High school students are also eligible for internships through formal programs or as summer volunteers. The internships vary in department and can include fundraising, educational program development, research, collections management, and exhibition development. Some internships also offer funding or academic credit through the educational institution. The Field Museum offers both paid and unpaid internships, and interns can expect to work alongside other interns, scientists, and researchers. Interns also receive free admission to the museum and other area museums and cultural institutions. Specific summer internship programs include the Women in Science Internships, the Chicago Green Ambassadors Program, the Digital Learning Internships, and the Walder Foundation Internships. Ongoing internship opportunities are listed on the museum's career page and can vary in time and department.
1150 Amsterdam Ave, New York, NY 10027, New York Freshman+ Unpaid
Enroll in an intensive pre-college course, designed to challenge and engage high-achieving students in a supportive environment. Choose from over 70 courses in a dozen subject areas. Study alongside a cohort of like-minded students from all over the world. Experience college life while discovering one of the world's great cities. Attend college success events to prepare for the academic rigors of university life. Earn a Columbia University Certification of Participation and an instructor evaluation.
UPWARDS High School Summer Research Training Program
Houston, Texas Senior+ Unpaid
This 10-week training program is aimed at underserved high school students and seeks to introduce them to STEM-related academic and career paths. Students take part in a full-time (40 hours a week) research experience at MD Anderson Cancer Center while gaining real-world lab experience and earning a stipend of up to $6,800. Participants also engage in classroom activities, receive mentoring, get college and career guidance, and perform outreach.
University of Mississippi, Mississippi Sophomore+ Unpaid
The Rebel Research Scholars program is designed for high school students who are interested in pursuing a career in science, technology, engineering or mathematics (STEM). This program offers hands-on, faculty-led research experiences in a university laboratory setting. Students will spend about seven hours each day conducting research and use cutting-edge technologies to explore the sciences under the guidance and mentorship of experienced research faculty. When not in the lab, students will also have the opportunity to experience college life on campus with other high school summer programs as part of the Summer College for High School Students (SCHS) program. The programs are highly competitive and students must meet minimum admission requirements for credit or non-credit research experiences. The summer program is divided into two sessions, each lasting around one month, and limited financial aid is available.
1450 Central Ave. Los Alamos, NM 87545, New Mexico Junior+ Unpaid
The Summer High School Internship Program provides qualified northern New Mexico high school seniors the opportunity to develop skills and gain work experience, while receiving exposure to a variety of career fields. Students who participate in this program have the opportunity to intern during the summer, prior to beginning their senior year of high school.
High School Foundations Summer Internship program is a highly competitive and rigorous program designed for high school students to gain real-world experience and insights into various careers. Over the course of several weeks during the summer, interns participate in a range of learning opportunities, such as workshops, lectures, and hands-on projects, that are designed to deepen their understanding of fields like business, medicine, law, engineering, and the arts. Interns work closely with professionals in their areas of interest, participate in team-building activities, and receive mentorship from experienced advisors to guide their personal and professional growth. Overall, this internship program provides a valuable opportunity for high school students to explore potential careers and build the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in future endeavors.
1451 Stadium Rd, Brookings, SD 57007, South Dakota Freshman+ Unpaid
The TRIO Upward Bound program at South Dakota State University aims to increase college enrollment and graduation rates for students from low-income households and/or those who would be the first in their families to attend college. The program provides academic support, emotional encouragement, and assistance with the college application and financial aid process to help students overcome social barriers to higher education. In addition to after-school tutoring, academic instruction, and cultural enrichment activities, Upward Bound seeks to reinforce core values of respect, personal accountability, and development of self-esteem. The program is funded by the United States Department of Education, and it reflects SDSU's mission to provide services that result in a well-rounded student.
9 Wyckoff St #1, Brooklyn, NY 11201, New York Freshman+ Unpaid
BKYSC assists Brooklyn youth in their pursuit of college enrollment using basketball as the hook for academic engagement and character development. Whether for high school or college, summer or school year, we offer an intense and rewarding internship experience. There are many different areas within our program that can accommodate interns: academics, athletics, fundraising, social media, design, administration and more.
Office of Police Accountability and Transparency internships
Massachusetts Freshman+ Unpaid
Are you in high school and looking for an internship? We're hiring full-time summer interns and part-time school-year interns. Key responsibilities include engaging on important social justice issues around police reform that impact the community. Participate in OPAT's Youth Advisory Council.
The DoSeum offers unique internship experiences that give students the opportunity to expand their skills, gain workplace experience, and grow their network in a fun and creative environment where joyful learning is front and center.
40 Washington Sq. South, New York, NY 10012, New York Freshman+ Unpaid
The New York University High School Law Institute (“HSLI”) is a student-run organization that serves talented and motivated high school students throughout New York City. Alongside our sister program at Columbia Law School, we offer free, yearlong academic programming in constitutional law, criminal law, and speech and debate on Saturdays from 10 AM to 1 PM.
1 Waterfront Pl, Morgantown, WV 26501-5978, West Virginia Freshman+ Unpaid
Upward Bound is an educational opportunity and college access program funded by the U.S. Department of Education. WVU Upward Bound provides school year and summer programs and services to help students develop the skills and motivation necessary to achieve their goals, do well in high school, and enroll in and graduate from college. The program has been continuously funded since 2007.
