Top 15 High School Summer Internships You Should Consider
Finding the right high school internships can be a game-changer for students looking to gain hands-on experience, build valuable skills, and explore potential career paths. Whether you’re passionate about STEM, business, healthcare, or public service, there are internships designed to help you develop practical skills and make meaningful connections. For students eager to dive into a specific field, high school internships provide an opportunity to test the waters before committing to a college major or career path.
To help you find the best opportunities, we’ve carefully curated a list of the top 15 high school summer internships you should consider. These prestigious programs span a variety of industries and skill sets, ensuring that there’s something for every aspiring young professional.
1. Microsoft High School Discovery Program
Location: Redmond, WA or Atlanta, GA
Stipend: $20/hour
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Program Dates: July 7 – August 1
Eligibility: High school graduating seniors who live or attend high school within 50 miles of Redmond, Washington, OR, or around Atlanta, Georgia. You must have completed pre-calculus or an equivalent course by the start of the program
The Microsoft Discovery Program is a selective four-week summer high school internship designed for students interested in exploring careers in technology. Open to those with no prior technical experience, this program provides hands-on exposure to various disciplines, including software engineering, product management (PM), and UX design.
You’ll gain insight into the product development process, focusing on identifying customer needs and designing solutions. Alongside project work, you will receive mentorship from Microsoft professionals and develop essential professional skills.
2. Ladder Internship Program
Location: Virtual
Cost: starts at $2,490
Application Deadline: Various deadlines depending on cohort
Program Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year
Eligibility: High school students
Ladder Internships is a competitive internship program designed for ambitious high school students looking to gain hands-on experience with fast-growing startups. You’ll be able to collaborate with companies across diverse industries, including AI/ML, deep tech, health tech, marketing, journalism, and consulting. These startups are typically high-growth businesses, with many securing over a million dollars in funding.
The program will pair you with startup managers and a dedicated Ladder Coach, ensuring you work on meaningful projects and receive mentorship throughout the experience. Finally, you’ll present your work to company leadership, gaining practical skills and professional exposure in your chosen field.
3. NASA’s Office of STEM Engagement (OSTEM) Internships
Location: Virtual / NASA centers across the country
Stipend: While most interns receive a stipend, certain opportunities are unpaid.
Application Deadline: Fall: May 16 | Spring: September 12 | Summer: February 27
Program Dates:
Fall: Late August – Mid-December
Spring: Mid-January – Early May
Summer: Late May – August
Eligibility: Students who are at least 16 years old at the time of application and have a cumulative 3.0 GPA (on a 4.0 scale)
NASA’s Office of STEM Engagement internship program offers high school students the opportunity to work alongside NASA professionals in advancing space exploration, aeronautics, and scientific research. Whether remote or on-site at one of NASA’s 10 field centers, you will gain real-world experience contributing to agency projects under the guidance of NASA mentors.
These internships are not limited to engineering students, instead, OSTEM offers a wide range of opportunities in business, finance, IT, communications, and project management.
4. Veritas AI Internship
Location: Virtual
Cost: $2,490
Application Deadline: Various deadlines throughout the year
Program Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year
Eligibility: High school students have experience with AI/ML or have completed a Veritas AI program
The Veritas AI Internship Program, led by Harvard graduate students, offers an 8-week immersive experience where you can collaborate on real-world AI/ML projects with VC-backed startups. You’ll work under the guidance of experienced mentors from top institutions and companies such as Harvard, Wharton, Google, Microsoft, and McKinsey & Company.
This program is designed for students with prior AI/ML experience who want to apply their knowledge in professional settings. You’ll gain valuable industry exposure, build connections with professionals, and work directly with startup leadership. At the end of the program, you will receive a completion letter from the company.
5. Meta Summer Academy (MSA)
Location: Menlo Park, CA
Stipend: Varies year to year
Application Deadline: February 14
Program Dates: June 16 – July 25
Eligibility: High school sophomores who are full residents of East Palo Alto, Belle Haven, North Fair Oaks, and Redwood City
The Meta Summer Academy (MSA) is a six-week paid high school internship designed to introduce high school students to the tech industry through hands-on experience at one of the largest tech companies in the world. Hosted at Meta's headquarters in Menlo Park, California, you’ll learn coding, explore career pathways, and develop essential soft skills that will benefit your higher education and future careers.
