Everyone knows that academics and extracurriculars are important parts of a high school resume. But many teens overlook a critical experience: internships. They’re not just for college students!

While plenty of high schoolers pursue part-time jobs, fewer pursue academic career advancements, like research internships for high school students. Therefore, a well-timed (and well-placed) internship can elevate your college application above the crowd. If you can get an internship in high school, you can set yourself up for success in college and beyond. And what if you need a little extra help with your assignments and are looking for the platforms you can trust? In this case, NoCramming can become your go-to site for finding the best options and avoiding scams so you can focus on your internship.

But where do you start? We have a comprehensive list of the top 50 internships available to high school students, as well as some suggestions for where you can find even more opportunities that match your skills and interests.

What is an Internship, and Why Are Internships Important?

An internship is an educational work experience. During an internship, a student takes on a position with a company or organization, and through their work, they are able to apply their classroom knowledge to a real-world environment, while also learning more about the workplace and different industries.

Internships are important because they help you:

• Build your resume
• Gain work experience
• Develop both hard and soft skills
• Explore different jobs and industries
• Make professional connections
• Clarify your career goals
• Distinguish yourself from other college applicants

Internships are different from regular jobs because they are expected to include an educational component, and they may even provide school credit. Because internships bridge the gap between the classroom and the workplace, interns are not considered employees. Some internships come with a stipend, but others are unpaid.

Internships are a common part of career preparation for college students, but they’re not as popular for high schoolers. That means that if you can have an internship on your resume, you’ll really set yourself apart during the college admissions process!

The Top 50 Internships for High School Students 

If you’re ready to find the perfect internship for you, we have the comprehensive list to get you started! Here are our top 50 internships for high school students:

1. The Smithsonian Institution

If you have a passion for history, museums, and research, you may be interested in the student internship positions at the Smithsonian Institution. These educational programs allow high school students to work with the world’s largest education and research institution. The flagship NMNH Summer High School Internship Program places students at the National Museum of Natural History across departments including art history, science, anthropology, exhibits, and communications. Interns earn a stipend for their participation.

• Duration: 8 weeks (June 23 – August 14, 2026)
• Requirements: Currently enrolled high school students, ages 15–18 (grades 9–12)
• Application Deadline: March 20, 2026 (applications open February 16, 2026)

2. NASA High School Internship Program

For students interested in space and engineering, NASA’s Office of STEM Engagement (OSTEM) offers paid internships with multiple sessions throughout the year, so you’re sure to find one that fits your schedule. NASA has full-time and part-time options that let you spend time at a real NASA facility — either in person at one of 10 field centers or virtually — and work directly with professionals in the field. Over 2,000 students are selected annually across all levels.

• Duration: Summer (10 weeks, late May–August), Fall (16 weeks), or Spring (16 weeks)
• Requirements: U.S. citizens ages 16+; minimum 3.0 GPA; full-time high school students
• Application Deadline: Summer 2026 typically closes February; Fall 2026 deadline: May 22, 2026

Ready for Your NASA Internship?

Video: Ready for Your NASA Internship?

3. California Academy of Sciences, Careers in Science

Careers in Science is a year-round, paid internship designed to help San Francisco high school students from underrepresented communities break into  STEM careers. Unlike most internships, which usually only last for a few months, Careers in Science is a multi-year program, providing in-depth mentorship and career development.

• Duration:  3-4 years
• Requirements: open to 9th and 10th grade SFUSD high school students; 2.5 GPA; authorized to work in the San Francisco area
• Application Deadline: April 1st

4.  The Pathways Program

The US State Department’s Pathways Program is a paid internship that gives high school, undergraduate, and graduate students exposure to careers in the federal government. 

• Duration: Varies by agency
• Requirements: Varies; open to high school students
• Application Deadline: Varies by agency

5. U.S. Senate Page Program

The Senate Page Program is one of the most well-known and prestigious internships within the law, government, and public policy sphere. Pages for the Senate have been working on the floor since 1829. This program is a one-of-a-kind opportunity to explore the inner workings of the legislative branch. Pages are paid an annual salary basis of approximately $37,238 (prorated for session length) and must be sponsored by a U.S. Senator.

