12 Internships for High School Students in Michigan
Internships provide high school students valuable opportunities to gain real-world experience, develop professional skills, and explore career paths. These programs not only bridge the gap between academic learning and practical application but also help students build networks, enhance their resumes, and better understand their future career interests. Whether you’re interested in engineering, public health, foreign policy, or technology, there are a number of internships designed to cater to diverse interests and career goals.
If you are an ambitious high school student looking to spend your summer interning in a field of your choice, here’s a list of 12 internships for high school students in Michigan that you can explore.
Location: Virtual.
Cost: Starting $2490. Financial assistance is available.
Internship Dates: 8-week program with multiple cohorts throughout the year.
Application Deadline: Multiple deadlines throughout the year. The application deadline for the winter cohort is November 24!
Eligibility: Open to all high school students who can work for 10-20 hours a week for 8-12 weeks.
Ladder Internships is an online internship program that offers an opportunity for ambitious students to immerse themselves in a professional environment. The goal of the program is to bridge the gap between academic learning and real-world experience by placing high school students in internships across various industries, such as IT, health tech, engineering, and more. This allows them to gain hands-on experience, develop essential professional skills, and build a network of professional contacts in their area of interest.
In this program, you will be matched with leading start-ups that align with your interests and career goals. You will also be assigned a mentor within the company who provides guidance, and feedback throughout the internship, along with a Ladder Coach who serves as a secondary mentor. You will be tasked with real-world projects that contribute to the organization you are placed in and will present your work to the company by the end of your internship.
2. University of Michigan’s Summer High School Apprentice Researchers Program (SHARP)
Location: University of Michigan, MI.
Stipend: $2,800.
Internship Dates: 6-week program set to run in the summer of 2025.
Application Deadline: TBA. Fill out this form to get notified of application-related information.
Eligibility: Must be a resident of Michigan and currently in the 11th grade.
This program allows high school students to immerse themselves in engineering research alongside leading researchers and gain valuable insights into the world of scientific inquiry.
As an intern, you’ll work closely with a mentor, typically a faculty member, postdoctoral researcher, or graduate student, who will guide you through your research projects. This program will help you understand the research process, develop technical skills, and foster a passion for scientific discovery. You are expected to contribute meaningfully to your allocated projects in the field of engineering, which involves research-focused tasks like conducting experiments, collecting and analyzing data, and presenting findings.
The program also aims to offer students a holistic experience. A typical day in this program is spent engaged in various activities. The first half is usually reserved for lab hours, wherein you will collaborate with your research team on your projects. The second half is spent with student life advisors touring the campus, visiting labs, and getting a little taste of what life is like at the university!
Location: Virtual.
Cost: Free.
Internship Dates: Half-time summer internships come in increments of 2 weeks and span 2 to 8 weeks – approximately 20 hours per week. Quarter-time internships are available all year round and come in increments of 1 month, spanning 1 to 9 months – approximately 8 hours per week.
Application Deadline: Applications are open and taken on a rolling basis.
Eligibility: Applicants must be high school sophomores, juniors, or seniors, who have taken at least one honors science or honors English class and have a minimum GPA of 3.25.
The EnergyMag Internship program is a unique opportunity for both high school and college students interested in the renewable energy sector. This program provides hands-on experience in energy research, policy, and technology, allowing students to work with experts and gain a comprehensive understanding of the industry. The internship aims to cultivate a generation of energy leaders by offering practical experience and professional development.
Interns are placed in various departments within EnergyMag, where they engage in research and analysis on current energy issues with a mentor within the organization. This includes:
Energy Policy Research: You will Investigate and analyze government policies and regulations affecting the energy sector.
Market Analysis: You will study energy markets, trends, and the economic factors influencing energy production and consumption.
Technological Innovation: You will research new and emerging energy technologies, such as renewable energy sources, energy storage, and smart grid technologies.
These internships not only provide practical experience by placing you in actual research projects but will also help you develop valuable skills in research, analysis, and professional communication. Upon successful completion of the internship, interns with particularly outstanding research reports are awarded a Letter of Accomplishment by EnergyMag.
4. Johns Hopkins Internship in Brain Sciences (JHIBS)
Location: Virtual.
Stipend: $500 scholarship.
Internship Dates: 5 weeks (July-August).
Application Deadline: Applications close on March 1 every year.
Eligibility: High school juniors or seniors enrolled in a U.S. high school with a strong academic record and demonstrated ability in STEM subjects.
The Johns Hopkins Internship in Brain Sciences (JHIBS) is designed for high school students with a strong interest in neuroscience and medical research. This internship offers an opportunity for students from communities underrepresented in medicine to work alongside leading scientists and researchers at one of the world's top medical institutions. This program offers both in-person and virtual internship options for high school students with a strong academic record in STEM subjects.
