12 Internships for High School Students in Pennsylvania
As a high school student, participating in an internship is a great way to get hands-on experience in the field of your choice. It also gives you more insight into the potential career paths in your preferred field and the chance to hone practical skills that will help you in the future. Internships also help you build a professional network, benefit from guidance from mentors, and create a strong resume.
Having an internship on your resume is a great way to strengthen your college applications. It shows the admissions teams that you’re dedicated to your work, passionate about your field, and eager to learn – traits college admission officers look for!
In this blog, we’ve compiled a list of 12 internships for high school students in Pennsylvania for you to consider.
Location: Virtual
Cost: $2490-$7400 | Some financial aid is available
Application Deadline: Multiple deadlines throughout the year.
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year, including Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter.
Eligibility: Open to all high school students who can work 5-10 hours per week.
Ladder Internships offer high school students virtual internships with startups and not-for-profits across the globe. Based on your skills and interests, you will be placed in a field of your choice, whether it’s finance, software engineering, media, or more. The program is selective, with a nearly 10% acceptance rate for last year’s cohort.
As an intern, you’ll get to take part in real-world projects that are essential to the company and present your work at the end of the internship. The program also includes close collaboration with a manager from the company and a Ladder Coach through 1-on-1 and group training sessions. This ensures you receive the guidance, mentorship, and professional skill development required to excel in the field of your choice.
2. Penn Summer Science Initiative (PSSI)
Location: University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
Cost: Free
Application Deadline: Applications open in November and close in March.
Internship Dates: 4 weeks in July
Eligibility: Open to high school students who have taken chemistry or physics courses, are U.S. citizens or permanent residents, and live within daily commuting distance.
The Penn Summer Science Initiative (PSSI) is a free, four-week program designed for high school students with an interest in materials science and engineering. It is sponsored by Penn Materials Research Science and Engineering Center, MRSEC, and accepts only around 24-28 students each year. Additionally, students from under-represented groups in science are encouraged to apply.
As a participant, you will benefit from materials science workshops, formal lectures from Penn faculty and other researchers, and lab report writing seminars, as well as field trips and other hands-on activities. You’ll get to learn all about thermal analysis techniques, x-ray diffraction, mechanical testing, and more. Aside from that, you’ll also be expected to work on projects, reports, and assignments outside of your daily working hours.
3. Johns Hopkins Internship in Brain Sciences (JHIBS)
Location: Virtual (there’s an in-person option too)
Stipend: $500 scholarship
Application Deadline: Applications open in December and typically close in March.
Internship Dates: 5 weeks from July to August.
Eligibility: Open to high school juniors and seniors from underrepresented populations across the United States
The Johns Hopkins Internship in Brain Sciences (JHIBS) is an esteemed summer research initiative tailored for high school juniors and seniors. The program provides you with the unique chance to foster a passion for careers in neurological sciences through hands-on experience.
As a participant, you will benefit from professional development workshops, college prep courses, mentorship training, and networking opportunities. You’ll also learn more about biomedical research, the scientific method, and more. The goal of the program, after all, is to equip you with the skills, knowledge, and critical thinking needed to thrive in the STEM field of your choice.
4. Smithsonian Science Education Center Internship Program
Location: Virtual
Stipend: Stipends available for certain internship opportunities
Application Deadline: Applications typically run in March; be sure to check the website for updates on the upcoming session.
Internship Dates: Internships usually take place between May and August
Eligibility: Open to high school students who are at least 16 years of age. Some internships may require completing a federal background check before commencing.
The Smithsonian Science Education Center (SSEC) offers engaging internships designed for high school and college students passionate about STEM education. These internships, which are mostly virtual and last between 8-10 weeks, involve various tasks such as content creation, curriculum development, and research support. As a participant, you will gain hands-on experience while contributing to meaningful educational projects. While no specific preparation is necessary, having strong writing, research, or media skills is essential.
