12 Internships for High School Students in Rhode Island (RI)

High school internships are a great way to add a competitive edge to your college applications. They also give you valuable insights into a potential career in your preferred field, along with hands-on experience.

With an internship, you can build a professional network, receive expert mentorship, and enhance your resume. It can help you explore your interests and strengths in your chosen field and set a solid foundation for future academic and career success. 

If you’re a high schooler in Rhode Island, this blog is for you. Here, we’ve curated a list of 12 internships for high school students in Rhode Island to help you get started!

1. Ladder Internships

Location: Virtual. 
Cost: $2,490 for the startup internship program | $5900 for the research internship program | $7400 for the combination startup-research internship program. Full and partial financial aid. 
Application Deadline: You can check the application page for the winter cohort deadline updates. There are multiple cohorts throughout the year.
Dates: There are multiple 8-week cohorts throughout the year. 
Eligibility: The program is open to high school students who are self-motivated, have excellent communication skills, and can work 5-15 hours per week.

Ladder Internships provides high school students with virtual internships at startups and non-profits worldwide across a wide range of fields, including finance, software engineering, media, AI/ML, sustainability, and more.  

During the program, you will get to engage in various real-world projects that match your interests and the needs of the host company. Participants benefit from close collaboration with a manager and a Ladder coach, receiving guidance, mentorship, and professional skill development through 1-on-1 and group training sessions.

2. NASA Office of STEM Engagement (OSTEM) Internships

Location: Virtual / NASA centers across the country.
Stipend: Most interns receive a stipend based on session duration and academic level; however, some volunteering opportunities don’t offer a stipend. 
Application Deadline: For Spring 2025: August 23, 2024; for Summer 2025 – Early Decision: Oct. 25, 2024; Final, Feb. 28, 2025; for Fall 2025: May 16, 2025.
Dates: Spring Session: Mid-January to Early May; Summer Session: Late May to August; Fall Session Late August to Mid-December.
Eligibility: Applicants must be U.S. Citizens, full-time students (high school through graduate level), 16 years old at the time of application, and have a 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale.

NASA’s OSTEM internships offer the chance to gain practical experience at NASA centers nationwide. Available during spring, summer, and fall sessions, this program allows you to engage in real-world projects across various fields, including engineering, technology, science, and business operations. 

Although the application process is competitive, you’ll gain valuable hands-on experience working on innovative projects and the opportunity to work alongside research scientists, engineers, mentors, and other NASA professionals. All in all, a NASA OSTEM internship is an excellent stepping stone for those interested in careers in space and technology

3.  Stanford University’s SHTEM Summer Internships

Location: Virtual. 
Cost: Aside from the $50 application fee, there is no cost to participate in the program. They also provide stipends for students who demonstrate financial need. 
Application Deadline: Applications generally close in February or March.
Dates: The internship is 8 weeks long and typically starts in June and ends in August. 
Eligibility: Applicants must be high school juniors or seniors and should be at least 14 by the start of the program. 

The Stanford SHTEM Summer Internship program gives high school students the opportunity to engage in cutting-edge research across science, humanities, and technology. In this virtual internship, you’ll get to collaborate with Stanford faculty on projects that integrate STEM with the humanities and gain valuable research experience in interdisciplinary studies. You’ll also tackle tasks like data analysis, literature review, and project design, which will help you develop your critical thinking and technical skills.

For this internship, you will need a strong foundation in relevant subjects, a genuine interest in interdisciplinary research, and the ability to work independently. By the end of the program, you will have contributed to research projects at Stanford, which enhances your academic profile. Engaging in the SHTEM Summer Internship can open doors to future opportunities in both STEM and humanities fields.

4. Stanford Center for Artificial Intelligence in Medicine and Imaging (AIMI) Summer Research Internship

Location: Virtual.
Cost/Stipend: Participation in the program is free, and it is also an unpaid internship. 
Application Deadline: Applications generally run from January to March.
Dates: This is a 2-week program that typically runs in June. 
Eligibility: Applicants must be students entering 9th through 12th grade and over the age of 14 by the start of the program. There is a preference for students with math or computer programming skills or experience in healthcare projects. The program is only open to U.S. applicants. 

