100 Internships for High School Students: A Complete Guide to Finding High School Internships
High school is a crucial time for students to explore their interests and gain real-world experience that can prepare them for college admissions and future careers. Internships are a great way for students to get hands-on experience in fields they are interested in and develop valuable skills.
Finding internships for high school students can be a daunting task! In this blog post, we have compiled a list of 100 internships for high school students across a variety of industries, including business, coding, engineering, journalism, medical, psychology, research, and science.
Business Internships for High School Students
Bank of America Student Leaders
Bank of America Student Leaders is a program that provides paid summer internships and leadership training for high school juniors and seniors. Students gain practical business experience during these eight-week internships.
https://about.bankofamerica.com/en/making-an-impact/student-leaders
Bella Abzug Leadership Institute (BALI)
At BALI, we are committed to mentoring and training motivated youth in middle, high school, and college to cultivate confidence and essential skills necessary to thrive as effective, dynamic, and visionary leaders in the 21st century. Our program empowers young individuals with the tools and guidance needed to develop leadership qualities that will enable them to make a positive impact in their communities and beyond.
DOROT Summer Teen Internship
DOROT is a nonprofit that supports the older adult population facing social isolation and loneliness. Sophomores, juniors, and seniors looking to make a positive social impact can join our dynamic summer teen internship programs. From discussion groups and home visits to creative arts and tech assistance, students will have the opportunity to develop leadership skills while giving back to the community. Plus, students will earn over 112 community service hours and make a difference in the lives of older adults through four summer internship programs.
https://www.dorotusa.org/volunteer/high-school-college-internships/summer-teen-internship-program
Interns4Good
Interns4Good connects high school students to internships at nonprofits and charities. These internships are all virtual opportunities to help out in areas such as graphic design, social media management, and even video editing. Students will earn volunteer hours for time spent working on their internship assignments.
Ladders for Leaders
Ladders for Leaders is a prestigious and nationally recognized program that provides exceptional high school and college students with the opportunity to participate in paid professional summer internships. These internships are offered in partnership with leading corporations, non-profit organizations, and government agencies based in New York City. As a participant, you will gain valuable real-world work experience, develop professional skills, and build a strong network of contacts.
https://www.nyc.gov/site/dycd/services/jobs-internships/nyc-ladders-for-leaders.page
Department of Education Internship Opportunities
The Department of Education (ED) provides internships for students and recent graduates who are interested in gaining valuable work experience in government and federal education, policy, and administration. As a program intern, you will have the chance to make meaningful contributions to the Department's mission of promoting student achievement and global competitiveness by fostering educational excellence and ensuring equal access to quality education.
Forage Virtual Internships
Forage offers “bite-sized” 5-6 hour virtual work experience programs at companies like Walmart, Lululemon, JP Morgan, Red Bull, BCG, and more. These mini internships give students a career advantage with the world's top companies, providing students with the skills they need to be successful in future job applications.
Youthbridge-NY
Youthbridge-NY offers a two-year fellowship for high school students who are passionate about issues related to diversity, equity, and inclusion. This program helps students learn how to take action and develop professional leadership skills. In the first year of the program, students will participate in participate in skill-building workshops and team-based learning activities, and in the second year of the program, students will participate in experiential learning opportunities and mentoring with successful professionals.
KPMG Future Leaders Program
The KPMG Future Leaders Program focuses on developing future generations of female leaders. The goal of the program is to help support female high school students pursue careers in STEM and business. Eligible applicants include female high school seniors who plan to enroll in a 4 year college. This mentorship program also offers recipients a scholarship to all four years of college.
https://womensleadership.kpmg.us/charitable/developing-future-generations-women-leaders-2023.html
Wharton Global Youth Program
The Wharton Global Youth Program is designed for high school students who are interested in business, finance, and entrepreneurship. Students will participate in a summer program where they will take courses in business and entrepreneurship, participate in team projects, and attend workshops and events.
For more Business Internships for High School Students, please check out this blog post.
Coding Internships for High School Students
Inspirit AI Scholars
For students who are seeking a fulfilling summer experience taught by graduate students and alumni from top universities, consider Inspirit AI, a live online AI-project building class in which students will learn about the fundamentals of artificial intelligence and its ever-growing applications. The program’s instructors are alumni from Stanford, MIT, and other top universities who are happy to share guidance about their collegiate experience and about college AI programs. Read more about the AI Scholars program for talented high school students here and check out some of the projects completed by our alumni!
Google Computer Science Summer Institute (CSSI)
Run by the industry leader in software development, CSSI is an online, four-week introduction to computer science for graduated seniors looking to explore career opportunities in programming. The institute is specifically targeted toward groups historically marginalized in the field. The curriculum emphasizes computer science fundamentals and encourages students to participate in workshops promoting self-care, identity, career development, and community building with peers and industry professionals.
https://buildyourfuture.withgoogle.com/programs/computer-science-summer-institute
Microsoft Discovery Program
The Microsoft High School Internship Program is a summer internship that offers high school students the opportunity to work on real-world projects at Microsoft, gain valuable business skills, and receive mentorship from Microsoft employees. Students in the Discovery Program (called “Discoverers”) will learn programming fundamentals and develop career readiness skills. This program is intended for graduating high school seniors.
https://careers.microsoft.com/students/us/en/ushighschoolprogram
Meta Summer Academy
Participants of the Meta Summer Academy (formerly known as Facebook Summer Academy) will have a unique opportunity to gain firsthand knowledge of the inner workings of one of the world's top social media networks. As “externs,” high school students will join a dynamic workforce and work closely with experienced Meta Summer Academy Mentors to acquire practical work experience and valuable on-the-job skills that will set them on a path towards successful careers. The program's goal is to inspire and motivate young individuals to achieve economic success, stability, and mobility by providing them with skills development opportunities and early exposure to the tech industry for career exploration.
Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR) Summer Internship Program
The goal of the IALR summer internship program is to provide students with meaningful on-the-job training and real-world leadership experience in the fields of STEM. To be eligible, students must be rising first-year college students and must commit to 224 hours of work over an eight-week commitment. The IALR internship is a paid experience with a weekly time commitment of 28 hours, in which selected students will work closely with a mentor to conduct research in one of nine different areas, including data analysis, information technology, and coding and robotics.
Meyerhoff Scholars Program
Meyerhoff Scholars are selected by nomination for high school students wishing to pursue a Ph.D. or combined M.D./Ph.D. in the sciences or engineering. Sponsored by UMBC, Meyerhoff Scholars participate in research, conferences, paid internships and study-abroad experiences. All incoming Meyerhoff Scholars attend an accelerated six-week residential program to prepare them for the program.
MITRE’S High School Student Program
Open to all high school students 14 years or older, MITRE’s high school student program empowers student researchers to become leaders in engineering and technology fields. For the 2023 summer, MITRE plans to offer paid positions to high school students over an eight-week period.
https://careers.mitre.org/us/en/nationwide-high-school-student-program
Summer@Brown
Brown University offers several computer science summer courses for high school students including such titles as “Ancient DNA: Uncovering the Secrets of Our Species,” “Coding to Read and Control the Brain,” “Artificial Intelligence: A Computational Account of Intelligence,” and “Ethical Questions of the Information Age.” Courses vary between online and in-person teaching. Check the linked website to find out more information about specific classes.
Johns Hopkins Center for Talented Youth (CTY)
CTY at Johns Hopkins is a nationally recognized summer program that runs classes across the country in such topics as advanced java programming, Arduino prototyping, and designing inclusive algorithms. Some courses are self-paced while others follow a regular schedule. Many classes run throughout the year. Check the CTY computer science course catalog for more information on individual programs.
https://cty.jhu.edu/programs/online/topics/computer-science-and-technology-online
Summer Science & Engineering Program (SSEP)
The Smith Summer Science and Engineering Program is designed for exceptional high school students with budding interests in STEM fields. SSEP offers cooperative, investigative learning under committed faculty and near-peer undergraduate teaching assistants. Advertised curriculum includes offerings like “Designing Intelligent Robots,” “Tracking an Outbreak,” and “Introduction to Ethical Data Science.”
https://www.smith.edu/academics/precollege-programs/summer-science-engineering
Stanford Introduction to Logic
Stanford University’s online course on symbolic logic can help high school students get a head start on logical thinking, which is at the core of many STEM fields. Stanford offers intrologic summer camps for high schoolers both in-person and online and even includes a link to the entire course curriculum on the course website.
Seeds of Change
Another Stanford program, Seeds of Change aims to address the significant gender gap in STEM fields by pairing students with trained undergraduate mentors who will offer advice and mentorship to high schoolers seeking a STEM career. The initiative infuses high schoolers’ technical training in subjects such as computer science with feminist pedagogy, service-learning, and experiential education.
For more Computer Science Internships for High School Students, please check out this blog post.
Engineering Internships for High School Students
Johns Hopkins Applied Physics ASPIRE Program
High school juniors and seniors work at the applied physics lab at Johns Hopkins to experience and explore STEM careers before committing to a major in college. During their internship, students have access to APL’s technical and professional resources for the duration of their summer or academic year internship. The ASPIRE Program invites students to apply under one of the following main categories: Aerospace Engineering & Planetary Science, Applied Physics, Biology & Chemistry, Computer Science, Engineering, Information Technology & Cybersecurity, Mathematics & Data Analysis.
Fermilab QuarkNet Summer Research Program
Fermilab is America’s national particle physics and accelerator laboratory. Interns in the QuarkNet Summer Research Program work with scientists for seven weeks on projects related to Fermilab research, with prospective students encouraged to express preferences for areas of research in their applications. The internship is a commuter program with no housing provided, though high schoolers can reach out to the internship team to request a list of local hotels with discounted rates. For a better idea of the research offered at Fermilab, visit the lab webpage.
https://internships.fnal.gov/quarknet-summer-research-program/
Inspirit AI Scholars
The AI Scholars Program at InspiritAI is a unique offering that empowers high school students around the world to apply artificial intelligence and computer science to their work across disciplines. The program emphasizes project-based learning and encourages high schoolers to seize on their interests and conduct socially-impactful research in their field of choice. Previous students have covered topics ranging from transportation and energy to healthcare and epidemiology, from business and finance to art and literature. Program instructors hail from premier universities such as Stanford, Harvard, and MIT and are available as mentors to participating students. By interacting with their instructors as well as peers of similar interests, high school students develop an understanding of how to make an impact in their field of choice using powerful tools such as artificial intelligence and machine learning.
University of Texas Welch Summer Scholars Program
To date, the WSSP has provided nearly 2,000 Texas high school students with unique opportunities to participate in hands-on, college-level projects using state-of-the-art equipment and modern technology typically absent from high school classrooms. Participating institutions include The University of Texas at Austin, The University of Texas at Arlington, The University of Texas at Dallas, The University of Houston, and Texas Tech University.
