12 Internships for High School Students in New Mexico

If you’re a New Mexico high school student considering applying for an internship, this blog is for you.

An internship can offer a hands-on learning experience and provide exposure to various fields you may be interested in. Also, internships allow you to gain practical work experience in a professional setting and help you boost your college applications!

Internships on your resume demonstrate to college admissions officers that you’re dedicated to pursuing your interests beyond the standard curriculum. These opportunities often include structured mentorship and training, enhancing both your learning experience and professional development. In this blog, we’ve listed 12 internships for high school students in New Mexico that you can consider! Let’s dive in.

1. Ladder Internships

Cost: $2,990; financial aid is offered.
Location: Online
Application Deadline: Multiple deadlines throughout the year. The upcoming winter cohort deadline is November 24, 2024.
Program Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year, including winter, spring, summer and fall.
Eligibility: Open to all high school students who can commit to working 10-20 hours per week for 8-12 weeks. These internships are also available to undergraduates and gap-year students!

Ladder Internships, a program established by Harvard alumni, connects high school students with startups and nonprofits worldwide for virtual internships. As an intern, you will get to choose from a variety of fields, including technology, machine learning, AI, computer science, finance, environmental science, sustainability, business, marketing, healthcare, medicine, media, journalism, and more.

You will work on impactful projects that align with the organization’s mission and present your work at the program's conclusion. The program offers personalized training in communication, time management, and other essential skills, along with group training sessions with fellow interns. Each intern is paired with a manager from the startup and a Ladder coach, providing dual mentorship throughout the internship.

2. Los Alamos National Laboratory High School Internship Program

Stipend: $15.65 hourly rate (see more)
Location: Los Alamos, New Mexico.
Application Deadline: Varies based on whether the student would like to intern during the school year or only during summer (see more).
Program Dates: Varies depending on the program.
Eligibility: Senior at a New Mexico high school; over 16 years of age; 3.0 GPA or higher. 

This high school internship program offers qualified New Mexico high school seniors the chance to build a skill set and gain work experience while exploring various career fields. Students can choose to intern in a range of STEM fields and other areas, such as administration, business, and operations support. As an intern, you will work part-time during the school year and have the option to work full-time during the summer, with summer internships typically lasting 10 weeks.

Throughout the program, you will work closely with a mentor and co-mentor as you assist with research projects, conduct experiments, and analyze data. At the end of the program, you will have gained hands-on experience in scientific research and networked with professionals.

3.  Sandia National Laboratories High School Internships

Stipend: Students will receive a stipend based to the work they put in, and it will vary with the internship role.
Location:  Albuquerque, New Mexico.
Application Deadline: Applications typically close in January.
Program Dates: June - August.
Eligibility: Students who are at least 16 years old, are enrolled full-time in an accredited college, university or high school, are U.S. citizens can apply. Those applying must have a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale for R&D, technical or business roles. 

Sandia National Laboratories is a contractor for the U.S. Department of Energy’s ‘National Nuclear Security Administration’ (NNSA), and they offer strong internship opportunities for students during the summer and year-round. Students can apply for technical, business, and R&D roles, allowing them to work on impactful national projects. Your role will vary based on your job description. You will gain hands-on experience in a research environment, and as an intern, you will work alongside experienced scientists and engineers on projects that contribute to technological advancements. Intern positions cover cyber security, energy, engineering, and software under the guidance of a manager, who will help define your work assignment, schedule, and the duration of your internship. Mentoring from some of the country’s top scientists and experts, as well as the training you’ll receive, will make these internships a valuable learning experience. There are two kinds of internships offered:

  • Year-round internships: These allow students who attend local schools to work part-time at a Sandia site, working up to 25 hours a week for high school students and up to 40 hours per week during school breaks.

  • Co-op internships: These are conducted in partnership with individual schools and allow students to take time off during the academic year to gain work experience at Sandia, working up to 40 hours a week. They run for 3–8 months in the academic term and may include an adjacent summer term.

4.  NASA Office of STEM Engagements (OSTEM) Internships

Stipend: Interns may receive a stipend based on academic level and session length.
Location: These internships are offered across NASA facilities. Students may select roles based in the cities they are in. Some virtual options are offered as well!
Application deadline: January (Fall session) | August (Spring session) | October (Summer session)
Program dates: These internships are offered in 3 sessions – Fall (16-week program, from late August or early September to mid-December) | Spring (16-week program, from mid-January to early May) | Summer (10-week program, from late May or early June to  August).
Eligibility: Internships are available for full-time high school students who meet a minimum 3.0 GPA requirement.

NASA Office of STEM Engagement (OSTEM) offers paid internships at locations across the country. These internships can be a great opportunity for high school students to contribute to ongoing projects under the guidance of a NASA mentor. The program provides training, mentoring, career development opportunities, and the chance to work with the world's best science, engineering, financial, information technology, and business minds. The internships are offered in various subjects and disciplines, including space science, engineering, aeronautics, technology, space microbiology, ecology, and even outreach and communications. 

