13 Internships for High School Students in San Diego
High school internships can bridge the gap between what you learn in the classroom and how you apply that knowledge in the real world. Internships will give you the opportunity to get practical, real-world experience while still in school, develop new, useful skill sets, explore potential career paths, and build a strong roadmap to your future.
If you’re a high schooler in San Diego thinking about your college major, your potential career options, then we’ve got just the list for you. San Diego county and surrounding cities offer a range of internship opportunities designed for students like you. Whether you're interested in science, technology, governance, or business, there's an opportunity for you to explore.
These internships will not just help you build a professional network, but also boost your college applications. It tells admissions officers that you’re a driven student, motivated to put in the extra effort to pursue your interests and build a foundation of knowledge and experience before college begins.
In this blog, we’ve listed 14 opportunities for high school students in San Diego, so you can get a head start on your career.
Eligibility: Open to all high school students who can work for 10–20 hours per week, for 8–12 weeks. The internships are also open to undergraduates and gap-year students!
Application Deadline: Multiple deadlines throughout the year.
Dates: 8-week programs with multiple cohorts throughout the year. The summer cohort deadline is April 14, 2024.
Cost: Starting at $1,990. Financial assistance is available.
Location: Virtual!
Ladder Internships is a selective internship program designed to connect ambitious high students with startups and nonprofits across the world. These organizations work in a number of different industries, ranging from technology and computer science, healthcare and medicine, finance, environmental science and sustainability to business and marketing, media and journalism, and more. You can choose a field you wish to work in!
You will work on a real-world project during the internship, and present your work at the end of the program. In addition to working closely with your manager and Ladder coach, you will receive guidance and mentorship from them. The program includes 1-on-1 and group professional skill development training sessions.
2. Pathmaker Internship at Palomar Health
Eligibility: Students who are at least 16 years old before starting the application process may apply.
Application Deadline: There are four internship rotations in a year, four application rounds in October, January, April, and July.
Dates: There are four 6-month internship rotations in a year, starting March, June, September, and December.
Cost/Stipend: There is a $150 onboarding fee (payable if accepted). No information on the stipend is available at the moment.
Location: Palomar Medical Center Escondido, Escondido, CA (about 30 minutes from San Diego)
Pathmaker Internships with Palomar Health provide hands-on experience for both high school and college-level students interested in pursuing careers in all fields of the healthcare industry. As a Pathmaker intern, you will work alongside and learn from healthcare professionals in different sections of the industry, where you and your mentors will work together to provide patient support and aid. This is a 6-month internship that offers hands-on experience in a real-life hospital setting.
You are expected to work alongside and support Palomar staff and graduate students. Through this process you will gain insight into what it means to work in the healthcare industry. By participating in daily operations, helping out with patient care tasks and interacting with patients you will learn what it takes to be on the front lines of a medical center. This would be a great option for any high school students interested in medical school.
3. Science and Engineering Apprenticeship Program (SEAP) by the Department of Navy (DoN)
Eligibility: High school students who have completed at least grade 9, are at least 16 years old when the internship begins, can apply. Graduating seniors are eligible as well. There is room for some exceptions. Students are recommended to check whether their preferred lab choice has any other particular requirements.
Application deadline: Applications open in August and close on November 1st every year.
Dates: Eight weeks in the summer. Exact dates are not provided at the moment.
Stipend: $4,000 (new participant) | $4,500 (returning participant)
Location: While there are several lab locations to choose from, students in San Diego may select Naval Information Warfare Center, San Diego, CA.
The Science and Engineering Apprenticeship Program (SEAP) is a prestigious, selective program that places high-achieving high school students in Department of Navy (DoN) laboratories across the country, allowing you to contribute to real Naval research. As a SEAP intern, you are provided the opportunity to expand your STEM horizons, in a number of disciplines such as computer science and aeronautics, while learning about Naval research and technology and receiving mentorship from the country’s top scientists and engineers.
Highly competitive, SEAP accepts around 300 interns and places them in more than 38 laboratories around the country. If you are interested in the Navy or a career in a STEM field, many interns end up going on to careers within the Department of Navy.
