12 Internships for High School Students in Nevada
Doing an internship while in high school is a great way to gain valuable hands-on experience, explore potential career paths in a subject you’re interested in, and develop essential workplace skills. Unlike college internships, which often focus on securing full-time employment, high school internships prioritize learning and exploration.
By interning with universities, local companies, nonprofits, or community organizations, you can gain exposure to various fields of study and career options and strengthen your college applications. In this blog, we have curated a list of 12 internships for high school students in Nevada that you can consider!
Eligibility: Open to high school students, undergraduates, and gap-year students who can work 5-15 hours a week
Cost: $2490 (full financial aid available)
Location: Remote
Application Deadline: Multiple deadlines throughout the year.
Program Dates: This is an 8-week program with several cohorts throughout the year, including Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter.
Ladder Internships is a program designed to connect high school students with innovative start-ups and non-profits from around the world. Through Ladder, these companies offer you short-term internship opportunities across a wide range of sectors, including tech, marketing, business development, finance, and design.
As an intern, you will get to work on real-world projects, applying your academic knowledge to real-world scenarios. This program will also give you the chance to develop practical skills and gain valuable insight into startup dynamics, challenges, and benefits. You’ll be able to work closely with founders and team members, receiving mentorship and exposure to high-level decision-making processes.
2. Division of Emergency Management Student Internship Opportunity
Eligibility: Applicants must be high school or college students, be U.S. citizens, or be legally authorized to work in the U.S. Those under 18 require parental consent for the application. See more here.
Stipend: Unpaid
Location: Northern or Southern Nevada Site Supervisor, Division of Emergency Management / Homeland Security
Application Deadline: Not mentioned. Check the link to the application form here-
Program Dates: Spring, Summer, Fall sessions | Write to this email ID for further information—ldowney@dem.nv.gov.
The Department of Emergency Management (DEM) Student Internship Program offers an exciting chance for students to bring their classroom knowledge to life through real-world experiences. This hands-on internship is designed to enhance your understanding of emergency management while building the skills and confidence needed for a future career in the field.
During the internship, you’ll work alongside a Site Supervisor in either Northern or Southern Nevada, assisting the Division of Emergency Management and Homeland Security with coordinating essential programs in prevention, protection, mitigation, response, and recovery. From attending meetings with key partners to supporting event planning, training, and outreach, this internship will immerse you in the critical work of building resilient communities for Nevada's residents and visitors.
3. DRI Research Immersion Internship
Eligibility: Open to dedicated students, including those who have completed high school or are in dual enrollment, to collaborate with real-world scientists. Students attending TMCC High School can also apply.
Stipend: Students earn $13/hour and can only work for a max of 112 hours.
Location: Desert Research Institute, Reno, NV
Application Deadline: August (tentatively). Check the application form for next year’s application dates.
Dates: September – December
The DRI Research Immersion Internship program offers a paid opportunity for students to dive into real-world problem-solving alongside experienced scientists. This hands-on experience is perfect for students attending TMCC High School and first and second-year students from Nevada’s community and state colleges who are eager to broaden their skills and explore complex science topics.
After a comprehensive training period, you will collaborate with mentors on exciting projects in science, technology, and entrepreneurship, setting the stage for future career success. This program emphasizes inclusive excellence and encourages curiosity-driven exploration, with opportunities to tackle big questions like Mars' climate history.
Eligibility: Open to students of all ages
Stipend: Volunteer work is unpaid
Location: Nevada County
Application Deadline: No deadlines; rolling applications. Write to this email ID for more info—info@sierraharvest.org.
Dates: No specific dates; all-year-round availability
Volunteering with Sierra Harvest is a rewarding way to make a difference in our community while making new friends, learning new skills, and feeling a sense of accomplishment. As a volunteer, you’ll help bring fresh, healthy, local food and nutrition education to families in Nevada County, sparking lifelong healthy eating habits in children.
