28+ Remote Internships for High School Students

Imagine kickstarting your career without ever leaving your home. 

In today’s digital world, high school students have a golden opportunity to gain real-world experience through remote internships—all while staying cozy on the couch. What’s more, these internships aren’t just about padding your résumé or fetching coffee; they’re about diving deep into your passions, building essential skills, and exploring potential career paths. With the flexibility to balance schoolwork and professional development, remote internships let you experience the working world firsthand—no commute required.

Whether you’re into coding, marketing, or the arts, there’s a remote internship out there ready to help you take your first steps toward a successful future. Get ready to discover some of the top remote internships that can set you on the path to success while you’re still in high school.

Remote Internships for High School Students in 2024

High school students, we’re ready for you! Let’s explore the top 28 remote internships for high school students to gain experience, build skills, and prepare for future careers from home.

1. Building-U Internship

Building-U is a nonprofit dedicated to serving high school students in their transition into the postsecondary experience. The organization operates all year, and internships are available in resource development, multimedia, marketing, coding, business, and social media. Building-U offers an environment where students engage in teamwork, develop key skills, and acquire multi-field work experience — a great fit for students who haven’t yet identified a single career interest.

• Duration: 3+ months; internships run year-round
• Requirements: High school students (any grade level)
• Application: Rolling deadline

2. EnergyMag Research Internship

EnergyMag offers internships to students in renewable energy and energy storage. These virtual internships are oriented toward research, writing, and related nonprofit work, and will come in handy for students who want to focus on environmental sustainability. Interns run in-depth research programs on how to analyze data, prepare reports, and present comprehensive findings — invaluable experience for anyone interested in environmental science, engineering, or policy.

• Duration: Varies by program — typically 2–8 weeks (half-time) or 1–9 months (quarter-time)
• Requirements: High school sophomores, juniors, or seniors with a GPA of 3.25+; enrolled in at least one honors English class
• Application: Rolling deadline

3. Foreign Policy Research Institute (FPRI)

https://www.youtube.com/@FPRI/featured

FPRI gives students an enviable opportunity to connect with foreign relations professionals through foreign-policy-related seminars and career development. It’s perfect for students interested in international relations. Interns work on research papers and attend seminars with guest speakers, covering subject areas like global politics, world security, and international economic policy. This program offers useful experience for students working toward careers in diplomacy, international law, or academia.

• Duration: Varies by session (typically one semester)
• Requirements: High school students
• Application: Varies by session — check FPRI’s website for open cycles

4. Green Scholars Program by Seaside Sustainability

The Green Scholars Program lets students contribute to environmental literacy growth in schools and communities. Scholars get practical experience in environmental projects and build solid, transferable project and program skills. There’s a strong emphasis on sustainability practices, ecological education, and community involvement to prepare students for leadership in environmental stewardship.

• Duration: Varies by internship (flexible, part-time)
• Requirements: High school and university students
• Application: Rolling deadline

5. Intern Abroad HQ 

This program offers remote internships across fields like data analysis and business consulting, giving you international exposure. With Intern Abroad HQ, students gain global insight through career preparation that sets them up for cross-border careers. Interns engage in projects that relate to cross-cultural communication and collaboration, enhancing adaptability and global awareness. Career coaching and professional development workshops round out the offering.

• Duration: Varies by program (typically 2–24 weeks)
• Requirements: High school students aged 16–18
• Application: Rolling basis

 6. Johns Hopkins Internship in Brain Science Program

This 8-week summer program offers research experience in Neurological Sciences, with educational presentations, professional development, and mentorship training. Interns work on active research projects, attend lectures by leading neuroscientists, and engage with neuroimaging techniques and analysis. The program is now 8 weeks long (up from the previously listed 5-week duration) and offers both in-person and virtual options, with a strong focus on expanding access to underrepresented students in neuroscience.

• Duration: 8 weeks (summer)
• Requirements: U.S. high school juniors and seniors from underrepresented groups in STEM
• Application: Annual cycle — typically opens December 1, closes early March

7. Mary Miller Summer Program by the PHC Group

Named after community leader Mary Miller, this paid internship focuses on social media, online communication, and community projects under the guidance of the Public Health Director. It develops leadership skills and online communications work experience for students interested in public health and digital marketing. Interns lead social media campaigns, create content, and analyze engagement metrics — developing practical skills in digital marketing strategy and public health advocacy.