Cooper Union STEM Scholars Internship
Summer STEM at the Cooper Union Albert Nerken School of Engineering offers high schoolers the chance to take college-level courses on topics such as machine learning, racecar research, design and drawing for engineering, and biomaterials design. Cooper Union offers both virtual four-week and in-person six-week programs for 10th and 11th graders, as well as a three-week in-person program for 9th and 10th graders. The STEM Scholars Internship is specifically for sophomores and juniors.
Fermilab TARGET Program
Distinct from the QuarkNet Summer Research Program, TARGET is a highly competitive six-week summer internship opportunity for Illinois high school sophomores and juniors with a strong interest and aptitude in math, computer science, and/or engineering. The program’s design combines both work and experiential learning.
University of New Hampshire Interoperability Laboratory HighTech Bound
The flagship high school program at the UNH-IOL, HighTech Bound is a paid four to six-week summer internship program for high school students entering their senior year. Students accepted to the program are given an opportunity to experience network technologies in a real world technology. The internship helps high schoolers prepare for an education or career in engineering by allowing them to encounter the latest technologies and software projects from companies around the world including Fortune 500’s like Apple, Dell and Cisco.
University of Rochester Laboratory of Laser Energetics (LLE) Summer High School Research Program
The LLE is a national investigative center of the interaction of intense radiation with matter. The lab’s annual summer research program provides an exceptional opportunity for highly motivated high schoolers to experience scientific research in a realistic environment. Accepted students are assigned to a research project and supervised by a staff scientist at the LLE. Students work 40-hour weeks and are paid.
https://www.lle.rochester.edu/index.php/education/summer-research-program-for-high-school-juniors/
Sandia National Laboratories Pre-College Internship Program
Internships at Sandia come in three different varieties: summer internships, year-round internships, and co-op internships. All internships provide high school students with opportunities to work on challenging projects at competitive pay, research mentoring from top scientists and engineers, and practical work experience using state-of-the-art equipment. Some co-op internships additionally offer academic credit.
https://www.sandia.gov/careers/career-possibilities/students-and-postdocs/internships-co-ops/
Princeton University Laboratory Learning Program
The Laboratory Learning Program at Princeton University is a full-time, free research experience in science or engineering for high school students. Students participate in ongoing research projects closely supervised by Princeton faculty and research staff. Participation dates are customized according to the schedules of research personnel and the specifics of the student’s chosen project.
https://research.princeton.edu/about-us/internships/laboratory-learning-program
Air Force Research Laboratory Scholars Program
Projects in the AFRL Scholars Program vary according to the site at which high schoolers elect to work. Included on the program website are links to each participating location and descriptions of the logistics at each of these sites. Some of these locations include AFWERX in Nevada and Texas, AMOS in Hawaii, the Pentagon in Washington DC, and Catalyst Campus in Colorado.
University of Texas at Austin My Introduction to Engineering (MITE) Program
The Equal Opportunity in Engineering Program at UT Austin hosts the MITE Program every summer. MITE is a five-day camp for current high school juniors to discover engineering through participation in an engineering team project and interactions with engineering students, faculty, staff and alumni. Student participants are housed in a campus dorm.
Engineering Summer Academy at University of Pennsylvania (ESAP)
Hosted by the University of Pennsylvania, the Engineering Summer Academy welcomes highly motivated and talented high school students to Penn campus to explore college-level engineering. ESAP’s intensive, three-week program combines sophisticated theory with hands-on practical experience, while allowing high schoolers to interact with leading faculty, earn college credit, and experience campus life with like-minded peers.
Columbia University Summer High School Academic Program for Engineers (SHAPE)
In Columbia University’s SHAPE program, high school students choose a subject and participate in one introductory college-level engineering course for the duration of their session. Course titles include “Electrical Engineering: Harnessing the Energy of the Sun,” “Robotics and Autonomous Driving,” “Biomedical Engineering: Where Biology, Medicine & Design Meet,” and “Intro to Chemical Engineering: Material and Energy Balance.”
SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory Youth Opportunity Program (YOP)
YOP at SLAC is a ten-week employment program designed to give local entry-level students from low-income background exposure to the workplace in science and engineering fields. SLAC partners with nonprofits such as Students Rising Above and the Peninsula College Fund to hire applicants over the summer. Contact information for both of these organizations is available on the website.
https://careers.slac.stanford.edu/youth-opportunity-program-yop
For more Engineering Internships for High School Students, please check out this blog post.
Journalism Internships for High School Students
The New York Times NYC Summer Academy
The NYC Summer Academy is a pre-college program designed by the New York Times that provides high school students with the opportunity to explore the fields of journalism, media, and technology in the heart of New York City. The two-week program allows students to experience the energy and vibrancy of the city while attending workshops and seminars led by Times journalists and other industry professionals. Participants engage in hands-on activities such as reporting, writing, video production, and data visualization, and work on projects that reflect real-world challenges faced by news organizations today. They also visit newsrooms, attend cultural events, and interact with other students from around the world. The NYC Summer Academy is an immersive and transformative experience that helps students develop their skills, expand their horizons, and prepare for college and beyond.
Northwestern Medill Cherubs Program
The Northwestern Medill Cherubs high school program is a four-week summer journalism program for high school students hosted by the Medill School of Journalism, Media, Integrated Marketing Communications at Northwestern University. The program is designed to provide students with an immersive experience in the field of journalism, including reporting, writing, editing, and multimedia production. Students work with experienced faculty and professionals in the industry to develop their skills and gain exposure to a variety of journalistic practices and platforms. They also attend workshops, lectures, and field trips, and have the opportunity to produce stories for publication in the Cherubs News website. The Medill Cherubs program is highly competitive, and seeks to recruit a diverse group of students who are passionate about journalism and committed to pursuing a career in the field.
https://www.medill.northwestern.edu/journalism/high-school-programs/
The Kenyon Review Young Writers Workshop
The Kenyon Review Young Writers Workshop is a two-week summer program for high school students interested in creative writing. The workshop provides students with a supportive and rigorous environment in which to develop their skills in fiction, poetry, and nonfiction. Students will work with professional writers, attend readings and lectures, and participate in writing workshops. The program takes place on the Kenyon College campus in Ohio. For students who may not be able to travel to Ohio during the summer, there are also online workshops for high school students.