4. Heithoff-Brody High School Scholars Program at the Salk Institute
Eligibility: Students who are San Diego County residents, have completed their most recent semester of high school at a public or private high school within San Diego County, are at least 16 years old on or before June 26, 2023, have completed at least one year each of high school level chemistry and biology, can apply. Check the page for all the program requirements.
Application deadline: April 5, 2024
Dates: June 17, 2024 - August 9, 2024 | 30-40 hours per week
Stipend: $17 per hour
Location: Salk Institute, La Jolla, CA (about 20 minutes from San Diego)
The Heithoff-Brody High School Scholars Program is an 8-week, paid internship that can help you figure out which STEM field you wish to pursue. This program is an opportunity for you to dive into cutting-edge research projects in a competitive environment with scientists, researchers, and scholars at the renowned Salk Institute. Apart from conducting research, the program focuses on guidance and is designed to be a supportive and passionate learning environment for its scholars.
During this program, you will learn laboratory techniques and work alongside mentors and peers on research projects. This means you will have the opportunity to gain real-life laboratory and research experience, which will help you sharpen the mental tools needed for both an academic and professional STEM career. During the internship, you will find yourself honing your critical thinking and problem-solving skills, along with your communication skills.
5. Student Research Internship Programs at Scripps Research Translational Institute
The institute offers two internships under this program: one focused on translational science (I - Student Research Internship Program and the other on precision medicine (II - Medical Student Research Internship Program). Both have substantial overlap in subjects covered.
Eligibility: Highly motivated students in high school who will be at least 16 years old before the internship begins can apply.
Application deadline: March 30, 2024 (I) and February 29, 2024 (II)
Dates:
- June 3, 2024 – August 9, 2024 OR June 17, 2024 - August 23, 2024 (I)
- May 20, 2024 - July 29, 2024 (II)
If these dates do not work for you, the institute recommends you note your specific available dates in your application (You are required to give 10 weeks for I, 8 weeks for II).
Stipend: For I, information on funding is yet to be updated. For II, a stipend will be provided; travel and housing expenses will be covered.
Location: Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA (about 20 minutes from San Diego). The institute provides a few resources to help students find housing.
The fairly competitive 10-week internship brings together 40 talented and motivated students (high school, undergraduate, graduate and professional) from across the country for an immersive, college-level research experience. During the program, you will learn about current topics in translational science, precision medicine, focusing on digital health, clinical genomics, and community engagement. You will also study design and analysis procedures relevant for translational research, including genomic/genetic association studies. You will observe the steps of proposing, designing, undertaking and analyzing clinical trials. At the end of the program, you will present a scientific concept to your peers and mentors. Based on your interests, you will be assigned a primary mentor for the program who will guide and advise you.
6. Bank of America Student Leaders Program
Eligibility: Current high school juniors and seniors are eligible to apply. See all eligibility criteria here.
Application Deadline: Applications open in October and typically close in January.
Dates: 8-week summer internship, including an all expenses-covered week-long Student Leadership Summit in Washington, DC. Dates vary by location, but the internship usually begins shortly after the school year ends.
Stipend: It is a paid internship, but no information is available on the exact amount. The trip to Washington DC is covered by the bank!
Location: The program is held all across the country – you will be assigned a local non-profit organization to work with in your region/area, in San Diego, that the Bank of America has partnered with for the program. The Leadership Summit will be held in Washington DC.
This reputed program selects about 300 driven high school students from over 100 diverse communities. You will have the opportunity to connect with professionals in the banking and financial industry. This program aims to foster community-mindedness, encouraging and training students who are passionate about improving their community. You will work at a local non-profit organization, developing your leadership and community skills. While you learn about the various aspects of running such an organization, engage in community service projects and develop a deeper understanding of social issues, you will simultaneously work on skills that will aid in your future academics and career.
During the program, you will engage in real-world projects and assignments related to financial analysis and community leadership.. The internship includes a week-long Student Leadership Summit held in Washington, DC. The travel, food and stay for the same will be covered by the bank.
