12 Fall Internships for High School Students
If you're a high school student looking for an internship opportunity during your fall semester, this blog is for you. This comprehensive list of fall internships spans a wide range of fields, including STEM, social sciences, art, law, and more.
An internship during high school is a great way for you to gain hands-on experience in a field of your interest. As an intern, you'll have the opportunity to work alongside industry professionals, develop new skills, and gain insights into the latest trends in the industry. An internship will showcase your dedication to both academic and hands-on learning as well as help you network with researchers and experts who are at the top of their field.
Additionally, these internships may provide you with opportunities to engage in unique seasonal activities or projects that are not typically available during summer programs, resulting in diverse and enriching experiences.
Here’s a curated list of 12 fall internships for high school students for you.
Subject areas: Multidisciplinary
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: Multiple deadlines throughout the year. Spring cohort: February 18, 2024 | Summer cohort (Priority Admission): March 17, 2024 | Summer cohort: April 14, 2024 (Regular Admission 1) | May 12, 2024 (Regular Admission 2)
Program Dates: 8-week programs with multiple cohorts throughout the year, including spring, summer, fall and winter.
Cost: Starting at $1,990. Financial assistance is available.
Ladder Internships, a fairly selective program founded by Harvard alumni, pairs high school students with startups and nonprofits around the world for virtual internships. You can choose the field you wish to work in, from a wide range of industries, including technology, machine learning, AI, finance, environmental science, sustainability, business, marketing, healthcare, medicine, media, journalism, and more. As an intern, you will work on meaningful projects that contribute to the startup or nonprofit’s larger mission, and present your work at the end of the program. This internship program includes one-on-one training in communication and time management, among other skills, and group training sessions with fellow interns. You will be paired with a manager at the startup and with a Ladder coach, who serves as a second mentor.
2. U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Headquarters Student Internship Program
Subject Areas: Political science, research, economic policy, domestic finance, tax policy, international affairs, and more.
Location: Washington D.C.
Eligibility Criteria: Applicants:
- Must be U.S. citizens.
- Must be enrolled or accepted at an accredited institution and maintain student eligibility and enrollment throughout the internship.
Application Deadline: June (Fall Internship Period) | October (Spring Internship Period) | December (Summer Internship Period)
Program Dates: Fall Internship Period (September-December) | Spring Internship Period (January-May) | Summer Internship Period (May-August)
Cost/Stipend: Fully funded; No stipend provided.
Department of Treasury student internships are unpaid opportunities in Washington, D.C. designed to provide high school, undergraduate, and graduate students with work experience and direct exposure to federal careers.
With these internships, you will learn to collect, analyze, and present policy data, while also conducting research and summarizing academic literature and news important for priority missions. This is a distinguished program to build a solid foundation for a future career in international policy. Through these internships, you get the chance to gain research and analytical skills, and management and organizational skills through interactions with Treasury colleagues and other U.S. government agencies. You can choose to work in any one of the several offices that make up the Treasury Departmental Offices (headquarters).
3. Internships at Dolphin Research Center (DRC)
Subject Areas: Animal care and training, education, information technologies, medical aid, research, and visual communications.
Location: Dolphin Research Center, FL (Non-residential).
Eligibility: Open to all high school students who have English language proficiency and are physically fit (due to the nature of the work).
Application Deadline: June 15, 2024 (Fall Term) | October 1, 2024 (Winter Term) | February 1, 2024 (Summer Term)
Program Dates: Fall Term (September through December) | Winter Term (January through April) | Summer Term (May through August)
Cost/Stipend: No cost; Unpaid.
The Dolphin Research Center’s Volunteer Resources Department hosts an internship program that provides high school students with a glimpse of the inner workings of a marine mammal facility at DRC. These internships are department-focused, typically spanning 16 to 18 weeks.
As an intern, you are expected to work 40 hours per week, typically spending four days within your designated department and one day providing support in various facets of daily operations through the Volunteer Resources Pool. Additionally, you may take on supplemental projects based on DRC's needs and your specific skills and interests, which may involve assisting your department and collaborating with other teams. The Dolphin Research Center offers internships across several departments, including Animal Care and Training, Education, Information Technologies, the Medical Department, Research, and Visual Communications.
4. Textron Aviation High School Internship Program
Subject Areas: Aviation, manufacturing, engineering, finance, communications, flight operations, military, human resources, information technology, marketing, and more.
Location: Varies depending on the internship. Check here.
Eligibility: High school students between the ages of 16-19 who are U.S. citizens.