• Duration: Fall semester, Spring semester, or Summer session
• Requirements: U.S. citizen high school juniors (age 16 or 17); minimum cumulative 3.0 GPA; must be sponsored by a Senator; Summer sessions open to students who have completed their sophomore year
• Application Deadline: Varies by Senator’s office and session (Summer 2026 deadlines typically fall in early February; Fall 2026 deadlines in early summer)

6. Microsoft High School Discovery Program

Students in the Microsoft High School Discovery Program get hands-on experience in the tech and computer programming fields, as well as personalized mentorship from Microsoft employees. Discoverers work in small “pods” on real product development projects across software engineering, product management, and UX design. The 2026 program runs July 13 – August 7, 2026, and interns are paid $26/hour.

• Duration: 4 weeks (July 13 – August 7, 2026)
• Requirements: Graduating high school seniors enrolling in a bachelor’s degree program for Fall 2026; must live within 50 miles of Redmond, WA OR attend high school in eligible Atlanta-area counties; completion of pre-calculus or equivalent; must be at least 16; Redmond applicants must be members of specific Microsoft-sponsored organizations
• Application Deadline: Typically early March (applications posted February)

7. Port of Seattle

The Port of Seattle’s High School Internship Program is designed to provide students with exposure to careers in the aviation, maritime, local government, community engagement, and environmental fields. . Students engage with real city projects alongside personal development opportunities.

• Duration: Varies by program
• Requirements: 16 years old, authorized to work in the Seattle area
• Application Deadline: May (for Summer) or November (for Winter)

8. Seattle City Lights

Interested in exploring the business of energy production and distribution? City Light provides high school internships that allow you to get paid, hands-on experience within the utility industry.

• Duration: 8 weeks
• Requirements: 16 years old, 2.0 GPA, authorized to work in the Seattle area
• Application Deadline: Internships open in early April and are due before the summer starts

9. Sacramento Municipal Utility District

SMUD offers local high schoolers paid internships with real-world experience in a variety of different fields, including information technology, engineering, customer service, administrative support, vehicle mechanics, accounting, human resources, and marketing. .

• Duration: 6 weeks
• Requirements: 16 years or older, attend a high school in the SMUD service area, 2.5 GPA, authorized to work in the Sacramento area
• Application Deadline: Varies by session

10. New York High School Automotive Internship Program

The High School Automotive Internship Program gives students hands-on experience in maintaining vehicles for the largest municipal fleet in the United States. Students work alongside transportation professionals from the New York City Police Department, the Fire Department of New York, the Department of Transportation, and the Department of Sanitation. a This internship is ideal for students who are considering trade school.

• Duration: 6 weeks
• Requirements: enrolled in an eligible New York high school
• Application Deadline: Varies by session

11. Chicago Student Intern Opportunities

The city of Chicago offers a wide variety of internships within the municipal government. If you don’t see an open opportunity that fits your interests,  submit a profile to be considered as new positions become available.

• Duration: Varies by department
• Requirements: Varies; open to high school students
• Application Deadline: Varies by department

12. George Mason University

George Mason University’s Aspiring Scientists Summer Internship Program (ASSIP) gives high school students the truly unique opportunity to work one-on-one with professional scientists. Interns conduct meaningful research with cutting-edge technology across a wide variety of scientific disciplines, and earn 3 college credits from George Mason. The program is available in remote, in-person, or hybrid formats depending on the mentor.

• Duration: 8 weeks (June 18 – August 12, 2026)
• Requirements: 15 years or older (16+ for wet labs with biological/chemical hazards); no minimum GPA required
• Application Deadline: February 15, 2026

Video: Spotlight on ASSIP: Aspiring Scientists Summer Internship Program

13. University of California, Santa Barbara

The UCSB Research Mentorship Program (RMP) gives high schoolers the chance to complete research in a college-level, interdisciplinary setting. In addition to research and mentorship opportunities, UCSB also gives their research interns access to a wide network through the GRIT Talks series, campus immersion, and 8 UC course credits. The program is highly competitive, with an acceptance rate around 4-6%.