Whether it’s assisting with school garden carts, organizing Harvest of the Month tastings, or supporting farm field trips, you’ll play a crucial role in connecting kids with fresh produce and local farms. Plus, you’ll get to experience the joy of seeing students excited about healthy food, like the little girl who needed "just one more tomato" to power through her math test. From garden carts to cooking lessons and farmer visits, there are countless ways to get involved and make an impact.
5. National Summer Transportation Institute (NSTI) by Department of Education—University of Las Vegas
Eligibility: Open to applicants entering grades 10 – 12 with a cumulative GPA of at least 2.0 on a 4.0 scale. Participants should have also completed or be eligible to enroll in pre-algebra.
Stipend: Stipend granted; no details on the amount
Location: Nevada County
Application Deadline: This information is not available.
Dates: July
If you're curious about science, engineering, and transportation and love learning through interactive, hands-on experiences, the National Summer Transportation Institute (NSTI) is perfect for you! Spend two weeks living on-campus at UNLV, where you'll dive into transportation modes, urban planning, and pedestrian safety while exploring exciting career opportunities in the field. Along the way, you'll enjoy college prep and life skills activities, seminars, lab tours, field trips, and group projects, all while connecting with UNLV students through peer mentoring sessions.
6. Northern Nevada International Centre
Eligibility: High School students
Stipend: Unpaid, however course credits are granted
Location: Northern Nevada International Center (NNIC), Reno, NV
Application Deadline: Rolling | January | Apply here
Dates: Internships are available in the fall, spring, winter, and summer. Summer and winter internships last 2 months and the rest last for 3 months.
The Northern Nevada International Center (NNIC) offers a unique internship experience for young adults in the Reno-Tahoe area, aiming to develop the next generation of citizen diplomats. Although unpaid, these internships provide valuable professional and developmental skills, with opportunities to earn course credit. Offered each academic semester (spring, summer, and fall), internships range from two to three months and can lead to part-time or full-time roles at NNIC.
As an intern, you will support one of four teams—Administrative, International Exchanges, Refugee Reception and Placement, or Language Bank—gaining hands-on experience in global affairs, public diplomacy, and more. Ideal candidates should have a keen eye for detail, strong communication skills, adaptability, and an interest in diverse cultures and languages.
7. United States Senate Youth Program
Eligibility: Applicants must be permanent U.S. residents, currently juniors or seniors at a public or private high school in the state where one of their parents or guardians legally resides, and must also serve in an elected student government role.
Stipend: $10,000 college scholarship for future studies granted
Location: Washington, D.C.
Application Deadline: Check the website for details on the next session.
Dates: Washington week in March.
USSYP), established in 1962, offers an exceptional educational opportunity for high school students with aspirations in public service. Each year, two student leaders from each state, the District of Columbia, and the Department of Defense Education Activity are selected to spend a week in Washington, D.C. There, they will observe the federal government in action, attend high-level policy briefings, and meet with a U.S. Supreme Court justice.
As a participant, you will receive a $10,000 scholarship for undergraduate studies, with a focus on history and political science. The 63rd annual program is scheduled for March 1-8, 2025.
8. YES Tourism and Hospitality Program, University of Las Vegas Nevada
Eligibility: Applicants must be current Las Vegas high school students and meet one of the following: family income of $60,000 or less, attend a Title 1 school, or be a first-generation college-bound student.
Cost: Free
Location: University of Las Vegas Campus
Application Deadline: Applications open in March
Dates: June
The YES Tourism and Hospitality Program at UNLV offers many exciting opportunities to students who are interested in hospitality. As a participant, you will get to explore the world of hospitality and tourism, including a wide range of career opportunities. You’ll also get to meet several industry experts, including CEOs and executives. You’ll get to enjoy exclusive tours of Las Vegas resorts, participate in field trips led by professionals, and develop leadership skills that will set you apart in the classroom and the workforce.
This hands-on program enhances your resume or college application, with the potential to earn scholarships for your college career. Plus, you'll make new friends, explore the UNLV campus, and enjoy free lunches, snacks, and even a laptop, along with prizes, swag, and other surprises—all at no cost to you!
