10 Internships for High School Students in Austin, Texas
Internships offer high school students the opportunity to step out of the classroom and explore real-world experiences. Whether you’re interested in engineering, healthcare, environmental science, or technology, internships allow you to pursue your interests in a hands-on environment and build skills. Beyond just building technical knowledge, internships foster essential life skills such as communication, problem-solving, and time management—all while connecting students with professionals who can mentor them and offer valuable career advice.
Completing an internship can significantly enhance a college application, showing admissions officers that you’re proactive, curious, and ready to engage with challenges beyond the classroom. A strong letter of recommendation from a mentor in the field will only enhance your profile, giving you an edge in the competitive college admissions process.
In this blog, we’ve listed 10 internship opportunities available to students based in Austin, Texas (within roughly 1 hour from the city).
Cost: Starts at $2,990 (financial aid available)
Location: Remote.
Application Deadline: Multiple deadlines throughout the year. The upcoming deadline for the winter cohort is November 24, 2024.
Dates: Multiple 8-week cohorts throughout the year, including winter, spring, summer, and fall.
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.
High school students can gain valuable experience through Ladder Internships, a program founded by Harvard alumni. This selective initiative connects students with startups and nonprofits globally for virtual internships. Participants are given the opportunity to choose from a diverse array of fields, such as technology, machine learning, AI, computer science, finance, environmental science, sustainability, business, marketing, healthcare, medicine, media, journalism, and more.
Interns typically spend 5-10 hours per week on their tasks and meetings with company management. Spanning eight weeks, this virtual internship offers opportunities primarily in the U.S., Asia, Europe, and the UK. Throughout the internship, students will work on impactful projects that align with the broader goals of their assigned startup or nonprofit and present their work at the conclusion of the program.
The program offers individualized training in communication and time management skills, alongside group training sessions with other interns. Each intern is matched with a manager at their startup and a Ladder coach, who acts as an additional mentor. More information and application details can be found on their application form.
2. Dallas County Health and Human Services Internship/Fellowship Program
Stipend: Unpaid (possibility to arrange for academic credit with partnering schools).
Location: Various locations across Texas.
Application Deadline: Accepted on a rolling basis.
Program Dates: Available year-round.
Eligibility: High school students must be at least 15 years old or have completed their freshman year. Applicants must also complete a background check and sign necessary internship documents.
Dallas County Health and Human Services (DCHHS) offers internships for high school, undergraduate, and graduate students at various skill levels, providing a chance to delve into public health operations and careers. Interns will observe and assist in areas such as epidemiology, environmental health, health administration, and communicable disease control. This hands-on experience allows students to apply classroom knowledge to real-world public health challenges.
While the internships are unpaid, they offer valuable practical experience and the opportunity to network with professionals in the public health field.
3. NASA and UT Austin’s SEES High School Intern Program
Cost: Free
Location: Hybrid (on-site experience at the University of Texas at Austin)
Application Deadline: February 24, 2024
Program Dates:
- 11th graders: On-site from July 7 to July 20, 2024
- 10th graders: On-site from July 27 to August 4, 2024
Eligibility: High school students in their sophomore or junior years who have U.S. citizenship.
The STEM Enhancement in Earth Science (SEES) Program, hosted by NASA in partnership with UT Austin’s Center for Space Research, provides an immersive experience for high school students interested in Earth and space research. Participants will work on projects that utilize NASA satellite data, explore environmental and climate science, and collaborate with top scientists and engineers in their field.
The program combines distance learning with hands-on research. Students first complete virtual modules during the spring and early summer before participating in either a one- or two-week on-site residential internship at UT Austin. On campus, students dive deeper into project work, engage in evening field investigations, and attend workshops on subjects like mission design, satellite technology, and climate change.
A highlight of the program is the opportunity for participants to present research findings at the Virtual SEES Science Symposium, showcasing their contributions to Earth and space research.
4. City of Austin High School Summer Internship Programs
Stipend: Interns are paid $13/hr for 20-hour weeks.
Location: Austin, TX. Interns are placed in various city departments or local organizations.
Application Deadline: January 24, 2024 to February 29, 2024.
Program Dates: June 3, 2024 - July 19, 2024
Eligibility:
- Must be currently enrolled in an Austin-area high school and a city of Austin resident to apply.
- Must be a rising sophomore, junior, senior, or current senior.
- Must be between the ages of 15 and 18 years old.
- Must be available for the full duration of the program with no more than 3 days of absences.
The City of Austin provides four distinct internship opportunities for high school students. Students can choose from the Emerging Leaders Internship Program, the Get Ready! STEAM-Based Internship, the Austin Convention Center Internship, and the Aviation Department Internship. Each program is designed to match students with placements based on their interests, from leadership development to STEAM fields or the hospitality industry.
Interns work for seven weeks, gaining valuable professional experience and learning about various career pathways. Throughout the program, students participate in projects and receive mentorship from professionals in their chosen fields. The Austin Convention Center Internship gives students insight into divisions like Accounting, Marketing, and Safety within the hospitality industry. The Aviation Department Internship, located at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, offers placements in areas such as Finance and Security.
5. Army Educational Outreach Program (AEOP)
Stipend: Paid (amount varies by location and program duration). The program is intended for commuters, but transportation, meals, and housing are not provided.
Location: Various Army research laboratories and partner universities across the U.S. There are many locations in Texas.
Application Deadline: Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. Check AEOP’s Summer 2024 opportunities here for the application dates.
Program Dates: This is a summer internship program; specific dates vary from location to location.
Eligibility: Those applying must be current high school students who are U.S. citizens or permanent legal residents. Additional eligibility requirements vary by location. Check details here.