• Duration: 6–7 weeks (June 15 – July 31, 2026)
• Requirements: 10th or 11th grade (exceptional 9th graders considered); minimum 3.80 weighted GPA
• Application Deadline: March 9, 2026 (applications opened December 15, 2025)

14. University of California, Santa Cruz

The UCSC Science Internship Program (SIP) is a research internship that allows high schoolers to lead their own research projects across a wide variety of disciplines, from STEM topics to the arts and humanities. Students work one-on-one with UCSC faculty, graduate students, and postdoctoral researchers on authentic, open-ended research projects.

• Duration: 8 weeks (1 week online June 15–19, 2026 + 7 weeks in-person June 22 – August 8, 2026)
• Requirements: 14–17 years old for the duration of program (16+ for certain research placements); currently enrolled in high school
• Application Deadline: Early March 2026 (reference deadline March 6, 2026; application opened January 16, 2026)

15. University of California, San Diego

UCSD’s Research Scholars engage in specialized research opportunities across multiple topics–including bioengineering, marine science, and medicine–that are designed to teach high schoolers how to apply knowledge to real-world settings. 

• Duration: Varies by session
• Requirements: Varies; open to high school students
• Application Deadline: Varies by session

16. US Army Educational Outreach Program

The Army Educational Outreach Program pairs high school students with researchers at top universities and US Army Research facilities, giving them a unique, STEM-focused experience.

• Duration: Varies by project
• Requirements: High school students from underrepresented backgrounds
• Application Deadline: Rolling

17. Clean Water Ambassadors Internship

The Clean Water Ambassadors Internship is a paid internship program created by the Mountains to Sound Greenway Trust  and the King County Wastewater Treatment Division. The Clean Water Ambassadors explore issues related to clean water in the Pacific Northwest while learning more about environmentally-focused careers. 

• Duration: 6-7 weeks
• Requirements: 16 years or older; passionate about the environment
• Application Deadline: April 21st

18. Institute of Systems Biology (ISB)

ISB has multiple, competitive high school intern programs that can jumpstart your career in biology. By offering unique, hands-on experiences, ISB strives to nurture the groundbreaking scientific discoveries of the future. 

• Duration: Varies by program
• Requirements: Varies by program
• Application Deadline: Varies by program

19. University of Texas Health

UT Heath’s San Antonio campus hosts a year-round program designed to expose students to the fields of immunology, molecular pathogenesis, genetics, and clinical epidemiology. This internship combines classroom learning with hands-on research to fully immerse you in the healthcare field. 

• Duration: Varies; inquire for details
• Requirements: Varies; open to high school students
• Application Deadline: Varies; inquire for details

20. Stanford University SHTEM Internships

Stanford’s SHTEM Internships  emphasizes interdisciplinary research opportunities to encourage students to collaborate, build on their existing interests, and explore the connections between different disciplines.  

• Duration: 8 weeks
• Requirements: 11th or 12th grade, currently enrolled in high school
• Application Deadline: February

21. Abbott

Abbott offers a variety of internships that explore every facet of their healthcare company, from engineering and environmental health to finance and IT. If you are interested in business or STEM, Abbott could be a good choice for you.   

• Duration: Varies by focus area
• Requirements: Varies; open to high school students
• Application Deadline: Varies by focus area

Video: A Day in the Life with Maria, Manufacturing Engineering Intern

22. University of Nebraska

The College of Information Science & Technology’s  computer science-focused summer internship program gives high school students hands-on experience in multiple labs. If you know you want to explore computer science but haven’t clarified your career goals, this internship helps you try out different sectors, including robotics, cybersecurity, and gaming. 

• Duration: 6 weeks
• Requirements: 16 years or older; 10th, 11th, or 12th grade; B or higher in Algebra 1
• Application Deadline: April 6th

23. BioBus Junior Scientist Internships

The BioBus Junior Scientists don’t just give  high school and college students the opportunity to receive cutting-edge scientific training and develop their own research projects, but it also allows them to explore science education by  co-teaching BioBus programs for younger students!

• Duration: Varies by session
• Requirements: High school students authorized to work 
• Application Deadline: March 24th

Video: BioBus Summer 2019nufacturing Engineering Intern

24. Louisiana State University School of Medicine

LSU’s Summer Research Program prepares high schoolers for careers in public health and clinical science. Interns learn laboratory techniques, gain research and presentation skills, and benefit from professional development opportunities.. 

