Top Internships for High School Students in Dallas

Participating in an internship as a high school student is a valuable way to explore career interests without the long-term commitment of a college major. These opportunities provide valuable work experience and allow students to build a professional network. Interns develop resume-enhancing skills, learn workplace etiquette, and connect with mentors who can help guide their future career development. An internship in a field of interest can also make college applications stand out by demonstrating initiative and a desire to learn outside the classroom. Many organizations and universities offer structured internships and work-learn programs specifically for high school students.

This article explores various internship options across industries in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex. Here is a list of summer internships for high school students in Dallas, Texas.

Internship Opportunities in Dallas

1. Ladder Internships

Location: Remote
Cost: Varies (financial aid available)
Acceptance Rate: Selective
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year
Application Deadline: Deadlines vary depending on the cohort
Eligibility: High school students

Ladder Internships is a selective start-up internship program for ambitious high school students. During the program, students spend around eight weeks working with high-growth start-ups that typically make over a million dollars across various industries, including technology, deep tech, AI/ML, health tech, marketing, journalism, consulting, and more. As an intern, students collaborate closely with their managers and a Ladder Coach on real-world projects and present their work to the company.

2. Bank of America Student Leaders

Location: Various organizations around the country, including a week-long summit in Washington, D.C.
Stipend: Paid
Acceptance Rate: Highly selective
Dates: 8-week internship during the summer
Application Deadline: October 14 - January 15
Eligibility: Current high school juniors and seniors

This program is designed for civically engaged students who are passionate about community improvement and social change. As a student leader, participants are awarded a paid summer internship with a local nonprofit or charity, where they work 35 hours a week and contribute to their community. The program also includes an all-expenses-paid national leadership summit in Washington, D.C., where students network with peers and learn about civic responsibility.

3. Congressional Internship Program

This program provides students with the opportunity to learn how the government serves its citizens at the local level. Participants work alongside congressional staff in their local representative's district office, assisting with a variety of critical tasks. Responsibilities can include answering constituent phone calls, helping with community casework, drafting letters, and supporting staff at local events. This is a good opportunity to learn about the legislative process, public policy, and constituent services directly from the inside.

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4. STARS Summer Research Program

Eligibility: high school juniors (16+)

The STARS Summer Research program offers the opportunity to work in a biomedical research laboratory. During the program, students work alongside teachers participating in the STARS program, working in faculty-led laboratories at UT Southwestern. They also contribute to ongoing projects in fields like molecular biology, cancer research, neuroscience, and computational biology. This is a fully-funded program that provides a significant stipend, making it an exceptional opportunity for aspiring scientists and medical professionals.

5. UT Dallas Intensive Research Internship in Computer Science Labs

Location: University of Texas at Dallas campus, Richardson, TX
Cost: $1,000 (financial aid available)
Acceptance Rate: Extremely selective
Dates: June 9 - August 1
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions, typically starting in the spring
Eligibility: High school students in the Dallas area aged 15 years or older

The Intensive Research Internship in Computer Science is one of two exclusive workshops offered by UT Dallas for high schoolers. As a participant, students work 20-40 hours a week in one of several computer science labs with University of Texas faculty. Their work includes reading research papers, conducting simulations, coding apps, and more. This program offers the opportunity to learn coding via a hands-on approach, while also contributing to research projects.

UTD CS is thrilled to offer an Artificial Intelligence Workshop for 8 weeks for Advanced Level High School Students - limited to IN-PERSON attendees who will be age 15 and up by the workshop start date (June 8th). This workshop actually runs Monday to Friday for all 8 weeks (9:30am-4pm) with lunch break for an hour. Supervision will be provided from 9am to 4:30pm. The registration fee is reasonable for an 8-week intense program like this one, and the university offers a 50% discount for low-income families.

The University of Texas at Dallas is committed to providing an educational, living, and working environment that is welcoming, respectful, and inclusive of all members of the university community. The University prohibits unlawful discrimination against a person because of their race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or veteran status.

6. Perot Museum of Nature and Science ConnecTEEN Program

Location: Perot Museum of Nature and Science, Dallas, TX
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Dates: Summer volunteer program with varying dates
Application Deadline: March 1 - April
Eligibility: Must be a high school student aged 14-18

The Perot Museum's ConnecTEEN Program is a high school volunteer program for those passionate about science, education, and community engagement. While not a traditional internship, this structured volunteer role provides extensive training and hands-on experience in science communication. As a volunteer, students help facilitate educational activities, assist with summer camps, and engage with museum guests, developing public speaking and leadership skills along the way.

