Internships for high school students are the perfect use of the summer break. Internships offer you a professional learning experience in your college or career path. Apart from a great opportunity to explore your career, you’ll also pick up new skills, build character, make valuable professional connections, and acquire new ideas on how to accomplish your goals. They also make you competitive in college applications and later employment. There are plenty of organizations that offer internships, so just start looking.
If you’re lucky enough to live in a specific state, you could also land some of the best summer internships listed below.
- Arizona
The Governor’s Youth Commission
High school students in 10th-12th grades from all 15 state counties are invited to participate in this prestigious, long-running internships for high school students dedicated to creating awareness for the biggest issues facing their communities: distracted driving, domestic violence, education, mental health, and substance abuse. You’ll join one of five workgroups to zero in on the issue during the academic year.
- California
The world-famous Getty Museum has two internships for high school students. If you live in the Los Angeles area and are a rising junior or senior, at least 16 years of age, you can work as a teen gallery guide at either The Getty Villa or The Getty Center. Both programs run for 9 weeks and are paid positions.
- Florida
ArtWorks Summer Internship Program
If you’re a Florida 9th-12th grader who lives and breathes everything art, this internships for high school students is just for you. You’ll work in any of the following art sectors, like visual arts, film, dance/theater, music production, creative writing, and much more, under the guidance of a professional artist at either Koubek Center or Lewis Arts Studio. Best of all, this 6-week internship is paid.
- Idaho
Idaho National Laboratory (INL)
Work directly with a top-tier Idaho National Laboratory (INL) mentor at the state’s nuclear energy sector for a 6-week, paid internship for rising juniors and seniors with a minimum 3.0 GPA. You’ll go beyond the classroom and learn the practical application of all the STEM disciplines to address clear-cut project challenges in this immersive opportunity. You’ll also develop more confidence and professional skills as you strengthen your tech skills.
- Illinois
Adler Planetarium Summer High School Internship
High schoolers who want to reach for the stars can work at Chicago’s renowned Adler Planetarium. You can develop your professional skills while trying out different planetarium and museum career paths for 8 weeks in a wide range of departments, such as research, education, and visitor experience. If you want to be deeply engaged in STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and math) this summer, this internships for high school students is your chance.
- Maryland
Especially for high schoolers planning for a future in geoscience will gain a great deal of hands-on experience at this University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES) program. This 6-week, paid internship for 12th graders includes not only lectures and real-world activities but field trips as well. You’ll be introduced to atmospheric sciences, geographic information systems, and ocean sciences.
- New York
If you want to build your professional skills while working alongside museum professionals in various departments, Met internships for high school students open the door, whether your interests are in marketing, design, editorial, or museum conservation, among many other fields. You’ll work up to 40 hours a week for 3 months, sometimes directly working on exhibitions and galleries or at prestigious events.
- Nevada
Nevada high schoolers will receive a successful combination of career and educational mentorship while working at the interdisciplinary Discover Children’s Museum at one of its main eight galleries. You’ll work side-by-side with the current staff who’ll quickly get you up to speed on policies, procedures, and the museum’s overall mission. This very competitive internships for high school students. will quickly become more than work.
- Washington D.C.
Imagine spending an entire summer as an intern at one of the most well-known locations on Earth. With 5 diverse internships from Claudine K. Brown Internship in Education to Internships at the National Zoo, high schoolers can assist on everything from animal care to social media. You’ll develop your leadership skills while ensuring your resume can’t be missed all in an education-friendly atmosphere.
The Best Summer Internships 2024 Could Be in Your State
The best internships for high school students could be where you live too. To find it, just search “internships near me.” There are also job sites like Linked In, Monster.com, and Indeed.com. Empowerly’s Guide to High School Internships is always a good place to start with valuable tips from A to Z.If you need more help with your first internship, the Startup Internship Program has 40 startups to apply to, from tech startup internships to non-tech positions.
