12 Internships for High School Students in Iowa
Internships offer more than just an early look into potential careers; they provide practical skills and insights that can help guide your educational and professional decisions. Working in real-world settings exposes you to different industries and roles, allowing you to discover what truly interests you and where your strengths lie. Furthermore, the connections you make through internships – whether with mentors, professionals, or peers – can be invaluable as you plan for college or future job opportunities.
This kind of early exposure can help you make more informed choices about your next steps, ensuring you're better prepared for the challenges and opportunities ahead. In this blog, we've highlighted 12 versatile internships for high school students in Iowa, spanning different fields and industries.
Location: Virtual
Cost: Starting at $2,490 (financial assistance is available)
Application Deadline: Multiple deadlines throughout the year; varies with the cohort
Program Dates: 8-week programs with multiple cohorts throughout the year, including summer, fall, winter, and spring
Eligibility: High school students, undergraduates, and gap-year students
Ladder Internships, founded by Harvard alumni, connects high school students with top startups and nonprofits worldwide through a virtual internship program. With opportunities spanning fields like technology, engineering, AI, machine learning, computer science, and health tech, you can choose an industry that aligns with your interests. As an intern, you'll receive one-on-one mentorship on skills like communication and time management, along with group training sessions. You'll work closely with both a startup manager and a dedicated Ladder coach for extra guidance.
The internship typically requires a commitment of 5-15 hours per week over 8 weeks. With placements available globally, especially in the U.S., Asia, Europe, and the UK, Ladder Internships is a flexible way to gain hands-on experience from anywhere. This program is ideal if you're interested in the startup world but need a part-time commitment that works around your school schedule.
Location: Virtual
Cost: Starting from $2,900 for 3 weeks (financial aid available)
Application Deadline: February 9, for the spring cohort
Program Dates: Starts on March 3
Eligibility: High school students
The Young Founder’s Lab is a boot camp founded and run by Harvard entrepreneurs. During the program, you will focus on building a revenue-generating start-up that addresses a real-world problem. You’ll also get to participate in workshops and skill-building sessions, classes on business fundamentals and business ideations, case studies, panel discussions, and more. It’s a great way to explore the world of business as it gives you the chance to gain hands-on experience and be mentored by established entrepreneurs and professionals from Google, Microsoft, and X.
You can learn more about the program here.
Location: Across various state agencies and offices. Some positions may offer remote work.
Stipend: Internships can be paid or unpaid, and for credit or not for credit
Application Deadline: Varies
Program Dates: 8-12 weeks. Program dates vary depending on the specific role and department. See available opportunities here.
Eligibility: Enrolled high school students
The State of Iowa Internship program allows high school students to gain practical experience while contributing to important projects that benefit the state. This program provides diverse opportunities in several fields, including engineering, information technology, accounting, and public administration.
As a State of Iowa intern, you’ll work alongside experienced professionals, developing crucial skills. You’ll also connect with experts in your chosen field and gain insights into how state government operates. Internships typically last between 8-12 weeks, with a weekly commitment of 10-20 hours, making them a good option for students looking to balance work with their academic responsibilities.
4. Stanford University’s SHTEM Summer Internships
Location: Virtual
Cost: $50 application fee
Application Deadline: Typically February
Program Dates: 8 weeks from June to August
Eligibility: High school juniors or seniors at the time of attending the program; at least 14 years old
Stanford University’s SHTEM (Science, Humanities, and Technology) Summer Internship is designed to allow high school juniors, seniors, and community college students to engage in interdisciplinary research. The program emphasizes the integration of STEM with humanities, offering you exposure to a diverse range of research topics and real-world challenges.
This 8-week internship is entirely virtual, allowing students from across the country to participate from their homes. As a participant, you will collaborate with Stanford’s esteemed faculty and mentors, working on research projects that span fields like engineering, computer science, biology, and even philosophy. You will be expected to commit 30-40 hours a week, conducting research and attending virtual meetings with your mentors and group members.
Location: Various NASA centers across the U.S., and remote internships are also offered
Stipend: Most internships are paid, but some are unpaid volunteer opportunities
Application Deadline:
- Summer: February 28
- Fall: May 16
Program Dates: Three sessions annually:
- Summer: May – August
- Fall: August – December
- Spring: January – May
Eligibility: Full-time students (high school through graduate level) who are at least 16 years old at the time of application
NASA’s Office of STEM Engagement (OSTEM) offers paid internships designed to give high school students hands-on experience in fields related to space, science, technology, and engineering. These internships provide an opportunity to work alongside NASA’s leading professionals, including scientists, engineers, and specialists, on projects that support the agency’s mission of space exploration and research.
Internships can be full-time or part-time and are available both on-site at NASA centers or remotely. Throughout the internship, you will engage in a range of tasks, from developing new technologies to analyzing mission data. NASA internships are offered three times a year, and opportunities cover a wide range of disciplines, such as engineering, aeronautics, IT, and science research.
6. Kirkwood Community College Internships
Location: Iowa
Stipend: There is no mention of a stipend. Participants earn dual credit
Application Deadline: December 16 – February 7
Program Dates: This is a summer program
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors (grades 11 and 12) from these designated counties: Benton, Cedar, Iowa, Johnson, Jones, Linn, and Washington Counties
Kirkwood Community College offers an internship program that provides high school students with hands-on experience, dual credit opportunities, and a deeper understanding of various career fields. As a participant, you'll engage in real-world work experiences while earning dual credit through Kirkwood Community College and your high school.
The internships take place at local businesses and organizations, where you'll have the chance to explore different career paths and gain practical skills. In addition to your onsite work, you'll participate in professional development sessions through the Kirkwood Work Learning Community (WLC). These sessions focus on essential skills such as Professionalism, Critical Thinking, Collaboration, Social Awareness, and Communication.