The Washington Journalism and Media Conference
The Washington Journalism and Media Conference is a week-long program for high school students interested in journalism and media, hosted by George Mason University in Washington D.C. The conference brings together students from around the country to participate in workshops and seminars led by industry professionals and academic experts. Students will have the opportunity to learn about a variety of media platforms, from print to broadcast to digital, and to explore the role of journalism in a democratic society. They will also visit newsrooms, attend press briefings, and meet with journalists and media executives. The Washington Journalism and Media Conference aims to provide students with a comprehensive and engaging experience that will inspire them to pursue careers in journalism and media.
LA Times High School Insider
The Los Angeles Times offers high school students interested in journalism the ability to write for the LA Times via their High School Insider program. In the program, high school students work on writing assignments, receive feedback from editors, and have the opportunity to publish their work on the High School Insider website. To become a HS Insider, you have a few options, including a partnership with your school’s newspaper and journalism programs or submitting work independently.
Scholastic Art and Writing Awards
The Scholastic Art and Writing Awards is one of the most prestigious art and writing competitions for middle and high school students grades 7-12. High school students can submit creative works across 28 different categories, including short stories, personal essays, poetry, and screenplays. The Scholastic Art and Writing Awards recognize students both locally and nationally with awards, exhibitions, publications, and scholarships. National Medalists are eligible to win scholarships up to $12,500.
Boston University Creative Writing Program
BU Creative Writing is a 3-week intensive for rising juniors and seniors interested in writing and literature. Students will participate in writing workshops, craft discussions, and literary readings, and will have the opportunity to share their work with their peers. This Boston University Academic Immersion Program offers high school students the opportunity to explore a college-level curriculum and earn college credit while studying alongside other motivated and talented students.
https://www.bu.edu/summer/high-school-programs/academic-immersion/creative-writing/
YoungArts
YoungArts discovers talented young artists, magnifies their potential, and dedicates resources to their future creative aspirations. High school students ages 15-18 are invited to apply to the discipline of their choice: Classical Music, Dance, Design Arts, Film, Jazz, Photography, Theater, Visual Arts, Voice, and Writing. Winners will be invited to attend weeklong programs and workshops in Los Angeles, New York, and Miami. Finalists will be invited to National YoungArts Week and will be eligible for nomination as U.S. Presidential Scholars in the Arts, as well as financial awards of up to $10,000.
Columbia University Writing Academy
The Columbia Writing Academy is a dynamic two-week program tailored for those who seek to harness the power of writing to cultivate their unique voice and style. Through engaging workshops and tutorials, students will learn innovative writing techniques and acquire the skills and confidence to craft a compelling college admissions essay. In this course, students will explore each stage of the essay writing process, from brainstorming to drafting to revising, while receiving comprehensive feedback from the experienced teaching team to refine their writing skills.
https://precollege.sps.columbia.edu/highschool/columbia-pre-college-online-writing-academy
Columbia University Summer Journalism Workshop
Join the Columbia University Summer Journalism Workshop, hosted by the Columbia Scholastic Press Association. This summer program for high school students gives students a deep-dive into the field of journalism, allowing students to practice and improve their skills and rethink publishing strategies. In-person and virtual options are available.
https://cspa.columbia.edu/conventions-and-workshops/summer-journalism-workshop
For more Journalism Internships for High School Students, please check out this blog post.
Medical Internships for High School Students
Stanford Institutes of Medicine Summer Research Program (SIMR)
The Stanford Institutes of Medicine Summer Research Program (SIMR) is a highly competitive summer research program for high school students interested in pursuing careers in medicine and biomedical research. The program is based at the Stanford University School of Medicine, one of the top medical schools in the United States. Over the course of the program, students will work on research projects in areas such as cancer biology, neuroscience, and bioengineering, under the guidance of experienced faculty members and researchers. Students will also attend seminars, workshops, and professional development sessions to learn about different research areas, career paths, and graduate school opportunities.
Fred Hutch Cancer Center Summer High School Internship (SHIP)
The SHIP is an eight-week paid internship for high school students including one week of hands-on training in lab techniques and seven weeks of supervised work in a Fred Hutch faculty member’s research lab. Participating high school students also attend weekly workshops and seminars in addition to making a final presentation during the final week of the internship.
Harvard Medical School Project Success
“Project Success: Opening the Door to Biomedical Careers” is a program for Boston and Cambridge high school students, particularly underrepresented students, to participate in paid, mentored, four-week summer research internships at Harvard Medical School. The program is augmented by seminars, workshops, site visits, and career counseling.
https://dicp.hms.harvard.edu/dicp-programs/k-12/high-school-programs/project-success
Red Cross Bay Area Leadership Development Center
A four-day conference at Loma Mar’s Redwood Glen Camp & Conference Center, LDC provides opportunities for youth ages 13-18 to develop and cultivate core leadership skills and to participate in workshops on topics such as disaster preparedness, international services and more.
