25 Paid Internships for High School Students
Internships offer opportunities to get practical, hands-on experience in fields of your interest, along with a bunch of other advantages. As a high school student, you’ll learn to apply what you learn in the classroom to real-world situations, dive deeper into concepts in your chosen subject and get to network with both peers and industry professionals. Not only that, internships look great on college applications! Taking up an internship is stepping outside your comfort zone to learn and hone your skills, pursue your passion, and even check whether a career or field choice is right for you. This tells admissions officers you’re dedicated, motivated and passionate – which are qualities they look for!
However, students are often faced with the reality of having to do an unpaid internship – so we curated this list of 25 paid internships across the US! These internships provide students with a platform to explore a range of subjects, concepts and fields, while also providing stipends and/or other forms of compensation.
1. Science and Engineering Apprenticeship Program (SEAP) at the Department of Navy (DoN)
Fields: Various STEM disciplines, including engineering, computer science, physics, chemistry, aeronautics
Location: There are several lab locations to choose from across the country.
Eligibility: High school students who have completed at least grade 9, are at least 16 years old when the internship begins, can apply. Graduating seniors are eligible as well. There is room for some exceptions. Students are recommended to check whether their preferred lab choice has any other particular requirements.
Application deadline: Applications open in August and close on November 1st every year.
Program dates: 8 weeks in the summer. Exact dates vary depending on the lab you choose.
Stipend: $4,000 (new participant) | $4,500 (returning participant)
Cost: There are no registration costs, however, housing, meals, transportation, and medical expenses are not covered. You can expect to have to travel to and from your lab, depending on your placement.
The Science and Engineering Apprenticeship Program (SEAP) immerses high school students in Department of Navy (DoN) laboratories for an 8-week summer internship, where they’ll work on real Naval research. Prestigious and highly selective, SEAP has 300 placements across 38 laboratories nationwide. During this program, students will work with leading researchers and engineers at Navy laboratories and facilities across the country. You will be mentored by these expert scientists, while working on projects hands-on and building knowledge and skills in various STEM disciplines, such as computer science and aeronautics. Your lab choice is based on your subject of interest.
2. Stanford Institutes of Medicine Summer Research Program (SIMR)
Fields: Medicine (Students choose from: Immunology, Neurobiology, Cancer Biology, Bioengineering, Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Cardiovascular Biology, Bioinformatics and Genetics and Genomics)
Location: Stanford University, Stanford, CA.
Eligibility: Current juniors or seniors who are at least 16 years of age are eligible.
Application deadline: February 24, 2024
Program dates: June 10, 2024 - August 1, 2024
Stipend: Students earn a stipend of $500 - $2,500. Housing and transportation are not provided.
Please note: There is a $40 application fee, which can be waived. Stipends of $2500 and above are given on a needs-based system from special grants.
SIMR is one of the most prestigious internship programs, offering both internship and research components. It’s an 8-week internship program where you will get to collaborate one-on-one with a mentor, a Stanford graduate student or a postdoctoral fellow, and engage in hands-on research. You will have to select one of eight study fields – Immunology, Neurobiology, Cancer Biology, Bioengineering, Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Cardiovascular Biology, Bioinformatics and Genetics and Genomics. Once selected, you will be assigned a particular field of study (branch) based on your preference, and spend two months as a mentee. You will be mentored by imminent scholars, researchers, and Ph.D. fellows in the field of medicine. This is a fairly competitive program with a cohort size of about 50 students – at an acceptance rate of less than 3% (approximately).
During the first couple weeks of the program, you will attend lectures in the morning and spend the rest of the day working in your lab. A majority of the program will be spent in full-time lab work. During the last 2 weeks of the program, you will work on your research poster of your project, which you present to your peers, teachers, family and the Stanford community at the end of the program. Each branch has a slightly different internship structure to help you get the best exposure to that branch, so be sure to read through the internship structures carefully.
