Internships for High School Students in Georgia: A Comprehensive Guide

In recent years, high school internships have become increasingly popular as students become more career-focused. They aim to maximize their chances of admission to top schools. Internships also allow students to expand their networks and connect with mentors who can guide them on their career paths. This article explores various internship opportunities available to high school students in Georgia, covering diverse fields such as agriculture, technology, law, healthcare, and the arts.

The Value of Internships for High School Students

Internships provide high school students with valuable real-world experience that goes beyond what is taught in the classroom. By stepping into professional roles, students gain firsthand insight into workplace dynamics, build essential skills, and understand what different careers entail. These experiences are especially helpful for exploring potential fields of interest, from business and engineering to healthcare and technology.

Internships also add depth to college applications, showcasing a student's initiative, maturity, and commitment to understanding a field before choosing a major. By highlighting early exposure to a professional setting, these experiences signal a student's readiness to take on academic challenges and further career-specific learning. Extracurricular activities, like internships, play an important role in college admissions. This is particularly true at selective schools where an attention-grabbing extracurricular can help you stand out from a crowded field of academically excellent candidates.

The four tiers of extracurricular activities provide a good example of the lens admissions officers view your activities outside of the classroom. Tiers 1 and 2 hold the most influence on college admissions and are reserved for the most outstanding and uncommon activities. Generally, an internship will fall under Tier 2 or 3, depending on the internship’s selectivity and prestige, as well as the responsibilities interns have to take on.

Internship Programs in Georgia

1. University of Georgia Young Scholars Program (YSP)

The University of Georgia's Young Scholars Program (YSP) offers five-week, paid internships to students interested in agriculture, food, and environmental sciences. Participants engage in research under the guidance of a faculty mentor at UGA’s Athens, Griffin, or Tifton campuses. The program is open to students 16 years of age or older who’ve completed their sophomore year of high school. Participants engage in 30 hours per week of research, mentored by UGA faculty, with hands-on experience in labs across the Athens, Griffin, or Tifton campuses. Complementing the research experience are workshops and agricultural site visits, allowing you to explore careers in the field. The program culminates in a poster presentation at the Young Scholars Pre-Collegiate Research Conference at the UGA Athens campus.

2. Georgia Tech Research Institute (GTRI) Internship

This five-week, paid internship enables high schoolers to engage in real-world science and engineering research at one of Georgia Tech Research Institute’s (GTRI) laboratories or its Warner Robins field office. Interns work under the mentorship of GTRI researchers on projects focusing on topics ranging from piezoelectric systems to rapid prototyping, and from robots and drones to the physics of radar emissions. The program is open to Georgia residents attending high school in the state. Students must be in their sophomore, junior, or senior year and at least 16 years old. Participants are expected to work 24 hours per week over the program’s five weeks.

3. Atlanta Bar Association Summer Law Internship Program (SLIP)

For three decades, the Atlanta Bar Association has offered six-week, paid internships to Atlanta-area high schoolers. Participants are placed with local law firms, government agencies, and corporations where they learn about potential careers in law. Interns also receive educational and professional support, such as financial assistance for LSAT preparation or Bar Review classes, at the end of the internship. This internship offers a comprehensive experience where you will be engaged in various tasks essential to the legal profession. From making copies and delivering documents to bates stamping, answering phones, summarizing depositions, and preparing trial notebooks, you will gain firsthand exposure to the day-to-day operations of a legal setting. Additionally, there may be opportunities to witness depositions or court hearings, further enriching your understanding of the legal process. Prior to beginning the internship, you will participate in an orientation program to equip you with the necessary knowledge and skills for six weeks of practical legal work. This program not only allows you to acquire valuable work experience but also enhances your critical thinking and reasoning abilities while deepening your understanding of the law. Furthermore, through this internship, you have the chance to establish meaningful mentor relationships with legal professionals who can guide you in your future endeavors.

4. Ladder Internships

Ladder Internships is a selective start-up internship program for ambitious high school students. In the program, students 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 5-10 hours/week, for 8-12 weeks. Start-ups that offer internships range across a variety of industries, from tech/deep tech and AI/ML to health tech, marketing, journalism, consulting, and more. In the program, interns work closely with their managers and a Ladder Coach on real-world projects and present their work to the company.

5. Atlanta Botanical Garden Internship

For students interested in science and plant-related careers, the Atlanta Botanical Garden hosts a 7-week internship opportunity. Interns work alongside Garden staff to cultivate, conserve, and teach others about the plant collections in the heart of Atlanta. Tasks available to interns include working in a plant conservation research lab, cultivating rare plants in conservation greenhouses, or maintaining outdoor spaces in the garden. Students are paid an hourly wage of $11 per hour and will also receive MARTA cards or parking passes depending on their desired mode of transportation. Applicants must be 16 years or older by June 3, 2025, and a rising sophomore, junior, or senior in a Metro Atlanta Title I school.

