Are you a high school student looking for internship opportunities? You have practically come to the end of your search. We have listed some of the best internships and summer opportunities for high school students. You will also find paid and free summer internships open to students at different levels of study.
Summer high school internships for high school students are a great way to help students gain work experience, learn about opportunities in a professional way, and network within academic fields and careers. This article will focus on describing what internship program is all about, and how to find them and, we’ll list the top 15 internship programs you might want to get into as a high school student.
Stay Informed Group is not only committed to providing scholarship information for students. Our team is also committed to providing global opportunities for students who might be interested in any of them. Therefore it’s important to always come back to see the opportunities we have, ranging from scholarship opportunities, internship opportunities, and other academic opportunities that might interest you.
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What is an Internship?
A summer internship program or a regular one is associated with introductory work experience in a very professional career field. It is sometimes paid, though usually at the lowest end of the pay scale, and it is sometimes unpaid.
The basic aim of an internship program is to help The Intern gain experience and insight into a particular field while performing a few functional works in exchange for the experience he or she gains.
For example, if you have an opportunity to do your internship program in a research Lab, most times you will not work right into the hands-on lab work, but you will start with a few things like, cleaning the lab and also maybe entering data in spreadsheets.
Though this might be tedious. The benefits are it offers you the opportunity to have a connection with the people who work there already and also learn about the daily functioning of the work site, and ultimately gives you the idea of whether or not you should seek a career in that particular field or not.
Before High School Summer Internships Program
Before you invest the commitment to a high school summer internship program or just about any high school internship program you must make sure that you are clear on what you expect, and have a good view of the time and energy commitment required, including the length and responsibilities of the Internship program. And finally, whether or not you’ll be getting anything in return.
Some unpaid internship programs might offer you order gigs like travel reimbursement, free classes; and even housing. You must also be sure that you understand the responsibilities required of you and that you are comfortable meeting those responsibilities no matter what the situation might be.
You must understand that high school summer internship programs are not basically about any money but it is more about gaining needed experience and networking as regards a particular field of study. This applies to any other type of internship program
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Can I Get Internships for High School?
The answer is YES. In a bid to offer young students the opportunity to gain experience in the field they want to study, many organizations offer summer internship programs to high school students. As proof of this, we have researched the best internship programs for high school students to check out, which are contained in this list.
Internship programs are a good way to break into fields that seem to be difficult. For students who are interested in gaining experience in research, law, medicine and other professional careers that need an advanced degree, internships are a great way to gain some insights and experience without the commitment of a degree.
It will help you come to terms with what the field is all about and also forge very important connections with individuals who might ultimately recommend you or even offer you a job. If you have time on your hand I think an internship is a good opportunity to explore.
Benefits of High School Internships
Traditionally, individuals consider internships as opportunities for only college students. But they can be a nice opportunity for High School Graduating students as well!
Here are some advantages of finishing an internship program in high school:
- You’ll learn more about a career (or careers), which can help you solidify your plans for the future. You can use this acquired knowledge in future courses and at future jobs.
- You gain hands-on experience that can be valuable for future employers.
- Being able to identify your strengths and weaknesses in a work environment will give you a jumpstart when it comes to your personal and professional development.
- Networking with employers and leaders in your career field of interest permits you to create valuable relationships that will jumpstart your career later.
- An Internship program is valuable to not just future employers, but to colleges and universities as well. This shows that you’re motivated, dedicated, and genuinely interested in your chosen field.
- If it’s a paid internship, you’ll earn a paycheck. You can use the check for extra spending money or even to help you save for college.
Not every internship is perfect. At the barest least, internships allow you to explore alternative career choices and see you react to other styles of management.
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How to Find Internships
If you’re curious about finding a high school summer internship program or any other internship position, begin by checking at your study school.
Many schools have programs that facilitate students to discover internships, or maybe a counsellor will offer an inventory of places where different students have had notably nice experiences as interns.
You can also make a list of companies you’re interested in learning more about.
Then contact these companies, either by email, phone, or in person, and ask if they have internships for students in high school and the way you’ll be able to apply.
You may need to be persistent in your outreach when inquiring about internship openings.
A lack of response to an email or phone call doesn’t equate to a “no” just yet.
Take an additional step and follow up each seven to ten business days.
When a corporation says they don’t have internships obtainable, fear not.
If you’re open to an unpaid internship, mention that in case they don’t want to pay interns (but don’t want to explicitly state that).
This could encourage them to reconsider your application.
A Google search can also yield helpful information. Try looking for “Internships close to your town],” “Internships for high school students,” or, “Internships in the career field of interest.”
Although internships are progressively obtainable for students in High School, many are offered exclusively to college students, so try the first two options before turning to an Internet search.
You may also want to check out internship.com, where you can search for high school internships by location.
What are The Best Internships for High School Students?
Now that you just recognize the fundamentals of high school internships, we’ll share some of the best internships available for your age group.
While a number of these internships are accessible for college students across the country, others are location-dependent.