7. Indian Hills Community College Internship Program
Location: Indian Hills Community College area (including Benton, Cedar, Iowa, Johnson, Linn, and Washington Counties)
Stipend: Not mentioned
Application Deadline: The summer before your junior year through the spring of your senior year
Program Dates: Internships can be scheduled throughout the school year, based on student and employer availability
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors from Benton, Cedar, Iowa, Johnson, Linn, and Washington Counties
The Indian Hills Community College Internship Program offers high school juniors and seniors an opportunity to gain 45-90 hours of supervised, hands-on career experience. This allows you to apply classroom knowledge in a practical setting while developing essential employability skills. You will benefit from career exploration, professional development, and a deeper understanding of your future career interests. This internship will help you understand potential career paths, strengthen your resume, and build professional connections.
8. Johns Hopkins Internship in Brain Sciences (JHIBS) – Virtual Experience
Location: Virtual for students across the U.S.
Stipend: $500 scholarship upon successful completion
Application Deadline: March 1
Program Dates: July – August
Eligibility: Current rising high school juniors or seniors (by June) across the U.S. Students from underrepresented groups are encouraged to apply. See more info here.
The Johns Hopkins Internship in Brain Sciences (JHIBS) offers high school juniors and seniors the chance to get hands-on experience in mentored neurological research and a glimpse at a future career in the neurological sciences. As part of its mission to increase the percentage of people from underrepresented or disadvantaged backgrounds in the field of neurological sciences, JHIBS offers both in-person and virtual options, improving accessibility. The virtual internship spans five weeks and includes educational workshops, professional development, and basic lab techniques. You will also receive a $500 scholarship at the end of the program to support your future education.
9. Iowa Specialty Hospitals & Clinics (ISH) – Summer Intern Program
Location: Iowa Specialty Hospitals & Clinics facilities
Stipend: This is a paid internship
Application Deadline: February 14
Program Dates: June 2 – July 25
Eligibility: Entering junior year of high school or above; 16 or older; available to work Monday – Friday
The Iowa Specialty Hospitals & Clinics (ISH) Summer Intern Program offers a six-week paid internship for high school students interested in exploring careers in healthcare.
During the program, you’ll gain practical experience by working at ISH facilities, learning about various healthcare careers, and developing professional skills. As an intern, you will be required to complete a project, creating a trifold poster that showcases your experiences and learnings. This project will be presented at the end of the internship and displayed within the hospital for staff and patients to view.
10. The Water in Progress internship program at IAWEA
Location: Iowa
Stipend: Up to $5,000 in reimbursed costs for participating communities
Application Deadline: Not confirmed; check with IAWEA for current deadlines
Program Dates: Approximately 12 weeks; typically during the summer
Eligibility: High school students aged 16-19 from the summer after their sophomore year to the summer after their senior year
The Water in Progress internship program at Iowa Water Environment Association (IAWEA) is designed to provide high school students in Iowa with hands-on experience in the environmental industry, focusing on water and wastewater operations. This program aims to foster growth in small communities with populations of 5,000 or fewer, by connecting students with local utilities and enhancing their learning opportunities.
As an intern, you will work up to 20 hours per week, gaining practical experience in water and wastewater management while supporting the growth and retention of local operators. You will engage in a range of activities, including learning about disinfection and chlorination processes, understanding lab procedures for monitoring water treatment, and assisting with water valve operations and water main break repairs. You will also gain hands-on experience in evaluating manhole conditions and interpreting wastewater discharge permits.
Funded by the Iowa Chapter of the Water Environment Federation (IAWEA) and managed by the Iowa Rural Water Charitable Organization, the program reimburses up to $5,000 in costs for participating utilities.
11. American Psychological Association (APA) Internships
Location: Virtual
Stipend: Paid and academic credit internships available
Application Deadline: Varies based on the internship
Program Dates: Internships are offered year-round (spring, summer, fall, winter); exact dates vary based on the internship selected
Eligibility: Enrolled at least part-time in an academic institution; must submit an official District of Columbia Work Permit with application if under the age of 18; 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 a state where APA is registered as an employer
The American Psychological Association (APA) internships offer a remarkable opportunity for students to gain virtual experience with the leading organization for psychologists in the U.S. These internships, available in both paid and unpaid formats, cater to students interested in policy, research, communications, and financial services.
As an intern, you will engage in diverse tasks tailored to your skills and interests, including research, writing, web-based projects, and administrative support. By working with APA, you will enhance your understanding of professional psychology and contribute to meaningful projects within a nationally recognized organization. This experience not only provides practical knowledge but also enriches your resume with valuable insights into the field of psychology.
12. Iowa Insurance Division High School Internships
Location: Iowa Insurance Division Office, Iowa
Stipend: Paid; amount not specified
Application Deadline: January 15, 2025
Program Dates: Summer 2025
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors who are at least 16 years old
The Iowa Insurance Division (IID) offers a summer internship program for high school juniors and seniors interested in exploring the insurance industry. This paid internship provides an opportunity to gain hands-on experience as an insurance regulator, with roles in areas such as accounting, actuarial science, computer science, data analytics, and more. The program runs for approximately 10 weeks, and takes place at the IID office in Des Moines, Iowa, with the potential for remote work up to two days a week.
As an intern, you will engage in various regulatory tasks, including learning about insurance company supervision, market conduct, and consumer complaint evaluation. You will also receive insurance education coursework to deepen your understanding of the field. This program is ideal for you if you’re aiming to explore careers in insurance, data analytics, legal investigations, and related fields. Competitive compensation and flexible work hours are offered to accommodate students' schedules.
Looking for an immersive internship experience in Iowa?
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. 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!