12 Internships for High School Students in the Bay Area
Embarking on the journey towards a future career is an exhilarating endeavor, and for high school students in the vibrant Bay Area, the opportunities are as diverse as the landscapes that surround them. In this guide, we delve into eleven high school internships that beckon exploration and growth. From healthcare to technology, art to urban planning, each program is a gateway to real-world experiences, mentorship, and the honing of essential skills. As we navigate this curated list, students are invited to discover pathways that align with their passions and aspirations. The Bay Area, renowned for innovation and cultural richness, becomes the backdrop for a transformative journey into the professional world for these young minds.
12 Internships for High School Students in the Bay Area
1. CURE Internship Program at UCSF
The Community, Urban, Research, and Education (CURE) Internship Program at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) provides a unique opportunity for students intrigued by biomedical research. Open to current 11th graders, aged 16 or older, with a minimum GPA of 2.5, this program runs from June 5 to August 4. While the stipend details are undisclosed, the program promises an enriching experience across various research fields, including basic, clinical, behavioral, and population sciences. Interns work closely with UCSF faculty, post-doctorate students, and graduate students, conducting independent research projects. The program concludes with a Research Symposium, where interns present their findings, ensuring a platform for both academic and professional development.
2. Asian Art Museum's Art Speak Internship
For students fascinated by art and culture, the Art Speak Internship at the Asian Art Museum offers a behind-the-scenes glimpse into museum operations. Open to students in grades 10-12, this internship spans from August to May, requiring a minimum commitment of 6-8 hours per week. Participants receive a stipend, although the exact amount is undisclosed. The internship fosters an understanding of Asian art and cultural traditions through engagement with local artists, arts organizations, and social justice initiatives. Interns explore careers in the arts through informational interviews with museum staff, developing leadership skills by creating and facilitating hands-on art activities. This comprehensive program provides insight into art curation, exhibition design, and public programming, nurturing creativity, critical thinking, and effective communication skills.
3. Inspirit AI
The Inspirit AI Scholars Program is an intensive two-week project-based learning experience in computer science and artificial intelligence. Students will begin by learning the fundamentals of computer programming in Python before applying concepts of artificial intelligence to their topic of choice in small group projects. Previous project subjects have included COVID-19 genomics, criminal justice, autonomous driving, mental health, and algorithmic training. Additionally, many students who have participated in the AI+X Individual Research Mentorship have gone on to win prestigious awards at various science fair competitions!
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 software and electrical engineering to transportation and civil engineering.
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.
4. Work-Based Learning Summer Internships at SFUSD
The Work-Based Learning Summer Internships program at the San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD) provides sophomores and juniors, with priority given to 11th graders, an invaluable opportunity for hands-on experience and professional development. Spanning six weeks in the summer, with 20 hours per week, the program allows students to choose an industry sector aligned with their interests. The exact stipend amount is undisclosed. From animation and architecture to biotechnology and finance, interns work alongside industry mentors, gaining practical skills in a real-world work environment. This internship not only helps students explore diverse career fields but also assists in developing skills crucial for college and future careers.
5. Ladder Internships
Ladder Internships is an exclusive program designed for high school students interested in working with startups. With a cost of $1490 (financial aid available), this remote internship allows flexibility, enabling students to work from anywhere in the world. Spanning eight weeks from June to August, this selective program accepts students who can commit to working 10-20 hours per week for 8-12 weeks. Notably, Ladder Interns follow a coaching+work-based model, setting it apart from traditional internships. As participants engage in real-world projects and present their work at the program's conclusion, they receive mentorship from both startup managers and Ladder Coaches. This unique approach offers valuable insights into diverse fields, from healthcare and technology to finance and media, providing a comprehensive experience for high school students aspiring to explore startup environments.
6. High School Intern Program at UCSF with the Science and Health Education Partnership
For students with a keen interest in biomedical science, the High School Intern Program at UCSF with the Science and Health Education Partnership provides a prestigious opportunity. Open to current high school juniors in SFUSD, SF charter schools, or College Track San Francisco, this 8-week internship, starting in June, offers stipends of $3200 (part-time, 35 hours a week) or $4500 (full-time, 45 hours a week). Interns collaborate with UCSF scientists, researchers, and medical professionals in cutting-edge laboratories and healthcare settings. Engaging in hands-on research projects, interns gain exposure to advanced technologies and contribute to scientific advancements. The program includes educational workshops, seminars, and mentorship programs, enriching interns' knowledge and professional skills as they work towards completing a unique research project.
