16 Internships for High School Students in NYC (New York City)
If you’re a high school student in New York, you’re in luck! New York has a wide range of internships to offer to high school students. Whether it is NASA or with the Mayor, we’ve got you covered. We even have some remote options for you if commuting is a hassle or you need wider choices in terms of timings and areas.
With so many options to choose from, it’s not always easy to find the best internship for you. You have to factor in the prestige of the host institution, the skills and knowledge you’ll be building, transferable skills, whether it’s conveniently located. So, we’ve put together a list of some of the best high school internships NYC has to offer, to make your search easier.
Why should you consider internships in high school?
Internships can be very useful in helping you learn outside the classroom and apply what you’ve learned. With the right internship, you can hope to build a more practical understanding of an area of interest, a good network and a real sense of other skills that come handy no matter what sort of work you might land up doing – critical thinking, problem-solving, communication, teamwork, leadership. A good internship can also boost your college applications for these reasons!
1. NASA Goddard Institute for Space Studies (GISS) Internship
Location: Varies, location may differ with each internship (all will be NYC-based)
Eligibility: High school students, who are US citizens, with a minimum GPA of 3.0
Application Deadline: Varies from internship to internship
Program Dates: Varies from internship to internship, but should be in one of these three cohorts:
- Fall: Late August/early September to mid-December (16 weeks)
- Spring: Mid-January to early May (16 weeks)
- Summer: Late May/early June to August (10 weeks)
Cost/Stipend: No cost; stipend provided
NASA’s Office of STEM Engagements offers internship opportunities at all their locations across the country. This is a great option for you if you are interested in STEM areas, and especially in engineering!
One of these locations, NASA’s Goddard Institute for Space Study in New York, is open for high school internships. These may vary based on availability – you can access their database on internships here (you will have to filter through to find opportunities open for high school study in NYC). Note, some virtual internships are also offered!
A NASA internship is a chance for you to work with some of the top science, business, and engineering minds in the country, at state-of-the-art labs. 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 this internship, you may be involved in designing experiments, analyzing data from space missions, or developing new technologies – engaging in real-world experiences, gaining valuable experience and insight into NASA's work. If you’re interested in engineering or astrophysics, interning with NASA is one of the most valuable experiences you can consider!
2. New York City Office of the Mayor Internship
Location: New York City (across various city department offices)
Eligibility Criteria: Applicants
- Must be 16 years of age or older.
- Must be a New York City resident (applicable for Fall/Spring Term internship).
- Must have current working papers/employment certification at the time of application.
- Must be enrolled in high school or accepted to an undergraduate degree program.
Application Deadline: March 22, 2024 (Summer Term) | Date TBA for Fall/Spring Term
Program Dates: June 24 - August 16, 2024 (Summer Term) | September 2024 - April 2025 (Fall/Spring Term) (Dates TBA)
Cost/Stipend: No cost, students will be paid $16 per hour
The NYC Office of the Mayor offers high school students a chance to explore various departments of city governance, policy and planning. This is a great option for you if you are interested in political science, public policy journalism or international relations!
You can apply to intern at any of the departments, based on your interests and skill level – you will work within that department for the duration of your internship.
As an intern, you will work alongside government officials on a range of projects, which could include a number of tasks such as conducting research, attending meetings, managing incoming inquiries, analyzing data, drafting briefings, staffing events, and more. Part of the internship is the bi-weekly Speaker Series, which will help you learn more about the inner workings of the city government. Guest speakers include Deputy Mayors, Commissioners, Program Directors, and other senior staff. You will also have the opportunity to collaborate on a service project, with the goal to design and execute a project that will impact the most deserving communities in the city and uplift New Yorkers in need.
A remote option:
Location: Virtual
Eligibility: High school students, undergraduates, and gap year students who can contribute 5-15 work hours per week for 8-16 weeks
Application Deadline: Spring cohort: February 18, 2024 | Summer cohort (early admission): February 18, 2024 | Summer cohort (regular admission): April 14, 2024. Fall and winter cohorts are also available.
Program Dates: Varies according to cohort. Summer cohorts run in June-August.
Cost: $1,990 (financial aid is available)
Ladder Internships, a program founded by Harvard alumni, offers high school students a chance to intern with startups and nonprofits around the world – in a wide range of industries. This is a great option for you if you want business-facing internships across industries.
This is a fairly selective, entirely virtual program. The organizations you can intern with operate in a number of fields, and you can select the one that interests you the most. The fields you’d have the chance to intern in include technology, machine learning and AI, finance, environmental science and sustainability, business and marketing, healthcare and medicine, media and journalism and more. You can explore all the options here on their application form.
This program’s curriculum is tailored for high school students, offering a balance between academic enrichment and practical skill development. Interns will work on a real project that’s of genuine need to the startup, under the guidance of their startup manager and their Ladder coach. Interns will also receive 1-1 training in communication, time management and other skills, and will attend group training sessions with other interns.
