12 Internships for High School Students in Texas
If you're a high school student in Texas looking to spend your summer picking up a new skill or exploring a subject you're interested in, an internship is a great way to do that. Internships can give you an opportunity to bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world application. Whether you’re interested in science, engineering, medicine, law, marketing, or administration, these internships can help you refine your skills and enhance your college applications!
A high school internship will give you hands-on experience in a professional environment in your chosen field, allowing you to explore potential career options. An early practical experience like this will not only boost your profile but also help you network with seasoned experts, fostering professional relationships crucial for your future.
To help you get started, here’s our curated list of 12 internship opportunities for high school students in Texas!
Subject areas: Multidisciplinary
Location: Remote! You can work from anywhere in the world.
Cost: Starting at $1,990. Financial aid is available.
Dates: 8-week programs with multiple cohorts throughout the year, including spring, summer, fall, and winter. The next cohort starts on June 3, 2024.
Application Deadline: Multiple deadlines throughout the year. Summer cohort: April 14, 2024 (Regular Admission 1) | May 12, 2024 (Regular Admission 2)
Eligibility: Open to all high school students, who can work for 10-20 hours/week, for 8-12 weeks. These internships are also open to undergraduates and gap-year students!
Ladder Internships, a fairly selective program founded by Harvard alumni, pairs high school students with startups and nonprofits across the world for virtual internship opportunities. You can choose the field you wish to work in from a wide range of industries, including engineering, technology, machine learning, AI, computer science, health tech, media, journalism, sustainability and more. These internships provide a structured pathway for you to engage in real-world research and innovation, ensuring a balance between academic enrichment and practical skill development.
Partnered with startups across the United States, Asia, Europe, and the UK, this program will allow remote immersion in areas that pique your interests. It includes one-on-one communication and time management training, among other skills, and group training sessions with fellow interns. You will be paired with a manager at the startup and with a dedicated Ladder coach, who serves as a second mentor. You can explore all the available options here on their application form!
2. NASA Office of STEM Engagement (OSTEM) Internship Programs
Subject areas: Astrophysics, aeronautics, engineering, technology, space biology, climate science, geological science, artificial intelligence, and more.
Location: NASA centers across the country, including the Johnson Space Center in Houston. Students in Texas can select roles based on the state! Virtual options are offered as well.
Cost/Stipend: No cost. A stipend will be awarded based on academic level and session duration.
Dates: Spring session (Mid-January to Early May) | Summer session (Late May to August) | Fall session (Late August to Mid-December)
Application Deadline: July (Fall session) | November (Spring session) | April/May (Summer session)
Eligibility: Applicants must:
- Be a U.S. citizen.
- Have a cumulative 3.0 GPA (on a 4.0 scale).
- Be a full-time student (high school through graduate level) or a part-time college-level student enrolled in at least 6 semester hours.
- Be at least 16 years of age at the time of application (no exceptions).
NASA’s Office of STEM Engagement (OSTEM) offers paid internships to high school and college-level students based in its various sites across the country. These internship programs are tailored to provide hands-on experiences in tech fields, allowing you to engage with state-of-the-art technologies used in space exploration, satellite communication, and aerospace engineering. They also offer you an opportunity to gain practical work experience while working side-by-side with mentors who are research scientists, engineers, and individuals from many other professions.
Internships may be full-time or part-time; they may be in-person at a NASA center or even remote. You can check out a complete list of positions here - you may have to use the “Filter” option to see opportunities only open to high school students.
3. Anson L. Clark Scholars Program: Texas Tech University
Subject areas: Multiple research disciplines (Nutritional Sciences, Biology/Cellular & Microbiology, Computer Science, Neurobiology, Mechanical Engineering, History, Chemistry, Electrical and Computer Engineering)
Location: Honors College, Lubbock, TX
Cost/Stipend: No cost; the student will receive a $750 stipend upon the completion of a successful research project report.
Dates: June 16, 2024 - August 1, 2024 (7-week summer program)
Application Deadline: February 15, 2024
Eligibility: Applicants must:
- Be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident
- Be at least 17 years of age by the program start date and should graduate in 2024 or 2025 (no exceptions).
