17 Internships For High School Students In 2023

Hands-on experience in a good laboratory is essential for preparing youths to become great professionals in their given discipline. That is the reason for the creation of internship programs; We guess!

Internships and summer programs are a great way for high school and college students to get work environment exposure, acquire skills, connect with professionals, and network within career and academic fields.

In this article, we will link you with 17 great internships you might consider in your journey as a high school student.

What Is Internship?

An internship is a period of work experience offered by an employer to students or college graduates for a limited period of time. In most parts of the world, once confined to medical graduates, it is mandatory you participate in an internship program before you can be given licensure and also inducted into the medical association.

Internship is for various placements in businesses, non-profit organizations, and government agencies.  

Who Is Eligible For Internship?

Internships are usually for high school students, college or university graduates. Most high school students require the applicant to be between 16 and 18years of age.

What is the Importance Of Internship To A High School Student?

Below are some of the reasons why a high school internship is necessary.

• Internship as a high school student helps you to prepare early for finding internships and jobs in the future.
• A high school internship gets a glimpse of the professional world.
• Provides training similar to that which would be given in an educational environment.
• The internship is tied to a formal education program through integrated coursework.

How Can I Find Internships As A High School Student?

In fact, it can be very challenging to find an internship opportunity as a high school student because most of these programs are often geared toward college students. So, here are some helpful tips that will help get a placement for your internship fast.

• Talk to your guidance counselor at school.
• Utilize search sites like internship.com and social media sites including Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
• Discuss with your Parents, Uncles, Aunties and even your siblings who are already in college.
• Contact libraries, hospitals, museums, zoos, YMCAs, churches, newspapers, television and radio stations, and other businesses to ask if they offer internships or summer opportunities for high school students.

How do I Apply For High School Internships?

Actually, applying for an internship is just like applying for a job. First, you should have a resume and cover letter that detail your experience, accomplishments, and interests. Before you submit your curriculum vitae, you have to ensure that you pay attention to the following details;

• State the exact role you’re applying for.
• Use the right keywords.
• Include your relevant coursework.
• List out relevant skills.
• Explain why you’re a good fit for the position you’re applying for.
• Describe what you feel you would gain from the internship.
• Review your cover letter before sending it.

What Is The Duration For High School Summer Internships?

A typical High school internship program last 2 weeks, some may take up to a month depending on the type of program. During the program, interns are exposed to various research and training courses that will help them explore their career paths even before gaining admission into college.

How Much Do High School Interns Earn?

Interns usually receive stipends in the form of an allowance. According to the National Association of Colleges & Employers (NACE), the average hourly wage for undergraduate interns rose from $16.35 in 2014 to $18.06 in 2017.

However, high school students may receive lesser pay, but that depends on the organization they work for and their responsibility. Students are typically paid weekly, bi-weekly, monthly or provided a stipend.

Check this out: Is Night School For High School Students Worth It?

Are there Paid Internships For High School Students?

An Internship program is basically a short-term job experience that offers you an opportunity to know the different career options available, and to network with professionals.

If you’re considering a summer internship, we’ve got you covered. We have made a list of the paid and unpaid programs for you as they are available at any location including internships abroad.

Here is the list of Paid Internships For High School Students;

• BRAINYAC
• Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL)
• Geosciences Bridge Program GBP
• Science And Engineering Apprenticeship Program (SEAP)
• High School Apprenticeship Program (HSAP)
• Science and Engineering Apprenticeship Program (SEAP)
• National Security Agency
• California Science Center
• Enterprise Technology
• Hartford Financial Services Company
• OSP Engineering
• Sanford Health

#1. BRAINYAC

The Zuckerman Institute’s Brain Research Apprenticeships in New York at Columbia (BRAINYAC) program provides an immersive summer research experience in which high school students train and work in neuroscience laboratories at Columbia University.

The aim of this program is to connect high school students with scientists for intensive summer lab internships.

The BRAINYAC program is open to students from select partner programs and schools that serve students in Upper Manhattan and the Bronx. Each student is matched with a Columbia neuroscientist, a mentor who guides the student through a research project.

During your internship training, you will experience an enhanced understanding of how laboratory research leads to transformative discovery, exposure to a professional academic environment and a stronger connection to science as a career.

To be eligible to take part in the  BRAINYAC program, you have to meet the following criteria;

• You must be a student from 10th and 11th grade
• Must reside in New York City, and preference is given to students in upper Manhattan and the South Bronx.

Apply

#2. Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL)

The Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) Scholars Program offers stipend-paid summer internship opportunities to upper-level high school students.