This program offers the opportunity to collaborate directly with a university researcher or a Department of Defense (DoD) scientist mentor on research projects. Students can intern in STEM fields such as engineering, technology, and environmental science, gaining hands-on experience in state-of-the-art labs. Interns will also receive mentorship from professionals, fostering an environment that aims to support both personal and professional growth.
Sponsored by the Army, the research projects focus on addressing some of the USA’s most significant challenges. The program is designed to develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and teamwork skills, equipping interns for future careers in STEM.
6. Air Force Laboratory (AFRL) Scholars Program
Stipend: Weekly stipends are provided based on the education level of the students and the GS pay scale. High school students receive a stipend of approximately $492.40 per week, though exact amounts can vary depending on location.
Location: Various AFRL sites across the U.S., including AFWERX in Austin, Texas.
Application Deadline: Applications typically open in the fall and close by early January.
Program Dates: Summer 2025; exact dates vary depending on the AFRL site.
Eligibility: Applicants must:
- Be US Citizens.
- Be enrolled or accepted at an educational institution taking at least a half-time academic course load leading to a degree or certificate for the semester immediately preceding the internship session.
- Have a grade point average of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
- Be at least 16 years of age (by session application deadline) and have a valid Government ID.
The AFRL Scholars Program provides paid internships for high school students interested in real-world research projects in STEM fields. This internship offers hands-on experience in cutting-edge technologies, including aerospace engineering, cybersecurity, robotics, and more. Participants not only gain technical knowledge but also learn about the work culture in STEM environments.
In addition to the practical research experience, interns are mentored by Air Force scientists and engineers. After selection, you will be paired with a mentor from the list available here, ensuring you receive comprehensive guidance throughout your internship.
Here is a list of AFRL research topics.
7. NASA Office of STEM Engagements (OSTEM) Internships
Stipend: Stipends are awarded based on academic level and session duration.
Location: Interns can either work remotely or on-site at any of NASA’s field centers in the country. There are also options for remote participation depending on the project.
Application Deadline:
- Spring 2025: August 23, 2024
- Summer 2025: Early Decision - October 25, 2024 | Regular - February 28, 2025
- Fall 2025: May 16, 2025
Program Dates: 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).
Eligibility: Students in grades 10 - 12 with a GPA of 3.0+ and U.S. citizenship
NASA’s Office of STEM Engagement (OSTEM) offers paid internships to both high school and college students across various sites in the United States. These internships allow students to contribute to groundbreaking research projects in science, technology, aeronautics, and space exploration. Each year, these internships support the training, mentorship, and career development of over 2000 students.
Internships are offered in both remote and on-site formats, and students are matched with a mentor who guides them throughout the experience. Participants have the opportunity to work alongside leading experts in diverse fields such as science, engineering, IT, finance, and business. Interns will engage in activities like designing experiments, analyzing mission data, and developing innovative technologies.
8. UT High School Research Academy
Cost: $3,500, with limited need-based scholarships available.
Location: University of Texas at Austin
Application Deadline: Applications typically close in March.
Program Dates: June 10 - July 17, 2024
Eligibility: Must be:
- a Texas resident
- At least 15 or older by June 1
- a rising sophomore, junior, or senior [preference is given to the latter two]
The UT High School Research Academy (HSRA) allows students to participate in genuine research projects within the active labs of the College of Natural Sciences (CNS). This program provides an extensive overview of multiple scientific disciplines, exploring fields such as biochemistry, biology, environmental science, and neuroscience.
Over the course of five weeks, HSRA participants immerse themselves in authentic research experiences at UT laboratories. Each student is paired with a faculty-led research group, giving them a unique opportunity to engage in real scientific research alongside UT faculty and undergraduate students. In addition to the lab experience, students attend seminars with guest speakers, complete reflection assignments, and present their findings at the end of the program through a research symposium.
A unique feature of the program is the opportunity to earn NSC309 UT extension course credit, which can enhance college applications. Additionally, students receive an HSRA t-shirt and attend Wednesday Seminars featuring UT guest speakers.
9. MITRE’s Nationwide High School Student Program
Stipend: Paid; the amount is dependent on the position and location.
Location: Various MITRE campuses across the U.S.
Application Deadline: The application period typically opens in the fall for the summer program.
Program Dates: 8 weeks during the summer, with specific dates varying by location.
Eligibility: Open to high school freshmen through seniors. Applicants must be at least 14 years old by the start of the program.
MITRE's Nationwide High School Student Program offers an excellent opportunity for students interested in computer science. Unlike typical tech companies, MITRE is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to serving the public interest without commercial conflicts. Their work spans various fields such as cybersecurity, healthcare, aviation, defense, and enterprise transformation.
As a participant in this program, you will act as a student investigator, collaborating with senior staff on summer research projects. You can engage in diverse areas like Artificial Intelligence, Robotics, and Data Analytics, allowing you to focus on projects that match your specific interests and career goals in STEM.
You'll assist in several aspects of the project, including data collection and analysis and developing technological solutions. At the program's conclusion, you will typically present or report your research findings and contributions.
10. Veritas AI Internship
Cost: $2,490 (some financial aid is available)
Location: Virtual
Application Deadline: October 20, 2024
Dates: The start date for the upcoming cohort is November 11, 2024.
Eligibility: Open to high school students who have prior experience with AI/ML or have completed a Veritas AI program.
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 Lumiere and a Harvard College graduate. He founded Lumiere as a Ph.D. student at Harvard Business School. Lumiere is a selective research program where students work 1-1 with a research mentor to develop an independent research paper.