As you browse this list, bear in mind that the best possible internship position for you may be one that matches your educational interests and future career goals.
Bank of America’s Student Leaders Program
Through the proactiveness of the Student Leaders Program, 225 students who are community-minded and are high school juniors and seniors are effectively connected with paid summer internships at native nonprofits.
Selected interns are required to attend a national leadership summit in Washington, D.C.
If you’re a leader or pacesetter with a passion for developing and improving your community, you would possibly be an excellent fit for this internship position.
Applications open up in the fall that precedes the summer you’re applying for.
You’ll require a recommendation letter from a tutor, teacher, headmaster, counsellor, or administrator at your High School.
Microsoft High School Internship
Microsoft’s internship for high school students program permits students to be taught about computer science and computer programming
However, if you want to participate in this program, you should:
- Be comfortable with email and Microsoft Office
- Have a working knowledge of HTML
- Be willing to work full-time (40 hours per week) for 10 weeks
- Provide a letter of recommendation and a resume
- Live in the Western Washington state area or be able to move
If you want a STEM field-related internship and have a passion for computers, Microsoft might be just the place for you to explore!
NASA Fall, Spring and Summer Internships for High School Students
NASA’s internship program is arguably another level of exciting opportunity for students who are interested in the STEM disciplines. The program offers students “unique NASA-related research opportunities and operational experiences.”
It provides you with the opportunity to work with a mentor and at the same time contribute to the operation of a NASA facility, advancing the NASA missions
NASA interns must:
- Be 16 or older by the start of the internship
- Be a U.S. citizen
- Have a minimum GPA of 3.0 on the 4.0 scale
Currently, internships are offered during the summer, fall, and spring.
Student Research Internship Program at the Scripps Translational Science Institute
High school students who are highly motivated and interested in translational research and genomic/genetic studies may apply for an internship position at Scripps Translational Science Institute (STSI).
Interns learn and work with and multi-disciplinary team of sophisticated scientists, plus “internationally renowned investigators in the areas of computational biology, genomics, and health research.”
The program aims to prepare young scientists to become future leaders in the translational science field.
You’ll work in a lab and be assigned a mentor based on your interests.
You will attend seminars every week, develop a research project independently, and ultimately present your research.
To qualify, you’ll need to:
- Be 16 or older
- Complete a background check and drug screening (if 18 or older)
- Commit to a minimum of 8 weeks with the program
Aristotle Circle Marketing and Communications Internship
If you’re interested in a journalism or marketing career you may want to consider an internship program with Aristotle Circle.
Interns write regular articles and report on the company’s blog, pitch ideas and topics, update social media and work closely with the marketing manager. Interns who can perform well are most times asked to produce full-length features, and their work will be promoted in the newsletter of the company.
Subjects on the blog are mostly academic-related. Therefore you’ll also have the rare opportunity to interview to learn and interview professionals of admissions from a variety of universities.
Applicants must:
- Be a high school junior or first-semester senior
- Write a letter concerning where you attend high school, what grade you are currently in, what days you are available, and why you’re interested in the internship position
- Provide writing samples
Hutton Junior Fisheries Biology Program
The Hutton J.F.B. program is known to be “a paid summer mentoring program aiming to educate and at the same time inspire high school students about management and fisheries science.”
The program is sponsored by the American Fisheries Society (AFS), it matches selected high school students with mentors who will provide hands-on with fisheries science in a fresh and/or marine setting.
High school students who complete the program will get a $4,000 scholarship.
Interns will be matched with appropriate mentors in their area and also take fish population surveys, establish fish habitat and aquatic vegetation, assist with snorkel, and children’s education programs, test water quality, examine specimens under a microscope, and much more.
Particularly the program is interested in groups underrepresented in the profession of Fishery including women and minorities
Applicants must:
- Be willing to work 40 hours weekly
- Participate in the program for a minimum of 8 weeks
- Submit transcripts and a letter of recommendation
The Smithsonian summer internships for high school students
The Smithsonian’s regular and summer internships for high school students offer a wide variety of opportunities including internship programs in areas such as art history, public administration, natural history, visitor services, human resources, and much more
You are allowed to apply to a particular opportunity or the General Smithsonian Internship Pool (if you don’t know anyone to choose from).
The program is very competitive. Therefore be sure to only apply to any opportunity that you are interested in.
interns get a hands-on learning experience carefully guided by a mentor and they might be appointed for about 6 months.
If the internship experience goes well the company might reappoint you for additional time.
Applicants must:
- be 14 or older
- students under the age of 18 need signed permission from a parent/guardian
- live near or be able to move to Washington, D.C. This is where the internship work will take place
The Constitutional Rights Foundation
In a bid to instil in our youth a deeper understanding of Citizenship via value values expressed in the Constitution of our country and the bills of rights and educate young people to become responsible and active participants in our Society, The Constitutional Rights Foundation offers this Internship program.