• Duration: 8 weeks
• Requirements: Varies; open to high school students
• Application Deadline: March 1st

25. Vanderbilt University Aspirnaut Program

Aspirnaut Summer Research Internships give high schoolers hands-on laboratory experiences within the STEM field. This program also incorporates mentorship and networking opportunities to set students up for long-term success. 

• Duration: 6 weeks
• Requirements: Completed application, academic transcripts, and 2 letters of recommendation
• Application Deadline: Mid-January

26. US Navy Science and Engineering Apprentice Program (SEAP)

SEAP is a highly competitive internship that allows high school students to assist with research in more than 38 Department of Navy laboratories. This internship can be a direct stepping stone to future jobs, as many SEAP alumni go on to pursue careers within the Navy. First-year interns receive a $4,000 stipend; returning participants receive $4,500.

• Duration: 8 weeks (with possibility of extending to 10 weeks; typically June – August 2026)
• Requirements: High school students in 10th, 11th, or 12th grade; ages 16+; U.S. citizens
• Application Deadline: November 2025 for Summer 2026 cycle (next cycle deadline: November 2026 for Summer 2027)

27. Dallas Bar Association

The Summer Law Intern Program (SLIP) is a partnership  between the Dallas Bar Association and the Dallas Independent School District to give high school students one-of-a-kind immersion in the legal field. Interns work directly with local law firms and corporate legal departments, preparing them for a variety of future careers.  

• Duration: Up to 8 weeks
• Requirements: 11th graders authorized to work in the Dallas area
• Application Deadline: April

28 US Department of Education

The US Department of Education offers multiple unpaid internship opportunities that provide high schoolers with a window into the complexity of a federal agency. Interns explore topics relating to educational policy, human resources, project management, data analytics, and communication. That means that while this internship is within the Department of Education, you don’t need to be focused on educational careers to be a strong candidate. 

• Duration: 8 weeks
• Requirements: Varies; open to high school students
• Application Deadline: Varies by session

29. Jimerson Birr Attorneys

Jimerson Birr’s High School Summer Internship Program gives high schoolers hands-on experience in the legal field. Jimerson Birr prides itself on making interns part of the team; each student receives meaningful work assignments and personalized mentorship to fully prepare them for a future in law. 

• Duration: 4-6 weeks
• Requirements: High school students with an interest in law, based in Florida
• Application Deadline: Rolling

30. Pasquines Volunteer Internships

Pasquines is a nonprofit news outlet that gives students the opportunity to explore journalism. High schoolers can take on unpaid internship roles as editors and correspondents, meaning that you can literally make the news. 

• Duration: Varies by role
• Requirements: Open to all high school students
• Application Deadline: Rolling

31. New York Historical Society

The Student Historian Internship Program  prepares high schoolers to pursue careers in history, museum studies, and library sciences. Interns learn valuable research and communication skills, culminating in their own digital research projects. 

• Duration: Varies by session
• Requirements: 10th, 11th, or 12th grade; authorized to work in the New York City area
• Application Deadline: March 30th (for Summer) or May (for Academic Year)

32. American Red Cross

Red Cross youth volunteer programs offer valuable leadership and community service opportunities across the United States. The Red Cross’ offerings for high school students include local volunteering, Red Cross Clubs, a Leadership Development Center, and a Summer Internship Program. 

• Duration: Varies by position
• Requirements: Varies; open to high school students
• Application Deadline: Varies by position

33. Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) Research Summer Scholars

CHOP’s Research Summer Scholars Program offers Philadelphia-area high school students paid research opportunities at one of the top-ranked children’s hospitals in the country. Students work with physician-scientists and researchers on projects spanning genetics, oncology, neuroscience, and more.

• Duration: 8 weeks (summer 2026)
• Requirements: High school sophomores and juniors in the Philadelphia area; must be 15+
• Application Deadline: February 2026

34. Bank of America Student Leaders Program

Bank of America’s Student Leaders Program offers a prestigious paid internship for high school juniors and seniors who have demonstrated leadership in their communities. Students work with a local nonprofit partner for eight weeks and attend a week-long Student Leaders Summit in Washington, D.C., where they engage with nonprofit leaders, government officials, and their peers from across the country. This program combines civic engagement, leadership development, and professional experience.