6. DPR Construction Internship

This program, provided by DPR Construction, introduces high school students to careers in construction management. This paid opportunity is available to rising high school juniors, seniors, and recent graduates from eligible communities, including Atlanta. Interns must come from families with an income below the HUD Median Family Income (MFI) in their county.

Read also: Unlock summer legal internships

7. C.W. Matthews Contracting Company Internship

C.W. Matthews Contracting Company, a leading heavy highway construction contractor that operates throughout Georgia, offers paid internships to high schoolers. Students are encouraged to follow the path they find most interesting. C. W. Matthews also offers work-based learning internships for high schoolers, which last for either a semester or a full year.

8. Georgia Power Lineworker Internship

This eight-week, paid internship shows high schoolers what it’s like to work as an apprentice lineworker. Interns gain job experience by working alongside Georgia Power line crews and performing basic work, learning about power line construction standards, and exploring potential career paths, such as being a lineworker or meter tech. Interns also spend time developing soft skills and doing CAST (Construction and Skills Trade Test) preparation. To qualify for this program, interns must possess a driver’s license and a clean driving record, be able to perform physically demanding activities, and be capable of working outside in all conditions. You also must be either 18 or turning 18 by September 1st.

9. Emory Winship Cancer Institute Summer Scholars Research Program

This prestigious paid internship invites just 10-12 students to participate annually and provides an immersive experience in the world of cancer research. Participants listen to lectures and go on field trips aimed at deepening their knowledge of cancer research and potential careers in the field. The program is open to rising and graduating high school seniors who will be at least 16 years old by the start of the program. This research internship allows you to work closely with a physician or researcher on cancer-related projects, gaining valuable lab skills and research experience. The program includes lectures from oncology experts and field trips to institutions like the CDC and culminates in a final symposium where you present your findings. This internship is designed to inspire students to explore careers in cancer research and oncology.

10. The Carter Center Internship

The Carter Center, in partnership with Emory University, is guided by a commitment to human rights and the alleviation of human suffering. The summer and fall internship programs offer a few tracks, including: peace programs, health programs, and operations. Carter Center internships are a paid opportunity, with Fall and Spring interns receiving a $5,100 stipend and summer interns receiving a $3,400 stipend.

11. Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta VolunTEEN Program

Students with an interest in healthcare will want to check out the VolunTEEN program at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. VolunTEENs support hospital staff, play games with patients, and provide a valuable service to their community while gaining firsthand healthcare experience. The program is open to high schoolers between the ages of 15 and 18.

12. WellStar Kennestone Hospital Volunteer Program

This program allows high schoolers to explore potential healthcare careers while gaining real-world experience at a world-class medical center. Volunteer opportunities are open to high schoolers between the ages of 16 and 18. Volunteers assist in a variety of areas, including customer service, clinical and non-clinical departments, patient transport, and wayfinding.

13. Microsoft Discovery Program

The Microsoft Discovery Program is a 4-week internship where graduating high school seniors will gain hands-on experience and mentorship from Microsoft employees. Students will develop professional skills and will learn how they can transform their passions into a career in tech at Microsoft. The projects interns may encounter during the Discovery Program are from various disciplines and do not require any previous technical experience. Microsoft’s High School Discovery Program introduces Georgia students to careers in computer science and technology through a paid, four-week internship. You will gain hands-on experience in software engineering, product management, and UX design by working in small groups on the design phase of product development. You will get to tackle real-world challenges as you understand customer needs and contribute to the product lifecycle. Mentorship from Microsoft employees and exposure to tech discussions will further enhance your professional and technical skills, making this a valuable stepping stone for future careers in tech.

14. ACLU of Georgia Internships Program

The ACLU of Georgia provides internships to high schoolers, undergraduates, and graduate students. You will participate in activities ranging from legal research to volunteer coordination. This hands-on experience allows you to contribute to civil liberties initiatives while gaining practical skills. Opportunities exist for legal interns, policy analysts, and students offering development support, ensuring a comprehensive introduction to civil rights work in Georgia.

15. High Museum Teen Team

The High Museum’s Teen Team is composed of creative high school students interested in art and community engagement. Participants become familiar with the inner workings of the museum, help plan Teen Nights and public programming, and learn about the museum’s collections and exhibits. The internship runs for the course of an entire year; it begins with an 8-week intensive over the summer and is followed by regular meetings during the school year.

16. Atlanta Film Society Internship

This internship with the Atlanta Film Society-an organization that presents film screenings, hosts an annual screenplay competition, and operates the Atlanta Film Festival-is sure to catch the eye of film buffs. Interns assist with administrative duties, membership, and event planning while gaining real-world experience working for a non-profit. Interns will also gain an understanding of what goes into producing a film festival, although do be aware that this internship does not involve learning about film production itself. Interns must be at least 18, and high school seniors are considered on a case-by-case basis, so do be aware that competition will likely be steep if you are still in high school. However, it’s worth applying if you feel you are a good fit for the role. Interns are asked to work 10 hours a week for a minimum of four months.