7. Dallas Theater Center's SummerStage

Location: Dee and Charles Wyly Theatre, Dallas, TX
Cost: Tuition-based (amount not specified); Need-based scholarships are available
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Dates: 7 weeks from June 17 - August 4 (as per previous years)
Application Deadline: May 1 (as per previous years)
Eligibility: Students aged 8-16

Hosted by the Tony Award-winning Dallas Theater Center, SummerStage gives students the chance to learn from professional theater artists. During the program, they develop their skills, whether they're aspiring to be future actors, directors, or playwrights. It’s a seven-week program that focuses on two weeks of acting, voice, and movement training and two weeks of professional technical rehearsals, culminating in three weeks of fully produced performances. The SummerStage program offers a practical, behind-the-scenes look at the world of professional theater.

8. Dallas Bar Association Summer Law Intern Program

Location: Various law firms, corporate legal departments, and government offices in Dallas, TX
Stipend: Paid
Acceptance Rate: Highly competitive
Dates: June 9 - August 1
Application Deadline: April 4
Eligibility: Dallas ISD high school juniors with an average of 85 or higher and an interest in studying law

The Dallas Bar Association Summer Law Intern Program is a prestigious program that offers aspiring lawyers an unparalleled introduction to the legal profession. In partnership with Dallas ISD and other local school districts, the program places students in real working environments within law firms, judicial chambers, and non-profit legal organizations. As an intern, students perform substantive work, attend legal proceedings, and receive mentorship from practicing attorneys.

9. NASA SEES Program

Eligibility: 10th-11th graders (16+)

While headquartered in Austin, the NASA SEES program is a premier virtual opportunity accessible to Dallas students. In collaboration with the University of Texas at Austin's Center for Space Research, this program allows students to work with NASA subject matter experts on Earth science research. The program is open to students with an interest in aerospace, engineering, and environmental science. As a participant, students analyze satellite data and conduct authentic research projects in areas like natural hazards and climate science. They’ll use NASA remote sensing data and mission design, analyze the ice sheets, Earth’s gravity field, and more, all under the mentorship of project scientists.

10. Dallas Works Summer Internship

Location: Corporations, nonprofits, and government agencies in Dallas, TX
Stipend: Paid
Acceptance Rate: Highly selective
Dates: June 30 - August 8
Application Deadline: April 28
Eligibility: Students (16-21) currently enrolled in Dallas College, Dallas ISD, or the University of North Texas at Dallas; Must have attended workshops across all three Career Ready Pathway categories

The Dallas Works Internship Program offers students the opportunity to be placed in a paid role at one of numerous corporations, nonprofits, and government agencies in Dallas. It’s a highly exclusive opportunity, and students must complete the Dallas Works Internship Prep Bootcamp to qualify. After this pre-internship training and professional development, up to 175 students are selected for the Bootcamp, which provides hands-on training and group activities led by staff, peers, and corporate volunteers. The bootcamp further shortlists the 175 participants down to about 100. Even after placement, students receive ongoing support from Dallas Works staff, supervisors, internship coaches, and peer mentors to ensure a smooth internship experience.

11. Army Educational Outreach Program (AEOP) High School Internships

Location: Multiple sites, including the University of Texas at Dallas, TX
Stipend: Paid (amount varies by role and location)
Acceptance Rate: Highly selective
Dates: 6-10 weeks in the summer; Exact dates vary by location
Application Deadline: February 28 (tentative)
Eligibility: High school students; Additional requirements may vary by internship opportunity

AEOP’s Internships are research-based opportunities for high schoolers at research facilities and laboratories run by the Army. It’s a highly exclusive opportunity to do real research work under the guidance and supervision of a university researcher or a Department of Defence scientist. As an intern, students may be assigned to perform experimentation, data collection, analysis, and comparison of data sets on ongoing research projects contributing to the Army’s operations. At the Dallas site specifically, students may work on projects like developing an experimental database that measures the effects of sand particles on flow statistics over a model rotor blade, or a theoretical framework to identify the key-dimensional parameters that govern particle-blade interactions. During the program, students participate in workshops, online tutorials, webinars, and learning materials to develop professional skills and become better equipped for future STEM academics.

