Top 15 Free Internships for High School Students
Internships for high school students are an incredible way to gain practical skills and valuable industry exposure without facing financial barriers. These programs provide hands-on learning, mentorship, and real-world experience that help you stand out in your college applications. In fact, many prestigious organizations often offer free internships for high school students, making them an accessible and rewarding option for students.
For those seeking career exploration without breaking the bank, free internships for high school students allow you to develop connections, refine your interests, and explore future career paths. To help you get started, we’ve compiled a list of the top 15 free internships for high school students.
1. Center for Excellence in Education’s Research Science Institute
Location: Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Cambridge, Massachusetts
Cost: Free
Acceptance Rate: 5% – 6%
Dates: 6 weeks between June and August (tentative, based on previous year)
Application Deadline: January 15 for U.S. citizens and March 15 for international students (based on the previous year)
Eligibility: High school juniors. Applicants are encouraged to have PSAT Math scores of 740+ and Evidence-Based Reading and Writing scores of 700+. For the ACT, Math scores should be at least 33 and Verbal scores at least 34. You can see more details here.
The Research Science Institute (RSI) is one of the top free internships for high school students. The program is hosted at MIT and organized by the Center for Excellence in Education. It combines intensive STEM coursework with a five-week mentored research internship.
During the internship, you will work on independent research projects, exploring topics in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. You’ll also get to present your findings through conference-level papers and presentations. Aside from that, you’ll also be able to attend field trips to cultural attractions and expeditions to science and technology facilities in the Boston Area. The program has around a 5% acceptance rate, making it a prestigious opportunity for aspiring researchers.
For more information, check out this blog!
Location: Remote
Cost: Starting at $2,490 (financial aid available)
Acceptance Rate: Around 20%
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year, including spring, summer, fall, and winter.
Application Deadline: Deadlines vary depending on the cohort
Eligibility: Students who can work for 10-20 hours/week for 8-12 weeks
Ladder Internships is a selective, virtual start-up internship program for ambitious high school students! Ladder’s start-ups are high-growth companies, on average raising over a million dollars. For around 8 weeks, you will get to work with a high-growth start-up on an internship. These start-ups typically offer internships across a variety of industries, including tech/deep tech, AI/ML, health tech, marketing, journalism, consulting, and more. You can explore all the options here on the application form. In the program, you will work closely with your manager and a Ladder Coach on real-world projects. You’ll also get to present your work to the company at the end of the internship. Here is the application form.
3. Bank of America: Student Leaders Program
Location: Nationwide; you will be assigned to a local non-profit organization in your specific region. The Leadership Summit will be hosted in Washington, D.C.
Stipend: Paid (exact details not mentioned)
Cohort Size: Around 300 students are selected
Dates: 8-week summer internship. The program usually begins shortly after the school year ends
Application Deadline: January 15
Eligibility: Current juniors and seniors in high school. See all eligibility criteria here.
The Bank of America Student Leaders Program is a prestigious free internship for high school students passionate about community leadership. It combines an 8-week paid internship at a local nonprofit organization with a fully funded, week-long Student Leadership Summit in Washington, D.C.
During the program, you will gain hands-on experience in community service, nonprofit management, and leadership development. The program emphasizes teamwork, social impact, and public policy, providing tools to drive change. Around 300 students nationwide are selected annually, fostering diverse connections and professional growth opportunities.
Location: Virtual
Cost: $2,490
Acceptance Rate: Selective
Dates: Multiple 8-week cohorts throughout the year. The spring cohort starts in March
Application Deadline: February 23 for the spring cohort
Eligibility: High school students with prior experience in AI/ML or those who have completed a Veritas AI program
The AI Internship Program by Veritas AI is founded and run by Harvard graduate students. It is an 8-week internship where you will have the opportunity to work with VC-backed startups on real-world AI/ML projects. You will work directly with mentors from Harvard, Wharton, Google, Microsoft, McKinsey & Company, and more.
This program is a great opportunity for you if you have prior experience with AI/ML and are looking to gain real-world exposure to a career in the field. You’ll also get a chance to network with industry professionals, work closely with company leadership, and receive a letter of completion from the company at the end of the internship. You can learn more about the program here and apply here.
5. City Of Hope’s Eugene and Ruth Roberts Summer Student Academy
Location: City of Hope Center, Los Angeles, California
Stipend: $4,500
Acceptance Rate: 71 students were selected from 750 applications in the previous year; the acceptance rate is around 10%
Dates: June 2 – August 8
Application Deadline: March 12
Eligibility: High school students who are at least 16 years of age and have completed high school courses in chemistry and biology
The Eugene and Ruth Roberts Summer Student Academy at City of Hope is another of those top free internships for high school students and college students interested in biomedicine. As a participant, you will design and conduct independent research projects under expert mentorship, gaining hands-on lab experience while attending seminars on advanced scientific topics.