7. Norman Mineta Bay Area Summer Academy, MTC
The Norman Mineta Bay Area Summer Academy, hosted by the Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC), offers a unique window into metropolitan planning. Open to Bay Area high school students aged at least 16, this program spans from July 6 to 27, with mostly online seminars held at the Bay Area Metro Center. While specific stipend details are unavailable, the internship exposes students to the intricacies of regional agency operations. Participants learn about decision-making processes that impact various facets of community life, including transportation, housing, and environmental justice. Engaging in online sessions and quizzes, interns delve into topics such as infrastructure lifespan, housing costs, and environmental changes in the Bay Area. The program culminates in presentations addressing local challenges in transportation, housing, and environmental justice.
8. California Academy of Sciences' Careers in Science (CiS) Intern Program
The Careers in Science (CiS) Intern Program at the California Academy of Sciences offers a transformative, multi-year experience for high school students with a passion for STEM. Open to 9th and 10th graders in SFUSD schools, this paid internship aims to bridge gaps in STEM representation, particularly for underrepresented groups. Collaborating with scientists, researchers, and educators, interns delve into scientific research and communication. The program includes interactive training sessions, outdoor field activities, and guidance on college applications. In small groups, interns embark on science research or environmental action projects, fostering both individual growth and community engagement. With an emphasis on hands-on experience and mentorship, CiS empowers students to explore and thrive in the world of scientific inquiry.
9. Neuroscape Summer High School Internship at UCSF
The Neuroscape Summer High School Internship at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) merges science and technology to explore translational neuroscience. Open to SFUSD high school students, the internship is conducted over the summer, with dates tailored to student availability. While specific stipend details are unavailable, this program provides a hands-on experience in independent research projects related to translational neuroscience and technology. Interns collaborate with a team of mentors, gaining exposure to a range of activities from literature reviews to interactive media programming. Engaging in laboratory experiments, data analysis, and scientific discussions, interns gain insights into diverse fields such as biology, medicine, and public health. The program culminates in short presentations, allowing students to showcase their newfound knowledge and skills.
10. High School Explainers Program at Exploratorium
The High School Explainers Program at the Exploratorium offers a unique paid opportunity for students aged 15-18 who have completed their first year of high school. With positions available throughout the year (after school and on weekends) and during the summer (5 days a week), Explainers become ambassadors of science, engaging with museum visitors, leading demonstrations, and contributing to various museum operations. Paid at the San Francisco minimum wage, Explainers undergo hands-on training to enhance communication and presentation skills while deepening their understanding of scientific concepts. This program encourages active learning and collaboration with peers and museum staff, empowering Explainers to be confident and effective science communicators with significant responsibilities at the museum.
11. Kaiser Permanente's High School Internship Program
For students fascinated by the healthcare industry, the High School Internship Program at Kaiser Permanente in San Francisco provides an immersive experience. Open to students aged 16-19, this program spans from June 19 to August 4, offering a stipend of $15-17 per hour. Interns collaborate with healthcare professionals, gaining insights into various medical disciplines, including nursing, pharmacy, and laboratory sciences. Through hands-on activities, shadowing experiences, and educational workshops, participants develop a nuanced understanding of healthcare practices. Emphasizing mentorship, teamwork, and personal growth, this internship serves as a launching pad for high school students eager to explore careers in the medical field.
12. Student Interns at Sandia National Laboratories
The Student Interns program at Sandia National Laboratories offers high school students aged 16 or above with a GPA of 3.0 an opportunity to gain hands-on experience in a cutting-edge research environment. Located in Livermore, California, just 40 minutes from San Francisco, this program provides a stipend commensurate with the work performed. Interns collaborate with experienced scientists and engineers on projects contributing to technological advancements. Under the guidance of their managers, interns explore various STEM disciplines, including engineering, computer science, and physics. This immersive experience allows students to participate in real-world research and development activities, fostering collaboration with professionals and providing insights into the scientific process.
Conclusion
In the heart of the Bay Area, where innovation converges with ambition, these high school internships stand as beacons of possibility. Each program encapsulates a unique opportunity for students to translate classroom knowledge into tangible skills, fostering personal and professional development. From the bustling streets of San Francisco to the laboratories at UCSF, the Bay Area becomes a dynamic classroom where the next generation can shape their destinies. As the curtains fall on this exploration of internships, we encourage students to seize these opportunities, embrace the challenges, and let each experience become a stepping stone toward a future of endless possibilities. The Bay Area, with its kaleidoscope of opportunities, awaits the brilliance and promise that these young talents bring to the table.
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.