As an intern, you will gain valuable hands-on experiences working with full-time AFRL scientists and engineers on cutting-edge research and technology. And, at the program’s end, you can contribute to unique, research-based projects.

The AFRL also offers an internship opportunity for undergraduates and graduate-level university students pursuing STEM degrees.

In fact, some selected locations also offer internships to university students pursuing education-related degrees and K-12 professional educators.

These graduate interns are able to collaborate with AFRL on current research and incorporate the research into their graduate work.

In addition, your benefits for participating in AFRL program are;

• Exciting research topics
• Technical training
• Mentorship from experienced AFRL scientists and engineers
• Opportunities to tour AFRL laboratories
• Networking through social events
• Competitive stipend rates

Apply

#3. Geosciences Bridge Program  GBP

The Geosciences Bridge Program offers a 6-week paid internship for students planning to pursue careers in the geosciences. This program is funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF) and the NOAA Living Marine Resources Cooperative Science Center (LMRCSC) at UMES.

Basically, GBP is focused on introducing high school seniors to ocean sciences, atmospheric sciences, and geographic information systems (GIS)/Remote Sensing techniques.

The program specifically designed to recruit and train high school students, particularly from underrepresented groups, in various areas of the Geosciences field.

The program features lectures, field trips, hands-on activities, two for-credit college courses, housing, meals, travel to and from the University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES), and a stipend. 

The activities provide experience and strengthen students’ knowledge of mathematics, teach them life skills that will prepare them for college life, and enhance their academic performance through advisement, social support, and tutorial services.

Apply

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#4. Science And Engineering Apprenticeship Program (SEAP)

Apprenticeships provide a unique opportunity for high school and undergraduate students to conduct real-world, Army-sponsored research alongside scientists and engineers in world-class facilities. They inspire students to pursue further education and careers in STEM.

Apply

#5. High School Apprenticeship Program (HSAP)

HSAP provides current rising high school juniors and seniors with an authentic science and engineering research experience alongside university researchers sponsored by the Army Research Office.

Through this commuter program, you will learn research methods and develop skills in Army critical research areas in a university lab setting. However, these skills you acquire will prepare you for the next steps of their educational and professional career.

In addition, you will benefit the following;

• A stipend equivalent to $10 per hour for 8 to 10 weeks/up to 300 hours.
• You will experience authentic science and engineering research.
• You will be introduced to Army research and associated educational opportunities available to students through the Army’s Educational Outreach Program (AEOP) and DoD
• Build experience in developing and presenting scientific research
• Develop an independent research program in preparation for research fellowships, graduate school, and careers in science and engineering
• Develop skills and background to prepare for competitive entry to science and engineering undergraduate programs
• Benefit from the expertise of a scientist or engineer as a mentor for professional and engineering research

Eligibility criteria are;

• You must be a U.S. citizen or permanent legal resident
• Current rising high school juniors and seniors are eligible

Apply

See also: 17 Medical Internships for High School Students in 2023 | PAID

#6. Science and Engineering Apprenticeship Program (SEAP)

This program focuses on mentoring student relationships between the Department of Defense scientists and talented high school seniors.

As a SEAP participant, you will receive first-hand research experience and exposure to the Department of Defense laboratories. SEAP fosters desire in its participants to pursue further training and careers in STEM.

Benefits include;

• You will receive a stipend based on your experience and education level.
• Work personally with scientists or engineers doing real-life research.
• Do research in the Department of Defense laboratories.
• Have the opportunity to present your research to your peers.

Eligibility

• Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent legal resident
• High school students – Each lab has specific age requirements. 

Apply

#7. National Security Agency

NSA-Fort Meade is located in Maryland. If you are a high school student searching for a high school summer internships, contact NSE. This Vo-Tech Program will enable you to gain valuable work experience while earning a salary during your senior year.

This high school internship is designed for students who are enrolled in printing/graphic arts or manufacturing classes, and who plan to participate in a school-sponsored work experience program during senior year. The duration is less than 20 hours a week and not more than 32 hours during the school year.

Whether you’re gifted in business, language, printing/graphic arts or computers, NSA provides on-the-job training specific to your skillset.

In addition to the training, you will earn sick and annual leave in proportion to time actually worked (at a rate of one hour of leave per 20 hours worked). Also, you will also receive paid federal holidays.

The following are criteria to qualify for this program.

• You must be eligible to be granted a security clearance.
• A U.S. citizen.
• An unweighted GPA of 2.5 or higher is preferred.
• Must have an interest and aptitude in business computing and office technology, or the Chinese language.
• You must be a high school junior enrolled in either business, technical computer classes, printing/graphic arts or manufacturing classes, or Chinese language classes with plans to participate in a school-sponsored work experience program throughout your senior year.
• Must be 16 years of age by December 31^st of your junior year.
• Must have reliable transportation for getting to and from work.