The Anson L. Clark Scholar Program at Texas Tech University is a prestigious opportunity for 12 well-qualified high school juniors and seniors to participate in a concentrated 7-week summer research internship experience in their chosen subject. This program is highly selective and stands out for its comprehensive approach to academic exploration and research. As a scholar, you will dive into research projects, working closely with experienced faculty members for valuable hands-on experience.
The program also includes weekly seminars, discussions, and field trips. The students are afforded an atmosphere designed to develop their critical thinking abilities and career interests with faculty and other students like themselves. Students are selected based on their academic accomplishments, teacher recommendations, and career objectives. You can find a detailed list of research areas here.
4. STEM Enhancement in Earth Sciences (SEES) Summer High School Intern Program by NASA and UT Austin
Subject areas: Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math
Location: The University of Texas Center for Space Research (Austin, TX)
Cost/Stipend: No cost. Housing, meals, and local transportation will be provided.
Dates: Remote tasks till July 1, 2024 | On-site internship for 11th graders: July 7 - 20, 2024 | 10th graders: July 27, 2024 - August 4, 2024
Application Deadline: February 24, 2024
Eligibility: Applicants must:
- Be a U.S. citizen.
- Be 16 years old by July 1, 2024.
- Be current high school Sophomores or Juniors ONLY (will be rising Juniors and Seniors) who have not worked as a SEES intern previously.
This competitive STEM-focused summer internship, a collaboration between NASA and The University of Texas at Austin Center for Space Research, provides selected students with Earth and space research exposure. As an intern, you will engage in a rigorous exploration of NASA satellite data, working alongside scientists and engineers in their chosen areas of work. The scope of research at UT/CSR is vast, encompassing areas such as astronomy, remote sensing, and space geodetic techniques. This content knowledge, coupled with hands-on experiences, allows the intern to gain experience in authentic NASA research through field investigation and data analysis.
This year’s summer intern program requires interns to complete a virtual distance learning module and work remotely before working on-site. On completing the program, both virtual and on-site interns will receive a NASA certificate of completion. Additionally, all 11th-grade interns will participate in a virtual SEES Science Symposium July 22-24, 2024 where teams will present their research to NASA, scientists, family members, and guests.
5. Texas High School Aerospace Scholars
Subject areas: Earth science, aeronautics, technology, space science.
Location: Johnson Space Center, Houston, TX and Online Experience
Cost/Stipend: No cost; Unpaid. (Upon successful completion of the online portion of the course, students will be awarded a 0.5 Science elective credit)
Dates: This is a year-long program. November-February (Online course) | Late July: 4-Day Onsite Residential Experience. For other important dates, check here
Application Deadline: Applications typically close in October. (Applications for the 2024 session are closed and will re-open in August 2024 for the 2025 session)
Eligibility: Applicants must be high school juniors who are U.S. citizens residing in Texas.
Texas High School Aerospace Scholars is a unique STEM learning experience for Texas high school juniors to engage with NASA’s missions and become the next generation of explorers. HAS is a year-long commitment for Texas high school juniors which starts in the fall with a four-month online learning experience related to space exploration, Earth science, technology, and aeronautics. The highest achieving students receive an invitation to a five-day gamified virtual summer experience (Moonshot) mentored by NASA scientists and engineers.
Online activities during the school year include interactive lessons on NASA activities related to space exploration, Earth science, technology, mathematics, and aeronautics. You’ll get to participate in design challenges, including 3D drawings, science and math quizzes, discussion posts, and technology writings. You’ll get to chat virtually with NASA engineers and scientists. If selected for the five-day gamified summer experience, you’ll get to participate in team projects and briefings directed by NASA engineers and scientists, hands-on design challenges, and engineering activities to plan a mission to the Moon and Mars.
6. Project SEED by American Chemical Society
Subject Areas: Chemistry and related fields.
Location: Varies based on lab choice. Opportunities available in Texas. Check here.
Cost/Stipend: No cost; $4000 is awarded to the interns.
Dates: 8-10 weeks, June to August
Application Deadline: Applications typically close in April.
