Internship Opportunities for High School Students: A Comprehensive Guide

For high school students, the question "What do you want to be when you grow up?" often looms large, and the answer isn't always clear. That's perfectly normal. Internships offer an excellent way to explore potential career paths, gain valuable experience, and strengthen college applications. An internship is essentially an introductory work experience in a professional career field. It is sometimes paid, though usually at the lowest end of the pay scale, and it is sometimes unpaid. This article provides a comprehensive overview of internship opportunities available to high school students, covering various fields and programs designed to help you discover your passion and jumpstart your future.

Understanding Internships

An internship is an introductory work experience in a professional career field. While some internships are paid, often at the lower end of the pay scale, others are unpaid. The primary goal of an internship is to provide hands-on experience and insight into a particular field. For example, if you get an internship in a research lab, usually you won’t jump right into hands-on lab work. Instead, you’ll start with things like cleaning the lab and entering data into spreadsheets. Before committing to an internship, it's crucial to understand the expectations, including the time commitment, internship duration, responsibilities, and compensation or perks. Some unpaid internships might offer other perks like free classes at related institutions, travel reimbursement, or even housing. Internships are a great way to break into difficult career fields. For students who want to gain experience in research, medicine, law, or other professions normally requiring an advanced degree, an internship is a way to gain some insight and experience without the commitment of a degree.

Benefits of Internships

Internships offer numerous benefits for high school students:

Career Exploration: Internships allow you to explore different career fields and determine your interests and passions.
Skill Development: You'll gain practical skills and knowledge relevant to your chosen field.
Networking: Internships provide opportunities to build relationships with professionals in your field of interest.
College Applications: Internships strengthen your college applicant profile, demonstrating initiative and academic enrichment.
Real-World Experience: You'll gain insight into the day-to-day realities of a particular profession.

Featured Internship Programs

Numerous internship programs cater specifically to high school students, offering opportunities across various fields. Here's a detailed look at some of the most notable programs:

Arts, Culture, and Humanities

The Metropolitan Museum of Art High School Internship Program: This program, available to rising juniors and seniors from New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut, connects students with professionals in art, museum, and creativity. Students develop professional skills, build a network, and gain work experience in various museum departments.
Carnegie Museums of Art and Natural History Internships: Unpaid in-person internships are available at all four Carnegie Museums-Carnegie Museum of Art, Carnegie Museum of Natural History, Carnegie Science Center, and The Andy Warhol Museum-allowing high schoolers to work in either public-facing or behind-the-scenes positions.
The Library of Congress High School Summer Internship Program: This program provides students with a unique opportunity to engage with the world’s largest library. Participants work with the Center for Learning, Literacy, and Engagement to create content for a new exhibition space at the Library. This is a 4-week, unpaid internship. Participation is either fully remote or hybrid (for those living close to Washington DC).
New York Historical Society Internship: Interns use the resources of the New York Historical Society to conduct exciting research and share their scholarship through creative projects.
Smithsonian Institution Internships: The Smithsonian offers a wide variety of internship opportunities, ranging from centrally funded opportunities that place interns throughout the Smithsonian to specific opportunities available at each of the Smithsonian’s various museums, research centers, and other units. The NMNH Summer High School Internship Program at the Smithsonian Institution supports current high school attendees, ages 15 to 18 (grades 9 - 12), who are interested in learning about what it is like to work at a museum. Internships will be available to work with various departments throughout NMNH, and many interns will be able to explore both science and non-science museum work. The interns will spend some days with their internship supervisors working on their projects, and other days will be dedicated to “enrichment activities,” which are designed to provide well-rounded learning experiences. Every year, the Center for Folklife and Cultural Heritage involves over a hundred interns in our various activities. The Claudine K. Brown Internship in Education is funded through an endowed fund in memory of Claudine K. Brown, an educator and influential leader of the Smithsonian. Awardees of the Brown Internship are appointed based on a demonstrated interest in the field of education and museum leadership.
Energy Mag Internship: Energy Mag offers internship opportunities aimed at high school students interested in gaining experience in journalism and publishing. These internships provide hands-on learning opportunities in various aspects of magazine production, including writing articles, editing, researching topics, and digital media management. Participants work closely with editors and staff to develop their skills and contribute to the publication.
Sewanee Young Writers’ Conference (SYWC): The Sewanee Young Writers’ Conference (SYWC) is a prestigious summer program hosted by the University of the South in Sewanee, TN, for high school students interested in creative writing. Participants attend workshops, and produce lectures, readings, and individual conferences with faculty members who are accomplished writers. The program offers a supportive and immersive environment where students can explore and develop their writing skills across various genres, including fiction, poetry, and creative nonfiction. This program is available to 9th - 12th grade students and takes place in-person in Tennessee.
Telluride Association Programs: Telluride Association offers programs for high school students focused on fostering intellectual curiosity and leadership skills. These programs include the Telluride Association Sophomore Seminar (TASS) and the Telluride Association Summer Program (TASP). TASS is a free six-week seminar for high-achieving sophomores, focusing on critical thinking and discussion of literature and art. TASP is a highly selective six-week residential program for juniors, providing an intensive academic experience in humanities and social sciences.
Alpha Writers Workshop: The Alpha Writers Workshop is a residential writing program for young adults aged 14 to 19 interested in speculative fiction (science fiction, fantasy, and horror). Held annually at the University of Pittsburgh, PA, the workshop offers participants a week-long intensive experience where they develop their writing skills through lectures, critiques, and writing exercises led by established authors in the genre. Students also engage in discussions about the craft of writing and the publishing industry, building a supportive community of peers who share their passion for speculative fiction. This is an in-person program for 14-19 year olds and has a cost, which includies meals and lodging on campus.
Iowa Young Writers’ Studio (IYWS): The Iowa Young Writers’ Studio (IYWS) is a summer program for high school students interested in creative writing. Hosted by the University of Iowa’s prestigious Writers’ Workshop, IYWS offers participants the opportunity to immerse themselves in a community of young writers and renowned faculty. Students attend daily workshops, craft talks, and readings, where they explore various genres and receive feedback on their writing from instructors and peers. This is an in-person program for 9th - 12th grade students and is available in both in-person and fully remote formats.
Reynolds Young Writers’ Workshop at Denison University: The Reynolds Young Writers’ Workshop at Denison University is a residential summer program for high school students passionate about writing. Hosted by Denison’s Department of English, the workshop offers participants a supportive environment to explore various genres of writing, including fiction, poetry, and creative nonfiction. Students attend daily workshops, craft seminars, and readings led by published writers and instructors. This is an 8-day in-person program for students who have completed their sophomore and junior year that takes place at Denison University, OH.
The Crimson‘s Summer Journalism Academy (SJA): The Crimson‘s Summer Journalism Academy (SJA) is a rigorous program designed for high school students interested in journalism. Organized by Harvard University’s student newspaper, The Harvard Crimson, the SJA offers participants the opportunity to develop reporting, writing, and editing skills through intensive workshops and mentorship from experienced journalists and Crimson editors. This is a 2-week program for high school students. Participation is either in-person or fully remote.
The High School Insider Summer Internship, hosted by the Los Angeles Times: The High School Insider Summer Internship, hosted by the Los Angeles Times, offers high school students a chance to develop journalism skills through workshops, mentorship, and hands-on reporting experiences. Participants work closely with professional journalists and editors to produce stories for publication on the High School Insider platform, gaining practical experience in multimedia storytelling and journalism ethics. This is a 6-week, fully paid internship.
Project Write Now (PWN) Teen Internship Program: Project Write Now (PWN) offers a Teen Internship Program designed for high school students interested in developing their writing and leadership skills. Participants engage in a structured program that includes writing workshops, mentorship from professional writers, and opportunities to create and publish their work. This is an unpaid internship. Participation is fully remote.
The Princeton Summer Journalism Program (PSJP): The Princeton Summer Journalism Program (PSJP) is an immersive program for high-achieving high school students from low-income backgrounds interested in journalism. Hosted by Princeton University, the program offers a free, year-long preparation course and 10-day residential experience where participants learn journalism skills through workshops, lectures, and hands-on reporting. Students work closely with professional journalists and educators to produce stories for publication in the Princeton University newspaper. This is a free opportunity for high school juniors.
AAJA’s JCamp: AAJA’s JCamp is a national journalism training program for high school students from diverse backgrounds interested in media careers. JCamp provides participants with hands-on training in reporting, writing, photography, broadcasting, and online media. Students learn from industry professionals and receive mentorship to develop their skills and gain insights into journalism ethics and practices. The program includes workshops, seminars, and networking opportunities aimed at fostering diversity and preparing students for college and careers in journalism.
Camp Cronkite: Camp Cronkite is a summer program hosted by Arizona State University’s Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication. It is designed for high school students interested in journalism and media. Participants will engage in hands-on activities such as reporting, writing, editing, and producing multimedia stories under the guidance of experienced journalists and faculty. This is a week-long in-person program for 10th - 12th graders that takes place at Arizona State University.

STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics)

Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) Scholars Program: This program offers valuable hands-on experiences working with full-time AFRL scientists and engineers on cutting-edge research and technology. Participants are assigned to projects in a variety of STEM-related fields, giving them experience in a technology-based environment under the supervision of experienced researchers and engineers.
Zuckerman Institute’s BRAINYAC (Brain Research Apprenticeships in New York at Columbia): This program connects NYC 10th and 11th graders with scientists for hands-on neuroscience research experiences. Students begin with a mentor-guided research program on weekends in the winter, followed by a full-time summer lab internship.
Microsoft’s Discovery Program: Students in this program learn about the world of computer science and programming.
Scripps Translational Science Institute (STSI) Student Research Internship Program: This program is for highly motivated high school students. Students will work within the program to complete a research project, encapsulating it in a final presentation to faculty.
Princeton University Research Experience: Princeton University offers a full-time research experience for students looking to enter STEM fields such as engineering and natural sciences. Faculty and staff will incorporate interns into ongoing research projects where they will gain hands-on exposure to research in an intensive environment. The internship is highly selective and encourages students to be local.
Stanford University Chemical Research Program: This free two-week opportunity offered by Stanford University allows rising high school juniors and seniors to explore cutting-edge chemical research. Participants will work with different graduate students from the chemistry department to explore different types of research-learning about an array of scientific topics and techniques while fostering a broader understanding of the field.
The Jackson Laboratory Internship: This prestigious internship allows students to immerse themselves in genetics and genomic research at one of The Jackson Laboratory’s two campuses: Farmington, Connecticut, or Bar Harbor, Maine.
Simons Summer Research Program: While not an internship per se, the Simons Summer Research Program provides hands-on experience in science, math, or engineering as participants work closely with faculty mentors on real research projects. Students become part of a research team, take ownership of their project, and participate in workshops, lectures, lab tours, and special events. The program is open to high school juniors.
STEM Enhancement in Earth Science (SEES) High School Summer Intern Program: Offered by the University of Texas Center for Space Research, this program provides opportunities for students to work with NASA, industry experts, and academics. Students gain technical expertise in various areas while developing their communication, collaboration, and professional skills. The SEES program includes virtual work and a two-week, on-site internship at UT - on-campus housing, meals, local travel, and tours are included. Applicant must pay tuition cost of $2,000 unless they receive a scholarship.
Stanford’s SHTEM Program: Stanford’s summer research internship program is known as SHTEM, which stands for Science, Humanities, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. These unpaid internships are open to high school students with an interest in completing fun research projects.
Scripps Research Translational Institute (SRTI) Student Research Internship Program: Offered by the Scripps Research Translational Institute (SRTI), the 10-week Student Research Internship Program is ideal for highly motivated high school students with an interest in statistics, health sciences, or computer science. During this unpaid internship, students gain hands-on experience in a laboratory as they assist with biomedical research.
AFRL Scholars Program: The AFRL Scholars Program, which is administered by the Universities Space Research Association (USRA), is for upper-level high schoolers who want to work with AFRL engineers and scientists on research projects.
Princeton’s Laboratory Learning Program: Princeton’s Laboratory Learning Program is an outreach program for New Jersey high school students that provides a free, full-time research experience in the sciences under the supervision of Princeton faculty and research staff. Internships typically last 5-6 weeks, and each research project operates on its own schedule.

