15 Most Prestigious Internships for High School Students
While in high school, an internship experience can give you the opportunity to develop new skills, work on real-world projects in your chosen field, and network with professionals. The internship options available to high school students across the country, and virtually too, are vast. Often, it’s a good idea to start looking for internships based on the level of prestige associated with them.
Why should you look for prestigious internships?
Securing a spot in these competitive programs ensures you stand out. Such programs are highly selective, and so your selection demonstrates your skill and abilities. Not to mention, a well-recognized internship can give your college applications a significant boost, automatically reflecting your achievements. These opportunities also come with a high quality of mentorship from experts and professionals in the field, exposure to industry leaders, cutting-edge research and a network that can shape your future endeavors.
How did we choose the internships?
In order to determine which internships were the most prestigious, we looked at several criteria like acceptance rate and the reputation of the organizing body. Here are the main factors:
Acceptance rate: A low acceptance rate signals a highly competitive program. Your successful entry into these internships signifies your exceptional capabilities.
Stipend offerings: Internships that are cost free and those that provide significant stipends are considered more prestigious than paid programs.
Eligibility requirements: Prestigious internships usually have rigorous requirements like a high GPA, multiple letters of recommendation, or video submissions. These stringent criteria contribute to the program’s exclusivity.
Program duration: The most renowned programs feature single cohorts, accepting a few students at a time. This limited availability underscores their exclusivity and high demand.
Now that you have an idea about what makes these internships a valuable option, here are 15 prestigious internships for high school students:
1. MIT’s Research Science Institute (RSI)
Subject areas: STEM fields, academic research
Location: MIT, Cambridge, MA
Eligibility: High school juniors (rising high school seniors). It is recommended that PSAT Math Scores be at least 740 or higher and the Evidence-Based Reading and Writing Score be 700 or higher. ACT math scores should be at least 33 and verbal scores at least 34.
Application Deadline: Applications for 2024 are closed. Applications for 2025 will open in the fall.
Dates: July - August
Stipend: This is an unpaid internship.
Acceptance Rate: 5% (up to 100 students)
MIT’s Research Science Institute (RSI) is a rigorous program that combines theoretical coursework with practical and research-focused experience. You will participate in immersive STEM classes taught by experienced professors in the first week and move on to a 5-week research internship under accomplished mentors. You will dive into high-level scientific inquiry, exploring technology through hands-on projects, and engaging in discussions with leading researchers and experts in the field. After planning and executing their research plans, students will prepare oral and written reports on their work, some of which may receive commendation. The RSI experience extends beyond the classroom, with access to state-of-the-art laboratories, top-notch equipment, and mentorship opportunities.
2. Stanford Institutes of Medicine Summer Research (SIMR) Program
Subject areas: Medicine. Students have to choose a track – neurobiology, immunology, cardiovascular biology, bioinformatics, bioengineering, cancer biology, stem cell and regenerative medicine, or genetics
Location: Stanford University, Stanford, CA
Eligibility: Juniors and seniors of high school who are at least 16 years old and are U.S. citizens or permanent residents
Application Deadline: February 24, 2024
Dates: June 10, 2024 - August 1, 2024 (8 weeks)
Stipend: Minimum $500. Students from underrepresented groups will receive a minimum of $1,500. Housing and meals are not provided.
Acceptance Rate: 3% (around 50 students)
SIMR is a prestigious, competitive research internship program wherein selected students will work with Stanford faculty, postdoctoral fellows, students, and researchers. You will work one-on-one with mentors at state-of-the-art labs. You will have to select your preferred research areas from these options – neurobiology, immunology, cardiovascular biology, bioinformatics, bioengineering, cancer biology, stem cell and regenerative medicine, and genetics. During the beginning of the program, you will attend lectures in the morning and spend the rest of the day working in your lab. Most of your time will be spent in full-time lab work. During the last 2 weeks, you will work on a research poster for your project, which you will present to peers, teachers, family and the Stanford community. Here are some of past interns’ achievements.
3. STEM Enhancement in Earth Science (SEES) Summer High School Intern Program by NASA and UT Austin
Subject areas: Earth and space research
Location: Hybrid (Remote + University of Austin, Austin, TX)
Eligibility: High school juniors who hold U.S. citizenship
Application Deadline: February 24, 2024
Program Dates: July 1, 2024 - July 6, 2024 (online work with mentors) | July 7, 2024 - July 20, 2024 (on-site for 11th graders) | July 27, 2024 - August 4, 2024 (on-site for 10th graders)
Stipend: This is an unpaid internship, although housing, meals, and local transportation will be covered. Some travel scholarships to Texas are available.