Application Deadline: Varies depending on the internship opportunity.
- Fall Program: Applications open in July.
- Spring Program: Applications open in October.
- Summer Program: Applications open in January.
Program Dates: Varies depending on the internship opportunity. (Fall internships are available). Check their website for current openings.
Cost/Stipend: No cost; Stipend varies depending on the internship opportunity.
Textron Aviation is an aviation company catering to the aviation needs of government, military, and commercial clientele. While the company's core expertise lies in engineering and manufacturing, it offers internships for local high school students to gain hands-on experience in the aviation industry. Paid, part-time internships are available for high school students between 16-19 years old in the following areas - communications, customer service, engineering, finance, flight operations, human resources, information technology, manufacturing, marketing, military, and sales.
High school internships are available during the fall semester, spring semester, and a six-week duration in the summer. As an intern, you should have a school schedule that allows for internship work between the hours of 8 am and 5 pm, Monday through Friday.
Subject Areas: Political science.
Location: Washington D.C.
Eligibility: Applicants:
- Must be citizens or permanent residents of the United States or must have a Social Security number.
- Must be juniors in high school who will be 16 or 17 years old on or before the date of appointment (for Spring or Fall session internship).
- Must be rising juniors and rising seniors who will be 16 or 17 years old on or before the date of appointment. Students who are 18 years old may not be appointed (for Summer internships).
- Must verify a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0/B to qualify for school attendance.
- Must provide a general health assessment completed by a licensed physician and a certification of immunization; must be covered by health insurance.
Application Deadline: Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
Program Dates: January 28 - June 7, 2024 (Spring Session) | Early September, 2024 - Late January, 2025 (Fall Session) | June 9 - June 21, 2024 (Summer Session I) | July 21 - August 2, 2024 (Summer Session II)
Cost/Stipend: No cost; Pages are paid on an annual salary basis of $35,360. Since pages serve for less than a year, they do not earn an entire annual salary (payments are made monthly).
The U.S. Senate Page Program follows a work-learn-mentorship model that provides you with real-world experience of the daily operation of the Senate. The Senate Page program is one of the longest-running opportunities for high school students interested in political internships. Pages are sponsored by their senators and will reside in Washington, D.C. (living expenses, rent, and laundry will be covered). The responsibilities of the Pages consist primarily of delivering correspondence and legislative material within the Capitol and Senate office buildings, preparing the Chamber for Senate sessions, and working on the Senate floor where they assist roll call votes, support senators and staff during debates, and carry bills and amendments to the desk.
Pages must be sponsored by a senator. There are only 30 positions available that serve the 100 members of the United States Senate, so not all senators will be sponsoring/selecting a page. Contact your local senator if you are interested in applying to this and check if they are sponsoring a page.
6. NASA’s Office of STEM Engagement (OSTEM) Internship Programs
Subject areas: Multidisciplinary (including space science, engineering, aeronautics, technology, space microbiology, ecology, outreach, communications, and more)
Location: These internships are offered across NASA facilities. Depending on the project, interns will work either remotely or on-site at any of NASA’s 10 field centers across the country.
Eligibility: Applicants must:
- Be a U.S. citizen.
- Have a cumulative 3.0 GPA (on a 4.0 scale).
- Be a full-time student (high school through graduate level) or a part-time college-level student enrolled in a minimum of 6 semester hours.
- Be a minimum of 16 years of age at the time of application (no exceptions).
Application Deadline: January (Fall session) | August (Spring session) | October (Summer session)
Program Dates: These internships are offered in 3 sessions – Fall (16-week program, from late August or early September to mid-December) | Spring (16-week program, from mid-January to early May) | Summer (10-week program, from late May or early June to August).
Cost/Stipend: No cost; Interns may receive a stipend based on academic level and session duration.
NASA’s Office of STEM Engagement (OSTEM) offers paid internships to high school and college-level students based in its various sites across the country.
These internships provide training, mentorship, and career development to over 2000+ students annually alongside exposure to leading experts in science, engineering, finance, IT, and business. The internships are offered in a range of subjects and disciplines, including space science, engineering, aeronautics, technology, space microbiology, ecology, and even outreach and communications. You will get to design experiments, analyze mission data, and develop innovative technologies.
You can explore different internship opportunities here by using the ‘Filter’ option to view the options open to high school students.
Note: These paid internships are available across NASA facilities throughout the year, during fall, spring, and summer.
7. Wildlife Conservation Society | Bronx Zoo Project TRUE
Subject Areas: Ecology research, wildlife conservation, water quality management, invasive species management, and more.
