Unveiling UPenn High School Internship Opportunities
For ambitious high school students, the University of Pennsylvania (UPenn) presents a wealth of opportunities to gain invaluable experience, explore potential career paths, and enhance their academic profiles. These internships and summer programs offer a unique glimpse into the world of higher education and professional research, providing a competitive edge for college admissions and future endeavors.
UPenn Summer Programs for High School Students
UPenn offers various summer programs through its different schools, providing immersive pre-college experiences. These programs allow high school students to engage in college-level coursework, earn college credit, and delve into potential majors.
Penn Arts and Sciences High School Programs
These programs provide high school students the opportunity to enroll in college-level courses, earn college credit, and explore potential college majors. Penn Arts and Sciences High School Programs welcomes bright and ambitious high school students from around the world to experience the Ivy League. At Penn, you can explore exciting topics in college-level courses taught by University faculty, staff, and scholars, and seek academic support or further study through Penn’s remarkable libraries and campus learning centers. Penn offers academic challenges for talented high school students who want to learn from-and alongside of-the very best in the Ivy League.
Wharton School of Business Programs
Students learn from Wharton faculty and industry professionals, engage in group projects, and visit local businesses. High school students also get a glimpse of Wharton’s undergraduate curriculum by attending lectures and participating in case competitions.
Engineering Summer Academy (ESAP)
ESAP's immersive three-week programs integrate advanced theory with hands-on experience in state-of-the-art technologies.
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Penn Summer Science Initiative (PSSI)
UPenn’s Laboratory for Research on the Structure of Matter sponsors this four-week program for students interested in material science and engineering. Program participants will listen to lectures, enjoy hands-on computer and experimental labs, and take field trips to industrial and Penn facilities. PSSI is open to high schoolers entering their junior or senior year from the greater Philadelphia region who have taken a chemistry and/or physics course.
Neuroscience Academy
Instructed by faculty members of Penn's esteemed Biological Basis of Behavior program, the Neuroscience Academy acquaints students with this innovative field in both research and medicine, which has furnished critical knowledge regarding the mind in various states of wellness and illness.
Penn Carey Law Pre-College Academy
Penn Carey Law Pre-College Academy is for students interested in law and justice. Students attend classes taught by UPenn Law faculty, participate in mock trials, and visit local courts.
Pre-College Program
The Pre-College Residential Program offers undergraduate courses in a wide array of disciplines taught by Penn faculty, staff, and visiting scholars.
Online Seminars
Online Seminars are interdisciplinary programs that integrate advanced theoretical concepts with real-world scenarios.
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Application Process
Penn SAS High School Programs has collaborated with Summer Discovery for over 10 years. Summer Discovery helps to oversees administrative aspects of the summer programming. The program operates on a rolling until full admissions process. Only completed applications are reviewed as they are received. It is an applicant’s responsibility to make sure that their application is complete. It may take up to six weeks for an applicant to receive an admissions decision on a completed application. Applying early is strongly recommended to increase chances of admission before the program reaches capacity.
Research-Focused Internships
For students keen on delving into the world of scientific research, UPenn and its affiliated institutions offer exceptional opportunities to work alongside leading experts.
Monell Center Summer Science Apprenticeship Program
Through this full-time paid opportunity, participants will work 35 hours a week doing structured research activities under the guidance of Monell scientists. The program culminates in a conference where students will present their research to the scientific community, family, and friends. The program also includes an enrichment component through which participants attend lectures on topics ranging from science to communication to college readiness.
Summer TRIP (Temple University Research Immersion Program)
This free summer program held at Temple University provides students with the opportunity to gain hands-on research and lab experience. Participants are tasked with developing hypotheses, designing and troubleshooting experiments, collecting and analyzing data, and interpreting and presenting their findings. The program culminates in a symposium where students show their research to faculty, family, and alumni. Summer TRIP is divided into three phases: Project Design, Experimentation, and Communication.
The Wistar Institute High School Program in Biomedical Research
The Wistar Institute High School Program in Biomedical Research gives students interested in science the chance to learn the best practices for biomedical research, explore career paths in the field, and contribute to science projects. Students will work Monday through Thursday from 9 AM to 4 PM. Participants are awarded a $1,500 stipend at the program’s conclusion. The program is open to students 16 years of age and older who’ve completed at least one high school science course.
Read also: Navigating UPenn Tuition Payments
The CHOP Neurology High School Scholars Program
This program offers the opportunity for high school students to complete a five-week paid internship ($1,000 stipend) working closely with a neurologist or neuroscientist on a basic science or clinical research project, shadowing physicians, and attending a weekly educational session. Anyone applying must be a current high school sophomore, junior, or senior and must be 16 years of age by the start of the program. Work hours will be determined between the student and mentor based on project needs.