3. Biorocket Research Internship Program at Genspace
Fields: Biotechnology and genetic engineering
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
This internship at Genspace, a community biotech lab in New York City, allows students to explore the fields of biotechnology and genetic engineering. During the program, students will conduct research in a range of topics such as DNA sequencing, genetic engineering, and bioinformatics. As interns, you will be mentored by scientists and experts at the lab, who will help you further your understanding of concepts in the life sciences. With access to top-notch laboratory facilities and technologies, you’ll also work on honing essential laboratory techniques and analytical skills.
This program focused on practical learning – as students conduct real experiments in a fully-equipped biotech laboratory. 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. Students learn to foster a deep passion for the field, and get a sense of responsibility for the ethical and responsible use of biotechnology.
4. Amazon Future Engineer Scholarship & Internship
Fields: Engineering, technology, computer science
Location: Amazon headquarters (Seattle, Washington).
Eligibility: High School Seniors in the U.S. who
- are currently enrolled in or who have completed a high school or college dual degree course where computer science, engineering, or robotics is the subject;
- have a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.3 on a 4.0 scale (or its equivalent);
- demonstrate financial need.
Program dates: ~8 weeks during the summer after your freshman year of college
Application deadline: December 15, 2023
Stipend: Students can receive scholarships of up to $10,000 per year.
The Amazon Future Engineer Program, which is really more just an internship, is a great option for high school students interested in tech. Students receive scholarships of up to $10,000 per year, along with hands-on experiences, and exposure to the day-to-day challenges and innovations within Amazon's tech-centric environment. You will work on real projects with experts, gaining insights into the field of technology. You’ll learn to apply your classroom knowledge in practical situations.
For high school students keen on careers in tech, Amazon Future Engineer serves as a launching pad. The program's multifaceted approach combines technical instruction, mentorship opportunities, and a supportive community that fosters collaboration. It will help you build a solid foundation in computer science, and you’ll also network with industry professionals and learn about potential career pathways.
Fields: Technology, computer science, business
Location: Menlo Park, CA.
Eligibility: High school sophomores who are full-year residents of East Palo Alto, Belle Haven, or Redwood City are encouraged to apply.
Application Deadline: March 1, 2024
Program dates: 6 weeks (June through July)
Stipend: Students will receive a stipend!
Meta’s prestigious summer opportunity for high school students, known as the Meta Summer Academy, gives students a chance to learn about various practices in Meta and learn and be a part of its day-to-day environment as an extern. It runs for 6 weeks, from June through July, and is held in California. You will be expected to participate for 30 hours/week. Also, note that interns will be mentored by Meta summer academy mentors – these are employees at Meta. If selected, the position also offers you exposure to the tech industry. Meta provides transportation to all externs, which makes it accessible to applicants from across California. Landing an internship at Meta as a high school student is a matter of prestige, as the selection process is quite competitive, with only 150 students making it to the final cohort.
Fields: Technology, computer science, UI UX, data science, web development
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 an ideal choice if you’re fairly certain about pursuing a career in technology. This program goes beyond the basics, diving into the intricacies of emerging technologies. They offer tracks in UX Design, Data Science, Web Development, and more. You get to take part in immersive workshops, learn the latest programming languages, and participate in hackathons that challenge your problem-solving skills. Tech Flex Leaders' dynamic approach, designed to cultivate the next generation of tech leaders, ensures you learn theoretical concepts while also honing practical skills that are directly applicable to the ever-evolving tech landscape.
7. NIH High School Summer Internship Program (HS-SIP)
Note: Part of the HS-SIP are two programs, High School Scientific Training and Enrichment Program (HiSTEP) and HiSTEP 2.0.
Fields: Biomedicine (+ soft skills)
Location: Students can choose from NIH campuses across the country. The NIH campus and labs are located in Bethesda, Baltimore and Frederick, MD; Research Triangle Park, NC; Hamilton, MT; Framingham, MA; and Phoenix, AZ.