You’ll attend weekly lab meetings and seminars where you will learn more about neural stem cells, plant signaling pathways, and DNA repair. These talks will also include career-focused topics. You will also present your findings through poster sessions, oral presentations, and conferences, enhancing your research and communication skills. Alongside rigorous academics, the program fosters community through social activities like the Summer Student BBQ Petribowl and the Summer Academy Banquet and field trips that emphasize the rich art and science culture of Los Angeles and Orange County, creating a well-rounded and enriching experience.
6. Met High School Internship Program
Location: The Met Fifth Avenue, New York, New York
Stipend: $1,100
Acceptance Rate: The Met Insternships’ acceptance rate is estimated to be 3 – 4%, with about 36 students being selected each year
Dates: June 21 – August 8
Application Deadline: February 3 – March 7
Eligibility: Students in grades 10 and 11 who live or attend school in New York, New Jersey, or Connecticut
The Met High School Internship Program is one of the top free internships for high school students offering paid opportunities to explore art, museums, and related careers. Open to students of all interests, the program connects interns with professionals in fields like marketing, education, social media, conservation, and more.
Through hands-on experiences and mentorship, you will build skills, expand networks, and explore creative industries. The program emphasizes diversity and strongly encourages students from underrepresented backgrounds to apply, fostering inclusivity in arts and museum careers.
7. Johns Hopkins Internship in Brain Science Program (JHIBS)
Location: Johns Hopkins Department of Neurology, Baltimore, Maryland, or Virtual
Stipend: In-person interns are paid an hourly wage (currently $15/hr) and receive transportation funds. Virtual interns who complete the 5-week program will receive a certificate of completion
Cohort Size: Only 8 students accepted in the in-person program
Dates:
- June – August (8 weeks in person) (based on previous year)
- July – August (5 weeks for the virtual experience) (based on previous year)
Application Deadline: December 1 – March 1
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors. In-person applicants must attend a high school in Baltimore
The Johns Hopkins Internship in Brain Sciences (JHIBS) is a summer research program for high school students interested in exploring neurological sciences. The program offers both in-person and virtual formats and provides mentorship and exposure to research and clinical neurology.
As an in-person intern, you will work directly with neurologists and participate in research, clinical rotations, and seminars while virtual participants engage in online seminars and lab skill development. This program emphasizes inclusion, targeting underrepresented students, and equips participants with valuable insights into careers in brain science and healthcare.
8. Hutton Junior Fisheries Biology Program
Location: Locality-based internship; the Hutton Scholars Summit is held at the University of Arkansas
Stipend: $3,000
Acceptance Rate: Only 32-33 students are accepted
Dates: The internship will probably start in late July
Application Deadline: November 2 – January 19
Eligibility: Rising juniors and seniors; at least 16 years old
The Hutton Junior Fisheries Biology Program, sponsored by the American Fisheries Society, offers an 8-week free internship for high school students where you are paired with fisheries professionals for hands-on lab and fieldwork. Activities include fish population surveys, electrofishing, water quality testing, data processing, and specimen examination. You will work outdoors, in labs, or on boats. Afterward, you will attend the fully funded Hutton Scholars Summit, where you will present your work and connect with industry experts.
9. NASA OSTEM Internship Program
Location: Various NASA centers in the country + remote options
Stipend: Amount depends on the academic level and session duration (exact amount not specified)
Cohort size: Fairly selective (depends on the internship)
Dates:
- Summer Session: Late May or early June to August
- Fall Session: Late August or early September to mid-December
Application Deadline:
- Summer 2025: February 28
- Fall 2025: May 16
Eligibility: High school students with a minimum GPA of 3.0 who are U.S. citizens and at least 16 years old by the time they apply
The NASA OSTEM (Office of STEM Engagement) Internship offers paid, hands-on experience for high school and college students in STEM fields like engineering, space science, and technology. As a participant, you will collaborate with NASA mentors on real-world projects, such as designing experiments, analyzing mission data, and advancing space exploration technologies.
With flexible on-site or virtual participation, this program emphasizes skill-building, mentorship, and career development in STEM and space exploration. Opportunities include AI development, data analysis, and more, preparing students for future innovation in STEM fields.