National Human Genome Research Institute summer Internship Program in Biomedical Research
This program immerses students in an environment devoted to better understanding the underlying causes of human genetic disease. High school students in the program attend the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Summer Seminar Series, intended to increase the breadth of a student’s experience. At the end of the summer, students present at the annual NIH Summer Research Program Poster Day. Students earn a monthly stipend, depending on their education level.
https://www.genome.gov/careers-training/research-training/Summer-Internship-in-Biomedical-Research
Inspirit AI Scholars
Inspirit AI offers online research programs that expose high school students to fundamental AI programming concepts and guide them to build an AI project. Taught by alumni and graduate students from Stanford and MIT, the AI Scholars program gives students a personalized learning experience in cohort sizes with a student:teacher ratio of 5:1. Students learn about the AI research and industry work of the instructors in domains such as healthcare and medicine. They also receive guidance on pursuing a career in AI moving forward!
University of Chicago Research in the Biological Sciences
Cancer research, blood preservation, mathematical modeling of genetic evolution––the University of Chicago prides itself on being a leading research institution in these fields. The university’s four-week intensive training program is designed to expose students to a broad range of molecular, microbiological, and cell biological techniques currently used in research labs. Most of a typical RIBS day will be spent in the lab to give high schoolers a taste of “life at the bench.” Lectures will also be presented to students to provide background and introduce new concepts.
https://summer.uchicago.edu/programs/research-biological-sciences-ribs
The Wistar Institute High School Program in Biomedical Research
Boasting the motto “A Summer of Science for a Lifetime of Learning,” Wistar’s High School Fellowship in Biomedical Research offers high school students the hands-on opportunity to take part in experimental research projects in areas such as cancer biology, genetics, vaccine development, bioinformatics, and infectious diseases. Students will be introduced to valuable research skills including searching and reading scientific literature and effective scientific communication.
https://wistar.org/education-training/high-school-program-biomedical-research
Medical College of Wisconsin Apprenticeship in Medicine (AIM)
AIM provides carefully selected high school students from diverse backgrounds the opportunity to stimulate their interest in careers in medicine, biomedical research-and allied health. AIM emphasizes academic preparation, achievement, and career awareness.
Georgetown Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center Summer Volunteer Program
As an outreach initiative with the objective of training the next generation of cancer researchers, the summer research volunteer program at Georgetown Lombardi puts students in touch with experts devoted to preventing, treating, and curing cancer. Participating high school students gain access to research scientists who work in a range of fields across Georgetown University Medical Center. The high school program runs for 8 weeks, during which students work full-time on independent research projects under the guidance of a research scientist.
Scripps Research High School Summer Internship Program
At the Scripps Florida campus in Jupiter, Florida, high schoolers engage in a nine-week hands-on research experience for rising juniors and seniors in Palm Beach and Martin Counties. The program exposes students to contemporary issues in basic biomedical research and is committed to increasing the number of underrepresented students pursuing undergraduate and graduate programs in the biological and chemical sciences.
https://education.scripps.edu/k-12-outreach/fl-outreach/hs-internships/index.html
University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center High School Summer Program
Now in its 63rd year, the Carl B. & Florence E. King Foundation High School Summer Program in Biomedical Sciences introduces interested and qualified Texas rising seniors to a research environment and provides firsthand experience in the varied career opportunities available at the nation’s leading cancer research and treatment center. Up to seven students are selected to participate in the ten-week program. During the program, students work in MD Anderson labs five days a week from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The laboratory experience is supplemented by seminars and activities such as abstract, poster, and elevator speech competitions.
National Heart, Blood, and Lung Institute (NHBLI) Summer Internship in Biomedical Research
The NHLBI is another division of the NIH that holds a summer internship for high school students in biomedical research. The program invites top high school students 17 years or older to conduct research under award-winning scientists and principal investigators. The Director of the Office of Education at NIH holds a number of info sessions for this program which can be viewed at the linked website.
Salk Institute Heithoff-Brody Summer Scholars Program
In partnership with the Biocom Institute Life Science Young Leaders High School Internship program, the Heithoff-Brody Summer Scholars program is an eight-week paid internship for San Diego County residents. Besides conducting research under a mentor in a Salk lab, students will participate virtually in seminars, workshops, data analysis projects, and other enrichment activities, before presenting their research projects at the end of the internship.
https://www.salk.edu/about/education-outreach/programs/high-school-scholars/
Dana-Farber / Harvard Cancer Center (DF/HCC) Continuing Umbrella of Research Experiences (CURE)
Massachusetts high school students are introduced to the world of cancer research through placement in real research settings at local cancer research institutions with the goal of encouraging pursuit of future careers in the biosciences. The stipended four-week program gives practical meaning to academic course work and expands high schoolers’ interest in basic, clinical, and/or population science research.
https://www.dfhcc.harvard.edu/research/cancer-disparities/students/cure-overview/
Forsyth Institute Student Scholars Summer Internship Program
An eight-week internship for Massachusetts high schoolers, the student scholars program pairs students with Forsyth faculty researchers as mentors. Interns learn basic laboratory techniques by participating in their mentors’ research projects and present their findings at the end of the program. 86% of Forsyth student scholars have gone on to work in a science-related field while 49% went on to work specifically in a health disparities field.
https://www.forsyth.org/training-education/forsyth-student-scholars/
For more Medical Internships for High School Students, please check out this blog post.
Psychology Internships for High School Students
Child Mind Institute Youth Mental Health Academy
The Child Mind Institute Youth Mental Health Academy (YMHA) is a 14-month program focused on career development and community involvement, specifically designed for high school students. During the first summer of the program, students will participate in a paid project-based learning experience and a final group presentation. YMHA also ensures mentorship and ongoing integrated support for participants throughout its entirety. During the second summer, high school students will participate in a paid internship in fields such as brain and mental health research, clinical practice, and mental health media and communications.