Apply

#8. California Science Center

The goal of this high school internship program is to use informal science education as a vehicle to build skills for academic achievement in all disciplines.

California Science Center program will help foster your self-esteem and prepare you for the workforce and college by focusing on communication and leadership skills.

Interns will work alongside the California Science Center staff to inspire science learning in everyone. Their work may entail working with California Science Center guests, community partners, and other groups of learners.

The primary responsibility is to deliver and engage in science activities. Other responsibilities may include supervising children, public speaking, and mentoring other students. All teen interns will learn job-related skills as well as life skills.

To be eligible to participate in this training, you must meet the following requirements;

• You must be a high school student in 10th, 11th, or 12th grade with a minimum 2.0 GPA.
• Ability to follow directions and be a team player.
• Positive, enthusiastic attitude and strong work ethic.
• Eagerness to learn, help others learn, and willingness to contribute creative ideas.
• Returning applicants (interns) who were previously employed by the California Science Center Foundation are encouraged to apply
• Applicants who reside within a one (1) mile radius of the California Science Center are encouraged to apply.

Apply

#9. Enterprise Technology

This is one of the best training programs for high school students seeking internships. Basically, the Enterprise Technology department will provide you the opportunity to explore new and emerging technologies.

This program will offer you hands-on work along with real-world research and development opportunities.

To be eligible to participate in this internship program, you must meet the following criteria;

• You must be a current or graduating high school student
• Must be at least 16 years old by the start date of the internship
• 3.2 or above GPA
• Strong written and verbal communication
• Desire and ability to learn new technical skills
• Knowledge and experience with object-oriented programming or other development skills strongly desired
• Pursuing a technical path focused on software development, data analytics, infrastructure development or user experience
• Must be able to provide transportation to and from work on a daily basis Monday through Friday
• Relocation benefits do not apply
• This position is not eligible for Housing Stipend

Apply

#10. Hartford Financial Services Company

Internship position as a high school graduate with The Hartford Financial Services Company will give you access to learn in a real-world, Fortune 500 environment.

Hartford focuses on providing interns with relevant skills and core competencies. You will be mentored by seasoned IT professionals, and gain key insights into the evolving and fast-paced world of corporate infrastructure technology services.

The internship role allows you to be placed within high performing teams across our IT Service Management function. Your responsibilities as an intern in this company are;

• To learn “ServiceNow” platform, myTechExpress by shadowing developers and Business Analysts as they do their daily jobs. (Daily use of Java Scripting, Data integrations, ServiceNow orchestration, AI bot development, Workflow designer, and more)
• Complete online ServiceNow documentation and training material.
• Updating and Creating process documents, with help and guidance from Developer.
• Creating and running reports to help team trend their work, help with creating reports from the developer.
• Present gaps and issues to the team, help solution for process improvements as you learn what we do.
• Work with mTE team to come up with standards and help maintain standard coding practice documentation.

The eligibility requirements for this program are;

• Self-motivated with mature, professional and ethical conduct.
• Eager to learn new things and apply the information quickly to different situations.
• Excellent written and verbal communication and presentation skills.
• Ability to build and maintain relationships.
• Team-oriented and collaborative
• Analytical and decision-making abilities, problem-solving skills
• Effective time management and prioritization skills
• Focused on delivering a positive customer experience
• Ability to work with MS Office Products; including Skype, OneNote, PowerPoint, and Excel

Apply

#11. OSP Engineering

If you are a graduating high school student who will like to study engineering in college, OSP will lay a good foundation for your career. This program will expose you to various engineering software and tools. Your responsibility as an intern in OSP Engineering are;

• Prepare maps, schematic drawings, and other drafting work as assigned utilizing MTA’s CAD tools.
• Accompany and assists OSP Engineering personnel with information pertaining to work projects involving the maintenance and capital work required of MTA’s Outside Plant facilities, other information required.
• You will assist in the reproduction and data entry of drop field asbuilts, work orders, plats, and facility maps into the MTA Facility Management tool system of record.
• Assists OSP Engineering personnel in the research and collection of cable records, facility maps, permits/easements, and other data needed for the resolution of Held Service orders and preparation for Capital and Maintenance design work.
• Submits all work performed to assigned OSP Engineering personnel for review.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
• Ability to meet basic drafting/CAD requirements.
• Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relations with fellow employees.