Eligibility: Students who are high school juniors or seniors at the time of application (or have recently graduated), and are 17 years or older on June 15, 2024, may apply. Do look through all the eligibility requirements before applying. There are some additional requirements for HiSTEP and HiSTEP 2.0.
Application deadline: February 1, every year.
Program dates: Minimum 8 weeks in summer, information on exact dates is not available.
Stipend: $2,300-2,530 (for students currently in high school) | $2,570-2,840 (for students who have graduated high school)
NIH offers a suite of summer internship programs for high school students in the scientific realm. HS-SIP is a unique opportunity for students to engage in hands-on biomedical research alongside leading scientists and mentors. In it, you will work on ongoing research projects, analyze data, and acquire essential laboratory skills.
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 medicine-related) careers. In addition, it will help prepare you for future scholarships and internships.
HiSTEP 2.0, an advanced continuation program, offers an in-depth exploration of scientific research. Tailored for students who have completed HiSTEP or similar research experiences, HiSTEP 2.0 allows you to design and conduct independent research projects under the guidance of mentor scientists in the field of biomedicine.
You will also participate in weekly workshops and seminars aimed at developing your scientific, professional, and personal skills.
8. NASA Office of STEM Engagement (OSTEM) Internships
Fields: Various STEM fields
Location: These internships are offered across NASA facilities. Students may select roles based in cities they are in.
Eligibility: Internships are available for full-time high school students who meet a minimum 3.0 GPA requirement.
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).
Stipend: Interns may receive a stipend based on academic level and session length.
NASA Office of STEM Engagement (OSTEM) offers paid internships at locations all around America. These internships are a prestigious opportunity for high school students to contribute to projects ongoing at the agency under the guidance of a NASA mentor. The program provides training, mentoring, and career development opportunities alongside the chance to work with the best science, engineering, financial, information technology and business minds in the world. 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. 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!
9. Summer Experience at the Coriell Institute For Medical Research
Fields: Stem cell and genetic research
Location: The Coriell Facility, Camden, New Jersey.
Eligibility: Before the start of the program, students must be 17 years old and should have a US citizenship.
Application deadline: May 15, 2024
Program dates: July 17 - August 17, 2023
Stipend: $1,000
The Coriell Institute is a leader in stem cell research and genetic discoveries. Their Summer Experience program is highly selective. Students will work with world-renowned scientists and researchers, attend staff lectures, conduct independent research, learn data analysis concepts, attend a resume-building session, and present their findings in a final presentation. The program gives you the opportunity to work in Coriell's Cytogenomics and Stem Cell labs.
Students will have the opportunity to apply for a summer experience in the following areas:
Production Laboratories: You will focus on learning and supporting the fundamental techniques of generating, freezing, and distributing the samples that support the Coriell Biobank. Within the Stem Cell Lab, the work shifts to the exploration of induced pluripotent stem cells. During a stint in Coriell's Molecular Biology Lab, the students will learn about and support the efforts of extracting DNA from various sample types.
Research & Development: You will learn how Coriell’s labs and expert technicians support scientists around the world. The labs at Coriell offer a wide range of services that other labs might need assistance with.
Project Management: Your focus will be on shadowing the sample submission process and helping with administrative tasks that support the Coriell Biobank.
10. Eugene and Ruth Roberts Summer Student Academy at the City Of Hope Cancer Center
Fields: Biomedicine
Location: City of Hope Medical Center, Duarte, CA
Eligibility: Students must be 16 years old before their first day on campus and have completed chemistry and biology classes in high school before applying.
Application deadline: Applications typically close mid-March.
Program dates: The dates for the program are yet to be announced.
Stipend: $4,000
This prestigious 10-week program selects 100 students each year from a pool of over 2,000 applicants. If selected after a rigorous process, you are required to spend 10 weeks as a biomedical intern. Alongside attending seminars and laboratory sessions with the staff, students can create their own research biomedical projects under the recognized mentoring of the City of Hope facilitators. The curriculum ends in the completion of a research paper, which is then presented at the end of the program.
