12 Internships for High School Students in Virginia
If you’re a high school student working on your college applications, you could consider participating in an internship! Internships can help shape your career path by providing valuable hands-on work experience. They also allow you to develop leadership skills and build valuable professional relationships. Another benefit of internships is that they give you access to guidance and support from mentors and professionals in the field you’re interested in.
In this blog, we’ve curated a list of 12 internships for high school students in Virginia that you can consider.
1. Ladder Internships
Location: Virtual
Cost: Starts at $2490 (financial aid available)
Application Deadline: Multiple deadlines throughout the year.
Dates: 8-week program with multiple cohorts throughout the year, including Summer, Fall, Winter, and Spring.
Eligibility: Open to high school students who can work 10-20 hours per week. The internships are also open to undergraduates and gap-year students.
Ladder Internships is a selective program founded by Harvard alumni that aims to provide high school students with access to virtual internships with international NGOs and businesses. Students can choose the industry and area they wish to work in based on their preferences.
As a participant, you will work on a real-world project that matters to the company and will provide a final presentation of your work. You’ll also benefit from mentoring, which will give you the chance to work with seasoned professionals, take part in cutting-edge research, and support deserving causes. A Ladder Coach will be your second mentor in addition to your startup manager. The program also offers one-on-one skill training and group training sessions with other interns.
2. Virginia Museum of Fine Arts Teen Terns
Location: Richmond, VA
Stipend: This is a paid internship (the details of the amount are not mentioned on the website).
Dates: This is a summer program that goes on from June to August.
Application Deadline: Check the website for application updates!
Eligibility: Open to high school students (grades 10-12). Please note that Summer Teen Ternships are ONLY open to students who have participated in the MLiT Program.
The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts (VMFA) Teen Terns program offers an opportunity for high school students to gain hands-on experience in the art world while developing professional skills. This immersive program provides teenagers a chance to work closely with museum staff on a variety of projects, from assisting with exhibitions to engaging in educational programming.
One key responsibility includes researching and providing recommendations for museum programs for the museum's target audiences. Participants also have the opportunity to learn about art conservation, curatorial practices, and museum administration, making it a valuable experience for those interested in the arts or museum careers.
3. Bank of America – Student Leaders Program
Location: Multiple locations. Please see the details here.
Stipend: Stipend available (amount details unspecified)
Dates: 8 weeks in summer (typically June to August)
Application Deadline: Usually closes in January or February every year
Eligibility: Open to high school juniors and seniors (grades 11-12) who are legally authorized to work in the U.S.
The Bank of America Student Leader Internship Program is a summer internship designed to empower high school juniors and seniors with leadership experience and a deeper understanding of the non-profit sector.
Throughout the program, selected students engage in meaningful work at local non-profits, where they contribute to impactful projects and gain valuable career skills. In addition to hands-on experience, interns participate in a leadership summit in Washington, D.C., where they network with peers and professionals, attend workshops, and hear from prominent speakers about leadership and civic engagement. By fostering a commitment to community service and leadership, this internship aims to develop the next generation of civic-minded leaders.
4. Commonwealth Cyber Initiative High School Internship
Location: Richmond, VA
Stipend: $2,150
Dates: A total of 7 weeks over the summer
Application Deadline: Typically in spring every year.
Eligibility: Open to rising high school seniors from Indianapolis and all Marion County public schools.
The Commonwealth Cyber Initiative High School Internship Program offers an opportunity for high school students to explore the fields of cybersecurity and digital technology. The program includes a two-week professional skills training boot camp that happens both virtually and in person and a five-week industry placement with a cyber-related business.
Through this program, participants gain hands-on experience working alongside cybersecurity professionals and researchers and tackling real-world challenges in a supportive and educational environment. As an intern, you will engage in various activities, including coding projects, security analysis, and problem-solving exercises, all while exploring career paths in the rapidly evolving field of cybersecurity. The program emphasizes skill development, critical thinking, and collaboration.
5. Smithsonian National Zoo Internships in Veterinary Sciences
Location: Virtual | Front Royal, Virginia
Stipend: Stipend available (amount depends on program)
Dates: Depends on the program
Application Deadline: Depends on the program
Eligibility: Must be a student (U.S. citizenship not required)
The Smithsonian National Zoo's Internship in Veterinary Sciences offers an immersive experience for high school students interested in animal care and veterinary medicine, allowing them to gain hands-on experience working alongside a team of skilled veterinarians and animal care professionals.
Interns are involved in a variety of tasks, from assisting with routine medical procedures and observing surgeries to participating in daily animal care activities. This exposure not only deepens their understanding of veterinary practices but also allows them to witness the complex, behind-the-scenes work that goes into maintaining the health and well-being of the zoo's diverse animal population.
In addition to practical experience, you will benefit from educational seminars and workshops led by experts in the field. These sessions cover a range of topics, including animal anatomy, disease management, and conservation efforts, helping students connect theoretical knowledge with real-world applications.
6. Johns Hopkins Internships in Brain Sciences (JHIBS)
Location: Virtual
Stipend: $500
Dates: 5 weeks from July to August | Applications in December.
Application Deadline: Typically in March
Eligibility: Open to current high school juniors and seniors from underrepresented populations in the U.S.
The Johns Hopkins Internships in Brain Sciences (JHIBS) program provides high school students with the opportunity to explore the field of neuroscience. It offers a comprehensive introduction to the study of the brain, incorporating interactive virtual labs, online seminars, and real-time discussions with leading neuroscientists.