Forensic Science Mentoring Institute (FMI) Summer Science Program
FMI is a seven-week program that introduces high school students to the forensic techniques and instruments used to solve crimes. Students will gain hands-on experience with analyzing evidence from crime scenes and conducting their own investigations under the mentorship of forensic experts. Participants in the FMI Summer Science Program will learn through hands-on experiences in three different forensic science disciplines: forensic biology, forensic chemistry, and forensic toxicology.
Office of Education and Research (OER) Summer Internship Program
The OER Summer Internship program is a seven-week paid experience offering Philadelphia area high school students a 6-week research position hosted by Penn faculty. Students are mentored by trainees or staff within faculty labs, gaining hands-on experience in conducting basic research at the bench. In addition to bench work, students participate in weekly college readiness, professional development, and career exposure activities. In the fall and spring prior to the summer internship, participating students complete preparatory training in basic laboratory skills, reading scientific literature, maintaining a laboratory notebook, and performing experiments. Students spend the seventh week exploring clinical experiences.
Professionally-Oriented Internships
These internships provide a taste of various professional fields, enabling students to develop practical skills and network with industry professionals.
City of Philadelphia Internships
Interns are assigned to one of more than 40 city agencies where they assist with research, administrative duties, complete a group or community project, and support work.
Philadelphia International Airport Internships
For this internship, interns will be assigned to the following departments at the Philadelphia International Airport such as Human Resources, Communications, Purchasing Administration, Capital Development, and more. Students should expect to gain real-world experience, develop their professional connections, learn more about the aviation industry, and contribute to the city’s government.
Naval Research Enterprise Internship Program (NREIP)
This program provides rising 10th through 12th graders, who are at least 16 years old, the chance to participate in research at a Department of Navy (DoN) laboratory, like the Philadelphia Naval Surface Warfare Center and Pacific Naval Information Warfare Center in Philadelphia. Participants learn about Naval research and technology while receiving mentoring from top scientists and engineers.
Bank of America Student Leaders Program
Through this program, students are paired with paid internship opportunities at nonprofits like the Boys and Girls Club and Habitat for Humanity, where they gain valuable skills and drive change within their communities. The internship runs for eight weeks, the last of which is spent at the Student Leader Summit in Washington, D.C., where participants will learn how the government, business, and nonprofit sectors work together to address community needs. The Bank of America Student Leaders program is available to high schoolers in over 100 communities nationwide, including Philadelphia.
Arts and Culture-Focused Internships
For students passionate about arts and culture, Philadelphia offers several enriching internships at renowned institutions.
Bloomberg Arts Internship
Bloomberg Philanthropies and the Greater Philadelphia Cultural Alliance are working together to provide this paid, art-focused internship. The program places rising high school seniors in positions at arts and culture organizations across the Greater Philadelphia region, such as the Penn Museum.
Philadelphia Cultural Alliance Internship Program
This paid internship program for rising high school seniors runs the length of the school year. Interns work up to ten hours a week at arts and culture organizations in the Greater Philadelphia region. Interns also participate in professional development opportunities focused on college and/or career readiness, self-advocacy, self-actualization, and public speaking. Note that you cannot apply directly to this program.
Arden Theatre Company
Participants gain real-world experience, work alongside professionals, and receive an intensive education in theater operation.
Volunteer Opportunities
Volunteering can be a valuable way to gain experience and contribute to the community.
Elmwood Park Zoo Volunteering
High schoolers ages 14+ can volunteer at the Elmwood Park Zoo, where they engage with visitors and share knowledge about the animals who call the zoo home. Volunteers are asked to commit to working eight hours a month (except during January and February), and a total of 80 hours over the course of the year. While this position is unpaid, there are some perks to volunteering, including access to volunteer workshops, free guest passes, and discounts throughout the zoo.
Penn Museum Summer Internship Program
The Penn Museum offers a structured summer internship program providing rigorous mentorship, training, and career development opportunities.
Eligibility
Current undergraduate and graduate students, as well as recent graduates from any college or university are eligible to apply. International students enrolled in degree-granting programs are also welcome.
Compensation and Employment
Interns are paid $17 an hour ($5100 for 300 hours) and become temporary employees of the University of Pennsylvania.
Requirements
Interns must be available on Wednesday mornings to attend the weekly Museum Practice Program and Thursday afternoons for weekly Museum Field Trips. The Penn Museum Summer Internship is an in-person position.
Internship Positions
A variety of internship positions are available, catering to different interests and skill sets.
School Programs Loan Box Assistant
The School Programs Loan Box Assistant will work closely with Museum Educators to create an Egypt themed Loan Box that will be shared with classrooms participating in the museum’s Unpacking the Past program. The intern will research and identify artifacts from the Education Teaching Collection to include in an Egypt themed Loan Box. This position is suitable for students currently enrolled in, or have recently completed, undergraduate or graduate level work in museum studies, elementary education, history, art history, or related field. Unpacking the Past is a free field trip program that serves 6th and 7th grade students in the School District of Philadelphia. Loan Boxes help to enhance the student experience by bringing the museum into the classroom.