11. KP Launch High School Internship Program at Kaiser Permanente
Fields: Various fields of healthcare, such as pharmacy, nursing, lab sciences
Location: You can intern at a Kaiser Permanente Medical Center or business office closest to where you are. Find a location near you.
Eligibility: Students who are aged 16-19 by June 1, 2024, and are current high school students and/or graduating seniors of the Class of 2024, can apply. Priority is given to juniors and senior-level students. Those applying must have the right to work in the US.
Application deadline: Applications typically close December-end.
Program dates: June 17, 2024 – August 2, 2024
Stipend: $15.50 - 18 per hour
For those interested in the healthcare industry, this internship offers practical experience and insight into it. During this internship, you will have the chance to work alongside healthcare professionals and learn about various medical disciplines, such as nursing, pharmacy, laboratory sciences, and more. You will take part in hands-on activities, shadowing experiences, and educational workshops that enhance your understanding of healthcare practices. The program emphasizes mentorship, teamwork, and personal development, and can encourage you to explore your career interest in the medical field.
12. QuarkNet Summer Research Program by Fermilab
Fields: Particle physics
Location: Varies depending on lab choice.
Eligibility: Open to high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors who are U.S. citizens or those who have a permanent resident status with Illinois high school enrollment. Proof of medical insurance is required.
Application deadline: January 15, 2024
Program dates: June 17, 2024 – August 2, 2024
Stipend: $16.20 per hour
Quarknet offers a 7-week summer internship program where students interested in engineering physics can contribute to Fermilab research. Fermilab (Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory) operates under the U.S Department of Energy’s Office of Science and is America’s premier lab for particle physics research. This internship’s association with the government makes it a prestigious choice for students keen on these STEM fields.
The area of interest is particle physics and accelerator research, and as an intern you will work on projects involving particle physics, particle accelerators and detectors, computer and quantum science to analyze data that is used for understanding the fundamental nature of the universe. Additional responsibilities will include data collection through entrance and exit surveys, writing the team’s research abstract and giving oral presentations!
13. California Academy of Science Careers in Science (CiS) Intern Program
Fields: Various STEM fields
Location: California Academy of Sciences, San Francisco, CA.
Eligibility: Students who
- are currently enrolled full-time as a 9th or 10th-grade student in an SFUSD school - check if your school qualifies here;
- have maintained a GPA of 2.5 and a grade of C or higher in science and math
- can obtain a valid work permit (US citizens and others authorized to work in the US);
- can commit to all attendance requirements for 2 or 3 years, through high school graduation;
- can commute to the Academy and nearby locations after school and on Saturdays during the school year, and on weekdays in the summer (some remote work may be required);
- demonstrate interest and enthusiasm for learning, teaching, and doing science can apply.
Application Deadline: April 5, 2024.
Program Dates: After school and on weekends, year-round participation for 2-3 years till graduation.
Stipend: Students will receive a stipend, but information on the exact amount is not available.
CiS is a multi-year, year-round, paid internship and youth development program for students who come from communities underrepresented in STEM, including girls and students of color. If you’re interested in pursuing a career in the sciences, you can consider this immersive internship program. As an intern, you will work alongside scientists, researchers and educators at the California Academy of Sciences. You will learn the ropes of scientific research and science communication. This internship includes interactive training sessions twice a week, outdoor field activities and guidance on your college applications. In groups, you will work on a science research or environmental action project.
Fields: Physics, mathematics, computer science, and engineering
Location: Fermilab, Batavia, IL
Eligibility: Students who
- are enrolled in an Illinois high school;
- are sophomores or juniors at the time of application;
- have a 3.0 GPA or above on a 4.0 scale; and
- are eligible to work in the U.S. can apply.
Application deadline: February 5, 2024
Program dates: June 17, 2024 – July 26, 2024
Stipend: $17.20 per hour
If you’re a high school sophomore or junior in Illinois who’s interested in physics, mathematics, computer science, and engineering, this program is for you. The program is designed for high school students who wish to pursue STEM in college and further as a career. As an intern, you will work with scientists and engineers to conduct research and create content on Fermilab research. Fermilab (Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory) operates under the U.S Department of Energy’s Office of Science and is one of America’s top labs for STEM research.