Stanford’s AIMI Summer Research Internship offers high school students a unique chance to delve into the intersection of artificial intelligence (AI) and medical imaging. You will have the opportunity to collaborate closely with Stanford faculty and researchers on cutting-edge AI projects with practical applications in healthcare. You will also engage in tasks like data analysis, coding, and AI algorithm development.

It helps to have a strong interest in AI and a basic grasp of programming languages like Python. However, while prior coding experience or knowledge of medical imaging is helpful, it’s not required. By the end of the program, you will have gained hands-on experience in a highly specialized area.

5. Google Summer of Code

Location: Virtual.
Stipend: Stipends are available and adjusted to the cost of living based on the country you’re currently residing in. 
Application Deadline: Applications usually run from March to April.
Dates: May to November 
Eligibility: Applicants must be 18 years or older on the date they register for the program, not a citizen of a United States embargoed country, and eligible to work in the country they reside in. Read here for more information.

Google’s Summer of Code (GSoC) is an initiative aimed at introducing students to the world of open-source software development. Through this virtual program, you will be able to collaborate with open-source organizations to tackle real-world coding projects. 

Students are paired with mentors who guide them throughout the coding process, helping them overcome challenges and sharpen their technical skills. The program is designed with a flexible schedule, allowing you to work at your own pace while still meeting project deadlines. You will complete a significant coding project, improve your software development skills, and establish a network of industry connections, laying the groundwork for future opportunities in technology.

6. EnergyMag Internships

Location: Virtual.
Stipend: This is an unpaid internship.
Application Deadline: Applications are open. However, there is no specification regarding the deadline. 
Dates:
Half-time internships are available in summer and can range from 2 to 8 weeks in duration. On the other hand, quarter-time internships are available all year round and can range from 1 to 9 months in duration. 
Eligibility: High school applicants must be sophomores, juniors, and seniors only, have at least one honors science or honors English class, and have a GPA over 3.25. Read here for more information on application requirements. 

This internship provides students with the opportunity to explore the fields of renewable energy and environmental sustainability. In this virtual program, you will be able to tackle projects focused on climate change, energy policy, and sustainable technology. You will also be involved in research, content creation, and data analysis, contributing to the development of articles and reports that address key issues within the energy sector. 

This hands-on experience is designed to deepen your understanding of environmental science in a non-school environment and also provide on-the-job training. If you produce a publishable report by the end of your internship, you will receive an internship Letter of Accomplishment that outlines and appreciates your work with EnergyMag.

7. Internships at the Smithsonian National Zoo

Location: This program offers virtual opportunities.
Stipend: There are internship opportunities that offer stipends.
Application Deadline: The deadlines will vary for different internship opportunities.
Dates: Internship dates are dependent on the different programs available.
Eligibility: Applications are open to high school students who are at least 14 years old. You can get more information regarding the eligibility criteria for application here.

The Smithsonian’s National Zoo offers internships that provide you with hands-on experience in wildlife conservation, animal care, and research. You’ll get the chance to work with professionals in veterinary medicine, nutrition, and ecology, assisting in animal care, research projects, and educational outreach. This opportunity will deepen your zoological knowledge while developing practical skills in a professional setting.

If you’re interested in wildlife conservation and are keen to engage in practical and research tasks, then this is a great internship for you! By the program's end, you’ll gain valuable insights into zoo operations and conservation, which can help create a strong foundation for a career in animal science.

8. Hutton Junior Fisheries Biology Program

Location: All 50 states, Canada, Mexico, and Puerto Rico. Due to Hutton’s vast network of fisheries professionals, they have a high probability of placing students with a local mentor within a 45-minute commute from their homes.
Stipend: $3000 stipend 
Application Deadline: Applications for 2024 are currently closed. Check their website in November for the 2025 session.
Dates: This is an 8-week program with flexible start and end dates that can be determined by the student and their mentor.
Eligibility: Applicants must be rising high school juniors, seniors, or incoming college freshmen who are at least 16 years old by the application deadline.

This program, created by the American Fisheries Society, is dedicated to inspiring and training the next generation of fisheries professionals. This initiative offers high school students hands-on fisheries science experience through mentoring and educational activities. The program places a strong emphasis on increasing diversity and sparking interest in aquatic sciences by connecting students with industry professionals and providing opportunities for fieldwork and research.