Innovation, Entrepreneurship, and the Science of Smart Cities (ieSoSC)
New York Freshman+ Unpaid
Accelerate your STEM skills and dive deeper into the science behind urban infrastructure with Innovation, Entrepreneurship, and the Science of Smart Cities (ieSoSC). ieSoSC is a follow-up to the Science of Smart Cities program for middle school students; it is designed for high school students to take their skills in computer science, engineering and technology to a new level and gain hands-on experience designing prototypes for smart city solutions.
Youth Congress is an organization that allows teenagers to experience and gain independence and leadership through paid internships. These internships range from office work to assistance in camp programs to assisting someone who works in a highly ranked job such as marketing. The program is for high school youth, ages 14-18 and is a summer long commitment of 60 hrs. Teens will have a options of setting their own hours with their mentor.
STEM Enhancement in Earth Science (SEES) Summer High School Intern Program
United States, Texas Junior+ Unpaid
Drawing on this interdisciplinary expertise—and extensive experience designing educational programs for high school learners—we developed the AIMI Summer Research Internship to provide a rigorous, high-impact introduction to AI in health and medicine. The program is designed to train and inspire the next generation of innovators through mentored research, technical learning, and exposure to real clinical challenges.
Atlantic County Office of Workforce Development 2 S Main St., 2nd Floor Pleasantville, NJ 08232, New Jersey Junior+ Unpaid
Ages 16-24 to assist local businesses 25 hours per week for 8 weeks between June and August. Earn $16/hour and up to $3,200 for the summer while gaining valuable job experience.
The UCLA Health Volunteen Summer Program is a volunteer program designed for high school students interested in gaining clinical exposure and experiencing various aspects of the hospital environment. Once accepted into the program, volunteers have the opportunity to work in critical areas such as patient transport, wayfinding, and floating. Volunteer shifts are available seven days a week, with a minimum commitment of 50 hours. Volunteers must be at least 16 years old, have a valid ID, and be fully vaccinated for COVID-19. The program also requires proof of immunity for varicella, MMR, and TB. The application process involves attending a mandatory information session, submitting required forms and documents, and attending an in-person orientation.
676 North St. Clair Street Arkes Suite 2330 Chicago IL 60611, Illinois Sophomore+ Unpaid
The Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care’s Kimberly Querrey Summer Research Program offers a six- to eight-week paid, competitive research experience at Northwestern University for rising high school juniors and seniors and undergraduate college/university students interested in the biological sciences. Our program combines intensive research training with support for students’ academic and professional development. Many of our program’s alumni pursue a BS or PhD degree in the biological sciences, while others go to medical school.
A paid career exploration program for Boston girls entering ninth grade where interns explore careers in Boston’s economic engine neighborhoods and learn to earn! Weekly seminars and explorations of career fields where women are underrepresented blend to build career knowledge, self-confidence and an awareness of the myriad of career opportunities available to youth just a short distance from home in some of Boston’s fastest growing downtown neighborhoods.
225 Baker St NW, Atlanta, GA 30313, Georgia Sophomore+ Unpaid
If you have a passion for aquatic ecosystems and a talent of engaging with people, Georgia Aquarium’s Beginner Environmental Leadership Program is for you. Open to all high school students aged 15-17, this program is dedicated to empowering teens to become tomorrow’s leaders in environmental conservation. The Beginner Environmental Leadership Program runs three times a year and will last for four months. Teens may volunteer on any day during the summer and on breaks and weekends throughout the school year.
1 Museum Of Science Driveway, Boston, MA 02114, Massachusetts Freshman+ Unpaid
The Museum of Science in Boston offers internship opportunities for individuals who are interested in working in a museum environment. Interns work on various projects, including science education and behind-the-scenes work. The program offers internships for one of three trimesters: fall, winter/spring, and summer. Applicants can be between the ages of 14 up in high school, college-level freshmen, sophomores, juniors, and seniors, as well as graduate students. The program also provides a summer youth internship program for teens. The Museum offers paid and unpaid positions, depending on the internship, and any internship can be done for course credit, provided that the educational institution allows it. The program offers weekly professional development workshops, free admission to the museum's exhibit halls, facilities visits to nearby cultural institutions, and discounts on museum store and café.
3700 O St NW, Washington, DC 20057, Washington, DC Sophomore+ Unpaid
The Biotechnology for Science & Health Academy is designed to provide students with a scientific background the opportunity to conduct experiments to illuminate the role that Biotechnology plays in the fields of Health and Science. Background information and concepts are presented in a lecture format and students then conduct hands-on laboratory exercises to demonstrate the concepts. Students will experience cloning a gene and analyzing the resulting product, examining the role of DNA and protein diagnostics in modern healthcare, how DNA is used in forensics and several other applications of Biotechnology in a variety of industries. This course will also include applications of Biotechnology in current industries including Medicine and Health, Forensics, Agriculture and Food Science, and Basic Scientific Research.
1040 Grand Concourse, The Bronx, NY 10456, New York Freshman+ Unpaid
Teen Summer is a four-week paid internship for high school students (age 14-19) creating a collaborative exploration of art, community, and the role of museums in our current time. Students also reflect on their personal relationships to arts and culture, which culminates into a media and art exhibition.
Teen Council is a four-month paid internship for New York City high school students (ages 14-19), offered in both the fall and the spring. Created in 2005, Teen Council offers opportunities for young people to engage deeply with contemporary art and the museum space. In this intensive after-school program, teens discuss and express ideas and create art relating to issues affecting young people today. Participants also gain experience in collaboration, communication, and curation. Teens may participate in one or both sessions each year.