15 High School Student Internships
As high school students approach their final years of education, many start contemplating their future careers and college paths. One excellent way to gain real-world experience, explore interests, and bolster college applications is through internships. Internships provide invaluable opportunities to immerse oneself in a professional environment, work with industry experts, and build essential skills. In this blog post, we will explore 15 high school student internships, each offering unique experiences and insights.
15 High School Student Internships
1. NASA HIGH SCHOOL INTERNSHIP PROGRAM (HSIP)
The NASA High School Internship Program is a prestigious opportunity for high school students with a passion for space exploration and scientific discovery. Selected interns get the chance to work alongside leading scientists and engineers at various NASA centers across the country. Throughout the program, students are assigned to cutting-edge research projects that contribute to ongoing missions and scientific studies. Whether it's developing new technologies for space missions, analyzing data from telescopes and satellites, or participating in experiments, interns gain hands-on experience that extends beyond the boundaries of traditional classroom learning.
2. INSPIRITAI SCHOLARS PROGRAM
InspiritAI offers year-round courses in artificial intelligence for high school students seeking to learn and apply coding skills to socially impactful projects. Students are taught and mentored by leading researchers from Stanford, Harvard, and MIT, among other top universities and can tackle problems ranging from sustainability to healthcare.
The courses are taught both in-person and remotely, allowing InspiritAI to reach high school students across the country. Additionally, InspiritAI has programs geared toward more advanced students so that high school students with a head start can engage in deeper learning and even fashion their own research projects.
3. SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION INTERNSHIP
The Smithsonian Institution offers a wide range of internships catering to diverse interests, from history and art to science and cultural preservation. High school students have the chance to work within the world-renowned museums, galleries, and research centers that make up the Smithsonian network. Interns may assist curators in cataloging historical artifacts, conducting scientific experiments, or even contributing to educational programs that engage with visitors. This unique experience allows students to gain insights into their chosen field of interest while being surrounded by some of the most significant cultural and scientific collections in the world.
4. BANK OF AMERICA STUDENT LEADERS PROGRAM
The Bank of America Student Leaders Program is an exceptional internship opportunity for high school students who are passionate about community service and making a difference in society. Selected participants are placed in nonprofit organizations where they work on community-focused projects, addressing various social challenges. The program includes leadership development workshops and mentoring sessions, helping students develop crucial skills such as project management, public speaking, and advocacy. Through this program, young leaders learn the importance of civic engagement and gain a deeper understanding of the impact they can have in their communities.
5. NATIONAL INSTITUTES OF HEALTH (NIH) HIGH SCHOOL SUMMER INTERNSHIP PROGRAM
The NIH High School Summer Internship Program provides a stepping stone for young minds interested in biomedical research and healthcare. During the program, students work side by side with leading researchers and scientists in various NIH institutes and centers. They contribute to ongoing research projects, attend seminars on cutting-edge biomedical topics, and gain exposure to a wide range of scientific disciplines. This invaluable experience allows students to explore potential career paths in medicine, genetics, neuroscience, and other fields of medical research.
6. THE METROPOLITAN MUSEUM OF ART HIGH SCHOOL INTERNSHIP
For art enthusiasts, The Metropolitan Museum of Art High School Internship offers an immersive experience in one of the world's most prestigious art institutions. Interns get to work with professionals in various departments, such as curatorial, conservation, or education. They may assist with organizing exhibitions, conducting research on art history, or engaging with museum visitors. This opportunity not only deepens their knowledge of art but also provides insights into the inner workings of a renowned cultural institution.
7. GOOGLE COMPUTER SCIENCE SUMMER INSTITUTE (CSSI)
For tech enthusiasts, Google CSSI is a dream internship. Aimed at fostering diversity in the tech industry, this immersive program provides computer science learning opportunities, exposure to Google's culture, and mentorship from industry professionals. Students participate in coding workshops, team projects, and tech talks, setting the foundation for a successful career in technology.
8. MICROSOFT HIGH SCHOOL INTERNSHIP PROGRAM
The Microsoft High School Internship Program provides aspiring tech enthusiasts the chance to experience the vibrant and dynamic world of software development and technology innovation. Interns are exposed to various aspects of the tech giant's operations, from software engineering to product management. Through mentorship and real-world projects, students gain practical skills and insight into the software industry, empowering them to pursue careers in the tech sector.