• Duration: Summer session (typically 6–8 weeks)
• Requirements: Rising high school seniors with experience in Microsoft Office
• Application: Rolling basis — email resume to joinus@phcgconsulting.com

8. Meaningful Teens Teaching Programs

Meaningful Teens runs peer-education programs such as tutoring and conversational language exchange with students around the globe. Outcomes range from improving academic performance to refining language skills and building life experience. Interns work with diverse students and improve their own academic and language skills, while also fostering empathy, cultural awareness, and a sense of global citizenship.

• Duration: Varies by program (typically 2–6 months)
• Requirements: High school students
• Application: Rolling basis

9. Medicine Encompassed

Medicine Encompassed is a student-led nonprofit that bridges the world of medicine with underrepresented minorities through different roles — writer, editor, resource creator, outreach coordinator. It’s a great fit for students engaged in STEM and medicine who want flexible, remote work with a social-impact lean. Interns research medical topics, create educational materials, and participate in outreach to further health literacy.

• Duration: Varies by program (flexible, part-time year-round)
• Requirements: Open to high school students
• Application: Rolling deadlines

10. NASA Internship Programs

NASA offers paid internships with in-person and remote options. STEM students get premium hands-on experience on innovative projects with NASA mentors, ranging from spaceflight engineering to Earth science. The program is very competitive, but successful interns get a unique chance to interface with top-ranked scientists and engineers. For 2026, NASA OSTEM operates three sessions annually.

• Duration: Varies by session (typically 10–16 weeks)
• Requirements: U.S. citizens, age 16+, minimum 3.0 GPA, full-time students
• Application (2026 cycles): Summer 2026 deadline was Feb. 27, 2026; Fall 2026 deadline is May 22, 2026. Check intern.nasa.gov for upcoming cycles.

11. United Planet Virtual Internship

United Planet offers virtual volunteering in over 40 countries on global health and environmental sustainability issues. The internship lets students gain a global perspective and work on projects across many fields. Interns develop global-level project management skills while contributing to meaningful initiatives. This experience prepares students for careers in international development, humanitarian work, and global health.

• Duration: Varies by program
• Requirements: High school students aged 16+
• Application: Rolling basis (involves a deposit — financial aid is available)

12. U.S. Department of State’s Pathways

Students interested in federal careers get hands-on exposure to foreign affairs programs, public policy, and administrative support. Interns gain working knowledge of how the federal government operates — critical for students aiming at careers in public service, law, or political science. The Pathways internship program is intended as a pipeline into federal civil-service careers.

• Duration: Varies by role (typically less than one year)
• Requirements: U.S. citizens aged 16+ with a GPA of 2.0 or above
• Application: Resume, transcripts, proof of enrollment; deadlines vary by role — check usajobs.gov for current postings

13. Virtual Internships Foundation

This project-based program offers professional development opportunities with leading companies across the globe. Students get career exploration and networking through placements with companies in industries ranging from tech and finance to media and sustainability. Interns become part of real projects, get mentorship from live experts, and participate in professional development workshops. The program is designed to prepare students with skills, experience, and connections in their field of interest.

• Duration: Varies by program (typically 4–12 weeks)
• Requirements: High school students aged 14–18
• Application: Apply online on a rolling basis

14. Stanford AIMI Summer Research Internship

Run by the Stanford Center for Artificial Intelligence in Medicine & Imaging (AIMI), this two-week virtual internship is one of the most prestigious AI-in-healthcare opportunities open to high schoolers. Interns attend lectures on AI fundamentals, work on real medical-imaging research projects with Stanford mentors, and present findings at the end of the program. AIMI also runs a companion Summer Health AI Bootcamp for learners with less technical background.

• Duration: 2 weeks (virtual, 9 AM–1 PM PDT, Monday–Friday)
• Requirements: U.S.-based high school students with strong math and programming skills (a separate bootcamp exists for beginners)
• Application (2026): Standard deadline was February 20, 2026; financial aid deadline February 13, 2026. Need-based financial aid is available.