Acceptance Rate: 3-4% (6-7 students in each cohort)
Every year, NASA and the University of Texas at Austin Center for Space Research conduct the highly competitive SEES intern program. Selected interns will learn how to conduct field investigations, interpret NASA satellite data, and contribute to ongoing research projects. This is a national-level internship program, where you will get to work alongside NASA subject matter experts. Research areas may include remote sensing, mission design, natural hazards and climate science, and space geodetic techniques. At the final symposium, you will be expected to present your work.
4. Bank of America’s Student Leaders Program
Subject areas: Business, marketing, administration, community development, leadership, nonprofit work
Location: Multiple locations in the country + one-week residential Student Leaders Summit in Washington, D.C.
Eligibility: Current high school juniors or seniors with U.S. work authorization and permanent residence in one of the eligible locations
Application Deadline: Applications for 2024 are now closed. Applications for 2025 will open in fall 2024.
Dates: June-July (8 weeks). The summit will be held on July 22-27, 2024.
Stipend: Hourly rate + fully funded trip to the Student Leaders Summit
Acceptance Rate: 5-8% (around 300 students annually accepted)
This is a national leadership training and work experience internship program that connects students to employment, service, and skill development opportunities. It is aimed at helping you develop your leadership and community skills. You will be paired with a local nonprofit organization to work with, where you will 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 engage in real-world projects and assignments related to financial analysis and community leadership. This hands-on experience allows you to apply their classroom knowledge to practical situations. 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.
Students have interned with nonprofits such as Boys and Girls Clubs of America and Habitat for Humanity, exploring the intersection between non-profits, governments, and businesses.
5. Harvard-MIT Science Research Mentoring Program (SRMP)
Subject areas: Astrophysics, climate science
Location: Harvard or MIT, Cambridge, MA
Eligibility: High school sophomores, juniors, and seniors (both international and US citizens)
Application deadline: May 2024 (tentatively, based on previous years)
Program dates: September 2024 - May 2025
Stipend: Paid (amount not mentioned)
Acceptance Rate: Less than 5% (10-15 students)
Harvard and MIT’s SRMP allows interns to work on independent astrophysics and climate science research projects under the mentorship of top scientists from the renowned institutions. Students will be divided into 5-6 groups and will attend weekly discussion sessions, meetings, and guest lectures. This program, which runs through the school year, offers all the resources you may need to conduct your research, including a laptop, under the guidance of Harvard and MIT scholars. At the end of your program, you will present a report of your research efforts at the annual Harvard symposium. Go through past projects here!
6. Eugene and Ruth Roberts Summer Student Academy at City of Hope Cancer Center
Subject areas: Biomedical research
Location: City of Hope, Duarte, CA
Eligibility: High school students who are at least 16 years old and have U.S. citizenship or permanent residency
Application Deadline: March 13, 2024
Dates: June 3, 2024 - August 9, 2024 (10 weeks)
Stipend: $4,000
Acceptance Rate: 4% (accepted 82 students from 2,100 applications in 2023)
This 10-week summer internship allows students to conduct their own biomedical research projects under renowned physicians and scientists. You will also attend weekly seminars, laboratory sessions with the staff, workshops on ethics and making research posters, and will also network with peers and professionals. The program ends with the completion of your research paper, which you then present. Previous interns have contributed to published research papers while some have patented and sold their program-specific inventions.
7. Anson L. Clark Scholars Program at TexasTech University
Subject areas: Various STEM fields. These are the offered research areas.
Location: TexasTech University campus, Lubbock, TX
Eligibility: Students who will be at least 17 years old by the program start date, will
graduate in 2024/2025, and are U.S. citizens or permanent residents
Application Deadline: Applications typically close in February
Dates: June 16, 2024 - August 1, 2024 (7 weeks)
Stipend: $750 + free housing and meals
Acceptance Rate: Less than 3% (only 12 students are accepted every year)
The Anson L. Clark Scholars Program provides applied research exposure to outstanding students (see examples here). Selected scholars will work one-on-one with scientists and researchers and attend weekly seminars, discussions, field visits and social activities. You will conduct research across a wide range of fields. You can expect to get practical research experience and build your knowledge base, as you learn from experienced faculty members from the university. Research areas for 2024 include nutritional sciences, computer science, biology and microbiology, mechanical engineering, neurobiology, history, chemistry, and electrical and computer engineering.
8. Johns Hopkins Internship in Brain Sciences (JHIBS)
Subject areas: Neurology, neuroscience
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.
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.
Application Deadline: March 1, 2024
Dates: 8 weeks, June 2024 - August 2024 (in-person); 5 weeks, July 2023 - August 2023 (virtual)
Stipend: In-person participants receive an hourly stipend (amount varies), while virtual interns receive a stipend of $500.