• Duration: 8 weeks + 1-week summit
• Requirements: High school juniors and seniors with demonstrated community leadership; U.S. citizens or permanent residents
• Application Deadline: Typically mid-January

35. Boston University Research in Science & Engineering (RISE)

BU RISE is a highly competitive six-week summer research program where high school students work alongside BU faculty and graduate students on real research projects. The Internship Track places students in individual research labs, while the Practicum Track offers small-group workshops in computational neuroscience. Both tracks culminate in a poster symposium.

• Duration: 6 weeks
• Requirements: Rising high school seniors with strong academic records
• Application Deadline: Mid-February

36. Ladder Internships

Ladder Internships is a virtual startup internship program that matches high school students with real startups across fields like healthcare, marketing, business, environmental science, and technology. Students work on live projects with a startup manager and a Ladder coach for eight weeks, gaining professional experience and mentorship that fits around their school schedule.

• Duration: 8 weeks
• Requirements: Open to high school students globally
• Application Deadline: Rolling (multiple cohorts per year)

37. Empowerly Startup Internship Program

Empowerly’s Startup Internship Program matches high school students with real startup founders and CEOs for hands-on internships in fields including tech, marketing, finance, sustainability, and more. Students build concrete professional skills, work on live business challenges, and graduate with a verifiable professional credential that strengthens college applications.

• Duration: Varies by program
• Requirements: Open to high school students globally
• Application Deadline: Rolling

38. PBS NewsHour Student Reporting Labs

PBS NewsHour Student Reporting Labs gives high school students hands-on journalism training through its SRL Academy summer program and year-round fellowship opportunities. Students learn to produce broadcast-quality stories, report on community issues, and collaborate with professional PBS journalists. Select student stories are featured on PBS NewsHour.

• Duration: Varies by program (summer academy is 4 weeks)
• Requirements: Open to high school students interested in journalism and media
• Application Deadline: Varies by session

39. The Broad Institute Summer Research Program in Genomics (BSRP)

The Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard offers an intensive summer research program for high school and undergraduate students interested in genomics, computational biology, and biomedical research. Interns work on cutting-edge projects at one of the world’s leading genomics research institutions.

• Duration: 9 weeks
• Requirements: Rising high school seniors and undergraduates; strong science background
• Application Deadline: February

40. Fermilab TARGET Internship

Fermilab’s TARGET program places high school juniors from traditionally underrepresented backgrounds in paid summer internships at the U.S. Department of Energy’s national particle physics laboratory. Students work alongside Fermilab scientists and engineers on research in physics, computing, engineering, and accelerator technology.

• Duration: 6 weeks
• Requirements: High school juniors from underrepresented backgrounds; U.S. citizens or permanent residents
• Application Deadline: February

41. Metropolitan Museum of Art Teen Internship Program

The Met’s Teen Internship Program offers New York City high school students paid internships working with Museum curators, educators, and staff. Interns engage with the Met’s collections, develop leadership skills, and create public programs for other teens and visitors.

• Duration: Varies by track (summer or academic year)
• Requirements: New York City high school students ages 16+
• Application Deadline: March (for Summer), September (for Academic Year)

42. The New York Times Summer Academy

The New York Times Summer Academy offers pre-college programs for high school students interested in journalism, business, technology, medicine, and more. While not a traditional internship, Academy participants work directly with Times journalists and industry professionals, producing real projects that mirror professional newsroom workflows.

• Duration: 1-2 weeks per course
• Requirements: Rising high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors
• Application Deadline: Rolling; early spring

43. Girls Who Code Summer Immersion Program

Girls Who Code’s Summer Immersion Program is a free virtual program that teaches high school girls and non-binary students computer science fundamentals while connecting them with industry partners like Adobe, Microsoft, and JPMorgan Chase. Participants build coding skills and explore tech careers.

• Duration: 2 weeks
• Requirements: Rising 9th–11th grade girls, gender non-conforming, and non-binary students
• Application Deadline: March

44. Goldman Sachs Possibilities Summit

The Goldman Sachs Possibilities Summit is a two-day immersive program for high school juniors that introduces students to careers in finance and investment banking. Participants engage with Goldman Sachs professionals, learn about the financial services industry, and build skills through workshops and case studies. Strong performers may be invited to return for summer programs.

