If you’re a high schooler with big career dreams, you don’t have to wait until college to start gaining real-world experience. There are plenty of valuable internship opportunities available right now that can help you explore your interests, grow your skills, build your network, and set you up for future success.
Beyond looking great on your resume, internships can give your college applications a significant boost. Competitive programs stand out to admissions officers and can even increase your chances of earning scholarships or getting into top schools.
So, what are the best internships for high school students and how should you go about finding them? Let’s take a look.
How to Find Internships for High School Students
The internet is full of internship opportunities, but searching for them can feel a bit overwhelming. One way to find internships is to reach out to those in your personal network, such as teachers, parents, friends, doctors, and business owners. You never know what ideas and opportunities they may have available for you, and often without a lengthy application process that some internships require.
There are also many online platforms, Ladder Internships and StandOut Connect, that can connect you with valuable internship opportunities across various industries.
Finding an internship that suits you can be time-consuming, so we’ve created a list of top internships for high school students to help you get started.
Tips for Applying to Internships for High School Students
- Start your search early. Internships will have application deadlines, so starting early will ensure you don’t miss any of them.
- Carefully review the requirements. Each internship will have a different application process, so look carefully to ensure you meet the criteria.
- Research the company or organization. Learning about the company or organization will help you tailor your application to relate to their mission, values, and type of work.
- Build a strong resume. Include academic achievements, extracurricular activities and rigorous coursework. Be sure to highlight anything that relates to the internship field.
- Cast a wide net. Applying to several internships will increase your chances, especially if you’re applying to competitive programs.
- Don’t do it alone. Ask your family, friends, or teachers to review your resume, applications, and required essays.
Top Internships For High School Students
Medical Internships for High School Students
Johns Hopkins Internship in Brain Sciences (JHIBS)
This program is ideal for high school students wanting to explore a career in the neurological sciences. This internship is intensive and requires students to participate in scientific research and exploration. It’s best if you already have some knowledge of research methods and research skills, but you don’t have to be an expert to apply.
Mayo Clinic High School Student Summer Volunteer Program
This program allows students to gain firsthand exposure to hospital operations, interact with healthcare professionals, and participate in non-clinical tasks to support patient care. It’s a great way to observe a world-renowned medical institution in action.
Business Internships for High School Students
Bank of America Student Leader Internship
Students interested in leadership positions should consider this program, which helps students nurture their leadership abilities while also getting them more involved in local communities. In this program, you’ll work with organizations like the Boys and Girls Club and other non-profits. During one week of your internship, you will also attend a summit in Washington, D.C., to learn more about careers in government and business. This is a paid eight-week summer program during which students work around 35 hours per week.
CLA High School Internship Program
This program offers high school students the chance to explore the business world, gain hands-on experience with real projects and clients, and discover future career opportunities in professional services and accounting.
Research Internships for High School Students
Indiana University Research Program
In this program, students perform hands-on research in behavioral science and biomedicine at the university’s cancer center. This opportunity is primarily meant for individuals who are less represented in science fields and higher education, but any student is welcome to apply. Students participate in clinical research and learn from some of the best researchers, graduate students, and scientists in the country. This is another paid internship that lasts for eight weeks. Expect to work at least 40 hours a week.
American Anthropological Association (AAA) Virtual High School Internship
AAA offers a virtual internship program where high school students engage in anthropological research projects, adapting contemporary scholarship for a 6th-12th grade audience.
STEM Internships for High School Students
NASA Internships
For students with a passion for STEM, NASA also offers internship positions for high school students. Applicants need to be at least 16 years old, and freshmen are not allowed into the program. This is another highly competitive internship opportunity for high schoolers that is available in multiple locations across the country. If you are accepted into one of their many internships, you’ll get the chance to explore careers at NASA—something many students can only dream of!
Lockheed Martin High School Internship Program
This summer initiative is designed to immerse high school students in STEM fields, offering hands-on experience alongside aerospace professionals. Over a span of 9 to 10 weeks, interns engage in real-world projects, contributing to solutions that enhance global security and technological advancement.
Microsoft High School Internship
This is another chance for students to learn about STEM careers. This internship is more geared toward computer sciences, IT, math, and even engineering. If you have any interest in these fields, consider applying! Students must be 16 years old and be willing and able to work full-time for four weeks.
Art Internships for High School Students
Washington Performing Arts Internship
This is one of the lengthiest internships on this list. For twelve weeks, you’ll work with performing arts professionals—and receive a stipend. This is the perfect chance to get your foot in the world of performing arts!
ArtWorks for Milwaukee
ArtWorks for Milwaukee offers paid internships for high school students, providing hands-on experience in the arts. Interns collaborate on projects that develop artistic skills and professional development, preparing them for future careers.
Other Internships for High School Students
Intern Group’s Global Internship Program
This program is perfect for high school seniors who want to travel and see more of the world before college, as the age requirement is 17-18. If accepted, you’ll have the chance to intern in one of fourteen cities around the globe, including The program is dedicated to helping students gain real job experience in a range of careers, providing experience to help them really shine in the college application process. As part of this internship program, students receive accommodation, career training, assistance with visa applications, and many other benefits.
Smithsonian Internship
If you want exposure to various cultures and hands-on learning without leaving the United States, consider applying to this internship. The Smithsonian offers a range of internship programs across several fields of study. You’ll learn from some of the world’s top experts and add a great line to your resume and college application.
Because this is a desirable program, getting in can be a little difficult, but if you are accepted, you’ll be paid a stipend and receive an unforgettable work experience.
Conclusion
Pursuing a high school internship is a great way to gain real-world experience, build your resume, and stand out in the college admissions process. With the right research and preparation, you’ll find an opportunity that furthers your interests and prepares you for success in the future.
And remember, if you need any assistance with any college admissions factors, we are here to help. HelloCollege provides college admissions help to students just like you. Reach out today for a free consultation to make your enrollment and application process easier.