7. J. Craig Venter Institute’s High School Internship
Eligibility: High school students aged 16 and above can apply.
Application deadline: Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, as received once the position is posted.
Dates: May - August, with occasional opportunities offered throughout the year.
Stipend: $17 per hour
Location: J. Craig Venter Institute, La Jolla, CA (20 mins from San Diego)
The JCVI Summer Internship Program is held during the summer months, and provides motivated high-school, undergraduate and graduate students with an in-depth, structured research experience in STEM that includes working with a mentor, the opportunity to collaborate with world-class scientists, exciting projects tailored to your academic experience, and access to state-of-the-art equipment and technology.
During the course of this internship, there are multiple workshops offered that are designed to help develop your scientific and professional skills. These include journal clubs, career development sessions and multi-disciplinary scientific seminars. With the goal of mentoring and inspiring the next generation of great scientists, this internship would be a great option for any student interested in pursuing an academic career in STEM.
8. San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance Internships
Eligibility: There is no specific eligibility criteria mentioned for the internships. All high school students should be eligible.
Application Deadline: Applications typically close January-end.
Dates: 12 weeks over the summer.
Cost/Stipend: There is no cost. There are both paid and unpaid opportunities, but no information on the exact amount is available at the moment.
Location: San Diego Zoo, San Diego, CA
The San Diego Zoo offers multiple different internship opportunities, both paid and on a volunteer basis. The Wildlife Alliance Internship is unpaid but provides you the chance to get up close and personal with many of the animals living at the San Diego Zoo. With a primary focus on conservation, habitat restoration, and wildlife behaviors, this internship would offer any student interested in wildlife a fun and educational experience.
To qualify for this internship, you are encouraged to be pursuing a degree in biology, zoology, or wildlife management, though it is not a requirement. You will spend your time working alongside experienced wildlife care specialists and contributing to the well-being of the animals while learning about their behaviors, habitats, and conservation needs. The San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance Internship would be a fun and unique opportunity if you live in the San Diego area.
9. San Diego District Office Internship at Congressman Scott Peters’ Office
Eligibility: High school seniors are eligible to apply.
Application deadline: December 13 (spring internships) | April 1 (summer internships) | September 1 (fall internships)
Program dates: Internships are offered every quarter. Interns will work 20 hours a week, for 10-12 weeks, depending on the availability of the students who apply.
Stipend: $16.85 per hour
Location: Congressman Scott Peters’ San Diego District Office
If you’re interested in politics, public policy and governance, this internship opportunity at Congressman Scott Peters’ office is a good option for you. As an intern, you will be given a number of tasks, including day-to-day office responsibilities such as answering phones, drafting letters, and addressing constituent inquiries. You will have the chance to contribute to constituent casework and significant district-based projects. The internship emphasizes community outreach, offering plenty of opportunities to connect with the local community and gain valuable insights into the legislative process. With this program, you can develop essential skills, build professional relationships, and contribute to the betterment of San Diego's constituents under the guidance of the congressman’s team.
10. Internships with the City of San Diego
There are a number of internships offered by different city departments. There isn’t no specific application deadline or set of program dates for this program.
Eligibility: Most internships offered are open to all students in high school. Students are recommended to check their preferred department’s internship requirements before applying.
Dates: Year-round, though certain positions may have more specific options.
Stipend: Varies depending on role.
Location: Across various city department offices in San Diego.
The City of San Diego offers a range of paid internships for high school students, in its various departments – a chance to gain hands-on experiences and explore potential career paths in public policy and governance. These internships are designed to provide training and mentorship from professionals in various city departments, such as finance, energy and the environment, architecture, tourism, communication, public services and more.
Through any of the opportunities listed here, you’ll get hands-on experiences while also exploring potential career paths. You can apply for as many internship opportunities as you want, and decide later on which one is right for you. As an intern, you will work on city projects, participate in team meetings, and collaborate with experienced professionals. Working for your city will not only give you a chance to network, but help you form an idea of what a future career interest may be!
11. The San Diego Natural History Museum Youth Internship Program
Eligibility: High school students 16 years or older can apply. Note, to qualify, students must be enrolled in an internship program through school and receive course credit, and a formal agreement with the school is necessary.