17. Georgia Aquarium Volunteer Program

Through this program, students ages 15-17 can volunteer at the Georgia Aquarium on any day during the summer, and on weekends during the school year. Volunteers also have the opportunity to apply what they learn to a collaborative project in the broader Atlanta community. If you are interested in volunteering, the application process starts by registering for a mandatory, virtual information session.

18. TAG-Ed High School Internship Program

TAG-Ed pairs STEM-oriented, high-achieving high schoolers with Georgia companies interested in investing in STEM talent and the future workforce of the technology industry. Internships are open to high school juniors, and seniors who are 17 years of age or older. The TAG-Ed High School Summer Internship Program offers students with an interest in technology and STEM a hands-on learning experience with companies throughout Georgia. In this five-week internship, you’ll be paired with other interns on a project tailored to your field of interest. The program includes mentorship from industry professionals and regular feedback to help build your skills and track progress. This experience provides valuable exposure to STEM fields and professional development for students interested in technology.

Other Notable Programs and Opportunities

Bank of America Student Leaders Program: Connects community-driven high schoolers in Georgia with meaningful, paid internships at local nonprofits, offering hands-on experience in civic engagement and organizational leadership. Through an eight-week internship, you will develop essential skills in social and business leadership, working with nonprofits like Habitat for Humanity. The program also includes a week-long Student Leadership Summit in Washington, D.C., where you will engage with fellow student leaders and learn about social impact, enhancing your ability to make a difference.
21st Century Leaders: A non-profit organization that offers a comprehensive leadership program specifically catering to students interested in STEM and environmental fields. This highly competitive program selects 100 students who will have the opportunity to participate in a range of activities, including workshops, team-building exercises, and round table conferences with established business leaders.
David J. Sencer CDC Museum Disease Detective Camp (DDC): An interdisciplinary educational program organized by the CDC Museum. This academic day camp is held at CDC headquarters in Atlanta, Georgia. Admission is open to high-school students during the summer before their junior or senior years.
The Explorer Program: An educational program for currently enrolled high school juniors and seniors interested in the exciting world of healthcare careers. Participants attend a total of six presentations held by Children's Healthcare of Atlanta professionals and participate in facility tours at various Children’s locations.
Research & Engineering Apprenticeship Program (REAP): A summer STEM program that places talented high school students, from groups historically under-represented and underserved in STEM, in research apprenticeships at area colleges and universities.

Research Opportunities in Georgia

Georgia offers plentiful research opportunities for high school students. Esteemed universities like the Georgia Institute of Technology, Emory University, and the University of Georgia provide avenues for research across various disciplines. These institutions have programs specifically designed to engage high school students in research, fostering their interest in scientific inquiry. Collaborations with industry, government, and nonprofit organizations offer real-world research experiences. Georgia's metropolitan areas, particularly Atlanta, provide a vibrant research ecosystem with internship and summer program opportunities.

STEP (Summer Training in Engineering Program): Organized by The Georgia Tech Daniel Guggenheim School of Aerospace Engineering, is a highly regarded engineering program sponsored by prestigious companies, associations, and government bodies. This program offers students the opportunity to work in teams on ongoing research projects at Georgia Tech.
Morehouse School of Medicine Research Program: Offers a research program that allows students to conduct their own scientific investigations in the field of biomedical research. Participants are matched with research mentors and work on their projects for the duration of the 6-week program.

Additional Summer Programs

SCAD Summer Seminars: Offer a comprehensive educational experience for students interested in pursuing art and design as an academic and professional career. With a focus on disciplines such as fashion and other art-related courses, SCAD provides a range of activities and sessions designed to enhance your artistic skills and knowledge.
Emory University Summer Programs: Offer a transformative experience for high school students, providing them with valuable insights into college life and helping them explore potential career paths. The program is designed to be immersive and residential, allowing participants to fully engage in academic seminars and interactive sessions across various subjects.
BUILD (Building Leaders through Analysis, Conceptualization, and Knowledge): A residential summer camp offering a deep dive into engineering. Through the one-week camp, you will design engineering solutions, analyze data, and work on hands-on projects.

Maximizing Your Chances of Success

Start Early: Begin your search for internships early in the academic year to allow ample time for application preparation.
Tailor Your Application: Customize your resume and cover letter for each internship, highlighting relevant skills and experiences.
Network: Attend career fairs and networking events to connect with professionals in your field of interest.
Seek Guidance: Consult with your school counselor or career advisor for assistance with your internship search.

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