Acceptance Rate: 3-4% (only 5-6 students are accepted for the in-person program)
If you’re thinking about pursuing a career in neurological sciences, JHIBS would be an advantageous program to consider. This selective opportunity offers students from underrepresented communities to drive a hands-on mentored research project while participating in clinical rotations with neurologists, attending seminars and weekly personal and professional development sessions. You will work under the guidance of leading researchers in the field, and interact with leading neuroscientists at JHU.
The program is also offered virtually, for students who cannot attend the program on campus. 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.
9. NASA Office of STEM Engagement (OSTEM) Internships
Subject areas: Multidisciplinary
Location: Any NASA facility in the country / virtual
Eligibility: High school students (at least 16 years old) with a 3.0 GPA and U.S. citizenship
Application Deadline: February 2, 2024 (for summer internships). Spring and fall internships are also available.
Dates: May-August (10 weeks)
Stipend: Interns receive a stipend based on academic level and session length.
Acceptance Rate: 4-6%
Highly reputed and selective, NASA’s internships can give you exposure to real-world NASA projects and allow you to work alongside NASA scientists, engineers, and researchers, as you participate in current, relevant work at the agency. Under the guidance of your mentors, you will have access to work with NASA’s cutting-edge technologies, facilities, and research. The internships are offered in a range of subjects and disciplines, including space science, engineering, aeronautics, technology, space microbiology, ecology, and even outreach and communications. During the internship, you might participate in designing experiments, analyzing data from space missions, or developing new technologies – engaging in real-world experiences, getting valuable experience and a solid insight into NASA's work. You can check out all the open positions here - you may have to use the “Filter” option to see opportunities only open to high school students.
10. Hutton Junior Fisheries Biology Program
Subject areas: Fisheries science, aquatic science
Location: Varies according to students’ locations. Hutton’s network of mentors allows it to place students within a 45-minute commute of where they live.
Eligibility: Current high school students who are at least 16 and are residents of the US, Canada, Mexico, Puerto Rico, and the Pacific Islands
Application Deadline: Applications for 2024 are closed on January 16, 2024. Applications for 2025 will open in November 2024.
Dates: June-August (8 weeks)
Stipend: $3,000 and an all-expenses paid trip to the Hutton Scholars Summit
Acceptance Rate: 12% for 2023
Sponsored by the American Fisheries Society (AFS), this program aims to encourage interest in fisheries and aquatic science, especially among underrepresented groups. It is an exceptional opportunity for students interested in those fields, or related fields such as biotechnology, marine biology and biology. As a Hutton scholar, you will receive 1-on-1 mentorship from a fisheries professional in your area. You will gain hands-on fisheries science experience in marine or freshwater, and experience in conducting laboratory and field research. You will also participate in resource conservation and management projects, and will learn about career opportunities in these fields. Some possible activities include electrofishing, examining specimens, data procession, establishing aquatic vegetation and fish habitats, and more. This program also includes an all-expense paid trip to the Hutton Scholars Summit!
Past interns have gone on to work successfully in fisheries, biology, and environmental science.
11. Princeton Summer Journalism Program (PSJP)
Subject areas: Journalism, politics, current affairs
Location: Hybrid (virtual + on-site at the Emma Bloomberg Center for Access and Opportunity, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ)
Eligibility: High school juniors in the U.S. from a low-income background who have an unweighted 3.5/4.0 GPA can apply.
Application Deadline: February 15, 2024
Dates: July 2024 - August 2024 (around 5 weeks)
Cost: Free. All housing, food, transportation, and equipment costs will be covered for the on-site portion of the program.
Acceptance rate: Less than 5% (up to 40 students selected annually)
A highly selective and prestigious program, PSJP is a program ideal for students interested in political journalism. During this fully-funded program that also offers college prep, you will study politics and current affairs, learn from Princeton professors and journalists, and collaborate with a college advisor. You will take part in a summer intensive that includes virtual and on-campus workshops and lectures led by program graduates and journalists from publications such as The New York Times, The Washington Post, The New Yorker, New York Magazine, The Daily Beast, Politico, and CNN, among others.
The program will conclude with its 10-day residential program, at the end of which students will publish the Princeton Summer Journal. Take a look at last year’s publications!
12. High School Scientific Training and Enrichment Program (HiSTEP)
Subject areas: Medicine, biomedicine, biomedical research
Location: National Institutes of Health (NIH) main campus, Bethesda, MD
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors with a minimum 3.0 GPA and residence in Washington D.C., Maryland, or Virginia can apply. Students should also attend a school where at least 30% of the students participate in the Federal Free and Reduced Lunch Program.