As a participant, you will engage in a variety of research projects that cover different aspects of brain sciences, such as neurodegenerative diseases, behavioral neuroscience, clinical research, and more. While the academic research aspect of this internship will immerse you in scientific writing, presentation skills, and research methodologies, you will also be able to participate in activities like networking opportunities, mentorship training, and workshops.
5. Smithsonian Science Education Center (SSEC) Internship Program
Location: Virtual.
Stipend: Interns receive a stipend upon completion of the internship, but the amount is not specified.
Internship Dates: 8 to 10 weeks (May-August).
Application Deadline: Closed for 2024. Applications typically open in March.
Eligibility: Must be high school students who are at least 16 years of age.
The Smithsonian Science Education Center (SSEC) Internship Program offers high school students the opportunity to engage hands-on with STEM education. The internships are catered to students interested in various aspects of STEM education, such as curriculum development, educational outreach, branding and communications, and more. While each internship offers a different module, most are virtual to open up the program to a wider and more diverse range of applicants.
As an intern, you will assist teams of writers, educational specialists, and subject matter experts. You will also have the opportunity to interview prominent industry leaders, brainstorm and test learning materials, produce data reports, develop marketing video scripts, and collate and analyze data. This program also offers interns the option of requesting credit or volunteer service hours.
6. University of Michigan’s Aspirnaut Program
Location: University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI.
Stipend: Interns are paid a stipend amount in three installments.
Internship Dates: This is a 6-week program that runs during the summer (tentatively from June to July).
Application Deadline: Closed for 2024. Information for 2025 applications will be updated on the website.
Eligibility: Rising seniors who are at least 16 years old. Preference is given to students from socio-economically disadvantaged communities.
The University of Michigan’s Aspirnaut Summer Research Internship Program is an opportunity for high school students from particularly socioeconomically disadvantaged communities to immerse themselves in scientific research. This six-week program, held on the university’s Ann Arbor campus, aims to ignite a passion for scientific inquiry and provide invaluable hands-on laboratory experience.
As an intern, you will be integrated into active research teams within the life sciences and will get to work alongside experienced researchers, gaining first-hand exposure to cutting-edge scientific practices and methodologies. You will be assigned a specific research project that aligns with the ongoing work in your laboratory. These projects are designed to be both challenging and rewarding, allowing students to formulate research questions, conduct experiments, analyze data, and eventually present their research findings to their peers and mentors at the end of the program.
7. Internships at the American Psychological Association (APA)
Location: Virtual..
Stipend: Some internships are paid
Internship Dates: Programs are offered throughout the year.
Application Deadline: Depends on the internship and position.
Eligibility: Should be a high school student with U.S. work eligibility and residence in one of the states where APA is a registered employer (click here to see which states are excluded).
The American Psychological Association (APA) is designed for students interested in psychology and its application to improve societal well-being. It focuses on providing interns with opportunities to apply psychological knowledge in various professional settings, as well as explore alternate careers in the field of psychology.
As an intern, you will get to work within APA’s diverse departments, including policy, research, communications, operations, publishing, and education. This variety ensures that students can find positions that align with their specific interests and career goals.
You will be assigned to specific offices within APA and report directly to their supervisors for daily tasks and overall learning objectives. These activities include but are not limited to:
Content Creation: Developing materials for educational purposes, social media, and internal communications
Data Analysis: Assisting in the analysis of data for research projects or policy development
Event Planning: Helping organize workshops, seminars, and other educational events
Administrative Support: Providing administrative assistance to support various departmental functions
8. Wayne State University’s Discovery to Cure High School Internship Program
Location: Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI
Stipend: Unspecified
Internship Dates: This is an 8-week program that runs from June to August.
Application Deadline: Closed for 2024. Applications typically open and close in April.|
Eligibility: Must be rising high school seniors who are at least 16 years of age.
Designed for high school students interested in getting a head-start in the medicine industry, Wayne State University’s Discovery to Cure High School Internship Program is an enriching opportunity for high school and undergraduate students to gain hands-on research experience in the laboratories of the C.S. Mott Center for Human Growth and Development. This program is designed to immerse students in research within the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the Wayne State University School of Medicine.
In this program, you will be paired with a Principal Investigator (PI), postdoctoral student, or research assistant who will provide mentorship and guidance. By devoting approximately 40 hours a week to this in-person internship, you will have the opportunity to receive practical training across several key areas,̉ such as:
Reproductive Biology: Understanding the biological processes related to human reproduction
Immunology: Investigating the immune system and its role in health and disease
Oncology: Conducting research on cancer, its causes, and potential treatments
Toxicology: Studying the effects of chemicals on living organisms, particularly concerning reproductive health
Prenatal Medicine: Exploring medical practices and interventions before and during pregnancy
Precision Medicine: Focusing on personalized medical approaches based on genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors
9. Girls Who Code (GWC) Summer Program
Location: Virtual.
Stipend: A $300 needs-based grant is available for U.S. students.
