16 Business Internships for High School Students
If you’re a high school student looking to get practical experience in the world of business, we’ve got a pretty solid list for you. Business internships can offer valuable exposure and opportunities to build your skills, a professional network and your profile for college applications.
You might assume that business internships mean working in the financial sector or a few specific industries. However, business internships can be quite versatile and dynamic, and add positively to your profile as a high school student. They can entail similar skill sets, yet cover a broad range of career and industry norms. From roles in business development to management, from marketing to finance, business internships can be vast and varied. You’ll get insight into the inner workings of an organization, learn from professionals and eventually, make informed decisions about your future academics and career.
We’ve compiled 16 solid business internships for high school students in this blog, along with important details like their application deadlines, eligibility requirements, and duration.
1. Ladder Internships - Business Track
Location: Virtual! You can work from anywhere in the world.
Eligibility: Open to all high school students, who can work for 10-20 hours/week, for 8-12 weeks. These internships are also open to undergraduates and gap year students!
Application Deadline: February 18, 2024 (Spring cohort) | February 18, 2024 (Summer cohort, early application deadline) | April 14, 2024 (Summer cohort, regular application deadline). The program also runs in the fall and winter.
Program Dates: 8-week programs with multiple cohorts throughout the year.
Cost: Starting at $1,990. Financial assistance is available.
A fairly selective program, Ladder Internship offers high school students the chance to intern with start-ups and non-profit organizations around the world. The organizations are spread across a range of industries, from tech to healthcare and more, with a number of intern positions in business, finance, growth and marketing. You can choose the field you wish to work in! As an intern, you will work on a real-world project and present your work at the end of their internship. You will work closely with your manager and a Ladder Coach – who serves as a second mentor, helping you navigate the startup environment. This internship program is structured with a thorough combination of hands-on experiences and theoretical knowledge-building. You will engage in a coaching/work-based model – a component that sets it apart from most internships. In the past, student interns have worked on projects that included: marketing for a brand new start-up, building a pitch deck for an app, brainstorming startup ideas, conducting market research to identify target markets for a product and more.
Location: Menlo Park, CA.
Eligibility: High school sophomores who are full-year residents of East Palo Alto, Belle Haven, or Redwood City are encouraged to apply.
Application Deadline: March 1, 2024
Program dates: 6 weeks (June through July)
Stipend: Students will receive a stipend!
Meta, formerly known as Facebook, has launched a prestigious summer opportunity for high school students, known as the Meta Summer Academy. You will learn about various practices in Meta and learn and be a part of its day-to-day environment as an intern. It runs for 6 weeks, from June through July, and is held in California. You will be expected to participate for 30 hours/week. As an intern, you will be paired with a Meta employee, who will act as your mentor during the program. This internship gives students a holistic understanding of business in tech.
Meta provides transportation to all externs, which makes it accessible to applicants from across California. Landing an internship at Meta as a high school student is a matter of prestige, as the selection process is quite competitive, with only 150 students making it to the final cohort.
3. Warner Bros Reach Honorship Program - Business Track
Location: Warner Bros. Discovery Studios, Burbank, CA.
Eligibility: Students who
- are high school seniors in Burbank or Los Angeles County;
- have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 upon graduation;
- plan to attend an accredited college or university;
- are passionate about a career in the business of media and entertainment;
- have effective verbal and written communication skills; can apply.
Program dates: During college (dates vary).
Application Deadline: February
Cost/Stipend: No cost to attend, students are paid a $5,000 stipend towards their college tuition
This program offers an immersive and comprehensive experience that allows students to dive into the creative and business sides of the entertainment world. Throughout the Reach Honorship Program, you will typically engage in a variety of activities that provide a well-rounded view of the entertainment industry. You will work closely with industry professionals in departments such as production, marketing, or post-production, gaining practical insights into the day-to-day operations of a major film and television studio. Depending on the specific interests and the focus of the program, you will assist in creative development, participate in marketing campaigns, or contribute to the production of multimedia content. The program often includes mentorship components, giving students the opportunity to learn from experienced professionals in the field. By the end of the program, you will not only gain valuable industry experience but also cultivate a network of connections and insights that can guide you toward potential future careers.
4. Bank of America Student Leaders Program
Location: The program is held all across the country – you will be assigned a local non-profit organization to work with in your region/area. The Leadership Summit will be held in Washington DC.
Eligibility: Current high school juniors and seniors are eligible to apply. See all eligibility criteria here.