4. Thurgood Marshall Summer Law Internship Program (TMSLIP) by the New York City Bar
Location: New York City
Eligibility: NYC public high school students are eligible to apply.
Application Deadline: Applications typically close in January.
Program dates: May - August (during school year)
Stipend: $15-21 per hour
The prestigious New York City High School Law Internship Program aims to match interested high school students in the city with legal employers – including law firms, corporations, non-profit organizations, and government agencies. During the internship, you will engage in practical training, panel discussions, and networking events that will help them prepare for a career in law. As an intern, your duties may include assisting paralegals, filing paperwork, maintaining records, and organizing documents. This is a great option for you if you are considering a career in law and contemplating pre-law courses in college.
In addition to the on-the-job experience, the legal employers also offer development programs that grant exposure to the legal profession. If you’re interested in pursuing law or policy, this program can help you build a solid foundation to cultivate and explore your interests while being guided by industry professionals! Check out the 2024 brochure here.
5. Biorocket Research Internship Program at Genspace
Location: Genspace, Brooklyn, NY
Eligibility: Students 15 years or older by July 1, 2020, who attend a NYC public or charter school within 45 minutes of Genspace, can apply.
Application deadline: Applications typically open in the fall and close in February.
Program dates: Spring semester (February to May) | Summer semester (July to August). For exact dates take a look at the region-wise program information.
Stipend: $1,000
Genspace is a well-known community biotech lab in New York City. It offers this research internship program for students interested in biotechnology and genetic engineering. Interns get the opportunity to conduct cutting-edge research in a number of topics, including but not limited to DNA sequencing, genetic engineering, and bioinformatics.
The internship includes mentorship from experts in the field, who can help deepen your understanding of the intricacies and nuances of life sciences. Interns will work with state-of-the-art laboratory facilities and technologies while developing essential laboratory techniques and analytical skills.
A few research subjects that student interns covered in the past include the behaviors of biofilm, algal growth in relation to water purification, and Zebrafish liver cells as biosensors. This program is focused on practical learning – students will conduct real experiments in a fully-equipped biotech laboratory. This program ensures students leave with practical biotech skills and a sense of responsibility for the ethical and responsible use of biotechnology.
Location: The program is conducted in a hybrid format, in New York, Miami, and Los Angeles.
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors enrolled in a New York City, Los Angeles, or Miami high school are eligible.
Application Deadline: August 20, 2024
Program dates: 9 months starting in September.
Stipend: $1000
The Tech Flex Leaders program is ideal for students inclined to pursue a career in technology. The program curriculum goes beyond the basis, giving students insight into the intricacies of emergent technologies.
The program aims to cultivate the next generation of tech leaders. You can choose from a number of tracks in the program including UX Design, Data Science, Web Development and more. During the program, you will participate in workshops and hackathons that challenge your problem-solving skills, and learn programming languages. The program is structured such that it ensures a balance between theoretical knowledge building and honing practical skills that are directly applicable in the evolving world of tech. The program also allows students to interact with and learn from industry leaders and professionals from the field – a chance to create a lasting network.
7. Human Oncology & Pathogenesis Program (HOPP) at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
Location: Main Campus of Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, Manhattan, NY
Eligibility: Students must be in their sophomore year or higher, and must have a minimum GPA of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale. The program also encourages students from disadvantaged and underprivileged backgrounds to apply.
Application Deadline: Applications typically close in February.
Program Dates: June-end to August-end (tentatively, based on previous years)
Cost/Stipend: No cost. A stipend will be provided after the successful completion of the program.
This is a highly competitive, 8-week-long summer program for high school students. As a participant, you will work on independent STEM research projects under the mentorship of a postdoctoral fellow, graduate student, or research technician. This is a great option for you if you’d like a research mentorship experience in an internship.
You will be introduced to laboratory techniques required to conduct research in STEM fields – skills that may be essential in the future. At the end of the program, you will get the chance to present your research in a poster presentation session – thus ensuring you also get an understanding of how to consolidate and present scientific research. You will also be required to attend tours and training sessions conducted by experts in the field.
Note: You can check out HOPP alumni talk about the program and their takeaways and learnings from it here.
8. KPMG U.S. Empower High School Experience
Location: This program is offered across multiple KPMG locations, including New York.
Eligibility: Rising juniors or seniors in high school, who live in commutable proximity to a KPMG local office and can participate in-person during normal business hours, are eligible.
Application deadline: There is no information available on this at the moment.
Program dates: 3 weeks in July
Stipend: $25 per hour
The KPMG U.S. Empower High School Experience provides high school students with a comprehensive and hands-on introduction to the world of accounting and professional services. During this program, students will get a deep understanding of fundamental accounting principles, auditing procedures, tax concepts, and advisory services. This is a great option for you if you are considering options in economics and finance.
