Internships for High School Students

You don’t have to wait until college to get an internship. There are hundreds of companies, including some of the world’s biggest, that run internship programs for students as young as freshmen in high school. 

Not only are internships impressive on a resume and a college application, but they are also a great way to test out career paths. With an internship, you get to witness, first-hand, what professionals do day-to-day. 

Though, you shouldn’t expect to make a lot of money. Most high school internships pay less than a summer lifeguarding gig or a job busing tables at the local restaurant. But with an internship, you gain something that, in the long run, is more important than a low-wage paycheck. You gain experience. 

However, some paid internships do come with a stipend, which is a good option for high school students interested in gaining both experience and monetary compensation as well.

Here are 10 of the best internships for high school students.

Bank of America’s Student Leaders Program

Each year, Bank of America grants summer paid internships to high school juniors and seniors throughout the United States. Interns are paired with local nonprofit organizations and spend eight weeks learning about how nonprofits support community needs. Throughout this paid internship, interns can also expect to pick up civic, social, and business leadership skills. At the end of the paid internship, interns participate in an all-expenses-paid trip to a national leadership summit in Washington D.C., where they learn about how government, businesses, and nonprofits work together to support communities.  

Pay: $17/hour + all-inclusive trip to Washington D.C.

Eligibility:

• Must be a current junior or senior
• Must be able to participate in an 8-week internship and work 35 hours per week
• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship
• Must be able to participate in a week-long Student Leaders Summit in Washington D.C.
• Must be a student in good standing
• Must obtain a letter of recommendation from a teacher, guidance counselor, or school administrator
• Must not be the family member of a Bank of America employee
• Must meet residency requirement — check here for detailed list

NASA Internship

NASA offers fall, spring, and summer internships to high school, undergraduate, and graduate students over 16 years old. Upon the start of the program, interns are split up, integrated into NASA teams, and assigned to work on authentic NASA projects. That way, interns are actively contributing to NASA missions. For high school students interested in STEM fields, there are few experiences more rewarding and exciting than NASA’s paid internship program. 

Pay: Interns are paid a stipend that varies based on academic level and length of the internship.

Eligibility:

• Must be 16 years of age at the time of application
• Must be a U.S. citizen
• Must be a full-time student
• Must have a cumulative 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale

Google CSSI

Google’s Computer Science Summer Institute (CSSI) is a 3-week introduction to computer science program for college-bound high school seniors interested in the subject. Those selected are introduced to like-minded peers and active Google engineers. Students will learn the fundamentals of computer science, get to check out some of Google’s technologies, and develop their own applications. Students will leave the program knowing the fundamentals of HTML/CSS, JavaScript, Python, and Google App Engine. 

Pay: Transportation + Housing + Meals

Eligibility:

• Must be a current high school senior
• Must intend to enroll as a full-time student in a 4-year BA/BS program in the United States for the entire upcoming academic year
• Must be able to “demonstrate an interest in and motivation for studying computer science”
• Must be able to attend every day of the 3-week program

Indiana University Simon Cancer Center Summer Research Programs

Indiana University’s Simon Cancer Center’s Summer Research Program is a 6-week paid internship program designed to help students from underrepresented populations gain the exposure they need to pursue careers in biomedical and behavioral science. Students are paired with mentors and work 40 hours per week on projects that involve laboratory-based research, computer-based database research, or clinical research. Through the program, students are connected to a large network of professionals and peers who could be valuable resources for their future careers. 

Pay: $3,200 stipend

Eligibility:

• Must be a graduating high school senior
• Must display an aptitude for science and math
• Must have a cumulative 3.0 or higher GPA on a 4.0 scale

Scripps Student Research Internship

The 8-week Scripps Summer Research Internship provides highly motivated high school students with an opportunity to work with a team of Scripps scientists and investigators in the areas of genomics, computational biology, and mobile health research. The purpose of the internship is to help young scientists develop the skills and knowledge necessary to be future leaders in their fields. 

Pay: Unpaid

Eligibility:

• Must be at least 16 years old 
• Must have a strong interest in genomics or mobile health translational research

Geosciences Bridge Program

The Geosciences Bridge Program, which takes place on the campus of the University of Maryland Eastern Shore, is a 6-week internship program for graduating high school seniors interested in pursuing careers in geosciences. Interns are paid a stipend to study and participate in hands-on activities in ocean sciences, atmospheric sciences, and geographic information systems (GIS)/Remote Sensing techniques.

Pay: $500/week + meals + housing + travel

Eligibility:

• Must be a graduating high school senior
• Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident
• Must plan to pursue a bachelor’s degree in a geoscience discipline
• Have a minimum 2.7 GPA

Facebook Summer Academy

Each year, Facebook hires high school sophomores living in and around the Palo Alto area as “externs.” The externs have the opportunity to work with mentors and learn about the day-to-day operations of one of the world’s largest social media networks. Externs work 30 hours a week for six weeks. This year, the program will be held virtually and students will work with Facebook employees to learn to code and develop an app. 