As a participant, you will engage in activities that simulate research experiences, such as analyzing brain imaging data and exploring the latest advancements in neurotechnology. Through these virtual experiences, students gain a deep understanding of the complexities of brain function and the innovative methods used to study neurological processes.
Beyond hands-on activities, the JHIBS Virtual Experience includes a robust educational component with live lectures and Q&A sessions led by Johns Hopkins faculty and researchers.
7. George Mason University Data Analytics for Elite Young Scholars
Location: Fairfax, VA
Cost: $3,400 (need-based scholarship available)
Dates: June-July (tentatively)
Application Deadline: Typically early spring
Eligibility: Must be high school and college students with an interest in data analytics, biology, or medical sciences.
This is an internship for students interested in the intersection of data analytics and the biological and medical sciences. It provides participants with hands-on training in data collection, statistical analysis, and interpretation within the context of biological research and medical applications.
As an intern, you will work closely with faculty and researchers to tackle real-world problems, gaining valuable insights into how data-driven approaches can advance scientific knowledge and healthcare solutions. The program is designed to enhance students' understanding of data science methodologies while applying them to critical issues in biology and medicine. In addition to the practical skills gained, the program includes educational sessions and workshops that cover both theoretical concepts and practical techniques in data analytics.
8. Virginia Tech Summer Research Program to Enhance Diversity
Location: Blacksburg, VA
Stipend: $4,800
Dates: 8 weeks in the summer
Application Deadline: Typically around April
Eligibility: Must be a rising high school junior or senior in the Roanoke Valley with a cumulative GPA of 3.0.
This program provides high school students, particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds, with a comprehensive research experience focused on understanding and improving health behaviors in various populations.
As an intern, you will work directly with seasoned researchers on projects that address critical health issues, employing advanced methodologies and innovative approaches to gather and analyze data. You will also get hands-on experience in conducting research, which will enhance your technical skills and deepen your understanding of the socio-cultural factors influencing health behaviors. Areas of research for students include neurobiological and decision-making sciences, molecular and clinical metabolic sciences, and implementation, dissemination, and health policy sciences.
9. Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory High School Summer Internship
Location: Virtual options available
Cost: $3000 (financial aid available)
Dates: This is a summer program that runs for 8-10 weeks (Monday to Friday, 40 hours/week); the exact dates and duration depend on the student’s school schedule.
Application Deadline: Typically in March
Eligibility: Graduating high school seniors who are at least 16 years old and are U.S. citizens or permanent residents.
PPPL's High School Summer Internship offers high school students the chance to work on a project with members of the laboratory’s research or engineering staff at Princeton.
As a participant, you will engage in a range of activities, from experimental work to computational simulations, gaining practical skills and insights into scientific research. The program will give you the chance to delve into various aspects of plasma physics, fusion energy, and related fields, broadening your understanding of these complex subjects. It is designed so you can ask questions and do the work to find your answers.
Note: While the High School Summer Internship is a commuter program, there are remote projects available. Be sure to indicate your preference for remote projects in your application form.
10. EnergyMag
Location: Virtual
Stipend: This is an unpaid internship.
Dates: Flexible. Students may lengthen their internship by a week or two if necessary.
Application Deadline: Applications are open all year round; you can apply on the website.
Eligibility: Sophomores, juniors, and seniors who have taken at least one honors science or honors English class with a minimum GPA of 3.25 can apply.
The EnergyMag High School Internship offers an opportunity for students passionate about energy and technology to engage with the evolving field of energy innovation. This program immerses high school interns in hands-on experiences related to energy storage, renewable technologies, and sustainable practices.
As an intern, you will work closely with industry professionals and researchers on real-world projects, which might include developing energy-efficient systems, analyzing performance data, or exploring new materials for energy applications. This practical experience not only enhances students' understanding of energy technologies but also provides them with skills that are relevant to the future of energy and engineering sectors.
11. Aspiring Scientists Summer Internship Program (ASSIP) at George Mason University
Location: Fairfax, VA
Cost: $25 application fee (may be waived based on financial need)
Dates: 8 weeks in the summer: June 18-Aug 8
Application Deadline: Applications open on Dec 2, and closes on Feb 2,
Eligibility: Interns for in-person, remote, or hybrid internships in computer labs must be 15 years or older by the time the program starts. Interns for "wet-lab" in-person or hybrid internships must be 16 or older by the time the program starts.
The Aspiring Scientists Summer Internship Program (ASSIP) provides high school students with unique research opportunities that provide hands-on experience and access to cutting-edge technologies. As a participant, you’ll have the chance to work one-on-one with faculty researchers at George Mason University and collaborating institutions across a number of different disciplines.
In addition to developing your scientific writing and communication abilities, you will get practical experience as an intern and learn about STEM career opportunities through meetings and conversations with role models. Additionally, you will be able to present at conferences and publish your findings in scholarly journals
Location: Various in Virginia. Check for a center near you here.
Stipend: Most programs provide a stipend, but some are volunteer opportunities.
Dates: Programs are available all year round
Application Deadline: Multiple deadlines throughout the year
Eligibility: Must be rising high school juniors and seniors with a minimum CGPA of 3.0.
High school and college students can support NASA's goal to advance science, technology, aeronautics, and space exploration through internships offered by the Office of STEM Engagement (OSTEM).
This program allows students to work side by side with mentors who are research scientists, engineers, and professionals from a wide range of other fields, giving students the chance to obtain real-world experience. Part-time or full-time internships are both possible, and they can take place at a NASA facility or center or even from the comforts of your home.