Past work by 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.
15. Hutton Junior Fisheries Biology Program
Fields: Fisheries and aquatic science
Location: Based on your locality (Hutton aims to match students within a 45-minute commute of your home)
Eligibility: All current high school students who live and have residency in the United States, Mexico, and Canada are eligible to apply.
Application Deadline: January 16, 2024
Program dates: 8 weeks in the summer.
Stipend: $3,000
The Hutton Junior Fisheries Biology Program is an 8-week paid summer internship and mentoring program sponsored by the American Fisheries Society. The program stimulates interest in fisheries and aquatic science, especially among underrepresented groups.
As a Hutton Scholar, you will be matched and mentored by a fisheries professional in your local area. You will gain hands-on fisheries science experience in marine or freshwater, conducting laboratory and field research.
You will participate in resource conservation and management projects as a Hutton Scholar. Moreover, you will learn about career opportunities while receiving resources on potential course students. Some possible activities include electrofishing, examining specimens, data procession, establishing aquatic vegetation and fish habitats, and more!
An added benefit is an all-expense paid trip to the Hutton Scholars Summit conducted at the University of Arkansas!
16. High School Research Internships at Boyce Thompson Institute (BTI), Cornell University, and the USDA
Fields: Computational biology and plant science
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 years dates)
Program Dates: June 27 - August 11 (tentatively, based on previous years dates)
Stipend: $4,000 for 7 weeks
If you are interested in computational biology, the Boyce Thompson Institute Internship is a great opportunity. Done alongside Cornell University and the USDA, this 7-week internship allows you to gain research experience within plant science and computational biology. As an intern, you will be paired with a research mentor, typically a graduate student of a postdoctoral researcher, and a faculty mentor. You will work alongside your mentors on a predetermined project.
Apart from conducting research, you can join undergraduate researchers for professional development lectures and discussions. Moreover, Boyce Institute organizes local field trips and training sessions as well!
The program culminates in a symposium in August, where you can present your findings through a scientific poster. BSI Internships are an excellent opportunity to conduct research alongside leading researchers and faculty, all while getting opportunities for training!
17. Bank of America Student Leaders Program
Fields: Business, administration, community service, social issues, leadership
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 DC.
Eligibility: Current high school juniors and seniors are eligible to apply. See all eligibility criteria here.
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.
Application Deadline: Applications open in October and typically close in January.
Stipend: It is a paid internship, but no information is available on the exact amount. The trip to Washington DC is covered by the bank!
With this program, the bank aims to foster community-mindedness, encouraging and training students who are passionate about improving their community. The program offers an opportunity for you to work at a local non-profit organization, as you develop your leadership and community skills. While you 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 simultaneously work on skills that will aid in your future academics and career.
As part of the program, 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.
Bank of America selects about 300 driven high school students from over 100 diverse communities. You will have the opportunity to connect with professionals in the banking and financial industry. We’d recommend this internship because Bank of America has a pretty strong reputation with corporate and not-for-profit entities.
18. KPMG U.S. Empower High School Experience
Fields: Business, accounting, financial services
Location: New York City
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 is a program designed to provide high school students with a comprehensive and hands-on introduction to the world of accounting and professional services. This experience, you can expect to gain a deep understanding of fundamental accounting principles, auditing procedures, tax concepts, and advisory services. This goes beyond textbook knowledge, as participants engage in interactive workshops, collaborate on real-world case studies, and interact with KPMG professionals.
During the program, you will be encouraged to work in teams, develop problem-solving skills, and enhance their critical thinking abilities. This experience serves as an exceptional opportunity for participants to build a strong foundation for their future careers in the finance and accounting industry.