You’ll be required to work 30 hours per week, gaining exposure to real projects while being paired with Meta employee mentors who share your interests. The program also includes financial literacy training, media and art workshops, and career development sessions.
6. Scripps Research Translational Institute (SRTI) Student Research Internship
Location: Scripps Research Translational Institute, La Jolla, CA
Stipend:
Program I: Funding details pending.
Program II: Includes a stipend; travel and housing expenses are covered.
Application Deadline:
Program I: March 31
Program II: January 26
Program Dates:
Program I: June 2 – August 8 or June 16 – August 22
Program II: May 19 – July 28
Eligibility: High school students who are at least 16 years of age at the start of the internship, with a strong interest in genomics or mHealth translational research
The SRTI Student Research Internship is a prestigious 10-week summer program for students interested in health sciences, genetics, and computational research. This program provides hands-on exposure to translational medical research, focusing on the genetic and digital health factors that influence human disease and treatment.
You will work closely with a dedicated faculty mentor to develop an independent research project, gaining experience in genomic studies, mobile health (mHealth) technology, and clinical trial design. You will also learn how to analyze genetic data, monitor health metrics using mobile devices, and interpret research findings.
7. Adler Planetarium’s Far Horizons Teens
Location: Adler Planetarium, Chicago, IL
Stipend: $700
Application Deadline: April 11
Program Dates: July 14 – August 8
Eligibility: High school students currently 9th, 10th, or 11th grade
Far Horizons Teens is an exploration-driven research program at the Adler Planetarium, which is part of Adler’s exploration program, Far Horizons. As part of the research team, you’ll work with Ground Observation Network (GONet) cameras, a technology developed by Adler staff, volunteers, and past participants. These cameras capture 360-degree images of the night sky, allowing you to measure, monitor, and analyze light pollution in innovative ways.
During the summer, you can contribute to an ongoing study on the ecological impacts of light pollution, focusing on its relationship to tree life cycles. Students will refine data collection protocols, gather valuable observational data, and engage in public outreach to raise awareness about light pollution’s effects on the environment.
8. Bank of America Student Leaders Program
Location: Varies; final summit in Washington, D.C.
Stipend: Amount varies based on the location of the internship, but is typically between $10 to $20/hour
Application Deadline: January 15
Program Dates: Varies by market, but you can expect your 8-week internship to begin shortly after the end of your school year, including the Leadership Summit week on July 21 – 26
Eligibility: High school juniors or seniors who permanently reside in one of the eligible locations and have a solid academic record
The Bank of America Student Leaders program is a prestigious eight-week paid internship designed for high school juniors and seniors who want to make a difference in their community. If selected, you will be expected to work 35 hours per week at a local nonprofit organization — such as Boys and Girls Clubs of America or Habitat for Humanity — gaining valuable work experience while learning how nonprofits, businesses, and governments collaborate to address societal challenges.
In addition to the internship, you will attend the fully-funded week-long Student Leaders Summit in Washington, D.C., where you can engage in leadership training, networking, and discussions on social impact.
9. U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Headquarters Student Internship Program
Location: Washington, D.C.
Stipend: None
Application Deadline: Varies over three internship periods. Spring: Apply in October, Summer: Apply in December. Fall: Apply in June
Program Dates: Spring (January-May), Summer (May-August), Fall (September-December)
Eligibility: High school students who are U.S. citizens and enrolled in an accredited university
Treasury student internships offer high school students a unique opportunity to gain firsthand experience in federal careers. You’ll engage in policy research, data analysis, strategic planning, and high-level meetings.
Opportunities span various Treasury offices, allowing you to tailor your experience based on your interests, whether in economic policy, finance, international development, human resources, or technology.
10. Army Educational Outreach Program (AEOP)
Location: Various labs across the U.S.; Virtual options are available too
Stipend: Varies by internship location and program duration
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Program Dates: Summer (specific dates vary by project and lab)
Eligibility: Students currently in high school or within 60 months of having received their high school degree, without starting an undergraduate program. Participants must be U.S. citizens or U.S. permanent legal residents
The AEOP high school apprenticeships offer students the chance to conduct cutting-edge research in collaboration with U.S. Army Research Laboratories and Centers. You’ll be placed in a lab based on your qualifications, where you will work alongside professional scientists and engineers on real-world projects.
You will also receive formal mentorship while gaining hands-on experience with high-tech equipment and innovative research methods. Beyond research, AEOP apprentices benefit from career development workshops, networking opportunities, and college readiness support.
