13 Internships for High School Students in California

If you’re a high school student looking for internships in California, don’t miss this list! These internships range across the fields of STEM, business, humanities, media and more, while offering you the opportunity to learn from industry professionals, gain insight into the professional environment, and explore a subject of your choice.

Why consider an internship in high school?

The early exposure that internships provide can strengthen your college applications – and equip you with the skills and confidence needed for future academic and career success. Internships help you bridge the gap between academic learning and its practical application, as you’ll work in laboratories, offices, city departments, and more, based on your areas of interest. Not to mention, an internship is the perfect time to start building your professional network – one that’s sure to be useful in the future as you start your career. 

In this blog, we'll explore 13 internships for high schoolers in California.

Tip: You can also take a look at our lists of internships specific to San Diego and the Bay Area!

1. Ladder Internships

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: February 18, 2024 (Summer cohort, early application deadline) | April 14, 2024 (Summer cohort, regular application deadline). The program also runs in the fall, winter and spring.
Program Dates: 8-week programs with multiple cohorts throughout the year. 
Cost: Starting at $1,990. Financial assistance is available.

Ladder Internships is a selective internship program, founded by Harvard alumni, designed to provide high students with virtual internship opportunities at startups and nonprofits across the world. You can choose to intern in a field or industry of your choice, based on your interests!  Ladder offers internships at organizations in a number of different industries – from technology and computer science, healthcare and medicine, finance, environmental science and sustainability to business and marketing, media and journalism, and more.

You will work on a real-world project during the internship, and present your work at the end of the program. In addition to working closely with your manager and Ladder coach, you will receive guidance and mentorship from them. The program includes 1-on-1 and group professional skill development training sessions. 

2. Stanford Institutes of Medicine Summer Research Program (SIMR)

Subject areas: Medicine – students choose a track from these options: Immunology, Neurobiology, Cancer Biology, Bioengineering, Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Cardiovascular Biology, Bioinformatics and Genetics and Genomics.
Location: Stanford University, Stanford, CA.
Eligibility: Current juniors or seniors who are at least 16 years of age are eligible.
Application deadline: February 24, 2024
Program dates: June 10, 2024 - August 1, 2024
Stipend: Students earn a stipend of $500 - $2,500. Housing and transportation are not provided. 
Please note: There is a $40 application fee, which can be waived. Stipends of $2500 and above are given on a needs-based system from special grants. 

SIMR is a prestigious, highly-regarded internship program with both internship and research components. This is an 8-week internship program that allows students to collaborate one-on-one with a mentor, a Stanford graduate student or a postdoctoral fellow, and engage in hands-on research. Selected interns will have to select one of eight study fields – Immunology, Neurobiology, Cancer Biology, Bioengineering, Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Cardiovascular Biology, Bioinformatics and Genetics and Genomics. You will be assigned a particular field of study (branch) based on your preference, and spend two months being mentored by top scholars, researchers, and PhD fellows in the field of medicine. This is a fairly competitive program with a cohort size of about 50 students – at an acceptance rate of less than 3% (approximately).

During the first couple weeks of the program, you will attend lectures in the morning and spend the rest of the day working in their lab. You will spend a majority of your time engaging in full-time lab work. During the last 2 weeks of the program, you will work on a research poster for your project, which you will present to peers, teachers, family and the Stanford community at the end of the program. Each subject branch has a slightly different internship structure to help you get the best exposure to that branch, so be sure to read through the internship structures carefully.

3. California Academy of Science Careers in Science (CiS) Intern Program

Subject areas: STEM, multidisciplinary 
Location: California Academy of Sciences, San Francisco, CA
Eligibility: To be eligible for the program, applicants must:
- Be currently enrolled full-time as a 9th or 10th-grade student in an SFUSD school (check if your school qualifies here).
- Maintain a GPA of 2.5 and a grade of C or higher in science and math.
- Be able to obtain a valid work permit (US citizens and others authorized to work in the US).
- Commit to all attendance requirements for 2 or 3 years, through high school graduation.
Application Deadline: April 1, 2024(Selected applicants will be required to attend an in-person group interview on April 27, 2024.)
Program Dates: After school and on weekends, year-round participation for 2-3 years till graduation.
Cost/Stipend: No cost; Careers in Science interns get paid above minimum wage. 

Careers in Science is a multi-year, year-round internship and youth development program for San Francisco high school students who are underrepresented in STEM. As an intern, you will get to work on a science research or environmental action project led by an Academy researcher or partner. Interns will also serve on the CiS Leadership Council and are eligible for individualized mentorships with Academy experts. On Saturdays during the school year and weekdays in the summer, students will conduct fieldwork outdoors and facilitate learning experiences for Academy visitors on the public floor. 

You will also attend interactive training sessions that will give you insight into different careers from practicing STEM professionals, and you will receive guidance on your college application process too. Not only that, you will go on college tours and get opportunities to present at STEM conferences and festivals. 