Through CRF’s Expanding Horizons Internship opportunity, college-bound first-generation high school students in the USA, Los Angeles area are placed in paid summer internships at local corporations, law firms, nonprofits, or government agencies.
The internship does not cater to any particular subject— rather interns are just placed according to individual skills and interests.
Applicants must:
- Submit two recommendation letters and a transcript
- Write an essay
- Live in the Los Angeles area
- Provide proof of participation in the Reduced/Free Meals Program
- Complete interviews
- Students who are selected for this internship position will also get free SAT prep and receive advice from experts concerning college admissions.
South Middlesex Opportunity Council
If you’re settled within the Massachusetts area and you love working in social/human services, you would possibly like to intern at the SMOC
SMOC is situated in Framingham, Massachusetts and seeks to “improve the standard of living of low-income and underprivileged people and families by advocating for what they want and rights; providing services;
educating the community; building a community of support; participating in coalitions with other advocates and searching for new resources and partnerships.”
High school students can apply for internships in areas including behavioural healthcare, nutrition services, childcare, homelessness and community services, and more.
Interns generally work five to twenty hours per week, however, additional hours are most times organized as required.
To be accepted into the program, candidates must:
- Be approved by their high school
- Earn credit for participating.
- Complete a background check.
New-York Historical Society
The opportunity is open to sophomores, juniors, and seniors.
Interns meet with skilled employees to be tutored concerning careers in museum, library, and history fields, develop their public speaking and leadership skills and engage in hands-on work that deepens their understanding of American history and art.
It is available throughout the academic year and Summer
Applicants must:
- Live in and attend school in the NYC metro area
- Have parent/guardian consent
- Submit applications and letters of recommendation, as well as an interview if requested
- Internships are not paid, however eligible candidates for free of charge or reduced lunch at their school may receive a regular payment.
- This is a nice opportunity for students in high school who are interested in art, research, history
- Accepted students and unpaid will get community service hours or school credit for his/her work school credit
Other List of High School Internships
This list contains other important, free, paid, and fully funded internship programs for high school students. For further information, all you need to do is copy the name of the internship program, paste it on Google and you will get more information concerning any particular internship program on this list.
Adler Planetarium Summer High School Internships program
If you stay within the Chicago area and you like the skyline view. You might be interested to check out the internship position at the Adler Planetarium. Interested students in stem-related fields can apply for this internship program to start building their resume as early as 14 years of age
Heartspring
These opportunities are for students in Wichita KS interested in special education. This is an organization that has been helping families and their children go through challenges arising from special needs.
In this internship position, you can observe classrooms just for a few hours at a time and also learn strategies in special education
Maryland State Archives
This opportunity is for Maryland high school students who want to apply to work at the state archives. This internship program allows the students to manage the Maryland Day archival collection in the same process learn about the history of Maryland
If you are savvy with computers, then this is an opportunity to utilize those skills.
Global Internship Program for Unemployed Youth
As the unemployment threat arises the Legacy Alcoa Foundation founded a special internship program to aid youth in gaining enough practical skills to help them in the workforce.
The Global Internship Program helps place students with an organization that is non-profit in the manufacturing sector to offer them an opportunity to gain the crucial experience needed to launch a career in the field.
Studio Museum in Harlem Internship
New York City high school students who are interested in learning about what goes on behind what is seen at a museum are welcome to apply for an internship position at the Studio Museum.
You will gain experience and get to know what it feels like to work at a museum with the help of meetings, and workshops, and participate in visits to represent the museum and some institutions.
Projects Abroad
Imagine how it would be to say that you had an internship abroad before the end of your high school studies.
With projects abroad, you will take part in an internship position offered in one of many countries and academic fields including civil rights, business, Healthcare, and more.
A good number of opportunities are offered only to High school-aged students, therefore you know you’ll be able to connect with other fellow students at the Internship with you.
Shibaura Institute of Technology
If you are not getting enough in your classroom you can consider becoming a research intern for a summer in Japan. This internship opportunity is open to only high school students around the world, therefore it is a great opportunity to go deeper into a STEM topic that interests you, you’ll have the opportunity to learn more about diverse cultures.
Immediately after you complete your junior year in school you are qualified for this two-week internship program at Tokyo’s Shibaura Institute of Technology.
Young Innovators summer internships for high school students
Students with the zeal of becoming scientists or have the ambition to work in Healthcare have the chance to work together with graduate students and faculty on research taking place at the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill in this field.
The Internship program will take 8 weeks and it is available for high school sophomores, seniors, and juniors who reside in North Carolina
Kokosing Construction Company
If you can build it, they will come. That’s true for High school students who are interested in construction management and construction.
The Kokosing Construction Company, situated in Ohio, offers internship positions to high school students to allow them to access hands-on experience in many aspects of the industry.
MassMutual Summer Internships for High School Students
MassMutual provides some internship opportunities every summer for students in high school in various departments of the company.
Whether you’re stellar at balancing a chequebook or coding or balancing a chequebook, an opportunity to work at MassMutual could be available for you.
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