Location: WCS Headquarters, Bronx, New York.
Eligibility: Applicants must:
- Be a high school sophomore or junior in good standing.
- Be comfortable in both indoor and outdoor settings.
- Live in the Bronx.
Application Deadline: February 24, 2024 (applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis).
Program Dates: Fall Program (September - December) (2024 Dates TBA) | Summer Program (Late June - August) (2024 Dates TBA)
Cost/Stipend: No cost. For the fall, interns will receive a stipend of about $350. For the summer, interns either receive a $750 stipend + MetroCard to cover travel OR are paid $16/hour through SYEP if eligible and work with WCS's authorized providers.
Project TRUE (Teens Researching Urban Ecology) is an urban ecology research and youth development program for high school sophomores and juniors who live in the Bronx. The program is run by the Wildlife Conservation Society's Bronx Zoo Education team in partnership with Fordham University.
During Project TRUE, you will conduct field research on topics ranging from mammal species distribution and bird community composition to water quality and invasive species management. Learning through doing, you will have an opportunity to utilize various data collection and analysis methods and develop your science communication skills. You will acquire the tools to work through the scientific process on an authentic field research project and ultimately get a chance to present your findings to peers, scientists, and the general public. You will also be provided with in-depth training in scientific research, a chance to bolster your professional networks, and assistance preparing for college.
8. Internships at the Foreign Policy Research Institute (FPRI)
Subject Areas: Foreign policy, international affairs, research, communications, and more.
Location: Remote and in-person (Philadelphia, PA) options are available.
Eligibility: High school students who are authorized to work in the U.S. can apply.
Application Deadline: Typically in July (Fall Session) (Dates TBA) | Typically in November (Spring Session) (Dates TBA) | March 1, 2024 (Summer Session)
Program Dates: September – December 2024 (Fall Session) | February – May 2024 (Spring Session) | June – August 2024 (Summer Session)
Stipend: Fully funded; No stipend provided.
If you prefer learning through work, these internships are a good choice for you because it is a competitive program for ambitious high school students interested in pursuing a career in international relations. As an intern under this program, you will be paired with a scholar or professional in the field who will work with you to develop industry-specific skills as well as sharpen general skills that come from working in a professional environment such as communication, collaboration, critical thinking, and time management.
You will have the opportunity to attend weekly foreign policy and career-focused seminars with guest speakers. You will also gain access to all of FPRI’s in-person, virtual, and hybrid events and will have the opportunity to work on a research paper to be considered for publication on FPRI’s Intern Corner. You can apply to be a research intern, a special events/development intern, a communications intern, or an operations intern depending on the type of experience you would like to gain at FPRI. For further details on the various kinds of internships offered by FPRI, check here.
9. Alley Pond’s Field Biology Internships
Subject Areas: Sustainability, environmental science/studies, natural sciences, biology, or other related fields.
Location: Alley Pond Environmental Center, NY.
Eligibility: Applicants must:
- Be at least 14 years old and currently in high school.
- Be able to participate in outdoor activities for at least 2 hours.
Application Deadline: Fall - September 1, 2024 | Spring - February 1, 2024 | Summer - June 1, 2024
Program Dates:
- Fall 2024: Saturdays, 9:30 am - 12:30 pm (2024 dates TBA)
- Spring 2024: Saturdays, 9:30 am - 12:30 pm (March 16th, 23rd; April 6th, 13th, 20th, 27th & May 4th)
- Summer 2024: Wednesdays, 9:30 am - 12:30 pm (July 3rd, 10th, 17th, 24th, 31st & August 7th).
Cost/Stipend: There is a $150 fee to participate in the internship. Financial aid can be provided at request and no documentation is necessary. This is an unpaid internship opportunity.
The Alley Pond Environmental Center’s Field Biology Internship (FBI) is meant for high school students who are interested in field research, urban biology, and the intricacies of local ecosystems and wildlife. This program offers a foundation in research and experiment design, vital skills that will prove invaluable in college, and even more so if you’re interested in becoming a researcher. As FBI interns, you'll explore a range of ecosystems within Alley Pond Park and other Queens, NYC areas, conducting tasks such as biodiversity surveys, bird observations, soil and water quality assessments, macroinvertebrate identification, coastal seining, and native flora planting. Throughout your internship, you'll gain practical experience, learn from environmental experts, and build a supportive community with fellow interns and mentors.