10. KP Launch High School Program
Location: Kaiser Permanente Medical Center or other business offices; see your closest location here
Stipend: $23/hour
Cohort Size: Around 40-50 students
Dates: June 16 – August 1
Application Deadline: January 6
Eligibility: Current high school students aged 16-19. More details here
The KP Launch Program by Kaiser Permanente provides a seven-week paid internship for high school students from underrepresented backgrounds that focuses on healthcare administration. As an intern, you can earn up to $23/hour while working in departments like administration, customer services, consulting, and patient care (non-clinical roles).
The program includes mentorship, workshops, and exposure to healthcare systems, strategic planning, and operations. Located in Kaiser Permanente’s Oakland headquarters and Northern California sites, this program builds professional skills, encourages career exploration, and supports students with real-world experience in healthcare-related fields.
11. Manhattan District Attorney’s Office High School Internship Program
Location: New York County District Attorney's Office, New York City
Stipend: $16.50 per hour
Acceptance Rate: Relatively selective
Dates: June 30 – August 1
Application Deadline: March 12
Eligibility: Current sophomores, juniors, or seniors residing in Manhattan
The Manhattan District Attorney’s Office High School Internship Program is a five-week, paid internship offering high school students an in-depth understanding of the criminal justice system. As a participant, you will engage in workshops on topics like criminal justice reform, leadership, and civic engagement. Other activities in the program include attending presentations, participating in a mock trial, and performing administrative tasks. You will gain valuable insights into policy development and the role of a prosecutor, developing professional skills while earning minimum wage.
Location: Virtual
Cost: $850 (Fee waiver and scholarships available)
Cohort Size: 25 students
Dates: June 16 – 27
Application Deadline: February 28
Eligibility: All high school students aged 14 years or above entering 9th to 12th grade; U.S. citizens or permanent residents. Preference for applicants with strong math or computer programming skills or applicants with experience with a healthcare project
The Stanford Center for Artificial Intelligence in Medicine and Imaging (AIMI) Summer Research Internship is a free internship for high school students interested in AI and healthcare. This two-week virtual program includes lectures on AI fundamentals, mentoring sessions, hands-on group research, and career talks with professionals. Highly selective, it admits about 25 students each year. As a participant, you can also explore extended research opportunities. Graduates who complete the program receive a Certificate of Completion, making it a great opportunity for aspiring innovators in health and technology.
13. EnergyMag Research Internship
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: Free; unpaid internship
Acceptance Rate: There are no set numbers
Dates: Half-time summer internships can go on for 2-8 weeks; quarter-time internships are available all year round and can go on for 1-9 months
Application Deadline: Applications are on a rolling basis and are open all year round
Eligibility: Sophomores, juniors, and seniors who have taken at least one honors science or honors English class with a minimum GPA of 3.25 can apply
The EnergyMag Research Internship is a free internship for high school students offering virtual opportunities to explore the renewable energy sector. You will gain hands-on experience in research, market analysis, and energy policy evaluation, guided by a mentor. You will also draft a publishable analysis report featuring your name on EnergyMag's site.
As a participant, you will gain skills like professional communication, analytical thinking, and research methodology. Successful participants receive a Letter of Accomplishment summarizing their contributions and achievements.
14. Biorocket Research Internship Program at Genspace
Location: Genspace, Brooklyn, New York
Stipend: $2,000
Acceptance Rate: Approximately 15-20%
Dates: Spring session: February 27 – May 22 | Summer session: June 30 – August 15
Application Deadline: January 8
Eligibility: New York City public and charter high school students age 16 and up
The Biorocket Research Internship Program at Genspace is a 6-month hands-on experience focusing on biotechnology and genetic engineering. As a participant, you will gain lab skills, explore topics like DNA sequencing and bioinformatics, and design your own research projects with mentors. The program includes lab tours, field trips, career guidance, and improv training for science communication. It fosters diversity in science and provides real-world biotech experience, emphasizing ethical practices and collaboration with peers and scientists.
15. Fred Hutch Summer High School Internship Program
Location: Fred Hutch Cancer Center, Seattle, Washington
Stipend: Stipend will be provided; the exact amount is not specified
Cohort Size: 20-30 students
Dates: June 23 – August 15
Application Deadline: March 31
Eligibility: Students between 11th and 12th grade
The Fred Hutch Summer High School Internship Program (SHIP) is an 8-week, full-time paid internship designed for rising seniors from underrepresented backgrounds in biomedical science. The program begins with two weeks of hands-on lab training in safety and essential techniques, followed by six weeks of mentored research with Fred Hutch scientists in Seattle. As a participant, you will attend seminars, professional development workshops, and social activities. The internship concludes with interns presenting their research to the Fred Hutch community, offering a robust introduction to careers in biomedical research.
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 worldwide! The startups range across a variety of industries. 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!