15. Ladder Internships

Ladder Internships is a selective virtual program that places high schoolers in 8-week roles with high-growth startups and nonprofits. Interns work directly with startup founders and managers on real projects in AI, software engineering, finance, media, health tech, and sustainability. Students present their work at the end of the cohort and can receive personalized letters of recommendation.

• Duration: 8 weeks (virtual); 10–20 hours/week
• Requirements: Open to high school students (also undergraduates and gap-year students)
• Application (2026): Summer cohort deadline May 10, 2026; start date June 1, 2026. Financial aid available for families earning under ~$50,000 USD.

16. Polygence Core Research Program

Polygence, founded by researchers tied to Stanford and MIT, pairs high schoolers with PhD-level mentors for 1:1 online research mentorship. Over 10 sessions, students develop an original research project — a paper, app prototype, podcast, or even a patent filing — and can showcase it at the Polygence Symposium of Rising Scholars or submit it for publication. The network includes 2,000+ mentors across 40+ fields.

• Duration: 3–6 months (10 one-hour sessions, self-paced)
• Requirements: Open to high school students globally
• Application: Rolling, monthly cohorts — apply by the 15th of the month to start the following month.

17. Lumiere Research Scholar Program

Lumiere is a structured online research mentorship program offering 1:1 PhD guidance, writing coaches, publication support, and an optional UC San Diego Extended Studies credit track. Students choose from cohorts (Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall) and tracks ranging from Individual Research to Premium Research with publication support. Lumiere is one of the most rigorous remote research paths and is especially useful for students aiming at research-heavy college applications.

• Duration: 12 weeks (Individual) to 9–12 months (Premium Research)
• Requirements: Open to high school students globally
• Application: Rolling; $200 deposit confirms your spot (refunded if no mentor match is found). Financial aid available.

18. NASA Neurodiversity Network (N3) Internship

The N3 program is a virtual NASA summer internship specifically designed for neurodivergent high schoolers (including students who identify as autistic). Each intern is paired with a NASA Subject Matter Expert and works on independent research aligned with NASA’s scientific priorities. Interns receive a $1,000 stipend upon completing a final project.

• Duration: Minimum 160 hours between June 1 and September 1, 2026
• Requirements: Current high school students aged 16+, completed pre-calculus and two years of physical science; preference to rising seniors
• Application (2026): Summer 2026 application closed March 6, 2026 (applicants notified by end of April). Check the N3 site for 2027.

19. STEM Enhancement in Earth Science (SEES) – NASA / UT Austin

SEES is a nationally competitive NASA internship run through the University of Texas at Austin’s Center for Space Research. Students work alongside NASA and aerospace subject-matter experts to analyze and visualize satellite data across astronomy, remote sensing, and space-geodetic techniques. The program includes virtual distance-learning activities and a two-week on-site component at UT Austin in July, culminating in the Virtual SEES Science Symposium.

• Duration: ~Two months (virtual) + 2 weeks on-site at UT Austin (July 5–18, 2026)
• Requirements: U.S. citizen, age 16+ by July 5, 2026, 10th or 11th grader with a strong interest in STEM
• Application (2026): Standard deadline was February 22, 2026 (recommendations due March 1). Virtual participation is free; on-site is $2,000 unless a scholarship is awarded. Check the SEES site for 2027.

20. Smithsonian NMNH Summer High School Internship

The Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History runs an 8-week summer internship for high schoolers with a mix of virtual and hybrid options across entomology, exhibits, science writing, and communications. Interns work 2–3 days per week on mentor-led projects and spend 1–2 days on enrichment activities like behind-the-scenes tours and skill workshops. Selected interns receive a $5,600 stipend for the 2026 cohort.

• Duration: 8 weeks, June 23 – August 14, 2026 (Tuesday–Friday, 10 AM – 4 PM ET)
• Requirements: Current high schoolers aged 15–18 (grades 9–12)
• Application (2026): Launched February 16, 2026; deadline March 20, 2026, at 11:59 PM ET. Check the NMNH site for 2027 cycle.