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12. UT Southwestern Medical Center’s Inspiring Careers in Mental Health Internship

Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance Rate: Highly selective
Dates: June 1 - 5 + June 8 - 12
Application Deadline: February 2
Eligibility: Rising 10th to 12th grade students

The Inspiring Careers in Mental Health Internship is a two-week summer internship hosted by UT Southwestern to help students understand and experience the career paths available in mental health. During the program, students work with mental health clinician-scientists, licensed clinical social workers, neuropsychologists, physician assistants, and psychiatrists. They’ll attend online sessions and learn how to understand medical literature, from mass media to scientific journals. The internship is a great way to gain insights into various professions in mental health, from psychotherapy and neuropsychological testing to neuroscience, interventional psychiatry, and community psychiatry.

13. Texas Health High School Student Service Learning Program (HSSSL)

Location: Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Dallas, Dallas, TX
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Less than ~10%; 20 students
Dates: Starts on June 2; Students are required to volunteer a total of 16 hours per week from June to August
Application Deadline: January 6 - February 2
Eligibility: Current high school students (16+)

The HSSSL is a valuable opportunity to volunteer in both clinical and non-clinical departments of Texas Health Hospital. Admission to this program is highly selective, with only 20 students selected from over 200 applicants! The internship allows students to observe and contribute to the clinical and administrative functions of a hospital setting. They work at the hospital Monday through Friday, assisting hospital staff with both clinical and administrative tasks, and learning about providing health services in the process. If you’re serious about a career in healthcare in a hospital setting, this volunteer program provides valuable exposure.

14. Nasher Sculpture Center’s Summer Institute for Teens

Location: Nasher Sculpture Center and The Warehouse Dallas, Dallas, TX
Cost/Stipend: Free; Transportation stipend offered
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Highly selective; Only 30 students/batch
Dates: June 9 - 13
Application Deadline: April 29
Eligibility: High school students in grades 9-12

The Nasher Sculpture Center offers a week-long work-learn program for high schoolers interested in careers in art and museum practices. It is a small-batch program of only 30 students and is designed to be highly focused on peer engagement and idea exchange. It’s a great way to gain exposure to careers in the arts, network with professionals and peers, and create hands-on projects inspired by themes in modern and contemporary art. The Warehouse and the Nasher Sculpture Center are excellent locations to observe different ideas and perspectives in art, a valuable experience for any budding artist.

15. Sci-Tech Discovery Center’s Maker Studio Summer Internship

Location: Sci-Tech Discovery Center, Frisco, TX
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Dates: June 7 - August 30 (tentative)
Application Deadline: April 4 - May 2 (tentative)
Eligibility: High school students aged 15 - 19 years

The Sci-Tech Discovery Center museum runs the Maker Internship as a volunteer program for high school students interested in STEAM subjects. During the program, students work a minimum of 40 hours total across Saturdays and Sundays with the museum staff, engaging visitors in programs combining STEAM principles. The museum also requires attendance at a mandatory training session before the internship begins, offering insights into educational facilitation techniques. The internship offers solid professional experience and skill development in technology and educational facilitation.

Additional Opportunities at UT Dallas Computer Science Department

The UT Dallas Computer Science Department offers several research opportunities for passionate and highly motivated advanced-level high school students (ideally students finishing 10th and 11th grade - IN-PERSON attendance is limited to students who are of age 15 or higher, by the start date June 8th) who are thrilled to dig deep and gain more knowledge with minimal guidance.

These opportunities include:

Intensive Research Internship in CS labs: This in-person internship requires students to be age 15 and up by the start date (June 9th). Interns are expected to work 20-40 hours per week, and the work can vary from reading research papers to conducting simulations and developing apps. There is a fee to cover logistics and instructor compensation, with discounted fees available for low-income families.
Summer Research Workshops: These workshops are run like informal college courses and meet at least twice per week. Students aged 15 and up by the workshop start date (June 8th) have the option of attending in-person or virtually, while younger students are limited to the virtual mode. The goal of each workshop is to end with a final project or paper related to the research area.
Deep-dive AI Workshop: This 8-week workshop runs for the whole day and is limited to in-person attendees who will be age 15 and up by the workshop start date (June 8th). The workshop covers machine learning and requires familiarity with Python programming and high school-level math.

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