Program dates: 8-week summer internship, including an all expenses-covered week-long Student Leadership Summit in Washington, DC. Dates vary by location, but the internship usually begins shortly after the school year ends.
Application Deadline: Applications open in October and typically close in January.
Stipend: It is a paid internship, but no information is available on the exact amount. The trip to Washington DC is covered by the bank!
Every year, the Bank of America Student Leaders Program admits about 300 driven, community-minded high schoolers into the program. Selected high-schoolers intern with nonprofits like Boys and Girls Clubs of America and Habitat for Humanity and experience community service through a paid eight-week internship.
This highly selective internship includes a week-long Student Leadership Summit held in Washington, DC. The travel, food and stay for the same will be covered by the bank. During the summit, you will get to understand how stakeholders like nonprofits, governments, and businesses collaborate and interact to meet local needs. This experience enables you to create change and improve more lives with inspiring stories of enthusiasm and commitment.
5. High School Business Internship with PNNL
Location: Richmond, Washington
Eligibility: All high-school students are eligible to apply.
Application Deadline: Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, so it is recommended to apply as soon as they open in early February.
Program Dates: During the academic year (August through May)
Cost: No cost.
The Pacific Northwest National Laboratory offers high school students the opportunity to gain exposure, build on their skills, and network during the school year as business interns. At PNNL, you can apply for internships that last through the entire academic year. You will be expected to work 4 hours every day, 5 days a week. PNNL coordinates with your high school to enable this as a Work-Based Learning Program – your work at PNNL will offer elective credits at your high school. During the internship, you will be paired with mentors in PNNL’s business/administrative department. You will also participate in various leadership development activities/workshops.
6. KP Launch High School Internship at Kaiser Permanente
Location: You can intern at a Kaiser Permanente Medical Center or business office closest to where you are. Find a location near you.
Eligibility: Students who are aged 16-19 by June 1, 2024, and are current high school students and/or graduating seniors of the Class of 2024, can apply. Priority is given to juniors and senior-level students. Those applying must have the right to work in the US.
Application deadline: Applications typically close December-end.
Program dates: June 17, 2024 – August 2, 2024
Stipend: $15.50 - 18 per hour
Kaiser Permanente, one of the top healthcare and insurance providers globally, offers summer internships that allow high school students to get practical experience and insight into the healthcare industry, with a specific focus on professional development. The program offers tracks in a number of industries adjacent to or relevant to healthcare, such as accounting, sales and marketing, communications, product development and more. Students keen on business roles can choose accordingly! You will take part in hands-on activities, shadowing experiences, and educational workshops that enhance your understanding of the business end of healthcare. The program emphasizes mentorship, teamwork, and personal development, and can encourage you to explore your career interest in the medical field.
7. KPMG U.S. Empower High School Experience
Location: New York City
Eligibility: Rising juniors or seniors in high school, who live in commutable proximity to a KPMG local office and can participate in-person during normal business hours, are eligible.
Application deadline: There is no information available on this at the moment.
Program dates: 3 weeks in July
Stipend: $25 per hour.
The KPMG U.S. Empower High School Experience is ideal for students keen to explore the world of accounting, finance and professional services. The program offers a comprehensive, practical introduction to fundamental accounting principles, auditing procedures, tax concepts, and advisory services. This goes beyond textbook knowledge, as participants engage in interactive workshops, collaborate on real-world case studies, and interact with KPMG professionals. During the program, you will be mentored by professionals at KPMG, while you work in teams, develop problem-solving skills, and enhance your understanding of this field. You will also attend guest lectures and workshops led by industry experts, which can help you make informed choices for your future career.
Location: Virtual
Eligibility: All high school students can apply.
Application Deadline: Rolling deadlines, it is recommended that you apply as soon as possible.
Program Dates: Usually 3 months from June to August. If the intern is keen, the internship can be extended!
Cost/Stipend: No cost, unpaid opportunity.
Building-U is an entirely remote non-profit centered around assisting high school students in their journey, by providing academic and career resources. Through their internship program, they offer high school students a chance to assist in the administrative and business aspects of the organization. The internship takes place over 3 months in the summer, but students can choose to extend it. Internship roles cover a range of responsibilities across different teams – these include R&D roles, student ambassadors, business development roles, and other profiles, more details of which you can read about here. As an intern with the business development team, you will be expected to work on cultivating partnerships, organize data around their ongoing and projected initiatives, and help them determine, develop and diversify funding streams.
9. Jimerson Birr High School Internship
Location: Jimerson Birr office, Jacksonville, FL.