The eligibility requirements for this program are;

• At least one year of high school drafting or one semester of CAD drafting experience.
• At least a Junior in High School.
• Knowledge of basic drafting and graphics procedures.
• Knowledge of basic CAD techniques.

Apply

#12. Sanford Health

Sanford Health will be a great option for interns interested in healthcare programs. It is one of the largest and fastest-growing not-for-profit health systems in the United States. Your will is to work under healthcare personnel and carry out the following roles;

• Assists in a clinical setting, based on the assigned department/team with delegated responsibilities.
• Complies with all patient safety-related duties assigned. 
• Performs clerical work related to scheduling and documenting.
• Cleans patient areas or treatment rooms.
• Attends training and development opportunities, learning about various processes and functions within the organization.

Eligibility;

• You must be currently attending high school and part of the pre-approved Sanford clinical internship program.
• Have knowledge of the healthcare industry.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office products.

Apply

Unpaid Internship Program For High School Students

Basically, an internship offers more than just stipends. It offers something of great value, unique, hands-on training opportunities.

So, you should pursue the pay, you should be more interested in what you will learn during the program. Below are some of the best Voluntary internship offers that highly rewarding;

• The United States Secret Service
• CASPER
• Shibaura Institute of Technology, Japan
• API Abroad
• Maximo Nivel

#13. United States Secret Service

The Secret Service Student Volunteer Service Program is designed to provide you with an understanding of the nature and structure of the U.S. Secret Service.

Basically, the program is structured to provide unpaid, academic-related work assignments that allow students to explore career options while developing personal and professional skills.

As a participant, you must be enrolled in school and are expected to volunteer at least 12 hours per week for at least one semester, two quarters or summer session.

However, students who work for the United States Secret Service gain valuable experiences while contributing to one of the world’s most elite law enforcement organizations.

To participate in this student volunteer service program, you must meet the following eligibility requirements prior to being considered/selected for the position.

• Be a U.S. Citizen
• Maintain a satisfactory academic record of a 2.5 or better cumulative grade point average
• Be at least 16 years of age at the time of appointment
• Be enrolled or accepted in an accredited educational institution (high school, technical school, college/university) during the upcoming semester or quarter
• Obtain an agreement from the academic institution to participate
• Not be a son or daughter of a current Secret Service employee

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#14. CASPER

Looking for a high school summer internship? The CASPER High School Scholars Program will provide selected local high school students an introduction into research within the Center.

The are HIDPL’s meso and nanoscale structure formation lab, diagnostics, laser, and accelerator labs to enable participants to attend seminars with CASPER leadership focusing on current topics in nanoscale physics, plasma physics or space science.

During the training, you will be grouped with work teams within CASPER’s Space Science Lab, Hypervelocity Impacts & Dusty Plasmas Lab, or the Astrophysics and Space Science Theory Group.

The eligibility criteria include;

• You must be current rising juniors and seniors enrolled in a local high school.
• Letters of recommendation.

Apply

#15. Shibaura Institute of Technology, Japan

If you are at least 16 years of age and have interests in the STEM subjects, you have to give this internship a second glance.

The Shibaura Institute of Technology (SIT)’s International High School Internship Program lasts for two weeks and is open to high school seniors.

This program will offer you the opportunity to participate in research opportunities. The research coursework will cover areas in materials and chemistry, mechanics, life sciences, electricity, electronics, information, construction, mathematical sciences, and design.

Apply

#16. API Abroad

Searching for high school summer internships students abroad programs, API Abroad may be the program provider for you.

API Abroad usually focuses on preparing students for the future with tailored internship programs, career advising, and an extensive and active alumni network waiting for you when you return home.

You will expose you to exciting programs in advertising, journalism. architecture, design, law, and psychology, as well as sports and veterinary science. 

In fact, you’ll have the chance to live abroad in another country and learn from other cultures and people.  To be eligible to apply, you must be a graduating high school student.

Apply

#17. Maximo Nivel

For those passionate about the Spanish language and Central and South American culture, Maximo Nivel internship is the program provider for you.

You’ll be fully immersed in the local culture, as well as have the opportunity to take regular Spanish classes so that you’ll be a fluent pro in no time. 

Internships include hospitality and tourism, business, human rights, special education, or even your very own customized internship. 

Apply

Frequently Asked Questions For Internships For High School Students

Conclusion

One of the ways to explore an interest in your career is Internship. High school students who enroll in Internships and summer programs have an edge over their mates who do not. Take advantage of our list of best internship programs. It will be of great benefit to you.

References

• internship.com
• indeed.com
• goabroad.com
• shemmassianconsulting.com
• collegeguide.org
• indeed.com

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