This experience goes beyond classroom knowledge, since you will also participate in interactive workshops, collaborate on real-world case studies, and interact with KPMG professionals. You will be encouraged to work in teams in the program, hone your problem-solving skills and critical thinking abilities.
The networking and mentorship opportunities this program offers are also quite valuable. You will have the chance to connect with professionals at KPMG, learning from their experiences and insights. Additionally, you will also attend guest lectures and workshops led by industry experts, further enriching your understanding of the field. This program can help you build a strong foundation for future careers in the finance and accounting industry.
9. High School Research Internships at Boyce Thompson Institute (BTI), Cornell University, and the USDA
Location: Cornell University Campus, Ithaca, New York
Eligibility:
- Students must be 16 years or older by the end of June.
- Students must currently reside in the Ithaca region.
- Graduating seniors are not eligible.
Application Deadline: March 31 (tentatively, based on previous year’s dates)
Program Dates: June 27 - August 11 (tentatively, based on previous year’s dates)
Stipend: $4,000
This is a great opportunity if you’re interested in computational biology. Conducted alongside Cornell University and the USDA, this 7-week internship gives students a chance to conduct research in the fields of plant science and computational biology. This is a great option for you if you’d like a research mentorship experience in an internship.
During the program, you will be paired with a research mentor, typically a graduate student or a postdoctoral researcher, and a faculty mentor, to work on a predetermined project. Apart from conducting research, interns can join undergraduate researchers for professional development lectures and discussions. Boyce Institute organizes local field trips and training sessions as well. The program ends with a symposium in August, where students can present a research poster.
10. Student Historian Internship at the New York Historical Society
Location: New York Historical Society, New York, NY
Eligibility: High school students entering grades 10, 11, or 12 can apply. Applicants must live in and attend school in the New York City metro area (includes the five boroughs of New York City, as well as areas of New York State, Connecticut, and New Jersey).
Application deadline:April 7, 2024
Program dates: July 9, 2024 - August 15, 2024
Stipend: Interns who attend a Title 1 School or are eligible for free or reduced lunch will be offered a stipend to participate. Unpaid internships will be provided for all other accepted students, with the option to receive community service hours or school credit. Participation in this program can be used to fulfill the extracurricular requirement for the NYSED Seal of Civic Readiness.
This program offers students the opportunity to leverage the New-York Historical Society's resources to conduct research and showcase their scholarly work through innovative digital projects. As part of the program, students will participate in informative sessions with experienced professionals, gaining insights into the world of museums, libraries, digital humanities, and history. Students are encouraged to foster collaborative skills by working closely with their peers on their historical analysis, communication, and digital media abilities. Additionally, they actively participate in hands-on activities aimed at deepening their grasp of American history and the digital humanities. The overarching theme for the internship program this year is 'Our Composite Nation: Frederick Douglass' America.'
11. The Met Summer High School Internships
Location: The Met Fifth Avenue, New York, NY
Eligibility: High school sophomores and juniors from New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut are eligible to apply.
Application deadline: March 8, 2024
Program dates: July 8, 2024 - August 9, 2024. Note, students will be expected to attend a few training and orientation sessions towards the end of June as well.
Cost/Stipend: No cost. Students will receive a $1,100 stipend
The Metropolitan Museum of Art, or The Met as it’s commonly called, is one of the most well-known art museums in the world. The Met offers high school students the opportunity to work with the museum and engage with its collections, artists, and various departments. These paid internships are best suited for students passionate about art, design, architecture, and creative expression – but you don’t need to have a background or any experience in art! The Met invites students from all backgrounds, encouraging them to deepen their knowledge and expertise in this field.
Interns will regularly interact with museum professionals, as well as experts in marketing, scientific research, social media, law, and educational programming. Interns will also participate in Career Labs – sessions where you interact and learn from professionals about their work, and experiences, and receive advice. This internship allows you to start building a professional network as you gain work experience.
The Met also runs a school-year internship program that runs from January to June, which you can consider!
12. City Limits CLARIFY Program
Location: CUNY Brooklyn or CUNY York college campus, NY / Virtual
Eligibility: NYC juniors, seniors, and graduating seniors are eligible
Application Deadline: The applications for spring 2024 cohorts will open soon, followed by the summer 2024 applications. Keep checking the apply page to find out the dates.
Program Dates: Spring 2024 (around 6 weeks) and Summer 2024 (around 10 days in July)
Cost/Stipend: No cost; students receive a stipend
This internship is perfect for students keen to explore the worlds of media and journalism. City Limits, NYC’s oldest non-profit investigative news agency, launched the City Limits Accountability Reporting Initiative for Youth (CLARIFY) in 2014 to empower the youth and train students in public service journalism. Interns are trained in the essential tenets of reporting and news writing.