One of the standout aspects of the KPMG U.S. Empower High School Experience is the networking and mentorship opportunities it offers. You will have the chance to connect with professionals at KPMG, learning from their experiences and insights. This can be invaluable in making informed career choices and building professional relationships that will prove beneficial in the future. Additionally, you will have the opportunity to attend guest lectures and workshops led by industry experts, further enriching their understanding of the field.
19. Microsoft’s High School Discovery Program
Fields: Computer science
Location: Redmond, WA
Eligibility: Rising first-year students of a bachelor’s degree program (graduating high school seniors) that live within 50 miles of Redmond, Washington. Students must be at least 16 years old and have a legal right to work in the U.S. for the duration of the program.
Application deadline: Applications typically close in March (tentatively, based on previous years)
Program dates: 4 weeks, July - August (tentatively, based on previous years)
Stipend: $20 per hour
Microsoft’s High School Discovery Program is for high school students who are looking for hands-on learning experiences and wish to explore technology opportunities at Microsoft. ‘Discoverers’ will be introduced to and explore core computer science concepts and programming fundamentals, while also developing career readiness skills. Microsoft employees will be mentoring the Discoverers for the duration of the program. You will discover how your passions can evolve into a career in tech at Microsoft and beyond.
20. Smithsonian Institution Youth Ambassador Program
Fields:
Location: Smithsonian Science Education Center, Washington, DC
Eligibility: High school students and recent graduates who are U.S. citizens or legal permanent residents, and have a minimum weighted cumulative GPA of 3.25 on a 4.0 scale, can apply.
Application deadline: There is no information available on this.
Program dates: June - August
Stipend: $2000
Note: This program was not conducted in 2023, but is expected to be held in 2024.
The Young Ambassadors Program (YAP) is a nationwide initiative designed for high school seniors about to graduate. This program aims to cultivate the next generation of socially aware leaders within the Latino community, focusing on fields like the arts, sciences, and humanities. It accomplishes this by leveraging the resources of the Smithsonian Institution. Successful candidates will have the opportunity to engage in a week-long educational seminar in Washington, D.C. at the Smithsonian, centering on Latino perspectives. During this seminar, they will collaborate with peers from across the country. Subsequently, they will embark on a four-week interdisciplinary internship program at museums and cultural institutions in 18 U.S. cities and Puerto Rico. Participants will gain insights into potential career paths in the arts, sciences, and humanities, interact with established Latino leaders, and improve their networking skills and knowledge.
21. Judicial Intern Opportunity Program (JIOP) by ABA
Fields: Law, legal studies
Location: Various cities across the country.
Eligibility: All high school students are eligible to apply.
Application Deadline: Applications typically close in April.
Program dates: 6 weeks typically in the summer.
Cost: $2,000
The ABA's Judicial Intern Opportunity Program is an exceptional opportunity for high school students to intern with federal or state judges across the United States. This program aims to promote diversity and inclusivity in the legal profession by encouraging talented students from all backgrounds to explore careers in law. Participants get hands-on experience in a court environment, observe trials, and engage in legal research. As an intern, you'll have the unique privilege of working directly with judges and their chambers, experiencing the judicial system from the inside. You'll have the opportunity to engage in legal research, writing, and observe court proceedings, providing you with a comprehensive understanding of the legal process and invaluable practical skills.
The JIOP is best for those who are genuinely committed to pursuing a career in law, specifically those interested in working within the judicial branch of government.
22. The Met Internship Program for High School Students
Fields: Art, design, architecture
Location: The Met Fifth Avenue, NY
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors based in and around New York City
Application Deadline: School-year Internship: October 28, 2023 | Summer Internship: March 31, 2023
Program Dates: School-year Internship: January 14, 2024 - June 9, 2024 | Summer Internship: June 25, 2024 - August 12, 2024
Stipend: $1,100
The Met invites applications for a cohort of high school students passionate about art, design, architecture, and creative expression for their fully-funded internships each year. The Met offers two kinds of internships - one that goes on alongside your school year, and the other that runs exclusively in the summer.