BioAnth Research Assistant
The BioAnth Research Assistant will assist with the inventory and reorganization of documents associated with long-term growth and development studies led by biological anthropologist Dr. Wilton Krogman. The intern's daily duties will involve reviewing documents housed in the Museum archives and providing general summaries based on guiding prompts provided by supervisors. This project will analyze some data concerning human remains, but it will not involve the direct handling of them. Interns will learn about how national narratives regarding aesthetics/beauty, race, human evolution and citizenship converged in the study of human growth and development. Therefore, this research will be of interest to interns interested in Museum Studies, the History of Medicine, Cultural Anthropology and Biological Anthropology.
Biological Anthropology Section Intern
The intern's daily activities will include assisting with the handling and care of human remains, direct involvement in inventory and organization, as well as literature reviews and other data collection tied to drafting articles and reports for publication. This position is ideal for well-trained interns interested in museum careers geared toward research, curation and interpretation and engagement. The intern in this position will be required to work with human remains and must adhere to the Museum’s Human Remains Policy at all times while doing so.
Penn Cultural Heritage Center (PennCHC) Summer Intern
The PennCHC summer intern will contribute to the Center’s Cultural Freedom Project (CFP). Through CFP, the PennCHC is researching and coordinating efforts to counteract authoritarian interventions in the cultural sector worldwide.
Penn Museum Archives Intern
This project is well suited for interns with a high attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and the ability to work independently. The Archives include records of the museum’s archaeological expeditions to every inhabited continent, the history of the Penn Museum, and the history of the fields of archaeology and anthropology. In addition to field notes and correspondence, we hold three-quarters of a million images and nearly one thousand reels of motion picture film.
Royal Cemetery at Ur Intern
In order to accomplish these tasks, the intern must be well organized and detail oriented. Familiarity with GIS programs (QGIS, ArcGIS, etc.) and 3D programs (Sketchup, Unity, etc.) is helpful but more important is the willingness to search out training on such programs for specific tasks. Prior study in Mesopotamia and early cities will be helpful, but interest in this topic is more important. The intern will learn about early Mesopotamian dynasties and will ultimately address the question that we have been unable to definitively answer for 100 years: Who is buried in the Royal Cemetery? This project will analyze some data concerning human remains but it will not involve the direct handling of them. It may, however, involve analysis of old photographs of skeletal remains. Our goal is to understand how ancient Mesopotamians lived and what their burial practices and beliefs were.
Provenance & Repatriation Office Intern
The intern will participate in collections management and related research projects focused on cultural items in the collections, with a primary emphasis on American materials.
Collections Management Assistant Intern
Collections interns will have the opportunity to work with a wide range of objects from the Museum’s Mediterranean, Asian, and African collections, amongst others. The Collections Management Assistant internship is aimed at entry-level students looking to explore collections management work.
Exhibitions Department Intern
The Exhibitions Department is responsible for the development, design, fabrication, and installation of all new temporary and permanent exhibits, as well as maintaining existing displays in the Museum.
Marketing and Communications Department Intern
The Marketing and Communications Department builds overall brand awareness while supporting visitation and audience engagement across exhibitions, learning and public engagement programs, research, scholarship, and many other exciting initiatives at the Penn Museum.
Public Engagement Team Intern
An intern will contribute to the planning and execution of these programs under the guidance of the Associate Director of Public Engagement. We're looking for applicants with strong customer service skills, who are open to working with visitors of all ages.
Family Programs Intern
The Family Programs intern will help assist with program facilitation during Family Adventures, our gallery-based family program offered during July. The Family Programs intern will help foster a fun and positive learning environment by leading art-making workshops and activities in museum galleries. They will administer and collect visitor surveys to help us understand how families enjoy these experiences.
Academic Engagement Department Intern
While with the Academic Engagement Department, the intern will assist in the documentation of ongoing research by museum staff, faculty, and students in the 2025-26 year, including publications, field work, and laboratory research. This information will be added to a database and form the basis for a written report distributed to key stakeholders in the museum and on campus.
Director’s Office Intern
Communications projects include an annual report on the Museum’s past year activities, formatted for electronic distribution, and work towards a new book that can serve as a general overview of the Museum’s collections and collections practices with information about top highlighted objects. The intern will edit text for spelling, grammar, syntax, style, voice, and consistency (including consistent word count), follow up with content experts for missing text, fact-check and research information, and coordinate between the Director’s Office, collections and exhibitions staff, and the photo studio for object photography.
The Significance of Internships in College Admissions
Extracurricular activities like internships can play a significant role in college admissions, especially at selective schools where seemingly every applicant has an outstanding academic record. The most prestigious, impressive, and rare internships have a substantial effect on college odds.
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