21. Bank of America Student Leaders Program

Bank of America’s Student Leaders® program is one of the most well-known paid internship opportunities for high school juniors and seniors. It matches ~300 students annually with a 6-week paid internship at a local nonprofit (like Boys & Girls Clubs of America or Habitat for Humanity), followed by a 3-day Leadership Summit in Washington, D.C. While the internship placement is typically in-person at a local nonprofit, the application, onboarding, and leadership curriculum all happen remotely, and the community-engagement model lends itself to hybrid/remote-friendly work.

• Duration: 6 weeks (mid-June through July 2026), including the 3-day Leadership Summit (June 16–18, 2026)
• Requirements: Current high school juniors or seniors legally authorized to work in the U.S., in an eligible program market
• Application (2026): Opened February 9, 2026; deadline March 16, 2026, at 11:59 PM ET.

22. George Mason University ASSIP – Aspiring Scientists Summer Internship Program

ASSIP is an 8-week summer research program at George Mason University with in-person, hybrid, and fully remote options. Interns are paired with faculty researchers across fields like neuroscience, bioengineering, computational science, astronomy, and environmental science. You’ll build skills in experimental design, data analysis, scientific writing, and literature review. Some students publish or present their work at conferences.

• Duration: 8 weeks (summer, full-time)
• Requirements: High school juniors/seniors aged 15+ (16+ for wet-lab placements), GPA 2.8+
• Application (2026): Deadline February 1, 2026 (check ASSIP site for 2027 dates).

23. Johns Hopkins APL ASPIRE Program

ASPIRE (Applied STEM Program for Inquiring Research Engineers) by Johns Hopkins University’s Applied Physics Laboratory gives high school juniors and seniors the chance to explore STEM careers through mentor-led projects. While APL’s in-person program runs during the academic year (with optional summer extensions), APL also offers virtual project pathways in public relations, R&D support, and social impact. It’s ideal for students who want an early look at a major federally funded research lab.

• Duration: Academic year (part-time during school year) or summer
• Requirements: High school juniors/seniors in the greater D.C./Baltimore area (for in-person) or nationwide (for virtual pathways)
• Application: Deadlines vary — check the APL ASPIRE page for cycle dates.

24. NASA Goddard Institute for Space Studies (GISS) Climate Change Research Initiative

The GISS Climate Change Research Initiative pairs high schoolers with NASA scientists and engineers on climate-change-related projects. The program has both in-person (New York City) and fully remote tracks. Interns analyze satellite data, contribute to peer-reviewed research, and often present at scientific conferences. It’s one of the few high-profile remote NASA opportunities focused explicitly on climate.

• Duration: Summer (typically 8 weeks)
• Requirements: U.S. high school students (juniors/seniors preferred), strong STEM background
• Application: Deadlines vary by year — typically winter/early spring. Check the GISS CSSI page.

25. Macmillan Publishers Summer Internship Program

Macmillan Publishers runs a paid, full-time, remote-friendly summer internship program across departments including Editorial, Marketing, Publicity, Art & Design, Sales, Managing/Production Editorial, and Creative Services. It’s one of the few publishing-industry remote internships open to strong early-college-age students, and a good pathway for rising seniors and recent high-school graduates interested in book publishing or trade media.

• Duration: Summer (typically 10 weeks)
• Requirements: Typically college-enrolled students; competitive rising high school seniors can apply
• Application (2026): Applications open in late winter/early spring — visit Macmillan’s careers page.

26. Global Vision International (GVI) Virtual Internships

GVI offers remote internships with a strong emphasis on conservation, environmental sustainability, and international development. High schoolers work on projects like analyzing baby sea turtle photos, supporting anti-poaching campaigns, and creating environmental education initiatives. It’s a strong complement to United Planet for students who want structured global impact work remotely.

• Duration: 2–12 weeks (flexible)
• Requirements: High school students 15+
• Application: Rolling; fees vary by program. Check the GVI site for current pricing.

27. Delta Institute Delve Work-Experience Program

Delve by Delta Institute is a 4-week virtual work-experience program that places high schoolers on structured tracks with companies like Stripe, Airwallex, Beacon Capital, Adobe, Ferrari, and UN Pathways. Students choose a track in tech, business & finance, international relations & law, journalism, or healthcare & medicine. You get direct mentorship from company managers and finish with a presentation, certificate, and letter of recommendation.

