all interns build marketing expertise and assist in the lending process. This hands-on opportunity offers practical experience in developing educational materials and applying museum practices to a well-established program.
2. New York Historical Society - Student Historian Internship Program
Cost / Stipend: There is no cost. Interns are provided a stipend of $700.
Location: New York Historical Society, New York, NY.
Application Deadline: September 22, 2024.
Internship Dates: The internship runs from October 23, 2024 to June 11, 2025, on every Wednesday from 4:30 PM to 7 PM.
Eligibility: High school students entering 10, 11, or 12th grade who live and attend school in the New York city metro area, as well as areas of New York State, Connecticut, and New Jersey are eligible to apply.
The Student Historian Internship at the New-York Historical Society allows high school students to dive into in-depth research, using the museum’s vast resources to create digital projects that serve as public educational tools. Interns work closely with professional staff, gaining exposure to fields such as museum work, library services, digital humanities, and historical research. Collaboration with peers also helps students strengthen their skills in historical analysis, communication, and digital media. The program emphasizes significant research and writing, immersing students in American history with a focus on the theme, "Our Composite Nation: Frederick Douglass’ America."
3. California Academy of Sciences - Careers in Science Intern Program
Cost / Stipend: There is no cost. Interns receive a stipend.
Location: California Academy of Sciences, San Francisco, CA.
Application Deadline: Applications typically open in February and close in April.
Internship Dates: The internship typically starts in June and continues till their high school graduation.
Eligibility: San Francisco high school students who come from communities underrepresented in STEM are eligible to apply.
The Careers in Science (CiS) program at the California Academy of Sciences provides high school students with hands-on experience in scientific activities both at the Academy and in the field. Beginning in June as rising sophomores or juniors, interns can participate until they graduate, with opportunities to advance to leadership roles based on performance.
Interns engage in fieldwork, interact with visitors, and attend twice-monthly training sessions to develop science communication skills, explore STEM careers, and learn about financial literacy and college applications. They also take part in college tours, present at STEM events, and contribute to Academy exhibits and materials. As they progress, interns collaborate on research or environmental action projects with Academy researchers or partners, serve on the CiS Leadership Council, and may qualify for one-on-one mentorships.
Cost / Stipend: There is no cost. Interns receive a stipend, but the amount varies depending on the internship.
Location: Both in-person and virtual opportunities offered for education-related internships.
Application Deadline: February 28, 2025.
Internship Dates: The internships typically run during the summer.
Eligibility: The eligibility varies depending on the internship.
NASA offers high school students the chance to participate in STEM education projects through internships that contribute to the development of educational content and outreach programs. These internships, facilitated by NASA's Office of STEM Engagement, are available in both in-person and virtual formats at various locations across the U.S. Students living near NASA centers can apply for internships at local research facilities, while those farther away can explore virtual options. When exploring opportunities, be sure to filter for high school programs under the "Education" category.
5. The Met - Summer High School Internship
Cost / Stipend: There is no cost. Interns receive a $1,100 stipend paid in one installment on successful completion of the program.
Location: The Met Fifth Avenue, New York, NY.
Application Deadline: Applications typically open in February and close in March.
Internship Dates: The internship typically runs from July to August.
Eligibility: High school students in grades 10 or 11 who attend high school or home school in New York, New Jersey, or Connecticut can apply.
The Metropolitan Museum of Art’s High School Internship Program provides an exciting opportunity for students to explore museum education and related fields. Interns engage in public programming, educational initiatives, and creative projects, gaining firsthand experience while building professional skills and expanding their networks. This program connects students with experts from various museum departments, such as editorial, marketing, education, scientific research, and conservation. Through individual and group interactions, participants explore how their personal interests align with different museum fields, all while learning from professionals and their peers.
6. New York Hall of Science - Explainer Program
Cost / Stipend: There is no information on cost or stipend on the website. You can check here for regular updates.
Location: New York Hall of Science, Corona, NY.
Application Deadline: Applications typically open in December and close in January. You can fill out this form to get updates on when the application becomes available.
Internship Dates: The program typically runs for one year.
Eligibility: High school students residing in New York City can apply.
High school students can take on the role of "Explainers" at the New York Hall of Science (NYSCI), guiding visitors through exhibits, conducting educational demonstrations, and honing their public speaking and teaching skills. As a core part of the museum’s interactive experience, Explainers engage visitors with captivating STEM discussions, perform live science demonstrations, and contribute to the development of exhibits and programs. Throughout the program, interns serve as the public face of the museum, receiving extensive training and benefiting from a range of learning and development opportunities. By working collaboratively, Explainers actively shape and enhance exhibits and educational programming, ensuring that youth perspectives remain a vital part of the museum’s offerings.
7. Museum of Science - Summer Youth Internship Program
Cost / Stipend: There is no cost. Both paid and unpaid positions are offered, depending on the internship. Internships can also be done for course credit.
Location: Museum of Science, Boston, MA.
Application Deadline: Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. Information on available internships is published here.
Internship Dates: The internship typically runs for seven weeks between July and August. Interns work three days a week during the program, typically 21 paid working hours.
Eligibility: High school students between the ages of 14-19 are eligible to apply.
The Museum of Science offers high school students a comprehensive work and growth experience through its Summer Youth Internship Program. This paid program provides internships in various areas, including educational and visitor support, business and administrative roles, as well as technical and hands-on positions. Over the summer, teens have the opportunity to work in both public-facing and behind-the-scenes roles, gaining insight into the museum’s operations while developing valuable skills. In addition to hands-on work, interns benefit from weekly professional development workshops covering topics such as financial literacy, resume and cover letter writing, and field trips to local cultural institutions and colleges.
8. Library of Congress - High School Summer Internship
Cost / Stipend: There is no cost or stipend provided.
Location: The internship is offered in a hybrid format with students attending virtually, or as a virtual/in-person participant at the Library of Congress in Washington, D.C.
Application Deadline: Application period for 2024 is now closed. You can check here for regular updates on the 2025 internship.
Internship Dates: The program typically runs for four weeks between June and July 18.
Eligibility: Current high school students, aged 16 or older at the time of the internship, with an interest in working with peers; interest in or experience working with youth audiences; interest in writing, exhibition development, and research, are eligible to apply.
This unpaid, intensive four-week summer program provides an opportunity to learn about the Library of Congress (LOC) while assisting the Center for Learning, Literacy, and Engagement in developing content for a new exhibition space. Interns will contribute to creating an interpretive guide for young audiences, conduct research on LOC collection materials and exhibition items, and present contextualized information to visitors through written or verbal formats. Additionally, interns will recommend LOC resources for use with children and families and advise on program models tailored for teens. Throughout the program, participants will gain valuable experience by researching LOC collections, enhancing their communication skills, and contributing to materials that support youth and family engagement at the Library. They will also have the chance to explore various career opportunities and resources available within the Library of Congress.
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