11. Met High School Internship Program
Location: The Metropolitan Museum of Art, NY
Stipend: $1,100
Application Deadline: March 7
Program Dates: June 21 – August 8
Eligibility: High school students in grades 10 or 11 who either reside in or attend a high school or home school in New York, New Jersey, or Connecticut
If you’re a high school student interested in writing, designing, or you’re an all-around creative person, then the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s High School Internship Program is worth checking out. You’ll get an opportunity to connect with art, museums, and creative professionals while developing professional skills, networking, and gaining hands-on work experience.
As a Met intern, you’ll be placed in various museum departments — including editorial, marketing, social media, education, scientific research, and conservation — where you will observe, assist, and be mentored by Museum staff. You’ll also participate in career labs, workshops, and Teen Fridays, where you can interact with curators, educators, and conservators.
12. Boyce Thompson Institute High School Internships
Location: Boyce Thompson Institute, Ithaca, NY
Stipend: $4,200
Application Deadline: March 7
Program Dates: June 30 – August 7 (tentative)
Eligibility: High school students at least 16 years of age by June 30. Graduating seniors are not eligible to apply. Students must also reside in the Ithaca region or surrounding counties as year-round residents and live within a reasonable daily commute to Cornell University
The Boyce Thompson Institute (BTI) High School Research Internship, in partnership with Cornell University and the USDA, is a six-week summer program designed for high school students interested in plant science research and computational biology. No prior lab experience is required, making this an accessible entry point into scientific research.
You’ll work closely with graduate students, postdoctoral researchers, and faculty mentors on pre-determined real-world research projects that align with your interests and skills, like food security, enhancing sustainability, and advancing plant molecular biology. You will also attend seminars, lab meetings, and professional development workshops, learning about scientific communication, research methods, and career pathways. Finally, you’ll present your findings at the annual George and Helen Kohut Symposium.
13. KP Launch High School Program
Location: A Kaiser Permanente Medical Center or business office closest to your location
Stipend: $24/hour
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Program Dates: June 16 – August 1
Eligibility: Current high school student or graduating senior with a permanent residence in a Northern California Kaiser Permanente designated service area. You must be at least 16 years old to apply for the internship. Preference is given to juniors and senior-level students.
The Kaiser Permanente High School Program is a seven-week paid summer program designed for students interested in administrative and support roles in the healthcare industry. You’ll gain valuable work experience in departments like nursing, internal medicine, administration, and patient care services. Although you won’t participate in medical treatment, you will gain insight into healthcare operations through hands-on work, workshops, and mentorship opportunities.
The program offers weekly professional development sessions, networking events with senior leaders and peers, and direct mentorship from healthcare professionals.
14. John Hopkins Biophysics Research for Baltimore Teens (BRBT)
Location: John Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD
Stipend: $15/hour
Application Deadline: February 28
Program Dates: July 8 – August 8
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors who live within Baltimore city limits and attend a Baltimore City Public School, with limited spots for those living in the surrounding counties. Students must have taken Chemistry before applying; Biology and Physics coursework is recommended
The Biophysics Research for Baltimore Teens (BRBT) program is a paid summer internship offering high school students a unique opportunity to explore the intersection of biology, physics, chemistry, and computer science. You’ll get hands-on experience in advanced biomedical research, including DNA and protein engineering, microbiology methods, and biophysical analysis under the mentorship of experienced scientists, graduate students, and undergraduates.
15. Library of Congress High School Summer Internship
Location: Virtual or hybrid (Informal Learning Office at the Library of Congress)
Cost/Stipend: None
Application Deadline: February 28
Program Dates: June 23 – July 17
Eligibility: Current high school students aged 16 or older with an interest in libraries and museums, peer audiences, research and writing, and exhibition development
This high school internship is a unique four-week summer opportunity for students interested in shaping the future of youth engagement at the Library of Congress. Offered by the Office of the Librarian/Informal Learning Office, this program will allow you to collaborate with peers and Library staff to provide insights on upcoming initiatives, particularly a new experiential learning space, The Source: Creative Research Studio for Kids, set to open in 2025.
You’ll work on researching and recommending new Library collections, advising on program models for teens, and developing content to support family and youth engagement. Through this internship, you’ll gain valuable experience in communication, research, and advisory roles, as well as an inside look at careers and resources within the Library of Congress.