Application Deadline: Applications for 2024 closed in January 2024 and will reopen for 2025 in fall 2024.
Dates: July 2, 2024 - August 1, 2024
Stipend: $2,300 - $2,530
Acceptance Rate: Less than 10%
The National Institute of Health (NIH) funds a lot of the world’s research in the field of medicine and biomedicine. Its HiSTEP program exposes students to biomedical research and healthcare careers through classroom and lab-based work as part of the NIH Intramural Research Program. The programming includes lectures, seminars, field visits, group projects, group discussions, college preparation, and networking events.
HiSTEP is dedicated to inspiring the next generation of scientists and promoting diversity in STEM. The program partners with renowned research institutions to help you dive into cutting-edge scientific investigations across diverse disciplines. HiSTEP is not a hands-on, full-time research program. It will combine an introduction to scientific, professional, and personal skills with leadership training, wellness programming, and an exploration of STEM-M (science, technology, engineering, math, and medically-related) careers. In addition, it will help prepare you for future scholarships and internships.
Subject areas: Physics, quantum science, engineering, computing
Location: Fermilab site, Winfield Township, IL
Eligibility: High school sophomores or juniors studying in Illinois high schools with a minimum 3.0 GPA and U.S. work eligibility
Application Deadline: Applications for 2024 closed on February 5, 2024 and will reopen in November 2024 for 2025 internships.
Dates: June 17, 2024 - July 26, 2024
Stipend: $17.20 per hour
Acceptance Rate: Less than 5% (10-15 interns in each cohort)
Fermilab is one of the country’s top particle physics and accelerator laboratory that has been in place since 1967, operating under the US Department of Energy. It conducts impactful research in particle physics, neutrinos, particle accelerators, detectors, computing, and quantum science. Its TARGET internship program places interns in one of these research areas under the mentorship of professional researchers and exposes them to lab work, workshops, tours, and oral presentations, with the aim to encourage them to pursue STEM majors in college and further, careers in STEM fields.
As an intern, you will have the opportunity to work with scientists and engineers to conduct research and create content on Fermilab research. Previous work by TARGET student interns includes interviews with scientists and their current projects (e.g. Kentandu Cheidu interviewing her mentor Lauren Biron on the Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment) or participating in hands-on workshops to understand 3D modeling and computational thinking.
14. SPARK Summer Internship Program (SPARK SIP)
Subject areas: Computer science, engineering, tech, biotechnology, communications and outreach, research, physics, and more. Varies with the projects offered each year.
Location: Greater Seattle Area, WA
Eligibility: High school students who can work for 40 hours/week for 8-12 weeks
Application deadline: May (based on last year's dates)
Program dates: June-August (6-8 weeks)
Stipend: Up to $500, with some unpaid internships also available.
Acceptance Rate: Less than 5%
SPARK SIP is a mentorship-focused internship program that allows motivated students to work with educators, mentors, and industry experts on individual research projects. Of the projects offered, you will have to select 5-6 options that interest you. These projects already have sponsors assigned to them, who you will work with once selected. The program allows students to work on real-world applications of concepts in machine learning, computer programming, computer vision, and neural networks, while interacting with and learning from industry leaders, university professors and mentors.
For the 2023 cohort, some of the research project list included Detection tool for tick-borne infections or breast cancer, DNA Sequence Classification based on Electrical Signatures, 2D Materials - A new class of conductors and semiconductors for future and Preparing Python script for crossbar architecture and exploring its various non-idealities.
15. High School Internships at the Met
Subject areas: Art, design, culture, history, museums, curation
Location: Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Eligibility: High school students in grades 10 and 11 living in New York, New Jersey, or Connecticut
Application Deadline: March 8, 2024 (for summer internships)
Dates: July 8, 2024 - August 9, 2024. The Met also runs a school-year internship program that runs from January to June, which you can consider.
Stipend: $1,100
Acceptance Rate: 3-4%
The Metropolitan Museum of Art is one of the most well-known art museums in the world. Its paid high school internships connect students with professionals in art, museums, and other creative fields, allowing them to build networks and develop skills. Students can work in departments like design, curation, editorial, communication and marketing, conservation, development, digital, engineering, education, merchandise, imaging, live events, and lots more. Note that you don’t have to be directly passionate about art, or have experience in it, for this internship! Student interns can expect to work on developing professional skills, while they network and gain hands-on experience in this vibrant world. As a MET intern, you regularly interact with museum professionals, as well as experts in marketing, scientific research, social media, law, and educational programming. You also participate in Career Labs - sessions where you interact and learn from professionals about their work, and experiences, and receive advice.
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.