Johns Hopkins University Psychology and Brain Sciences Summer Pre-College Programs
Johns Hopkins University offers pre-college psychology programs for high school students to learn from world-renowned instructors and connect with like-minded students from around the world. With a variety of programs in medicine, neuroscience, and psychology, students can broaden their knowledge, enhance their college applications, and even earn academic credits. These programs are designed to provide an immersive learning experience that challenges students and promotes intellectual curiosity. By participating in these programs, students can gain invaluable insights, skills, and experiences that can assist in their academic and professional pursuits. There are online and in-person programs available.
https://summer.jhu.edu/areas-of-study/psychology-brain-sciences/
National Student Leadership Conference on Psychology and Neuroscience
The NSLC on Psychology & Neuroscience invites high school students to explore the science of the mind, focusing on child development, personality types, and the art of motivating others. High school students will engage in clinical psychology simulations and hands-on neurology workshops to gain insight into the link between the brain and human behavior. With an emphasis on practical applications of theory, the program offers opportunities to explore and expand knowledge of psychology and neuroscience.
https://www.nslcleaders.org/youth-leadership-programs/psychology-neuroscience/
Summer@Brown
Summer@Brown is a one- to six-week residential program that allows high school students to choose from over 200 courses in various disciplines, including psychology, art, engineering, and economics. Students will learn how to balance engaging, ungraded academic courses with exciting social activities. Psychology courses available to high school students include: “Psychology of Stress and Trauma,” “Abnormal Psychology,” “Culture and Psychology,” “Critical Thinking about Human Behavior,” and more.
Psychology Institute at Wake Forest University
High school students can gain insight into the workings of the brain, emotions, and senses through a psychologist's perspective at the Psychology Institute at Wake Forest. Students will engage in hands-on dissection to delve into the brain's structure, and explore how illusions, emotions, and biases influence our perception and interaction with the world. Students will also challenge their perception and trustworthiness of what they see and hear by conducting an observational study to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the world and the people around them.
https://immersion.summer.wfu.edu/opportunities/institutes/psychology-institute/
Recruitment & Training to Unlock Research Potential (RTURP) in Science at National Institute on Drug Abuse
The Intramural Research Program (IRP) is the National Institute on Drug Abuse's (NIDA) in-house research program, situated on the Johns Hopkins Bayview Campus in Baltimore, Maryland. NIDA has been the foremost source of scientific knowledge on addiction for nearly 60 years, offering a training ground for researchers interested in drug abuse research. The Recruitment & Training to Unlock Research Potential Program, an intramural program, provides paid training opportunities for students keen on understanding the scientific foundation of drug abuse. The program is competitive, with a limited number of positions available each summer.
Introduction to Psychology: The Frontiers of Psychological Inquiry at Cornell University
In this online, 3-credit course, high school students will gain an introduction to psychology alongside undergraduates and other precollege students. Students will explore questions, including the following, which are listed on the program website: “Why are people superstitious? Why do people blush when they are embarrassed? What is intelligence (and are IQ tests a good way to measure it)? Why don’t psychopaths feel guilty when they harm others? How reliable are childhood memories? Why do we laugh? Do violent video games make people act violently? Why do some people seem instantly trustworthy and others seem ‘creepy’? How do we choose whom to sleep with, date, or marry? How does stress affect our body?”
Illinois Institute of Technology - Psychology Summer Program
High school students interested in exploring psychology as a science can enroll in the Psychology Summer Program at the Illinois Institute of Technology. This program offers a collegiate-level experience that provides insight into how psychology contributes to personal growth and understanding. Through the program, participants will gain exposure to the role of a therapist and will explore five themes over the course of a week: introduction day, multicultural psychology day, psychology research and technology day, introduction to psychotherapy day, and careers and admissions day. Each theme provides a unique lens through which students can learn and experience different aspects of psychology. There are residential and day programs available.
https://www.iit.edu/academics/elevate-college-prep/summer/residential/psychology-summer-program
National Institute of Mental Health's Training Opportunities for High School Students
The High School SIP (HS-SIP) summer program offers high school students the opportunity to work alongside world-renowned biomedical scientists at the NIH. The NIH program features the Mark O. Hatfield Clinical Research Center, a 240-bed facility, and over 1150 laboratories/research projects across various locations, including Bethesda, MD, Baltimore, Frederick, MD, Research Triangle Park, NC, Hamilton, MT, Framingham, MA, and Phoenix, AZ. The program provides a unique environment devoted solely to biomedical research, allowing students to gain valuable experience in the field.
Introduction to Experimental Psychology at University of Pennsylvania
Offered through the University of Pennsylvania School of Arts & Sciences, high school students have the opportunity to take a course on experimental psychology. In this course, students will be introduced to fundamental topics in psychology in the following areas: the biological basis of behavior, the cognitive basis of behavior, and the individual and group bases of behavior. Students will explore a variety of topics, such as neuropsychology, learning, cognition, development, disorders, personality, and social psychology, among others.
For more Psychology Internships for High School Students, please check out this blog post.
Research Internships for High School Students
Research Science Institute (RSI)
The Research Science Institute (RSI) is an annual program that brings together 100 of the world's most outstanding high school students at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). RSI sets itself apart as the first cost-free summer program that offers a blend of on-campus scientific theory coursework and off-campus exploration of science and technology research opportunities to its students. Students engage in cutting-edge research in various fields such as biology, physics, and engineering.