Internship Dates: There are two types of summer programs: a two-week Summer Immersion Program and a six-week Self-Paced Program
Application Deadline: Closed for 2024. Applications open in January and close in March (tentatively). Fill out this form to be notified when the 2025 session starts.
Eligibility: Female and non-binary high school students from all over the world are eligible. No previous computer science or coding experience is needed.
The Girls Who Code (GWC) Summer Program is an initiative designed to address the gender gap in technology. This program offers female and non-binary high school students the opportunity to engage in hands-on projects, build professional networks, and gain valuable insights into the tech industry.
In the two-week immersion program, you will be introduced to advanced CS concepts, the basics of User Experience (UX) design, the iterative design process, design principles, user testing, and more. The program fosters a supportive community, encouraging collaboration and mutual support among participants. It emphasizes inclusivity, with half of the participants being from underrepresented groups, including Black, LatinX, and students from low-income households. You will also get the opportunity to network with leading women in tech, gaining insights and advice from industry professionals for a successful STEM career ahead.
For students looking for a more relaxed program, GWC also offers a six-week self-paced option that allows you to pursue a more flexible learning path and independently explore advanced themes such as cybersecurity, ethical hacking, Python applications, and more.
Location: Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI.
Stipend: Interns are paid a weekly stipend.
Internship Dates: This is a 4-week program that occurs from July to August (tentatively).
Application deadline: Closed for 2024; check the website for updates on the 2025 session. Applications typically close in April.
Eligibility: Must be high school students currently in 10th and 11th grades with a strong interest and aptitude in math, science, and other academic areas.
This is a selective four-week summer experience designed for high school students interested in the fields of agriculture and natural resources. MAP aims to provide high school students with a taste of college life while exploring educational and career opportunities in agricultural and food sciences, natural resources, and related fields. The program is structured to combine academic learning with practical experience, offering a comprehensive introduction to the vast opportunities in these sectors.
A key component of MAP is the mentorship provided by CANR faculty members. Each participant is paired with a faculty mentor who guides them through a specific research project. This mentorship allows students to engage in daily research activities and provides a practical understanding of various fields, including food science, agricultural engineering, forestry, animal sciences, horticulture and crop and soil sciences, environmental and natural resource management, and veterinary medicine.
In addition to research, you will get to participate in field trips and leadership seminars that are designed to enhance your skills and prepare you for future academic and professional endeavors.
11. PHC Group’s Mary Miller Summer Program
Location: Virtual.
Stipend: Interns receive a stipend upon completion of the internship; the amount is not specified.
Internship Dates: Typically a 4-5 weeks in the summer.
Application Deadline: Dates are unspecified; however, students are urged to apply as early as possible.
Eligibility: High school seniors with work authorization in the U.S.
The PHC Group's Mary Miller Summer Program is a prestigious and enriching opportunity for high school juniors and seniors. It was designed in memory of Mary Miller, a community leader, activist, youth advocate, and educator. This program honors her legacy by providing a platform for youth to pursue academic achievement, personal development, and career success through a paid internship that transcends the traditional classroom experience.
In this summer program, interns participate in various scheduled activities, including team projects with senior leadership and individual projects that align with their interests and support PHC Group’s mission. Under the supervision of the Public Health Director, you will actively contribute to various projects, particularly those related to social media and online community engagement. Key tasks include:
Planning Meetings: Attending collaborative planning sessions to discuss project goals and strategies
Social Media Engagement: Creating unique posts and responses for various social media platforms, ensuring each interaction aligns with PHC Group’s mission
Research and Analysis: Conducting social marketing research, analyzing trends, and contributing to planning discussions based on findings
Monitoring and Reporting: Tracking social interactions, conducting trend analysis, and reporting findings to improve engagement strategies
Performance and Feedback: Implementing suggestions from clients and team members promptly and effectively.
12. Summer Internships at the Foreign Policy Research Institute
Location: Virtual.
Stipend: 10 positions, based on the student’s financial need, are paid.
Program dates: February-May (spring) | June-August (summer) | September-December (fall).
Application deadline: Applications typically close in July (Fall Session), November (Spring Session), and March (Summer Session).
Eligibility: High school seniors with work authorization in the U.S.
The Foreign Policy Research Institute (FPRI) internship program provides students with the opportunity to connect with prominent members of the foreign relations community and engage in meaningful work that enhances both specific industry skills and general professional competencies. The program offers several types of internships, each tailored to different interests and career goals.
As an intern at FPRI, you will be paired with scholars or professionals in the field who will mentor you, helping to develop your skills in communication, collaboration, critical thinking, and time management. During the summer, you will attend weekly foreign policy and career-focused seminars featuring guest speakers, gaining insights from experienced professionals. Additionally, you will have access to all FPRI events, whether in-person, virtual, or hybrid.
Another highlight of this internship is that you’ll have the opportunity to work on a research paper, which could be considered for publication on FPRI’s Intern Corner. This aspect of the program allows interns to contribute original research and ideas, fostering a deeper engagement with their chosen topics.
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.