Social Sciences and Community Service

High Schoolers for Social Change Internship: High school students 16 years of age or older can participate in this internship and provide front-line support for social issues in India, without having to leave the comfort of their home. Interns can expect to help with everything from writing reports to fundraising to creating content for social media.
Socially Concerned Internship Program: This paid internship connects a diverse group of socially concerned high school juniors and seniors with non-profits to serve their communities and build leadership. Participants leave the program with a firsthand look at how non-profits, governments, and businesses collaborate to meet local needs and the skills needed to bring about positive change. The program includes a one-week in-person summit in Washington D.C., where students will congregate and continue to develop their skills.

Other Fields

USSS Pathways Program: Through participation in the USSS Pathways Program, students gain insight into the nature and structure of the Secret Service while gaining valuable personal and professional skills. Students must be at least a junior in high school, have a minimum 2.5 GPA, and be in good academic standing.
Hutton Program: The Hutton Program is a paid summer internship and mentoring program for high school juniors and seniors interested in pursuing natural resource and environmental management.
Chicago Summer Business Institute (CSBI): Are you a Chicago student who has an interest in business? The Chicago Summer Business Institute (CSBI) is open to high school sophomores and juniors who reside in the City of Chicago. Students accepted into the program learn about the financial services sector and develop essential skills that prepare them for a career in business.
Ladder Internships: Ladder Internships is a selective start-up internship program for ambitious high school students! In the program, you work with a high-growth start-up on an internship. Ladder’s start-ups are high-growth companies on average raising over a million dollars. This highly flexible program is designed to be accessible to a wide range of students. You will complete your internship remotely, from anywhere in the world, and there are internships available throughout the year, so you can easily plan around your other commitments-you can expect to work for 10-20 hours/week, for 8-12 weeks.
Youth Conservation Corps (YCC) Program: While this isn’t classified as an internship, the YCC Program offers full-time, paid summer opportunities for high schoolers who care about conservation. Work takes place on federal lands at participating national parks, wildlife refuges, forests, and fish hatcheries. While Yellowstone National Park offers accommodation for YCC participants, all other locations offer day programs only.
National Park Service Opportunities: If you are between 15 to 30 years old, or a military veteran who is 35 years old or younger, apply for a job or paid internship to help you figure out your career path. Gain work experience, while helping to preserve and protect our nation’s natural and cultural resources. The National Park Service collaborates with many organizations to offer onsite and remote internship and fellowship opportunities. Whether you are looking for part-time work during the school year, a summer job, or are beginning a full-time career, check USAJobs for current openings.

Maximizing Your Internship Experience

To make the most of your internship, consider the following tips:

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Set Clear Goals: Define what you hope to achieve during the internship.
Be Proactive: Take initiative and seek out opportunities to learn and contribute.
Network: Build relationships with your supervisors and colleagues.
Ask Questions: Don't hesitate to ask questions and seek clarification.
Reflect on Your Experience: Regularly reflect on what you're learning and how it aligns with your career goals.

The Impact on College Admissions

While an internship is not required for college admission, it can significantly strengthen your application. College admissions committees look favorably upon students who demonstrate initiative, academic enrichment, and a passion for learning. A high-profile and selective internship can catch the eye of admissions officers. Similarly, demonstrating responsibility and leadership in an internship position can make you a more attractive candidate.

Read also: Comprehensive Internship Guide

Read also: Internship Opportunities

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