• Duration: 4 weeks (virtual)
• Requirements: High school students globally
• Application: Rolling cohorts — check the Delta Institute site for cohort start dates and pricing.

28. UT Southwestern Inspiring Careers in Mental Health Internship

UT Southwestern Medical Center runs a fully online, part-time internship for high schoolers interested in psychology, psychiatry, and mental health careers. Interns meet with mental-health professionals — psychiatrists, licensed social workers, neuropsychologists, and physician assistants — through online sessions, complete topical readings, and work through practical case-based exercises. It’s especially useful for pre-med students exploring behavioral health.

• Duration: Multi-week (flexible, part-time; typically one semester)
• Requirements: Open to high school students with an interest in mental health/psychology
• Application: Check the UT Southwestern outreach site for current cycle dates.

How to Choose the Right Remote Internship for You

With 28+ options on the table, filtering down to the right fit makes all the difference. A few principles to guide your list:

• Depth > breadth. Two high-quality internships that stretch over 2–3 months and produce a real artifact (paper, prototype, portfolio piece) typically impress colleges more than five shallow ones.
• Look for tangible deliverables. Strong programs produce something you can point to — a research paper, project repository, published article, or client presentation.
• Check for paid vs. unpaid status. Paid federal programs (NASA OSTEM, Bank of America Student Leaders, Smithsonian NMNH) are both prestigious and accessible. Unpaid research programs (Polygence, Lumiere, Ladder) can still be valuable but cost money — plan accordingly or apply for financial aid.
• Align with your academic interests. If you’re aiming at a CS-focused college application, Stanford AIMI, Ladder’s AI track, or NASA data internships line up with that story. If you’re humanities- or policy-leaning, FPRI, State Department Pathways, or Smithsonian fits better.
• Application timing. Most major 2026 summer deadlines fall between January and March. For fall/spring cycles, build a personal calendar in November/December.

Conclusion: The Sky is the Limit for Remote Internships!

Unlocking the potential of remote internships is a game-changer for high school students. These opportunities don’t just help you craft a résumé—they equip you with the skills, experience, and network needed to jumpstart your career. Imagine contributing to impactful projects and gaining valuable insights into your field of interest, all from the comfort of your home. Whether you’re passionate about STEM, social media, environmental issues, or international relations, there’s a remote internship out there designed to help you reach your goals.

So, what’s next? Ready to take the leap into your future? 

At Empowerly, we specialize in guiding high school students to secure top-tier internships and excel in their academic and professional pursuits. Whether you’re aiming for STEM, business, or the arts, our award-winning college counseling and career guidance will give you the edge you need. Don’t just dream—start realizing your potential today with Empowerly by your side!

FAQs About Remote Internships for High Schoolers in 2026

1. Are remote internships taken seriously by colleges?

Yes — especially when they result in tangible deliverables (a paper, a completed project, a published article, a measurable outcome at a nonprofit). Admissions officers care less about whether work was done in an office than about what you actually produced and the depth of the experience.

2. How many remote internships should a high schooler do?

One or two meaningful, multi-month experiences during 10th–12th grade typically carry more weight than a long list of short stints. Depth, leadership, and measurable outcomes matter more than volume.

3. Are any of these internships paid?

Yes. NASA OSTEM (stipends), N3 ($1,000 stipend), Smithsonian NMNH ($5,600 stipend for 2026), Bank of America Student Leaders, and the State Department Pathways program all offer compensation. Most private programs (Polygence, Lumiere, Ladder) charge tuition but offer need-based financial aid.

4. What if I’m a freshman or sophomore — am I too early for most of these?

No. Programs like Building-U, Seaside Sustainability, Meaningful Teens, United Planet, Polygence, Lumiere, and Virtual Internships Foundations accept freshmen and sophomores. Other programs (NASA OSTEM, Smithsonian NMNH, State Department Pathways, Bank of America) require you to be 16+ or a junior/senior.

5. Can international high schoolers apply to remote internships?

Some yes, some no. NASA, State Department, Bank of America Student Leaders, and Stanford AIMI require U.S. citizenship or U.S. residency. Polygence, Lumiere, Ladder, Delta Institute Delve, GVI, United Planet, and Virtual Internships Foundations are all open globally. Always double-check the eligibility section before applying.