4. Meta Summer Academy

Subject areas: Business, tech 
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: June 17, 2024 - July 26, 2024, for 30 hours per week.
Stipend: Students will receive a stipend!

The Meta Summer Academy is a prestigious opportunity for high school students. Through this program, you will have the chance to observe the day-to-day operations of the world’s leading social media platform. You will also be part of a workforce where you will learn coding, develop communication and soft skills, and explore various careers in the tech industry. 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.

5. Student Research Internship Programs at Scripps Research Translational Institute

Subject areas: Translational science, precision medicine
The institute offers two internships under this program:
one focused on translational science (I - Student Research Internship Program and the other on precision medicine (II - Medical Student Research Internship Program). Both have substantial overlap in subjects covered. 
Location: Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA (about 20 minutes from San Diego). The institute provides a few resources to help students find housing.
Eligibility: Highly motivated students in high school who will be at least 16 years old before the internship begins can apply.
Application deadline: March 30, 2024 (I) and February 29, 2024 (II)
Program dates:
- June 3, 2024 – August 9, 2024 OR June 17, 2024 - August 23, 2024 (I)
- May 20, 2024 - July 29, 2024 (II)
If these dates do not work for you, the institute recommends you note your specific available dates in your application (You are required to give 10 weeks for I, 8 weeks for II).
Stipend: For I, information on funding is yet to be updated. For II, a stipend will be provided; travel and housing expenses will be covered.

Every year, this competitive 10-week internship selects 40 talented and motivated students (high school, undergraduate, graduate and professional) from across the country for an immersive, college-level research experience. As a Scripps intern, you will learn about current topics in translational science, precision medicine, focusing on digital health, clinical genomics, and community engagement. Based on your interests, you will be assigned a primary mentor for the program who will guide and advise you. You will also study design and analysis procedures relevant for translational research, including genomic/genetic association studies. You will observe the steps of proposing, designing, undertaking and analyzing clinical trials. At the end of the program, you will present a scientific concept to your peers and mentors. 

6. Warner Bros. Reach Honorship Program

Subject Areas: Business, media, entertainment industry 
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 immersive and comprehensive program offers students a chance to explore the creative and business sides of the entertainment world. During the Reach Honorship Program, you will typically engage in a variety of tasks and responsibilities that will provide you with 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 you 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.

7. Science and Engineering Apprenticeship Program (SEAP) at the Department of Navy (DoN)

Subject areas: Physics, chemistry, biology, robotics, engineering, behavioral sciences, computer science, mathematics and more.
Location: There are several lab locations to choose from across the country.
Eligibility: High school students who have completed at least grade 9, are at least 16 years old when the internship begins, can apply. Graduating seniors are eligible as well. There is room for some exceptions. Students are recommended to check whether their preferred lab choice has any other particular requirements. 
Application deadline: Applications open in August and close on November 1st every year. 
Program dates: Eight weeks in the summer. Exact dates vary depending on the lab you choose.
Stipend: $4,000 (new participant) | $4,500 (returning participant)
Cost: There are no registration costs, however, housing, meals, transportation, and medical expenses are not covered. You can expect to have to travel to and from your lab, depending on your placement.

This research-focused paid apprenticeship is a valuable, prestigious opportunity for high school students to dive into a STEM subject of their choice. SEAP places 300 students across over 38 DoN laboratories nationwide, making it a highly competitive, prestigious program.

As an apprentice, you will get to work alongside top researchers and engineers at Navy laboratories and facilities across the country, on actual Naval research. During the program, you will be mentored by expert scientists and engineers at the Navy labs. While working on projects hands-on, you will build on your valuable knowledge and skills in various STEM disciplines, such as computer science and aeronautics. 

Your lab choice is based on your subject of interest, and the program offers a wide range of areas to choose from!

8. KP Launch High School Internship at Kaiser Permanente

Subject areas: Business, administration, healthcare, marketing and more
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 for high school students that allow them 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 can choose according to their interests! 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 focuses on mentorship, teamwork, and personal development, and can encourage you to explore your career interest in the medical field. 

9. Student Interns at Sandia National Laboratories

Subject areas: STEM fields, business, administration
Eligibility: Students who are at least 16 years old, are enrolled full-time in an accredited college, university or high school, are U.S. citizens can apply. Those applying must have a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale for R&D, technical or business roles. 
Application deadline: Rolling deadline, as internship openings are continuously updated.
Program dates: Year-round, if you choose that program option. For the Co-op internships, you can select your internship period, in coordination with Sandia and your school.
Summer Interns - 40 hours per week | Year-round Interns - 25 hours per week 
Stipend: Students will receive a stipend commensurate to the work they put in, and it will vary with the internship role.