Simons Summer Research Program
The Simons Summer Research Program is an avenue for highly skilled and motivated high school students to experience hands-on research in the fields of science, math, or engineering at Stony Brook University. As Simons Fellows, students will work alongside renowned faculty mentors, acquire knowledge of laboratory tools and techniques, collaborate with research teams, and immerse themselves in the research university's lifestyle.
Research Mentorship Program at UCSB
The Research Mentorship Program at UC Santa Barbara provides a highly selective summer experience for exceptional high school students worldwide. The program offers hands-on, interdisciplinary research at a university level. Each student is paired with a mentor, selected from graduate students, postdocs, or faculty, and given the opportunity to select a research project from a wide range of disciplines available each year.
https://www.summer.ucsb.edu/programs/research-mentorship-program/overview
Research in Science and Engineering (RISE) at Boston University
RISE is a six-week summer program for high school students that focuses on scientific research in the fields of biology, chemistry, and physics. Students work with faculty mentors to design and conduct experiments and present their findings at the end of the program. Under the guidance of a faculty member, postdoctoral fellow, or graduate student mentor, rising seniors will engage in research for 40 hours each week.
https://www.bu.edu/summer/high-school-programs/rise-internship-practicum/internship-track/
Stonybrook Garcia Center Research Experience for High School Students
The Garcia Center offers a rigorous seven-week program aimed at talented high school students. The program entails a blend of formal instruction and independent research, where students can create unique research projects with guidance from the faculty, students, and staff of the Center. For those interested, the Mentor Program provides a chance to continue research throughout the academic year with the support of a faculty mentor. To enable students from diverse areas to join the program, pre-arranged transportation and class schedules are coordinated with local school boards.
https://www.stonybrook.edu/commcms/garcia/summer_program/program_description.php
Inspirit AI Scholars
Inspirit AI offers online research programs that expose high school students to fundamental AI programming concepts and guide them to build an AI project. Taught by alumni and graduate students from Stanford and MIT, the AI Scholars program gives students a personalized learning experience in cohort sizes with a student:teacher ratio of 5:1. Students learn about the AI research and industry work of the instructors in domains such as healthcare, transportation, and specialized chat applications. They also receive guidance on pursuing a career in AI moving forward!
UC San Diego Academic Connections Research Scholars
The Research Scholars program at UC San Diego provides high school students with online research opportunities at the internationally ranked research university. This program helps students gain research skills that will help them stand out in college admissions and even future internship opportunities. During the program, students assume the role of a researcher, immersing themselves in real-world data and projects in the following areas: Bioengineering, Design Lab, Life Sciences, Marine Science, School of Medicine, Business Research.
Applied Research Innovations in Science and Engineering (ARISE) at NYU
ARISE is a program designed to provide opportunities for students interested in STEM fields to obtain rigorous laboratory experience while working alongside some of NYU's most innovative research faculty. The program runs for seven weeks during the summer, and is full-day and on-site at the Tandon and Washington Square campuses. The program is open to New York City residents who possess a strong interest in pursuing careers in STEM.
https://engineering.nyu.edu/academics/programs/k12-stem-education/arise
University of Illinois High School STEM Research Programs (IDEA)
The Grainger College of Engineering at University of Illinois offers online research opportunities for high school students interested in STEM research. During the program, high school students will participate in cutting-edge research across disciplines like engineering, computer science, and medicine. Students will also learn skills they can showcase on their college applications, such as preparing a research poster for a symposium.
https://wyse.engineering.illinois.edu/hs-summer-stem-research-programs/
Syracuse University Accelerated Semester Online
Syracuse University offers accelerated online courses and research opportunities for high school students to gain college-level skills and content knowledge. In the Summer College - Research Immersion Program, high school students work closely with Syracuse faculty on faculty-led research projects both in-person and online.
Jackson Laboratory Summer Student Program
The Jackson Laboratory Summer Student Program is a summer research internship program for high school students interested in pursuing careers in biomedical research. The program is based at the Jackson Laboratory, a leading research institution that focuses on genetics, genomics, and precision medicine. Students will work on research projects in areas such as cancer biology, neuroscience, and developmental biology, under the guidance of experienced scientists and researchers. Students will also participate in seminars, workshops, and social events to learn about different research areas, career paths, and professional development opportunities.
For more Research Internships for High School Students, please check out this blog post.
Science Internships for High School Students
NASA Internships and Fellowships
The NASA Office of STEM Engagement (OSTEM) offers paid science internships for high school and college students to “find your place in space!” High school students can contribute to agency projects, guided by a NASA mentor, by participating in summer internships and fellowships for students interested in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM).
Introductory College Level Experience in Microbiology (iCLEM)
Hosted by the Joint BioEnergy Institute (JBEI) of the U.S. Department of Energy, iCLEM is a paid summer science intensive for economically disadvantaged high school sophomores and juniors in Alameda, Contra Costa, and San Francisco Counties. The program seeks to broaden students’ understanding of biotechnology, microbiology, and biofuels. In addition to completing a research project, the program exposes students to career to career exploration and preparation for the college application process.
https://www.jbei.org/education/research-experiences/iclem-program/
Mayo Clinic SPARK Research Mentorship Program
The Mayo Clinic High School Research Scholars Program is a summer research internship program for high school students interested in pursuing careers in biomedical research. The program is based at the Mayo Clinic, one of the world's leading medical institutions, and provides students with the opportunity to work alongside leading researchers in fields such as oncology, neuroscience, and cardiovascular medicine. Over the course of the program, students will participate in research projects, attend seminars and workshops, and engage in professional development activities.
https://www.mayo.edu/research/centers-programs/spark-research-mentorship-program/overview
UC Davis Young Scholars Program
The summer program at UC Davis is a residential research program designed to expose approximately 40 high-achieving high school students to the world of original research within the fields of the biological, agricultural, environmental, and natural sciences. Participants work one-on-one with research faculty in state of the art laboratories for six weeks. Each student will work on an individual project and prepare a journal quality paper and symposium presentation about their work. Participating high school students will also receive five units of university group study credit.
