15 Amazing Internships for High School Students!

Want to stand out in your college applications and kickstart your dream career? You're in the right place.

High school internships are becoming increasingly crucial for college admissions - studies show that students with internship experience are 85% more likely to receive college acceptance letters than those without practical experience. Plus, 7 out of 10 employers now prefer candidates who started gaining real-world experience during high school.

But here's the exciting part: these aren't just resume boosters. These internships can help you discover your passion, build professional networks, and earn while learning. Some of these programs offer stipends ranging from $500 to $6000 per month - not bad for a summer job that could shape your future!

Let's dive into 15 incredible internship opportunities that could transform your high school journey and set you up for success.

1. NASA Internship Programs

About Internship: Imagine working alongside NASA scientists on real space missions! NASA's High School Internship Program lets you contribute to groundbreaking research in areas like robotics, space exploration, and aeronautics. You'll get hands-on experience with cutting-edge technology while being mentored by leading scientists and engineers. Projects range from helping design Mars rovers to analyzing data from space telescopes.

Stipend: $3,000 - $6,000 per month, depending on academic level and location

Dates: Multiple sessions throughout the year (Fall, Spring, and Summer)

Eligibility:

• U.S. citizenship required

• Must be 16 years or older

• Minimum GPA of 3.0

• Strong interest in STEM fields

Location: Multiple NASA centers across the United States

How to Apply:

• Visit NASA's internship portal at intern.nasa.gov

• Create a profile and complete all required sections

• Submit your transcript, resume, and a letter of recommendation

• Write a compelling personal statement about your interest in space exploration

• Apply to multiple positions to increase your chances

• Application deadlines: Fall (May 1), Spring (Oct 1), Summer (Mar 1)

2. Meta Summer Academy

About Internship: Meta's Summer Academy isn't just about coding - it's a deep dive into how technology shapes our world. You'll learn about product development, user experience design, and digital marketing while working on real projects that impact billions of users. The program includes mentorship from Meta employees, workshops on career development, and networking opportunities with other tech-passionate students.

Stipend: $5,000 for the summer program

Dates: 6-8 weeks during summer (June-August)

Eligibility:

• High school students aged 16+

• No coding experience required

• Must be eligible to work in the US

Location: Virtual and various Meta offices (Menlo Park, NYC, Seattle)

How to Apply:

• Visit metasummeracademy.com during the application window

• Complete the online application form

• Submit your resume and academic records

• Write essays about your interest in technology and future goals

• Optional: Include links to any coding projects or relevant work

• Applications typically open in January for summer programs

3. Warner Bros. Discovery Reach Honorship Program

About Internship: Get a behind-the-scenes look at how your favorite shows and movies come to life! This program offers rotations through different departments including production, marketing, and digital media. You'll work on real entertainment projects, attend exclusive screenings, and learn from industry professionals who shape popular culture.

Stipend: $3,000 - $4,000 for the summer program

Dates: 8 weeks during summer

Eligibility:

• High school juniors and seniors

• Strong academic record

• Interest in media and entertainment

• Diverse backgrounds encouraged to apply

Location: Multiple US locations

How to Apply:

• Visit the WBD careers website

• Select "Reach Honorship Program" under internships

• Submit your resume, transcript, and two letters of recommendation

• Complete a creative project showcasing your interest in media

• Prepare for a potential video interview

• Applications open in November for summer positions

4. Emma Bowen Foundation Summer Internship

About Internship: This isn't just a summer job - it's a career launcher in media and technology. The Emma Bowen Foundation partners with leading media companies to provide paid internships focused on media, technology, and innovation. You'll gain hands-on experience in broadcasting, digital media, or corporate operations while building a professional network that can support your future career.

Stipend: Competitive hourly wage (varies by location)

Dates: Multi-year program, summers throughout college

Eligibility:

• High school seniors and college students

• GPA of 3.0 or higher

• Students of color strongly encouraged to apply

• Interest in media and communications

Location: Various media companies across the US

How to Apply:

• Visit emmabowenfoundation.org

• Create an account on their application portal

• Submit academic transcripts and resume

• Provide two letters of recommendation

• Write essays about your media career interests

• Applications typically open in October

5. Spark Summer Mentorship Program (SPARK SMP)

About Internship: SPARK SMP connects you with professionals in your dream career field. Whether you're interested in healthcare, engineering, arts, or business, you'll be paired with a mentor who'll guide you through real workplace projects. The program focuses on building both professional skills and personal confidence, helping you discover your potential while exploring different career paths.