• Duration: 2 days
• Requirements: High school juniors from underrepresented backgrounds with strong academic records
• Application Deadline: February

45. JPMorgan Chase Summer Youth Employment Program

JPMorgan Chase’s SYEP offers paid summer internships for high school students in cities where the firm operates. Interns work in various business areas and gain exposure to careers in banking, technology, and operations. The program focuses on students from underrepresented backgrounds and communities.

• Duration: 6-8 weeks
• Requirements: High school students ages 16+; varies by location
• Application Deadline: February

46. Bloomberg Summer Internship Program

Bloomberg’s High School Summer Internship connects students with professionals in media, data, and technology. Students gain exposure to financial news, data journalism, and the technology that powers Bloomberg’s terminal. The program is especially relevant for students interested in the intersection of finance, media, and tech.

• Duration: 6-8 weeks
• Requirements: High school students interested in finance, media, or technology; varies by location
• Application Deadline: Varies; typically spring

47. MIT Research Science Institute (RSI)

RSI at MIT is one of the most prestigious and competitive summer science research programs in the world. Approximately 80 high school students from across the globe are selected each year to spend six weeks at MIT conducting original research in math, science, or engineering. The program is fully funded by the Center for Excellence in Education.

• Duration: 6 weeks
• Requirements: Rising high school seniors; must be at least 15 by program start
• Application Deadline: Typically January

48. Maria Mitchell Association Summer Research Internship

The Maria Mitchell Association on Nantucket Island offers hands-on summer research internships for high school and undergraduate students in astronomy, natural science, and museum studies. Interns conduct original research, assist with public programs, and work alongside professional scientists in a stunning coastal setting.

• Duration: 8-10 weeks
• Requirements: High school seniors and undergraduates
• Application Deadline: February

49. Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) Summer Internship

CHOP’s High School Summer Internship Program provides Philadelphia-area high school students with paid research opportunities at one of the top-ranked children’s hospitals in the country. Students work with physician-scientists and researchers on projects spanning genetics, oncology, neuroscience, and more.

• Duration: 8 weeks
• Requirements: High school sophomores and juniors in the Philadelphia area; must be 15+
• Application Deadline: February

50. National Institutes of Health HiSTEP 2.0

NIH HiSTEP 2.0 is an advanced follow-up to the main HiSTEP program, offering past participants a deeper research experience at the National Institutes of Health. Students gain hands-on research experience, build professional development skills, and explore careers in biomedical science and healthcare. HiSTEP 2.0 is part of the broader NIH Summer Internship Program ecosystem.

• Duration: 8 weeks (summer)
• Requirements: Rising high school seniors who have completed HiSTEP or equivalent programs
• Application Deadline: February

Other Places to Search for High School Internship Positions

If none of these internships seem like the right fit for you, you still have plenty of options! The expert staff at Empowerly has compiled internship guides for multiple specific interests, including:

Remote Internships for High School Students

Don’t let location keep you from your dream internship! There are dozens of remote internship opportunities available. You can still gain valuable professional experience and connect with mentors from the comfort of your own home.

For Women in STEM Fields

Women remain underrepresented in STEM fields, and to combat this issue,  there are lots of special internship opportunities for women in STEM fields! These research internships give female-identifying high schoolers  unique options for hands-on learning in science and engineering careers.

High School Internships for Computer Scientists:

If you are passionate about computers, try looking for a computer science internship! These internships can help you explore all the different facets of the computer science industry, from IT to app development!

Research Internships for High School Students on Medicine or Pre-Medicine Tracks:

If you’re a teenager looking for ways to learn about the legal system in the US, it can seem intimidating to Think medical research is too advanced for high schoolers? Think again! If you are interested in medicine, you have plenty of internship options.

Find Your Perfect High School Internship with Empowerly

If finding an internship feels intimidating, don’t worry! You don’t have to do it alone. Empowerly has all the resources to pair you with your perfect high school internship. Empowerly’s Guide to High School Internships is full of  expert tips for how to navigate your entire internship journey, from applying for programs to making the most of your experience. 

Empowerly is also proud to offer personalized internship resources, like the Startup Internship Program, which can help you build your resume, learn valuable skills, and build your professional network. Take the first step towards your future today with a free consultation!