During this internship, you may design experiments, analyze data from space missions, or develop new technologies – engaging in real-world experiences and gaining valuable experience and insight into NASA's work. The program nurtures a passion for scientific discovery. 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. If you’re a budding engineer or astrophysicist, interning with NASA is one of the most valuable experiences you can consider!

5. Stanford’s SHTEM: Summer Internship

Cost/Stipend: None
Location: Virtual
Application Deadline: Applications typically close in February.
Dates: June - August.
Eligibility: Students who will be in grades 11-12 at the time of application, OR full-time community college students (within the first 3 years of community college), are eligible to apply.

This program is aimed at providing high school and community college students early exposure to cutting-edge research in an academic environment as well as introducing students to the diversity of research topics pursued in engineering. Conducted by a highly esteemed institution during the summer, this internship offers a unique chance for students to explore diverse subjects remotely. You will spend most of the time conducting research from where you are located (if you are working on hardware projects, materials will be sent to you) while maintaining regular communication with your mentors and group members. You can anticipate a commitment of 30-40 hours per week, guided by Stanford's renowned faculty and industry experts who provide valuable insights into the evolving tech landscape.

Themes cover the science of information and communication, engineering, the arts, linguistics, psychology, biology, neuroscience, computer science, technology, philosophy, and design, among other areas. This program will help you develop technical skills and foster a success-oriented mindset.

6. John Hopkins Internship in Brain Science (JHIBS) Program

Stipend: In-person participants receive an hourly stipend (amount varies), while virtual interns receive a stipend of $500.
Location: Virtual and in-person options. The in-person program will be held at the Johns Hopkins Department of Neurology on the East Baltimore campus. Application Deadline: Applications typically close in March.
Program Dates: 8 weeks, June - August (in-person) | 5 weeks, July - August (virtual)
Eligibility: 
- Juniors and seniors from around the country are eligible to apply to the 5-week virtual program.
- Juniors and seniors residing in Baltimore City and the metro area, who have a strong passion and interest in science and medicine, are from underrepresented groups and have an academically strong background are eligible for the in-person program.

The JHIBS program is designed to make the field of neuroscience and neurology more inclusive. Its in-person option is an 8-week, fully-funded summer research program that invites high school students from underrepresented communities to apply. During the program, you will participate in research under the guidance and mentorship of top researchers in the field, in hands-on projects, discussions, scientific seminars, weekly personal and professional development sessions, and interactions with leading neuroscientists at JHU.

The program is open to 5-6 students and provides them with an hourly stipend, and also covers transportation costs. At the end of the program, you will present your research via an oral or poster presentation. To get an idea of past projects, visit here. The program is also offered virtually, for students who cannot attend the program on campus.

7. Hutton Junior Fisheries Biology Program

Stipend: $3,000. The program includes an all-expenses-paid trip to the Hutton Scholars Summit.  
Location: Based on where you’re located (Hutton aims to match students within a 45-minute commute of your home).
Application Deadline: January 19, 2025.
Program dates: 8 weeks in the summer. Flexible dates that are mutually decided on by the intern and their mentor, typically between June and August.
Eligibility: All current high school students who live and have residency in the United States, Mexico, and Canada are eligible to apply.

The Hutton Junior Fisheries Biology Program is an 8-week paid summer internship and mentoring program sponsored by the American Fisheries Society. The program aims to encourage interest in fisheries and aquatic science, especially among underrepresented groups. As a Hutton Scholar, you will be paired with and mentored by a fisheries professional in your local area. Interns will gain hands-on fisheries science experience in marine or freshwater, and experience in conducting laboratory and field research. 

Interns participate in resource conservation and management projects and will learn about career opportunities. Some possible activities include electrofishing, examining specimens, data processing, establishing aquatic vegetation and fish habitats, and more. This program also includes an all-expense paid trip to the Hutton Scholars Summit conducted at the University of Arkansas!

8. Bank of America Student Leaders Program

Stipend: It is a paid internship, but no information is available on the exact amount. The trip to Washington DC is covered!
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. The Leadership Summit will be held in Washington, D.C.
Application Deadline: Applications open in October and typically close in January.
Program 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.
Eligibility: Current high school juniors and seniors are eligible to apply. See all eligibility criteria here.

Every year, the Bank of America Student Leaders Program selects around 300 driven, community-minded high schoolers to intern with nonprofits like Boys and Girls Clubs of America and Habitat for Humanity and experience community service through a paid eight-week internship. Students are placed with nonprofit organizations in their localities. 

This highly selective internship includes a week-long Student Leadership Summit held in Washington, DC. The travel, food, and stay will be covered by the bank. During the summit, you will get to understand how stakeholders like nonprofits, governments, and businesses collaborate and interact to meet local needs. This experience enables you to create change and improve more lives with inspiring stories of enthusiasm and commitment.

8. CLA High School Internship Program

Stipend: It is a paid opportunity, but information on the exact amount is not available.
Location: Various locations across the US. See all available locations here. Students based in New Mexico can select the one in Albuquerque!
Application Deadline: Applications typically close in January.
Program dates: 8 weeks, typically from mid-June to August.
Eligibility: High school students aged 16-18 years can apply.