Eligibility: Applicants must:
- Be current high school sophomores, juniors, or seniors (and recent graduates).
- Have completed one course in high school chemistry.
Preference is given to students whose maximum family income does not exceed 300% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines based on family size.
Note: Project SEED has multiple methods of documenting eligibility that you can access here!
Project SEED is a paid summer fellowship program for high school students. Once accepted, students commute daily to a research lab (typically about 8 hours per weekday, Monday through Friday) for anywhere from 8 to 10 weeks. This program offers an opportunity for students keen on working in laboratories and conducting work in the field of chemistry. Students will get to work in real laboratories at universities and other sites, including the U.S. Department of Agriculture lab.
In particular, Project SEED focuses on supporting over 350 students from underrepresented communities, providing both internships and summer camps to help students with university applications. As an intern, you will work on an independent project at a research lab located in the nearest Project SEED location. You get to choose the type of project you’re interested in – from a wide range of choices. Depending on your project site, you might have the chance to go on field trips and campus tours, attend career panels, and more. A bonus is that your coordinator can choose to register you for the American Chemical Society National Meeting – where you can present your work.
7. Austin Youth Initiatives Office High School Summer Internship Programs
Subject areas: Multiple departments available (STEM, art, aviation, hospitality, leadership, accounting, administration, HR, marketing, and more).
Location: Austin, TX
Cost/Stipend: No cost, stipend of $13.00/hour for 20 hours/week.
Dates: June 3, 2024 - July 19, 2024 (7 weeks)
Application Deadline: February 29th, 2024
Eligibility: Applicants must:
- Be currently enrolled in an Austin-area high school and a city of Austin resident to apply.
- Be a rising sophomore, junior, senior, or current senior.
- Be between the ages of 15 and 18 years old.
The City of Austin offers high school students four types of internship opportunities. The first is ‘The Emerging Leaders Summer Internship Program’, which focuses on refining leadership skills while gaining professional experience. ‘The Get Ready! STEAM-Based Internship’ provides hands-on exposure to S.T.E.A.M. areas, allowing students to explore related career fields in a professional setting. ‘The Austin Convention Center Internship’ offers insights into the hospitality industry's accounting, marketing, and safety divisions. The last is ‘The Aviation Department Internship’, located at the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport Campus, which offers placements in divisions like Finance and Security.
The internships are around seven weeks long and will provide you with a stipend of $13 per hour. You will be expected to work for 20 hours per week. These internships will give you exposure and experience in professional environments, working alongside professionals in the field. It will also help you network in your chosen field.
8. Houston Bar Association Communities In Schools (CIS) Summer Legal Internship Program
Subject areas: Law
Location: Houston, TX
Cost/Stipend: No cost; a stipend is provided.
Dates: June 10, 2024 - August 2, 2024 (8 weeks)
Application Deadline: March 1, 2024
Eligibility: Academically advanced high school juniors and seniors from at-risk schools.
The CIS Committee partners with Communities In Schools of Houston (CIS) to facilitate summer internships in the legal profession for academically outstanding high school students who attend at-risk schools.
This program will provide a paid eight-week internship in a prestigious law firm, giving you a glimpse into a professional legal environment. Additionally, you will benefit from enrichment programs and mentoring during the internship. The committee takes a lead role in recruiting participating law firms and developing comprehensive enrichment programs to enhance the overall internship experience for the students.
9. Army Educational Outreach Program (AEOP) Internships
Subject areas: Science, engineering, biology, materials science, robotics, manufacturing, cybersecurity, data science, AI, ML, and more.
Location: There are AEOP locations in almost every state, including Texas. Students may select their preferred location. The program is intended for commuters and transportation, meals, and housing are not provided.
Eligibility: Those applying must be current high school students who are U.S. citizens or permanent legal residents. Additional eligibility requirements vary by location. Check details here.
Application deadline: Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. Check AEOP’s Summer 2024 opportunities here for the application dates.
Dates: This is a summer internship program; specific dates vary from location to location.
Cost/Stipend: No cost; Stipend is provided but varies from location to location.