Guided by experienced fisheries experts, you will spend 32-40 hours per week developing a deep understanding of conservation challenges and the importance of maintaining healthy aquatic ecosystems. You’ll also get to participate in projects focused on habitat restoration, protection, and management and gain valuable insight into the role of a fisheries biologist and the various career paths available within the field.

9. Mary Miller Summer Program by PHC Group

Location: Virtual.
Stipend: This is a paid internship; however, the exact amount is not specified.
Application Deadline: Applications for 2024 have closed. You can keep an eye on their website for the 2025 applications to open.  
Internship Dates: Not specified, but the internships take place in the summer. 
Eligibility: High school juniors or seniors actively enrolled and registered are eligible to apply. Applicants should have proficiency in Microsoft Office and demonstrate the technical aptitude to quickly learn new applications.

PHC Group's Mary Miller Summer Program offers high school students the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in the healthcare and pharmaceutical industries. 

This virtual internship allows you to work alongside professionals in various fields, including research, marketing, and operations. You will participate in social media-related projects, analyze market trends, develop products, and support clinical research efforts. 

The program is designed to help you develop leadership skills, give you the chance to explore creative approaches to collaboration, and provide you with a comprehensive understanding of the healthcare sector

10. John Hopkins Internship in Brain Sciences (JHIBS) at John Hopkins University

Location: Virtual / John Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD.
Stipend: Students who complete a virtual internship will receive a $500 scholarship. 
Application Deadline: Closed for 2024; however, applications generally run from December 1 to March 1 annually. 
Internship Dates: July to August (for the virtual 5-week program).
Eligibility: Current high school juniors and seniors from underrepresented populations anywhere in the United States can apply for the virtual internship. Check out their How to Apply page for more details.  

The Johns Hopkins Internship in Brain Sciences (JHIBS) is a prestigious summer research program tailored for high school juniors and seniors. It offers students a valuable opportunity to delve into and cultivate a passion for careers in neurological sciences.

This virtual program provides long-term mentoring, educational resources, and support to academically talented students. It will guide you towards successful careers as researchers and clinician scientists at the doctoral level. During the internship period, you will get to participate in professional development workshops, college preparation classes, mentorship training, and networking activities.

11. Bank of America Student Leadership Program

Location: This program is spread across different states. Use the location finder to find a location near you.
Stipend: While this is a paid internship, there is no information available on the exact amount.
Application Deadline: Applications for the 2025 program will open in fall 2024.
Dates: This is an 8-week-long internship that will begin shortly after the end of the school year.; The exact dates vary and will be communicated to students. 
Eligibility: Applicants must be current juniors or seniors in high school and legally authorized to work in the U.S. without sponsorship. Read the eligibility requirements for more.   

The Bank of America Student Leaders Program is an 8-week internship inclusive of a week spent at the Student Leaders Summit in Washington, DC. This program offers a platform for you to participate in paid internships at local nonprofits. It focuses on preparing you for future success through hands-on projects and community service. 

Participants will gain valuable work experience, develop leadership skills, and attend a fully-funded national leadership summit in Washington, D.C. There, you will learn about the collaboration between nonprofits, governments, and businesses. The program selects approximately 300 high school students from over 100 diverse communities across the country.


12. Internships at the Foreign Policy Research Institute (FPRI)

Location: Offers both in-person and virtual internships.
Stipend: Part-time paid internship opportunities are available as well as unpaid internships. 
Application Deadline: Applications for the fall and summer terms for 2024 are closed. However, the spring term applications open on October 1 and close on November 1.
Internship Dates: For the spring term: Feb. to May 2025.
Eligibility: High school students authorized to work in the US are encouraged to apply. There are no restrictions on nationality. 

The Foreign Policy Research Institute (FPRI) offers a dynamic internship program that gives high school students the chance to engage in meaningful research and make contributions to the field of international relations. You will get the chance to work closely with FPRI scholars, assisting in research, event planning, and content creation. Prospective interns should come prepared with strong writing and research abilities. While familiarity with foreign policy topics is beneficial, it is not mandatory. 

The FPRI internship provides high school students the opportunity to develop research and analytical skills in international relations and offers hands-on experience and expert mentorship.

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. 

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