9. YouthWorks Internship—DISCOVERY Children’s Museum
Eligibility: Open to students between the ages 15-17 who are currently enrolled in high school and have completed all nine gallery volunteer opportunities, with a minimum GPA of 2.5
Stipend: $12/hour + passes to the Museum
Location: DISCOVERY Children’s Museum, Las Vegas, NV
Application Deadline: Rolling | Year round | Apply here
Dates: 6 months during the academic year
The YouthWorks Internship program is an inclusive, highly competitive program with limited positions that are designed for high school students between the ages of 15-17. The program aims to give you educational and career guidance, work readiness, and life skills training in an interdisciplinary museum setting.
The program goes on for 6 months (and can even be extended for an extra 6 months) and will allow you to work alongside staff members and experience the different aspects of work in a museum. Some of your work will include engaging with guests at the museum and explaining exhibits. You’ll also get to attend professional development workshops while improving your professional etiquette, time management, teamwork skills and communication, and more.
10. James Lathrop & Wayne Capurro Memorial Internship Program in Wildlife Management
Eligibility: Applicants must be high school students or undergraduates in wildlife management or a related field and have a minimum 2.50 GPA and a valid driving license. See more info here.
Stipend: Stipend available
Location: One of NDOW’s three administrative regions: Western (Reno), Eastern (Elko), or Southern (Las Vegas)
Application Deadline: February
Dates: Summer
The James Lathrop and Wayne Capurro Memorial Internship offers graduating Nevada high school seniors and current college undergraduates passionate about wildlife management a chance to gain hands-on experience while earning funds for their education. As a selected intern, you will work as a paid seasonal employee with the Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW), receiving valuable on-the-job training to enhance your college studies and future careers.
Funded by Nevada Bighorns Unlimited and the Nevada Wildlife Record Book, this program honors the legacy of two dedicated conservationists who made significant contributions to Nevada’s wildlife management. This paid seasonal internship involves camping, hiking, and physically demanding tasks such as transporting materials, constructing wildlife structures, conducting surveys, and radio telemetry tracking in remote areas.
You will often work and camp alone in mountainous regions, driving manual and 4WD vehicles on rough roads, with the ability to change flat tires and install tire chains when needed. You will be expected to relocate across different parts of the state each summer, sometimes living alone in rural camp trailers.
11. Nurse Camp at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas
Eligibility: Open to current high school students and recent high school graduates interested in a nursing career
Cost: Registration fees are $550, with a $50 discount for dependents of UNLV employees or full-time UNLV students.
Location: University of Nevada, Las Vegas main campus
Application Deadline: Rolling | Refer to the website for further information on upcoming dates.
Dates: 2-3 sessions in July (tentative)
The UNLV Nurse Camp aims to support and encourage high school students interested in a nursing career. As a participant, you will be exposed to academic, clinical, and community activities to develop realistic expectations about nursing school and working as a registered nurse.
If you’re interested in exploring the field of nursing, this program is for you. It will provide you with a hands-on experience that includes a comprehensive understanding of the nursing profession and its various specialties. You will get to build your practical knowledge in areas like patient care, medical procedures, and healthcare ethics via interactive workshops, simulations, and clinical observations. The program also emphasizes the importance of critical thinking, problem-solving, and effective communication in the nursing profession.
12. Exploring Careers in Health
Eligibility: Open to high school students in grades 9-12
Cost: Free
Location: Sierra Nevada Memorial Hospital Dignity Health, Nevada County
Application Deadline: Refer to the website for further information on upcoming dates.
Dates: This information is not available.
The Sierra Nevada Memorial Hospital Dignity Health, Nevada County Superintendent of Schools, and Yuba College sponsor a free program for students entering grades 9-12 to explore careers in health care. The program, designed to introduce students to a wide range of medical fields, includes hands-on activities, CPR/First Aid certification, and opportunities to interact with healthcare professionals.
As a participant, you will gain direct experience through visits to facilities like Sierra College’s Allied Health Center and spend time with professionals across various specialties, from certified nursing assistants to physical therapists. This immersive experience will help you envision your future in health care and understand the academic paths required to succeed.
View the flyer for the fall program here.