Eligibility: High school students who can work at the Jimerson Birr office in Florida.
Application deadline: Applications typically close in the spring.
Program dates: 4-6 weeks in the summer.
Cost/Stipend: None.
Jimerson Birr is a business and commercial litigation firm that runs an HSSIP (High School Summer Internship Program) out of Jacksonville, Florida. The firm is ranked as one of the Best Law Firms in America according to US News & World Report. This 4-6 week internship program is designed to give you a real taste of the business law world. You'll get to work at one of various departments, from accounting to legal services, and work alongside industry leaders to hone your professional abilities. You will work with various department heads, ensuring you get solid exposure as you work on developing your professional skills. You can choose the department you want to work with, whether that’s accounting, communications and marketing, legal services, or information technology. Throughout the internship, you’ll be working directly with the firm’s staff and attorneys, attending biweekly team meetings, and actually contributing to active cases and research.
10. SPARK, Summer Internship Program
Location: Various locations across the country, varies with the internship. Some may be remote.
Eligibility: High school students who can work for 40 hours/week, for 8-12 weeks
Application deadline: May 1, 2024 (based on past year's dates)
Program dates: 6-8 weeks, June to August
Stipend: Some internships are unpaid, while some offer a maximum stipend of $500.
Spark SIP is a prestigious and highly selective program, with an acceptance rate of less than 5%. This program offers internships in a number of fields, such as computer science, software engineering and key related fields – which include engineering sales and marketing, competitive analysis and market research, social media content generation. During this program, you will dive into research opportunities in the field, interact and learn from scholars and leaders, and gain real-world experience through a full-time summer internship program. Students must select 5-6 projects that they’d like to work on, and each project comes with assigned sponsors. The list of internship options for 2024 is yet to be released, keep an eye out on the Spark SIP website!
11. Idaho National Laboratory Internship
Location: Idaho National Laboratory, Idaho Falls, ID
Eligibility: High school students above the age of 16, who hold a U.S. citizenship or permanent resident status are eligible to apply. (Exceptions can be made for foreign nationals who attend an accredited U.S. college or university).
Application Deadline: Typically, applications close in the spring.
Program Dates: 10-16 weeks in the summer.
Stipend: A stipend is provided, but information on the exact amount is not available.
As part of the U.S. Department of Energy, the Idaho National Laboratory (INL) offers 6-week internships for high school students. Along with their STEM-focused roles, the program offers internships in business administration, finance and accounting internships. Internship opportunities are divided based on research subjects and the skills required for each. You can apply to as many potential areas of interest you may have! In each area of interest, the number of research topics is also vast. Some areas you could work in are communications, accounting, auditing, business management, finance, human resources, and law. You will also spend a portion of your internship on skill-building and enrichment activities. The internship concludes with a poster session, where you present the work you’ve done during the program. You can view past projects in all the fields through their ‘Intern Poster’ sessions.
12. CLA High School Internship Program
Location: Various locations across the US. See all available locations here.
Eligibility: High school students aged 16-18 years can apply.
Application Deadline: Applications typically close in January.
Program dates: 8 weeks, typically from mid-June to August.
Stipend: It is a paid opportunity, but information on the exact amount is not available.
The CLA High School Internship Program is ideal for high school students curious about the world of accounting and finance. The program offers an extensive and practical understanding of accounting, covering areas such as tax preparation, financial analysis, and audit procedures. As an intern, you will actively engage in real-world projects, working alongside experienced professionals to apply theoretical knowledge to actual scenarios, honing your problem-solving skills and analytical thinking. The program also focused on networking and professional development. Students will connect with seasoned professionals, mentors, and peers, building valuable relationships that may be useful in the future, while getting first-hand experience of the industry.
Location: New York City
Eligibility: Rising sophomores, juniors, and seniors based in NYC are eligible to apply.
Application Deadline: Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.Program Length: 4 weeks in the summer (June-August). Exact dates vary.
Cost: No cost.
DOROT, a nonprofit organization that supports the elderly in avoiding social isolation, offers 4-week long internships to high school students in NYC. These internships introduce students to the field of non-profit management, as you will be expected to conduct intergenerational activities with the elderly. This internship is designed to help students develop leadership skills and organizational experience. With this internship, you stand to gain over 112 hours of community service, making it a popular student choice. This program is best suited for high school students with an interest in business administration and social impact. DOROT offers these internships in 4 sessions throughout the year, two held in Manhattan, one in Long Island, and one in Brighton Beach!