Stipend: Unpaid, but provides valuable experience and mentorship

Dates: 8-week summer program

Eligibility:

• 7th-12th grade students

• Priority given to underserved communities

• No minimum GPA requirement

Location: San Francisco, Los Angeles, Chicago, and Philadelphia

How to Apply:

• Visit sparksmp.org/apply

• Complete the online student profile

• Submit a parent/guardian consent form

• Write a short essay about your career interests

• Attend an information session (recommended)

• Rolling applications until spots are filled

6. Porsche Career Orientation Internship

About Internship: Get ready to rev up your career at one of the world's most prestigious automotive companies! This internship gives you hands-on experience in automotive engineering, design, marketing, and business operations. You'll work alongside Porsche professionals, learning about everything from vehicle mechanics to luxury brand management.

Stipend: $15-18 per hour

Dates: Summer program (June-August)

Eligibility:

• High school juniors and seniors

• Strong interest in automotive industry or engineering

• Valid driver's permit/license preferred

Location: Atlanta, GA

How to Apply:

• Visit Porsche's careers website

• Select "Student Programs" section

• Submit resume and academic records

• Include a cover letter explaining your interest in automotive industry

• Provide driver's license information if applicable

• Applications open in January for summer positions

7. George Mason University's Aspiring Scientists Summer Internship Program

About Internship: Work on real scientific research projects in state-of-the-art laboratories! This program pairs you with university researchers in fields like bioengineering, chemistry, and environmental science. You'll learn professional research methods, present your findings at a symposium, and potentially contribute to published scientific papers - impressive additions to your college applications!

Stipend: Unpaid, but offers college credits

Dates: 6-8 weeks during summer

Eligibility:

• High school juniors and seniors

• Strong academic performance in science courses

• Demonstrated interest in scientific research

Location: Fairfax, VA

How to Apply:

• Visit the ASSIP website at science.gmu.edu/assip

• Complete the online application

• Submit transcript and two teacher recommendations

• Write a research interest statement

• Include relevant coursework and projects

• Application deadline typically in February

8. ASPIRE by Johns Hopkins University

About Internship: Dream of a career in medicine? ASPIRE puts you right in the heart of one of the world's leading medical institutions. You'll work alongside researchers and medical professionals, gaining hands-on experience in laboratory research, clinical operations, and healthcare innovation. The program includes mentoring from medical students and opportunities to observe medical procedures.

Stipend: Unpaid, but provides valuable research experience

Dates: 8 weeks during summer

Eligibility:

• High school sophomores and juniors

• Strong academic record

• Interest in medical sciences

• Local Baltimore area residents preferred

Location: Baltimore, MD

How to Apply:

• Visit the Johns Hopkins ASPIRE website

• Complete the online application form

• Submit your transcript and test scores

• Provide two teacher recommendations (one from a science teacher)

• Write a personal statement about your interest in medicine

• Include any relevant volunteer or research experience

• Applications typically open in December for summer positions

9. BMW Rising Scholar

About Internship: Experience German engineering excellence firsthand! This program offers rotations through various departments at BMW's largest manufacturing facility outside Germany. You'll learn about advanced manufacturing processes, quality control, and business operations while working on real projects that impact BMW's production line.

Stipend: $15-17 per hour

Dates: Summer program with potential for extension

Eligibility:

• High school juniors and seniors

• Must be 16 years or older

• Interest in automotive industry or manufacturing

• Local South Carolina residents preferred

Location: Spartanburg, SC

How to Apply:

• Visit BMW Group's careers portal

• Select "Rising Scholar Program" under student opportunities

• Submit your resume and academic records

• Include a cover letter explaining your interest in automotive manufacturing

• Provide proof of residence if applying from South Carolina

• Complete a basic technical assessment

• Applications typically open in January

10. Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) Scholars Program

About Internship: Want to work on cutting-edge aerospace technology? The AFRL Scholars Program lets you contribute to real military research projects. You'll work alongside scientists and engineers on advanced technologies like autonomous systems, hypersonic vehicles, and artificial intelligence applications. This internship provides incredible exposure to both civilian and military career paths in aerospace.

Stipend: $3,000 - $5,000 per month

Dates: 8-12 weeks during summer

Eligibility:

• U.S. citizenship required

• Must be 16 years or older

• Minimum GPA of 3.0

• Strong interest in STEM fields

Location: Multiple AFRL locations across the US

How to Apply:

• Visit the AFRL Scholars website

• Create an account on the application portal

• Submit official transcripts and citizenship documentation

• Provide two letters of recommendation

• Write a statement of research interests

• Complete security clearance forms if required

• Application deadline typically in December

11. Microsoft High School Internship Program

About Internship: Microsoft's program offers high school students a chance to work on real software development projects and learn about cutting-edge technologies like cloud computing, AI, and gaming. You'll be mentored by Microsoft engineers while developing your coding skills and understanding of software development lifecycle. The program includes coding workshops, project presentations, and networking events.