Application Deadline: Applications are accepted year-round.
Dates: Flexible, year-round internships are offered.
Cost/Stipend: There is no cost, and the program is unpaid.
Location: San Diego Natural History Museum, San Diego, CA
The San Diego Natural History Museum Youth Internship Program offers unpaid internship opportunities for high school students interested in natural history. As an intern, you will work across three departments: Entomology, Paleontology, and Botany. If any of these three sound interesting to you, even if you don’t know much about them, the museum provides training and guidance for all its interns, though at least one course in general biology is required.
Through this program you will learn more about the world around you, and potentially get ideas for future career possibilities. This internship would be a good idea for any student looking to boost their profile before pursuing a STEM-based college major or career. This internship is also year-round as needed by the museum, so if you have any free time after school hours that you are looking to fill, look no further!
The next three opportunities listed below are unpaid volunteer opportunities, however, they offer a structure very similar to an internship.
12. Sharp Memorial Hospital High School Internship
Eligibility: High school students who are at least 15 years old are eligible. See all requirements here.
Application Deadline: Applications for the 2024 program will open in the spring.
Dates: There are no specific dates. The program requires a minimum of 100 hours of volunteer service.
Location: Sharp Memorial Hospital, San Diego, CA
Sharp Hospitals across San Diego invite high school volunteers to assist in various patient care departments. With this opportunity, you will gain valuable experience and exposure to the field of medicine and healthcare, as you assist hospital staff and interact with patients.
Volunteer hours are easy and flexible to schedule and can be utilized in many different areas: Emergency department (currently closed), Family Resource Center, Patient ambassador, Integrative healing therapies, (Healing Touch, Reiki, Music and Pet Therapy), Nursing units, Occupational and physical therapy (shifts are weekdays only, between 9 am and 4 pm), Pharmacy (limited, and primarily clerical), Postoperative areas, and Upscale boutiques. Note, this is not a summer-only internship.
13. Volunteer at the San Diego Air and Space Museum
Eligibility: All high school students are eligible. The website does not mention any specific eligibility requirements.
Application Deadline: Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
Dates: Internships typically run year-round, after school and on weekends.
Location: San Diego Air and Space Museum, San Diego, CA
The San Diego Air and Space Museum invites high school, undergraduate and graduate students to volunteer in their Library & Archives, Graphics and Restoration departments.
If you choose to volunteer in the Library & Archives, you should be familiar with (or have a strong interest in) aviation history, space exploration, library science, or have a research background, with writing and computer skills. If you possess a background in machine shop operations, aircraft construction, wood or metal fabrication, aircraft engine construction, or aircraft maintenance, you should consider volunteering in the Restoration department. There is also a wide range of opportunities to volunteer in the Graphic Design department, (ranging from artistic renderings to the more technical mechanical drawings). You can utilize your skills to develop floor plans for exhibits, as well as promotional materials, brochures and flyers. This would be especially fitting if you have experience with InDesign, Photoshop, AutoCAD, or related software. Based on your school policy, you may be eligible for academic credit with this internship.
14. Volunteer at the San Diego Public Library
Eligibility: All high school students should be eligible.
Application Deadline: Applications are open year-round.
Dates: Internships are offered year-round.
Location: San Diego public libraries.
Libraries are more than spaces for children and adults to read. They provide a safe space to learn, relax, and explore your interests. The San Diego Public Library's Volunteer Program invites individuals who respect and care about their local libraries and communities, to help keep San Diego’s libraries running. The library's dedicated volunteers are an important and necessary part of the operation. As an intern, you will help the library utilize its limited resources to fulfill its mission of inspiring lifelong learning through connections to knowledge and each other.
The San Diego Public Library has a long and ongoing history of working closely with its staff and volunteers. The volunteers that come from all ages, backgrounds, skill sets and phases of life are the reason San Diego’s libraries stay up and running – which in turn helps support the local community and the library staff to extend the services and programs the library can offer to the public.
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 Ladder Internships and a Harvard College graduate.