As an intern, you will be trained in interviewing, investigating, ethics, photojournalism, reporting, and news writing. Interns will collaborate with their instructors to publish their work in City Limits. Interns will work with City Limits reporters and focus on local, relevant news stories. In Fall 2023, for instance, interns worked on a reporting project about Mayor Eric Adams’ work and progress in the area of housing. Read the previous articles by CLARIFY alums here!
13. Internship Program at the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office
Location: Manhattan
Eligibility: High school sophomores, juniors, and seniors who live in or attend school in Manhattan are eligible
Application Deadline: March 8, 2024
Program Dates: July 8, 2024 - August 9, 2024
Cost/Stipend: No cost. Students will be paid per the minimum wage.
Internships at the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office are an opportunity for students to understand the criminal justice system and how it functions. Interns are expected to work 35 hours a week. During the internship, you will participate in several workshops and discussions surrounding criminal justice, police brutality, civic engagement, and leadership. You will also get to participate in mock trials, develop your professional skills in an office setting, and more. Interns will have to take part in a series of presentations and conversations with DA’s office staff to build a foundational understanding of how policies are developed and implemented.
The Brooklyn District Attorney’s Office offers a similar internship which students can consider!
14. Alley Pond Environmental Center (APEC) Field Biology Internships
Location: Alleypond, NY
Eligibility: High school students who are at least 14 years old
Application Deadline: June 1 - Summer cohort | September 1 - Fall cohort | February 1 - Spring cohort
Program Dates: The summer cohort is held weekly, every Wednesday. The fall and spring cohorts are held weekly, every Saturday. See exact dates here.
Cost: $150. Financial aid is offered.
The APEC Field Biology internships are an opportunity for students to learn and explore field research and urban biology. During the internship, you will learn how to study the biodiversity of various ecosystems, and how to identify local birds, invertebrates, and plants. This opportunity allows you to work with tools such as field guides, chest waders, and seining nets in a professional context – skills that aren’t very commonplace! Apart from field research, you will also participate in hands-on experiments, while working alongside expert guest speakers. As this internship helps you build a solid foundation in these subjects, interns will simultaneously engage in practical methodology in the study of ecosystems with field guides, chest waders, and seining nets in a professional context.
Each internship is segregated into a semester, with 6 classes per semester and 3 seasonal semesters (Spring, Summer, and Fall), so if you are interested in zoology, ecology, and biology you must consider this internship!
15. Design Hive at the Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum
Location: Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum, New York, NY
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors in NYC are eligible to apply.
Application deadline: There is no information available on this at the moment.
Program dates: The internship typically runs from November to May.
Stipend: $2,000 paid in two $1,000 installments during the program.
The Design Hive program is perfect for you if you’re keen to explore the field of design, especially because it offers students the opportunity to work at the prestigious Smithsonian Design Museum. During the program, you will work with peers and professional designers to learn how an initial idea becomes the final design and develop collaborative projects. The program allows students to access all the resources the Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum has to offer - which means you can engage with the exhibitions, objects, people and more. The program is scheduled with 2-hour sessions every Tuesday. Keep an eye on the official Design Hive page for application announcements!
16. Paid internships for teens at the Brooklyn Museum
Location: Brooklyn Museum, New York City, NY
Eligibility: All internships are open to students in NYC aged 14-19. Some might have additional eligibility requirements, make sure you check before you apply.
Application Deadline: Applications for 2023–24 are now closed. Check back in June 2024 for information on the 2024–25 program year!
Program Dates: All internships run during the school year, either September to May or November to August.
Cost/Stipend: No cost. Students receive a stipend, this will vary with the specific internship.
The Brooklyn Museum offers a number of programs to teens in NYC, including a few paid internships. Here, we’ll cover the Creative Practice program and the Museum Apprentice program.
The Creative Practice program allows you to explore art, education, and museum careers while assisting teaching artists conducting classes for students of all ages. The teaching assistance involves preparing studios and materials, learning techniques of lesson planning, and practicing classroom management. In the program, students will participate in discussions on the intersection of art, fashion, design, and society, and interact with artists, educators, and museum staff. Note, that this program involves a significant time commitment.
The Museum Apprentice program gives you the chance to dive into art and art history, and deepen your understanding of how museums function. You will also learn about museum education while creating your own lessons for audiences of all ages. You will interact with artists and curators to learn about art and the Brooklyn Museum’s collections, discuss critical topics in the field of museum education, connect with education staff and get trained on how to use artworks to teach people of all ages and abilities.
The museum runs another program for teens which you can check out – InterseXtions: Gender & Sexuality.
Here’s 3 more programs in and around NYC you can consider!
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.