Pay: $1,500 stipend

Eligibility:

• Must be a current high school sophomore
• Must be full-time residents of either East Palo Alto, Belle Haven, North Fair Oaks, or Redwood City
• Must have a minimum cumulative 2.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale

CDC Museum Disease Detective Camp

Each year, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) runs week-long summer camp programs for high school juniors and seniors who are interested in public health. Taking place in the CDC Museum in Atlanta, the Museum Disease Detective Camp is more of a mentorship program than an internship, as you won’t be working for the CDC. But, it is a perfect opportunity for those interested in studying a public health major. Camp goers can expect to learn about the field of public health at large and the science of epidemiology. 

Pay: Unpaid 

Eligibility:

• Must be a rising junior or senior
• Must be at least 16 years old by the first day of camp

New-York Historical Society’s Student Historian Internship Program

The New-York Historical Society offers the Student Historian Internship Program to introduce students from the New York City metro area to careers in the museum, library, and history fields. Interns work together to develop their public speaking and leadership skills and deepen their knowledge of American history and art. While the internship is unpaid, those who have already completed the internship have the opportunity to come back and earn $15 an hour as “teen leaders.”

Pay: $700 stipend upon successful completion of the internship

Eligibility:

• Must be in grades 10, 11, or 12
• Must live in and attend school in the New York City metro area (includes the five boroughs of New York City, as well as areas of New York State, Connecticut, and New Jersey).
• Must have a parent sign approval 
• Must have a valid employment certificate

Political Campaigns

If you’re interested in politics, there is no better option than working for a political campaign. Many local, state, and national political campaigns hire interns to help with a wide variety of tasks. Realistically, high school students shouldn’t expect to be the ones writing speeches or influencing policy positions, but just being around to witness the operations of a campaign can help you develop a keen understanding of politics. More common roles for high school interns may include phone banking or canvassing. 

The best place to search for roles is in your local community. Do some research on local campaigns and decide which one is right for you. Most campaign websites have a “Get Involved” or “Join Us” tab where you can find the right contact information. Whether the campaign asks for it or not, you’ll want to send in a resume and a short cover letter describing your interest in the campaign and what you could contribute. You should note that many campaigns are simply looking for volunteers, but you can gain valuable experience just by being involved. 

The Importance of Internships for High School Students: A Focus on Graduating Seniors

As high school seniors approach graduation, the pressure to stand out in college admissions becomes palpable. With increasing competition, high school students must find ways to differentiate themselves from their peers. One of the most effective methods to achieve this is through internships for high school. This analysis explores why internships for high school are crucial for high school students, highlighting their role in college admissions, personal development, and career readiness.

1. Enhancing College Applications

Colleges seek well-rounded candidates who demonstrate initiative, passion, and real-world experience. Internships for high school provide concrete evidence of a student’s commitment to their field of interest. Here are a few reasons why internships make a significant impact:

• Real-World Experience: Internships offer hands-on experience that classroom learning cannot replicate. This experience shows colleges that high school students interested in attending their institution are proactive in exploring their interests, thereby enhancing their applications.
• Skills Development: Internships help high school students develop critical skills such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving, which are highly valued in college settings.
• Unique Narratives: Participating in internships allows high school students to craft compelling personal statements. Experiences gained can serve as meaningful anecdotes, illustrating personal growth and motivation.

2. Building Professional Networks

Internships provide opportunities for high school students to establish connections within their chosen fields. Networking can be invaluable for several reasons:

• Mentorship Opportunities: Internships often lead to relationships with professionals who can offer guidance and advice, which can be beneficial as college students and beyond.
• References and Recommendations: A positive internship experience can result in strong letters of recommendation from supervisors, further enhancing a student’s college application.

3. Clarifying Career Goals

Many high school students are still in the process of determining their career paths. Internships offer a unique opportunity to explore various fields and clarify future aspirations:

• Exposure to Different Industries: Internships allow high school students to gain insight into various careers, helping them make informed decisions about their college majors and career paths.
• Skill and Interest Alignment: By participating in internships, high school students can assess their skills and interests in a real-world context, refining their goals based on firsthand experience.

4. Developing Time Management and Professionalism

Balancing schoolwork, internships, and personal life can be a challenge, but it cultivates essential skills:

• Time Management: Juggling multiple responsibilities prepares high school students for the demands as college students, where self-discipline and effective time management are crucial.
• Professional Etiquette: Internships teach high school students how to navigate professional environments, including communication, punctuality, and workplace conduct, which are vital for success in college and future careers.

5. Boosting Confidence and Independence

Engaging in internships can significantly enhance a student’s confidence and sense of independence:

• Self-Efficacy: Successfully completing an internship provides a sense of accomplishment, empowering high school students to tackle future challenges, both academically and professionally.
• Responsibility and Accountability: Internships require high school students to take ownership of their work, fostering a sense of responsibility that translates into other areas of life.

Conclusion

In a competitive college admissions landscape, internships offer high school students a distinct advantage. By gaining real-world experience, building professional networks, and clarifying their career goals, high school students not only enhance their college applications but also prepare themselves for the rigors of higher education. As they transition to college, the skills and confidence developed through internships can set them on a path to success, ensuring they are not just admitted to college, but ready to thrive within it. In this way, internships become not only a means of standing out to admissions committees but also a vital step toward a successful future.

You should acknowledge the fact that some of the internships listed in this article are the most prestigious in the world. Don’t be discouraged if you don’t get selected for one of them. Know that there are many more, less-competitive options out there, some of which you can find by reaching out to businesses and nonprofits in your local community.