This unique summer internship allows you to work in university research labs or U.S. Army Research Laboratories and Centers. As an intern, you will get the opportunity to engage in U.S. Army-sponsored research tackling the nation’s challenges and join a community of like-minded peers for ongoing support, virtual office hours, webinars, and workshops. This internship brings together subject matter experts from DoD, academia and industry with shared STEM interests to engage, inspire, and attract the next generation of innovators with K-through college programs and expose them to DoD STEM research and careers.
You will also get to elevate your STEM journey and prepare for competitive college admissions by immersing yourself in a culture of STEM and state-of-the-art laboratory facilities while receiving mentorship from seasoned professionals. The technical focus areas of the internship will be AI/ML for Autonomy, Energy/Power, Cybersecurity, Biology, Materials Science & Manufacturing.
10. Houston Methodist’s Summer Internship Program for High Schoolers
Subject areas: Research, medicine, and scientific writing.
Location: Houston Methodist Hospital campus in the Texas Medical Center, Houston, TX
Cost/Stipend: No cost or stipend. Scholarships are available to cover room and board.
Dates: 10 weeks, May 28, 2024 — August 2, 2024
Application Deadline: February 2, 2024
Eligibility: High school students must be completing their junior or senior year and be 16 years of age by the start of the program (May 28, 2024).
The High School Internship Program selects only a few interns with outstanding academic records and a proven interest in research and medicine. As an intern, you’ll receive training in a translational research lab and gain hands-on skills as you work on a project.
Each summer project will depend on the mentor assigned to the student and their area of expertise. With access to Houston Methodist's renowned faculty, you will have mentors who will guide you through your summer project and provide instruction on proper laboratory techniques required for the completion of the project. The summer culminates in a scientific poster symposium where you’ll get to showcase your summer research project to Houston Methodist's leading scientists, students, and staff. Additionally, the High School Research Internship has a career and professional development curriculum, including scientific writing, providing useful tools when applying to college.
11. University of Houston Mohan Lab Summer Internship
Subject areas: Biomedical, bioengineering, and research.
Location: Houston, TX.
Cost/Stipend: No cost; Information about a stipend is not mentioned.
Dates: June 3, 2024 - July 26, 2024 (8 weeks)
Application Deadline: March 31, 2024
Eligibility: Rising seniors (who have completed 11th grade of high school) are eligible to apply.
Exceptional rising high school seniors with a keen interest in biomedical, bioengineering, and health-oriented professions are encouraged to apply for this competitive internship at the University of Houston’s MohanLab.
The program begins with 1-2 weeks of instruction on basic laboratory techniques. During the subsequent weeks, you will have an opportunity to engage in bench research under the guidance of a scientist or graduate student. The option to continue research beyond the initial period is available, involving manuscript writing and data analysis. The program concludes with students presenting their research findings, with the potential for contributions to research publications depending on the project.
12. National Breast Cancer Foundation (NBCF) High School Internship Program
Subject areas: Marketing, Development, Professional skills.
Location: Dallas, TX.
Cost/Stipend: No cost; information about stipend TBA.
Dates: 2024 Dates TBA (5 weeks)
Application Deadline: 2024 Dates TBA
Eligibility: High school students who are part of the Frisco Independent School District, covering portions of Denton and Collin counties, including portions of Frisco, Little Elm, Plano, and McKinney.
Frisco Independent School District (ISD) is teaming up with the National Breast Cancer Foundation (NBCF) to offer the High School Internship Program. During the month-long program, you will immerse yourself in the non-profit culture at NBCF, gaining insights into how various departments collaborate to support the foundation’s mission. Your initial two weeks will be spent in Programs, Development, and Marketing, where you will learn about the day-to-day operations of NBCF. Weekly sessions will be conducted on essential topics such as resume preparation, interview skills, public speaking, and other important professional topics relevant to working in any environment. The last three weeks of the internship will be spent working on a group project that will be presented to senior staff.
The National Breast Cancer Foundation also offers junior and senior high school students volunteer positions in their High School Ambassador Program to increase awareness of NBCF’s mission.
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. 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.