Sandia National Laboratories, a contractor for the U.S. Department of Energy, offers prestigious summer and year-round internships for students. You can apply for internships in technical, business, and research & development roles, wherein they will work on ongoing national projects. This is an opportunity for you to get hands-on experience in a cutting-edge research environment. As an intern, you will work with expert scientists and engineers on projects that contribute to technological advancements. Intern positions can include work in cyber security, energy, engineering, and software. You will be assigned a mentor, who will help structure your work assignment, schedule and the duration of your internship. You will receive guidance from some of the country’s top scientists and experts, and training, making these internships a valuable learning experience.

  • Year-round internships: These allow students who attend local schools to work part-time at a Sandia site, working up to 25 hours a week for high school students, and up to 40 hours per week during school breaks.

  • Co-op internships: These are conducted in partnership with individual schools, and allow students to take time off during the academic year to gain work experience at Sandia, working up to 40 hours a week. They run for 3–8 months in the academic term and may include an adjacent summer term.

10. The Intern Project

Subject areas: Multidisciplinary
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Eligibility: South LA 10th-12th grade youth, High School DACA/Undocumented Youth, High School Foster Youth & system-involved youth. All applicants must be available to attend at least 80% of the program workshops which are after-school Thursdays 4:30-6:30 pm. The majority of the program is virtual.
Application Deadline: 15 March 2024
Program dates: June 20th, 2024 - August 9th, 2024
Stipend: Students will be paid, but information the exact amount is not available.

The Intern Project can be a valuable experience for high schoolers. This program is designed to bridge the gap between what you learn in the classroom and its real-world application. During the program, you will gain hands-on work experience working with local businesses and organizations, empowering you to explore your career interests in a dynamic and supportive environment. You will gain exposure to the professional world, allowing you to apply academic learning to actual projects and tasks. This experience not only enhances your understanding of specific industries but also cultivates essential skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, and effective communication.

The program also offers a platform for you to build a professional network and gain valuable insights into potential career paths. With a focus on mentorship, the program facilitates one-on-one guidance from industry professionals, providing you with valuable advice and support. Often, the program includes workshops on resume building, interview preparation, and workplace etiquette, equipping participants with the professional tools that will be useful in the future.

11. Project Pull at San Francisco City Department

Subject areas: Public service, public policy, city planning, and other city departments
Location: Across San Francisco city and county department offices, with some hybrid options too.
Eligibility: High school sophomores, juniors, and seniors who live in San Francisco or go to a high school in San Francisco can apply. Further details on eligibility and dates are available. 
Application deadline: February 20, 2024
Program dates: June 10, 2024 - August 2, 2024
Stipend: TBD. Last year, student interns were paid $17.50 per hour

If you’re a high school student in San Francisco  interested in exploring work in the public sector, then you must consider this internship. Project Pull internships provide you with work experience, mentorship, and professional development opportunities, and introduce students to the public sector, while offering them a chance to do work that has a social impact. As an intern, you will be placed in one of the many different city departments, where you will work on projects and gain hands-on exposure to different areas of public service. You can state your preferred department when applying! Through this immersive experience, you get a chance to develop essential skills, including teamwork, communication, problem-solving, and leadership. You will also receive guidance and support from dedicated mentors who will help you navigate career paths and set goals for your future.

12. J. Craig Venter Institute’s High School Internship

Subject areas: STEM fields
Location:
J. Craig Venter Institute, La Jolla, CA (20 mins from San Diego)
Eligibility: High school students aged 16 and above can apply.
Application deadline: Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, as received once the position is posted.
Program dates: May - August, with occasional opportunities offered throughout the year.
Stipend: $17 per hour

The JCVI Summer Internship Program offers motivated high-school, undergraduate and graduate students with an in-depth, structured research experience in various fields of STEM. The program includes working with a mentor and the opportunity to collaborate with world-class scientists. You will work on projects tailored to your academic experience, interests and skills, with access to state-of-the-art equipment and technology.

During the course of this internship, there are multiple workshops you can attend that will help you develop your scientific and professional skills. These include journal clubs, career development sessions and multi-disciplinary scientific seminars. With the aim to inspire the next generation of great scientists, this internship can be a solid option for any student interested in pursuing an academic career in STEM.

13. Veritas AI Internship

Subject areas: AI, ML, computer science
Location:
Virtual
Eligibility: Open to high school students who have prior experience with AI/ML or have completed a Veritas AI program.
Application deadline: October 20, 2024
Program dates: The start date for the upcoming cohort is November 11, 2024.
Cost: $2,490 (some financial aid is available)

The AI Internship Program by Veritas AI is founded and run by Harvard graduate students. Through the 8-week internship, students have the opportunity to work with VC-backed startups on real-world AI/ML projects. Students work directly with mentors from Harvard, Wharton, Google, Microsoft, McKinsey & Company, and more.

This program is a great opportunity for students who have prior experience with AI/ML and are looking to gain real-world exposure to a career in the field. Students 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.

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. 

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