Stipend: $4,000 - $5,500 per month

Dates: 12-week summer program

Eligibility:

• Open to international students

• High school students aged 16+

• Basic programming knowledge preferred

• Strong academic performance

Location: Multiple locations including Hyderabad and Bangalore (India), Redmond (US)

How to Apply:

• Visit Microsoft Careers website and search for "Discovery Program"

• Create a profile on Microsoft's career portal

• Submit your resume and academic transcripts

• Complete coding assessment (if required)

• Write essays about your interest in technology

• Include links to any coding projects or GitHub profile

• Applications typically open in September for summer positions

12. Tata STEP (Student Training and Exposure Program)

About Internship: A prestigious program by one of India's largest conglomerates, STEP offers exposure to various industries including IT, engineering, and business operations. Interns work on live projects across different Tata companies while learning about corporate culture and professional development. The program includes leadership workshops and mentoring sessions with senior executives.

Stipend: ₹10,000 - ₹15,000 per month

Dates: 2-month summer program

Eligibility:

• Open to Indian high school students (11th and 12th grade)

• Strong academic record

• Good communication skills

• All streams (Science, Commerce, Arts) eligible

Location: Multiple locations across India

How to Apply:

• Visit the Tata Motors careers portal

• Navigate to the STEP application section

• Submit academic records and standardized test scores

• Include a resume and letter of recommendation

• Write essays about your career goals

• Complete an aptitude test

• Applications typically open in December

13. ISRO Young Scientist Programme (YUVIKA)

About Internship: The Indian Space Research Organisation's youth program offers a unique opportunity to learn about space science and technology. Participants work on space research projects, interact with leading scientists, and get hands-on experience with satellite technology and rocket science. The program includes visits to ISRO facilities and participation in space mission planning sessions.

Stipend: Fully funded program with accommodation

Dates: 2 weeks during summer vacation

Eligibility:

• Indian students in 9th grade

• Academic excellence in science subjects

• Selection based on academic performance and regional representation

• Merit-based selection process

Location: Various ISRO centers across India

How to Apply:

• Visit the ISRO YUVIKA portal

• Register and create an account

• Submit academic records and certificates

• Complete the online application form

• Provide proof of residence and age

• Applications typically open in February

• Selection is based on a merit system considering academic performance and geographic representation

14. Google Code-in

About Internship: Though not a traditional internship, this global online program lets high school students contribute to real open-source projects. You'll work with mentors from various software organizations, learn about software development, and build your coding portfolio. Tasks range from coding and testing to documentation and user interface design.

Stipend: Prizes and potential travel opportunities for winners

Dates: Several months during winter (typically October-December)

Eligibility:

• Open to international students

• Ages 13-17

• No prior coding experience required

• Internet access and computer required

Location: Virtual (Remote)

How to Apply:

• Visit the Google Code-in website during the contest period

• Create an account and complete your profile

• Browse available tasks and organizations

• Select tasks that match your interests and skills

• Submit your work for review by mentors

• Keep track of deadlines for task submission

• Program typically runs during winter months

15. Weekend Virtual Academies & Summer Virtual Academies

• About: Online boot camps (12 or 20 hours) in business, pre-med, government, and coding, led by Harvard students.

• Eligibility: Open to high school students worldwide.

• Application Deadline: Rolling admissions.

• Cost: Starting at $395 for Weekend Academies; financial aid available.

• Dates:
  Weekend Virtual Academies: 12 hours across two weekends.

  Summer Virtual Academies: Weeklong, 20-hour program held in June, July, and August.

Lets Unbound, in partnership with Harvard Student Agencies (HSA), offers Weekend and Summer Virtual Academies designed to immerse high school students in dynamic fields like business, pre-med, government, and coding. Programs feature engaging live sessions via Zoom, led by Harvard students, with interactive lectures, hands-on activities, and a final project presentation.

Participants gain valuable skills, connect with peers from around the globe, and receive a prestigious certification endorsed by Lets Unbound and HSA. These academies provide a unique global learning experience at an affordable price.

On-Campus Option: For a more immersive experience, On-Campus Summer Academies are held on Harvard’s campus, running Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM–5:00 PM, from June to August.

Final Thoughts

Ready to take your first step toward an amazing career? Remember, these internships aren't just about adding a line to your resume - they're about discovering your passion, building professional networks, and gaining real-world experience that will set you apart in college applications and beyond.

Start your application process early - many of these programs have deadlines 6-8 months before the internship begins. Make sure to highlight your genuine interest in the field, any relevant coursework or projects, and what unique perspective you can bring to the program.

Your future starts with that first internship application. Good luck!

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Amol & Nishant,

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