This program is ideal for students contemplating majors in sustainability, environmental science, natural sciences, biology, or related fields, offering a hands-on opportunity to study biodiversity, identify local wildlife, and engage with professionals in the field.
10. U.S. Department of Education (ED) Internship Opportunities
Subject Areas: Federal education, administration, human resources management, education policies, data analytics, project management, training and development, grants management, communications, information technology, and more.
Location: Multiple locations across the country. Varies based on the internship position.
Eligibility: Applicants must:
- Be at least 16 years of age.
- Attend an accredited educational institution, including but not limited to; high school, trade school, technical or vocational institute, junior college, college, university, or graduate school.
Application Deadline: July 31, every year (Fall cohort) | November 30, every year (Winter/Spring cohort) | March 31, every year (Summer cohort).
Program Dates: September - December (Fall cohort) | January - May (Winter/Spring cohort) | May/June - July/August (Summer cohort). Internships are available in the fall, winter/spring, and summer, varying in duration depending on the internship opportunity.
Cost/Stipend: No cost; Interns will receive a stipend (amount will vary based on the position).
The Department of Education (ED) offers internship opportunities for students and recent graduates keen on gaining valuable experience in federal education, policy, and administration. Participants contribute meaningfully to ED’s mission of fostering educational excellence and equitable access. As an intern, you will get to engage in various ED-sponsored intern events, including a brown-bag lunch series, D.C. landmark tours, professional development workshops, and social activities.
The following programs are open to high school students:
Student Volunteer Trainee Program: This program runs for 8-10 weeks, offering volunteer opportunities to students enrolled in accredited educational institutions. It provides hands-on experience in their field of study or career interest, fostering personal and professional skill development.
Pathways Programs – Internship Program: This program offers paid, part-time, or full-time opportunities for a year or longer to students enrolled or accepted in qualifying educational institutions. It enables students to explore career paths aligned with academic fields or areas of interest.
11. Internships at the American Psychological Association
Subject Areas: Psychology, education, and training.
Location: Remote or Washington, D.C.
Eligibility:
- Interns must be eligible to work in the U.S. (as verified by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s e-verify service) and must reside in one of the states where APA is already registered as an employer.
- Students must be enrolled at least part-time in an academic institution to be eligible for an internship with APA.
- For students under the age of 18, an official District of Columbia Work Permit must be submitted with your application. Additional information about the D.C. Work Permit can be found online.
Application Deadline: Varies based on the internship.
Program Dates: Internships are offered year-round; exact dates vary based on the internship selected. (Fall internships are available).
Cost/Stipend: No cost; Paid and unpaid internships are available.
Internships at the American Psychological Association (APA) present an exceptional opportunity for students interested in pursuing a fall internship. The APA, the largest scientific and professional organization of psychologists in the US, offers diverse internship roles in policy, research, communications, and financial services. These internships, available in paid and unpaid formats, enable students to apply psychological expertise for societal benefit.
Fall internships with the APA provide a chance to deepen understanding of professional psychology within a nationally-recognized organization. Interns perform a variety of tasks depending on the needs of the office and the particular interests and skills of the student. Students may have the opportunity to participate in various activities including research, writing, and web-based projects. Students may also assist staff with administrative tasks and special projects.
12. Diverse Works - Arts Administration Internships
Subject Areas: Contemporary art, art administration, marketing, gallery management, curatorial and development projects.
Location: DiverseWorks Office, Houston, TX.
Eligibility: Open to all high school students.
Application Deadline: Applications typically close in August.
Program Dates: Fall Semester (September – December 2024) | Spring Semester (February – May 2024)
Cost/Stipend: No cost; Internships offer a stipend (amount is not specified).
DiverseWorks, a non-profit organization working at the intersection of multiple disciplines of art, offers internship opportunities ideal for students aspiring to careers as curators, artists, or arts administrators. Those selected will gain exposure to the workings of a non-profit arts entity by collaborating with staff on curatorial, marketing, development, and administrative projects. The work schedule typically spans two days a week, each day encompassing five hours, with occasional evening and weekend commitments to support events and activities.
As an intern, you will have a range of responsibilities, including artist research for upcoming events, assistance with promotional and marketing endeavors, updates to the membership database, general administrative tasks, aiding in gallery upkeep, and preparations for evening art performances, events, and exhibition openings. Additionally, you must also be part of a reading group with other interns, aimed at fostering mutual understanding and a deeper appreciation of contemporary art spaces and practices.
Bonus!
Here are a few more fall internship opportunities for you to consider:
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.