14. Communications & Marketing Intern, Smithsonian Science Education Center (SSEC)
Location: Students can choose to intern virtually, in-person at the SSEC in Washington, DC, or follow a hybrid format.
Eligibility: High school students who are at least 16 years old can apply.
Application Deadline: Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
Program Length: 10 weeks, May to August.
Cost: No cost.
The Smithsonian Science Education Center offers a 10-week summer internship to high school students, to work with their Communications & Marketing team. Interns will be involved in projects that enhance the SSEC brand, create marketing materials, assist in communications dissemination, strategy, and asset management. By researching and identifying key components of the Smithsonian Institution’s network of museums and centers, students will learn how to leverage brand image – an essential component when it comes to any business. Student interns will also help implement Smithsonian’s commitment to diversity, equity, accessibility, and inclusion by assisting in identifying diverse subject matter experts, creating accessible content, and considering a variety of cultural contexts to ensure the Smithsonian Science Education Center is relevant to a global audience.
15. Thomas G. Labrecque Smart Start Program at JP Morgan & Chase
Location: New York City
Eligibility: High School students in NYC can apply.
Application Deadline: There is no information available on this at the moment.
Program Dates: Typically, students work part-time during the school year and full-time during summer.
Cost: No cost. A stipend and scholarship will be provided.
This 20-day internship program is for NYC high schoolers who wish to get a head start on a career in finance. The internship offers real-world experience working in JPMC’s industry-leading businesses, while attending university on a full four-year scholarship. Students will work on developing skills required for a career in financial services. Every year, you’ll rotate to another area of the firm as you expand your knowledge and learn about the variety of roles in the industry. You’ll work in one of JPMC’s businesses or corporate functions, where you’ll be assigned meaningful projects, attend meetings and interact with managers. You’ll gain insights into the industry, while developing your technical and soft skills. More than 300 students who participated in this program continue to work at JPMC!
Location: This program is 100% virtual, with live, interactive workshops
Eligibility: The program is currently open to all high school students
Program Dates: The 2024 edition of the program starts on June 5th and spans over 4-weeks.
Application Deadline: There are 3 application deadlines that you can choose between:
- Early Decision Deadline: March 17th, 2024
- Regular Admission Deadline 1: April 14, 2024
- Regular Admission Deadline 2: May 12th, 2023
Cost: The total cost to attend the 4-week program is $2900. There is need-based financial aid.
The Young Founder’s Lab is a real-world start-up bootcamp founded and run by Harvard entrepreneurs. In this program, you will work towards building a revenue-generating start-up that addresses a real-world problem. You will also have the opportunity to be mentored by established entrepreneurs and professionals from Google, Microsoft, and X.
Apart from building the start-up itself, you will also participate in interactive classes on business fundamentals and business ideations, workshops and skill-building sessions, case studies, panel discussions and more.
The program is an excellent opportunity to delve into the world of business in high school, and having a space to explore multiple theoretical as well as practical frameworks that lead to a successful business. You can check out the brochure for the program here.
You can access the application link here!
Bonus!
17. KPMG Future Leaders Scholarship
Location: Varies, interns are placed in a location dependent on KPMG’s decisions on hosting the internship in a particular location.
Eligibility: High school seniors are eligible to apply.
Application Deadline: February 1, 2024
Program Dates: The program takes place over the summer before college. Exact dates can vary.
Cost: No cost, annual scholarships to college offered ($10,000 per year)
While not a traditional internship, the KPMG Future Leaders Scholarship is a unique work/learn experience. It is a prestigious initiative aimed at increasing the number of women in business and STEM fields, accepting only 22 high school seniors out of hundreds of applications it receives each year. As a KPMG scholar, you will be paired with an executive mentor, to work with and learn from. These mentors are also senior business leaders who have attended the KPMG Women’s Leadership Summit, so it poses unique networking opportunities. If chosen, recipients have Leadership training and career development, annual scholarships for college, and continual support through their college education.
Looking for an immersive internship experience?
Check out Ladder Internships!
Ladder Internships is a selective, virtual internship program where students work with startups and nonprofits from around the world! The startups range across a variety of industries, with a large number of them in tech. As part of their internship, each student will work on a real-world project that is of genuine need to the startup they are working with, and present their work at the end of their internship. In addition to working closely with their manager from the startup, each intern will also work with a Ladder Coach throughout their internship. Apply now!
Stephen is one of the founders of Ladder Internships and a Harvard College graduate.