9. THE NEW YORK TIMES STUDENT JOURNALISM INSTITUTE
For aspiring journalists, The New York Times Student Journalism Institute is an excellent opportunity to work with some of the most respected journalists in the world. Participants receive hands-on training in reporting, writing, editing, and multimedia storytelling. The program emphasizes journalistic ethics, unbiased reporting, and the importance of a free press in society. Throughout the internship, students cover real stories and events, honing their skills in a fast-paced and professional newsroom environment.
10. WALT DISNEY IMAGINEERING IMAGINATIONS DESIGN COMPETITION
The Walt Disney Imagineering Imaginations Design Competition is an exciting opportunity for creative minds and Disney enthusiasts to showcase their talents. High school students participating in the competition are challenged to design theme park attractions and experiences that align with Disney's commitment to storytelling, innovation, and immersive entertainment. Finalists get to work with Imagineers, the creative geniuses behind Disney's theme parks, bringing their ideas to life and presenting them at Walt Disney Imagineering headquarters.
11. UNITED NATIONS (UN) HIGH SCHOOL INTERNSHIP PROGRAM
The UN High School Internship Program provides an eye-opening experience for students interested in global affairs, diplomacy, and humanitarian work. Selected interns have the chance to work on projects related to sustainable development, human rights, and peacekeeping efforts. Through engagement with international issues and UN officials, students gain a deeper understanding of the complexities of global challenges and the importance of collaboration among nations.
12. THE METROPOLITAN OPERA INTERNSHIP PROGRAM
The Metropolitan Opera High School Internship offers a transformative experience for young musicians and performing arts enthusiasts. This prestigious program allows selected high school students to work behind the scenes at one of the world's most renowned opera houses, the Metropolitan Opera. Throughout the internship, participants have the opportunity to collaborate with seasoned professionals from various departments, gaining insights into the intricacies of the performing arts industry.
Interns may be assigned to different areas such as production, stage management, marketing, education, or artistic administration. They get hands-on experience in their chosen field, learning about the day-to-day operations of an opera house and contributing to the vibrant world of performing arts.
13. NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC STUDENT EXPEDITIONS
For adventurous students with a love for the natural world, National Geographic Student Expeditions offer immersive trips to stunning locations worldwide. Accompanied by National Geographic experts, photographers, and conservationists, students get to explore unique ecosystems, engage in field research, and gain hands-on experience in wildlife conservation efforts. These expeditions ignite a passion for environmental preservation and inspire young conservationists to protect our planet's biodiversity.
14. AMAZON FUTURE ENGINEER
Amazon Future Engineer is a comprehensive program designed to inspire and prepare high school students from diverse backgrounds for careers in computer science and technology. This initiative aims to bridge the opportunity gap and increase access to computer science education, ensuring that students from all walks of life can pursue exciting careers in the tech industry.
The program offers a variety of resources, including online courses, coding camps, and scholarships, allowing students to develop essential coding skills and gain exposure to cutting-edge technology. Through partnerships with leading organizations, Amazon Future Engineer also provides support to schools and educators, empowering them to integrate computer science into their curriculum effectively.
15. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY (EPA) STUDENT INTERNSHIPS
The EPA Student Internship Program is an excellent fit for high school students who are passionate about environmental protection and sustainability. Interns work on projects that contribute to various environmental initiatives, such as air and water quality research, climate change studies, and community environmental education programs. This experience empowers students to become advocates for environmental stewardship and guides them toward careers that positively impact the planet's health.
Conclusion
Participating in internships during high school can have a transformative effect on a student's life. These 15 high school student internships offer an array of unique experiences across various fields, providing invaluable insights into potential career paths. Whether working with space agencies, museums, tech giants, or nonprofit organizations, each internship equips students with essential skills, fosters personal growth, and enhances their future prospects. As high school students take their first steps into the professional world through these internships, they embark on a journey of self-discovery, learning, and shaping their future for a brighter tomorrow.
About Inspirit AI
AI Scholars Live Online is a 10 session (25-hour) program that exposes high school students to fundamental AI concepts and guides them to build a socially impactful project. Taught by our team of graduate students from Stanford, MIT, and more, students receive a personalized learning experience in small groups with a student-teacher ratio of 5:1.