Broad Summer Research Program (BSRP)
The Broad Summer Research Program (BSRP) is a summer research internship program for high school students interested in pursuing careers in biomedical research. The program is based at the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, one of the world's leading biomedical research institutions. Over the course of the program, students will work on cutting-edge research projects in areas such as cancer biology, genomics, and computational biology, under the guidance of experienced scientists and researchers. Students will also participate in seminars, workshops, and social events to learn about different research areas, career paths, and professional development opportunities. The program is designed to provide students with hands-on research experience and prepare them for careers in biomedical research.
https://www.broadinstitute.org/bsrp/broad-summer-research-program-bsrp
Stanford Institutes of Medicine Summer Research Program (SIMR)
The Stanford Institutes of Medicine Summer Research Program (SIMR) is a highly competitive summer research program for high school students interested in pursuing careers in medicine and biomedical research. The program is based at the Stanford University School of Medicine, one of the top medical schools in the United States. Over the course of the program, students will work on research projects in areas such as cancer biology, neuroscience, and bioengineering, under the guidance of experienced faculty members and researchers. Students will also attend seminars, workshops, and professional development sessions to learn about different research areas, career paths, and graduate school opportunities.
SPARK Summer Internship Program (SIP)
The mission of the SPARK Summer Internship Program (SIP) is to provide opportunities for motivated high school students in the greater Seattle area by connecting them with industry experts in engineering, science, and business. Previous internship projects have included microfluidic technology for disease detection, DNA sequence classification based on electronic signatures, and extreme weather event modeling.
Emory University Summer Science Academy
The Summer Science Academy Day Program is a thrilling and interactive hands-on opportunity that is ideal for incoming 9th and 10th grade students who are enthusiastic about sciences, including biology, healthcare, medicine, or related STEM fields. The program will be held in-person in 2023, providing participants with the chance to learn alongside their peers in a collaborative environment. During the program, students will explore a range of topics, including natural science, biotechnology, engineering, math, medical and science research, and health and science careers.
https://med.emory.edu/education/multicultural-med-student-affairs/summer-camps/index.html
Marine Advanced Technology Education Internships
The MATE Center is a national partnership of organizations working to improve marine technical education and to prepare high school students for ocean occupations. Internships vary from locations such as Santa Catalina Island, CA and Wallops Island, VA to Key West, FL and South Bimini, Bahamas.
Smithsonian Environmental Research Center (SERC) Citizen Science Projects
SERC seeks to actively involve citizen scientists in such projects as the Chesapeake Bay Otter Alliance, Chesapeake Bay Parasite Project, and Salt Marsh Census. Other seasonal projects include Bluebird Monitoring, Project Owlnet, and River Herring Conservation. Check out other past and current projects at the website linked above.
Goddard Space Flight Center High School Internship Program
Just outside Washington DC, the Goddard Space Flight Center is home to Hubble operations and a proving ground for the recently launched James Webb Space Telescope. NASA internships at Goddard leverage the site’s unique missions and programs to provide high school students with the opportunity to participate in engineering research and experiential learning under the guidance of a NASA mentor.
https://www.nasa.gov/centers/goddard/education/internships.html
Exploratorium High School Explainers
High School Explainers, the Exploratorium’s youngest employees, are a diverse group of students who engage visitors at exhibits, lead demonstrations, and run museum operations. Three groups of High School Explainers fill over 130 paid positions a year. For many students, the work-based learning program is a first-time work experience.
National Science Foundation Pathways Program
The internship program at the NSF is for current high school students to explore paid opportunities in federal careers while completing their education. Interns may work either part or full-time. Interns on indefinite appointments may be converted to a permanent position within 120 days of successful completion of the program, though conversion is not guaranteed.
https://beta.nsf.gov/careers/job-types/students-and-recent-grads
Rockefeller University Summer Science Research Program
SSRP is a mentored biomedical research program for current high school juniors and seniors to design and conduct their own research project as part of a themed research track. Research tracks include topics such as RNA Virus Discovery and Bioinformatics, Coronavirus Immune Response, and Ant Social Biology. As SSRP scholars, high schoolers should expect to spend up to 35 hours per week (M-F) for seven weeks engaging in the scientific process.
Los Alamos National Laboratory Internship Program
Qualified northern New Mexico high school seniors are invited to participate in this program to gain work experience and conduct research in either theoretical biology and biophysics or biosecurity and public health. Students in the theoretical biology division will work on developing epidemiological models of disease transmission focused on fitting COVID-19 data. Interns in the biosecurity division will participate in an experimental biology project requiring preparation of microbiological media.
https://www.lanl.gov/careers/career-options/student-internships/high-school/
Inspirit AI Scholars
For students who are seeking a fulfilling summer experience taught by graduate students and alumni from top universities, consider Inspirit AI, a live online AI-project building class in which students will learn about the fundamentals of artificial intelligence and its ever-growing applications. The program’s instructors are alumni from Stanford, MIT, and other top universities who are happy to share guidance about their collegiate experience and about college AI programs. Read more about the AI Scholars program for talented high school students here and check out some of the projects completed by our alumni!
For more Science Internships for High School Students, please check out this blog post.