These internships provide a unique opportunity for you to receive mentorship from experts and to work on projects that align with your career interests. By the end of the internship, you will have enhanced your professional skills and developed a clearer understanding of your career path. If you’re looking to build a strong foundation in STEM education outside of the classroom, then consider exploring this internship opportunity further.
5. Magee-Womens Research Institute (MWRI) High School Summer Internship
Location: Pittsburgh, PA
Cost/Stipend: Free | Stipend of $1,800 available to students whose household qualifies for the National School Breakfast and Lunch Program for Pennsylvania
Application Deadline: Applications usually close in Jan
Internship Dates: This is a 6-week summer program that starts around June.
Eligibility: Open to high school sophomores or juniors who are over 16 years old by the program start date, permanent residents in the local southwest Pennsylvania region, and interested in biomedical research.
The Magee-Womens Research Institute (MWRI) High School Summer Internship program is designed to allow high school students to learn more about biomedical research by participating in basic, translational, or clinical scientific research. As part of the program, you will also attend informal Lunch & Learn sessions, where you will learn more about biomedical science as a career.
During this 6-week program, you will engage more with women’s health and reproductive biology from the Magee-Womens Research Institute (MWRI) faculty. You will also get to work on your own research project under the guidance of industry professionals. Finally, at the end of the program, you will present your research findings to your peers and members of the MWRI staff.
6. NASA Office of STEM Engagement (OSTEM) Internships
Location: Remote | NASA centers across the country
Stipend: Most interns receive a stipend, but there are few unpaid volunteering opportunities available.
Application Deadline: Summer: February | Fall: May
Internship Dates: Summer: Late May-August | Fall: Late August-Mid December
Eligibility: Applicants must be a full-time high school student, 16 years old when applying, and have a 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale.
The NASA Internship Program offers high school students the unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience at NASA centers across the country. This program, available during spring, summer, and fall, will immerse you in real-world projects, ranging from engineering and technology to science and business operations.
As a participant, you will collaborate with NASA professionals and apply classroom knowledge to groundbreaking work. You’ll also benefit from networking opportunities. Preparing in advance by building a strong academic record and cultivating relevant skills in STEM fields will be crucial. Despite the competitive nature of the application process, this internship will be a great experience, especially if you’re looking to pursue careers in space and technology.
7. Internships at the Foreign Policy Research Institute (FPRI)
Location: Offers both in-person and virtual internships
Stipend: Part-time paid opportunities are available
Application Deadline: Spring: Closes in November (apply here!) | Summer: Opens in February (deadline date not released yet)
Internship Dates: Spring: February-May | Summer: June-August
Eligibility: High school students authorized to work in the U.S. are encouraged to apply. There are no restrictions on nationality.
The Foreign Policy Research Institute (FPRI) offers a dynamic internship program that provides high school students with the opportunity to engage in meaningful research and contribute to the field of international relations. You should be prepared with strong writing and research abilities, as these will be essential in completing your tasks.
As an intern, you will work alongside FPRI scholars, assisting with research, event planning, and content creation. This experience is designed to hone your critical thinking and analytical skills, giving you a significant advantage in your academic and professional future. Familiarity with foreign policy topics can be beneficial but is not mandatory.
The FPRI internship also gives you the chance to develop research and analytical skills in international relations, providing hands-on experience and expert mentorship that can significantly enhance your academic and career prospects.
8. Wistar’s High School Fellowship in Biomedical Research
Location: The Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, PA
Stipend: Students will receive a stipend of $1000 upon completion
Application Deadline: TBD | Application details will be posted in January, so be sure to check the website then.
Internship Dates: Weekdays, from July to August
Eligibility: Students must be at least 16 years old, have finished at least one high school science course, and be fully vaccinated against COVID-19.
Wistar’s High School Fellowship in Biomedical Research is an immersive and competitive biomedical research program that only accepts 15 students every year. This program is geared towards high school students interested in experiencing the ins and outs of biomedical research. Students from underrepresented backgrounds – ethnic or racial minorities or those with disabilities – or socioeconomically disadvantaged backgrounds are encouraged to apply.