The CLA High School Internship Program is a good idea if you’re interested in the world of accounting and finance. The program offers a comprehensive, practical understanding of accounting, covering areas such as tax preparation, financial analysis, and audit procedures. As an intern, you will participate in projects, working with experienced professionals to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world scenarios, honing your problem-solving skills and analytical thinking. The program also emphasizes networking and professional development. You will get to interact with industry experts, professionals, mentors, and peers, building valuable relationships that may be useful in the future while getting first-hand experience in the field.

9. New Mexico State Personnel Office Internship Program

Cost/Stipend: Based on placement.
Location: Multiple locations in various state agencies, including ones in Albuquerque and Santa Fe.
Application Deadline: Applications typically close in August. 
Program Dates: Summer, fall, and spring internships are offered. The duration and exact dates vary.  
Eligibility: Students currently enrolled in high school or recent high school graduates.

The State Personnel Office Internship Program aims to introduce interns to public service and spark interest in a career in governance. This program offers students and recent graduates valuable work experience within state agencies, enhancing their academic and professional development. Alongside hands-on training, the program supports interns' growth through a consortium model with a strong peer and mentor network.

Intern responsibilities include general office support and administration, allowing interns to hone their skills as they progress through each program level. There are six (6) course series levels, and each curriculum level builds upon the previous levels.

10. EnergyMag Research Internship

Cost/Stipend: None.
Location: Virtual.
Application Deadline: Applications are open all year round; you can apply here.
Program Dates: Flexible. Students may request to lengthen an internship by a week or two because of conflicting time pressure from school.
Eligibility: Sophomores, juniors, and seniors who have taken at least one honors science or honors English class and have a minimum GPA of 3.25 can apply.
Note: Students can expect a competitive selection process as this program is open to college students as well!

EnergyMag is open to high school and college students, and it offers virtual research internships to students looking to gain experience working in the renewable energy sector. Students gain research and analytical skills, alongside work experience, by researching companies, analyzing technologies, and conducting market research. Internships can be half-time (2-8 weeks, 20 hours per week) or quarter-time (1-9 months, 8 hours per week).

This program is aimed at equipping students with skills in both science and business that will be useful in the future, no matter the profession they choose. Students will work from home and be in regular contact via Skype, email, and so on with EnergyMag and their mentor. Internship tasks will be based on your graduation date, academic record, and experience – you may have to research and analyze a specific company, a specific technology, a specific (narrow) market, or other similar activities. You will be assigned a mentor who will brief you, guide you, and supervise your work. You will need to research your topic, get in touch with people who have the relevant information, analyze and synthesize the information you gather, and produce a draft analysis report, which will reference your name and be published on the EnergyMag site.

11. Pathways Internship Programs at the U.S. Department of State

Stipend: This varies from post to post.
Location: This will vary; students can opt for programs close to their location. Check available options here.
Application Deadline: Varies from location to location
Program dates: While the dates of the internship will vary from post to post, those under the Internship Experience Program (IEP) are expected to last the length of the academic program for which the intern is enrolled, and those under the Internship Temporary Program (ITEP) will run during seasonal and holiday breaks as well as year-round. 
Eligibility: Students applying must be at least 16 years old by the closing date of the post you’re applying to. Students must also have a cumulative GPA of 2.0 at time of application and throughout internship appointment.

Note: All vacancies part of this internship program are posted on USAJobs.gov. So details such as the application deadline, internship dates will vary from role to role, and will be available on each specific posting. Check the current vacancies here

These internships allow students to explore federal careers in various offices of the government. Students will get firsthand experience in various aspects of foreign affairs, public policy, and international affairs by working as an intern at offices such as the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, Office of Structured Finance and Insurance, Office of the General Counsel, and Environmental Protection Agency, among others. 

There are two types of internships under this program: the Internship Experience Program (IEP) and the Internship Temporary Program (ITEP). IEP interns, while in the program, are eligible for noncompetitive promotions and federal employee benefits. ITEP interns are appointed to temporary appointments, which will not exceed one year or their projected graduation date (whichever is shorter) and extensions may be made in one year increments. 

Note: All vacancies part of this internship program are posted on USAJobs.gov. So details such as the application deadline, internship dates will vary from role to role, and will be available on each specific posting. Check out current vacancies here

12. Veritas AI Internship

Cost: $2,490 (some financial aid is available)
Location: Virtual
Application Deadline: October 20, 2024
Dates: The start date for the upcoming cohort is November 11, 2024.
Eligibility: Open to high school students who have prior experience with AI/ML or have completed a Veritas AI program.

The AI Internship Program by Veritas AI is founded and run by Harvard graduate students. Through the 8-week internship, students have the opportunity to work with VC-backed startups on real-world AI/ML projects. Students work directly with mentors from Harvard, Wharton, Google, Microsoft, McKinsey & Company, and more.

This program is a great opportunity for students who have prior experience with AI/ML and are looking to gain real-world exposure to a career in the field. Students get a chance to network with industry professionals, work closely with company leadership, and receive a letter of completion from the company at the end of the internship. You can learn more about the program here and apply here.

Looking for a hands-on 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. 

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