The internship program that runs all year-round invites a cohort of students to connect with art, museums, and creative professionals as they develop professional skills, network, and gain work experience. 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. This is a highly valuable opportunity for students passionate not just about art, but related fields as well!
23. GeoSciences Bridge Program
Fields: Geoscience
Location: University of Maryland, Princess Anne, Maryland
Eligibility: High school seniors who are entering their first year of an undergraduate degree program in the fall. Students must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents with a minimum of a 2.7 GPA. The program particularly encourages students from underrepresented groups who are planning to pursue a career in geoscience to apply.
Application Deadline: You can expect the deadline for the 2024 cohort to be around April-end.
Program Dates: June - August (tentatively, based on previous years)
Stipend: $500 per week, along with reimbursements for travel. The program includes all lectures, field trips, college courses, housing, and meals at no cost.
This is a 6-week, fully-funded internship offered to high school graduates interested in geoscience. The internship is meant to serve as a bridge program between high school and university, and sees hundreds of applicants from across the country. Only 7-8 students make it to each cohort – a highly competitive acceptance rate of 2-3%.
As a GeoSciences intern, you will be expected to engage and learn about ocean sciences, atmospheric sciences, and geographic information systems (GIS)/Remote Sensing techniques. Additionally, you will also be required to take two college-level courses, right before you start your undergraduate degree, to help prepare you for college academics.
The program funds all your meals, housing, travel to and fro the University of Maryland, as well as any other activities you may choose to undertake as part of the internship, and provides a stipend.
Fields: Public service, political science, public policy, legislature
Location: United States Senate, Washington, DC
Eligibility: High school juniors who will be 16 or 17 years old on or before the date of appointment, and have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0/B, may apply.
Application deadline: This information will be available on the respective senator’s website, and if not, you can contact their office for details.
Program dates: Fall (early September - late January) | Spring (late January - early June) | Summer Session I (3-4 weeks in June) | Summer Session II (3-4 weeks in July)
Stipend: Annual salary of $35,116 (payments are made monthly, so close to $3000 per month that you are working)
The U.S. Senate Page Program is a chance for high school juniors to learn the value of public service, while meeting some of the nation’s prominent leaders, and witnessing political debates in the Senate first hand. As a page, you will play a significant role in the daily operation of the Senate, and will have a range of responsibilities that you share with other pages.
These will include delivering correspondence and legislative material within the Capitol and Senate office buildings, preparing the Chamber for Senate sessions, working on the Senate floor providing assistance during roll call votes, supporting senators and staff during debates, and carrying bills and amendments to the desk. This program will provide an insight into the legislative process and expose you to the inner workings at the nation's capital.
Note: The application process differs across Senators’ offices. Many offices provide information on their application process online, however not all senators sponsor pages. Students should contact their senators’ offices directly if they need further guidance. Unfortunately, the program does not have a list of senators who are able to sponsor pages. If you wish to apply for a page position, find your senator’s website here and apply directly. Information on stipend, housing and other details will also be provided by the respective senator’s office.
25. New York City Office of the Mayor Internship
Fields: Public service, city governance and policy
Location: New York City
Eligibility: Students who are 16 years or older, and are enrolled in high school or have been accepted to an undergraduate program, can apply.
Note. For the Fall/Spring Term, you must be a New York City resident and be enrolled in high school.
Application Deadline: March (Summer term) | August (Fall-Spring term)
Program Dates: June - August (Summer term) | October - April (Fall-Spring term)
Stipend: $15 per hour
The NYC Office of the Mayor offers internships to high school students who are interested in the functioning of city government and policy. You can apply to the department of your choice and, if selected, will work with that department for the duration of your internship.
You can expect to collaborate with full-time staff and work on various projects, including conducting research, attending meetings, managing incoming inquiries, analyzing data, drafting briefings, staffing events, etc. Through the bi-weekly Speaker Series, you also 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 get a chance to develop a service project with other interns! The goal is to design and execute a project to impact the most deserving communities and uplift New Yorkers in need.
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.