For four weeks during the summer, you will get to learn about biomedical laboratory techniques and best practices as well as contribute to active Wistar science projects. You will also learn how to read scientific literature, explore your interests and potential careers in biomedical research, and finally present your work at the end of the program.
9. Stanford University’s SHTEM Summer Internships
Location: Virtual
Stipend: Unpaid
Application Deadline: Fill out this form to be notified when applications open. Applications generally close in February.
Internship Dates: 8 weeks | June-August (tentatively)
Eligibility: Open to high school juniors or seniors who are at least 14 years old by the time the program starts
The Stanford SHTEM Summer Internship program offers high school and community college students the chance to explore the world of cutting-edge research in science, humanities, and technology. During this virtual internship, you will collaborate with Stanford faculty on projects that merge STEM and the humanities, gaining valuable experience in research and interdisciplinary studies. You will be involved in various tasks, such as data analysis, literature review, and project design, which help develop your critical thinking and technical skills.
Preparation for this internship requires a solid foundation in relevant subjects, a keen interest in interdisciplinary research, and the ability to work independently. By the end of the program, you will have produced research that could contribute to ongoing projects at Stanford, enhancing your academic profiles and opening doors for future academic and career opportunities in STEM and humanities fields.
Location: Virtual
Cost: There’s no fee to apply to this program.
Application Deadline: Applications generally run from January to March; be sure to check the website in January for updates on the next session.
Internship Dates: 2 weeks | June (tentatively)
Eligibility:
- Applicants must be in grades 9-12 and over the age of 14 by the start of the program.
- Open to U.S. applicants only.
Stanford’s AIMI Summer Research Internship provides high school students with the opportunity to explore the intersection of artificial intelligence (AI) and medical imaging. During this two-week virtual program, you will work closely with Stanford faculty and researchers on cutting-edge AI projects that have real-world applications in healthcare. Your tasks may include data analysis, coding, and understanding AI algorithms, allowing you to develop both technical and analytical skills essential for future careers in STEM.
To make the most of this internship, you should have a strong interest in AI and a basic understanding of programming languages like Python. Prior experience in coding or familiarity with medical imaging concepts is beneficial but not mandatory. By the end of the program, you will have gained hands-on experience in a highly specialized field, which will boost your academic profile.
11. Aspiring Scientists Summer Internship Program (ASSIP) by George Mason University
Location: Remote | George Mason University, VA | Hybrid
Cost: $25 application fee (can be waived based on financial need)
Application Deadline: Applications open in December, and close in February.
Internship Dates: 8 weeks | June -August
Eligibility: Applicants must be at least 15 years old by the time the program starts
The Aspiring Scientists Summer Internship Program (ASSIP) at George Mason University offers high school students the chance to immerse themselves in scientific research. In order to be more accessible, this program offers both remote and in-person options. As a participant, you will get to work closely with GMU faculty and researchers on projects in fields such as neuroscience, bioengineering, and environmental science. You will also engage in hands-on experiments, data analysis, and scientific writing, gaining invaluable experience in real-world research settings.
To excel in ASSIP, you should have a strong foundation in science and an eagerness to learn. While familiarity with basic research methods or lab work is beneficial, it is not expected of you. After all, this program is designed to help students grow in these areas.
12. Internships at the Smithsonian National Zoo (Veterinary Medicine)
Location: In-person and remote opportunities are available
Stipend: Opportunities with stipends are available
Application Deadline: Deadlines vary for different opportunities
Internship Dates: Varies for different opportunities
Eligibility: Applications are open to high school students; find available opportunities here.
The Smithsonian’s National Zoo offers a variety of internships that provide high school students the chance to gain hands-on experience in wildlife conservation, animal care, and research.
These internships allow you to work alongside experts in fields, such as veterinary medicine, nutrition, and ecology. Your work may involve assisting in daily animal care, participating in research projects, or contributing to educational outreach programs.
By the end of the internship, you will have gained invaluable insights into zoo operations and wildlife conservation, making it an excellent stepping stone for future careers in animal science and environmental stewardship.