The Ultimate Guide to High School Internships: Top 10 Internship Programs for 2025

Remember when you were a kid, dreaming about what you’d be when you grew up? Well, the future is closer than you think, and high school is the perfect time to start turning those dreams into reality. Finding a solid internship can feel overwhelming—where do you even begin? But don’t stress. We’ve done the hard work for you and compiled a list of the most prestigious and rewarding internship programs designed for high school students. Let’s explore the best opportunities to kick-start your career and set you up for success.

Why Internships Matter in High School

Before we explore specific programs, understand that high school internships can be transformative experiences. They offer:

• Hands-on experience in real professional environments

• Early exposure to potential career paths

• Valuable additions to college applications

• Networking opportunities with industry professionals

• Development of crucial professional skills

• Bringing the X-factor to your applications

Let's explore each program in detail:

1. BetterMind Labs AI/ML Certification Program

A Gateway to the Future of Technology

BetterMind Labs offers a unique virtual internship experience that combines learning with practical application. What makes this program special is its accessibility and personalisation.

Program Details:

• Location: 100% Virtual

• Duration: 8-week intensive program

• Fee Applicable: (Financial Aid available)

• Eligibility: Open to students grade 8 and above
  

What You'll Experience: The program pairs you with industry experts from leading tech companies who guide you through real-world AI projects. You'll learn cutting-edge AI/ML concepts while building a portfolio of practical projects. The program helps high schoolers to build strong foundation of AI & ML while working on real world applications/projects, giving you invaluable industry experience.

Why It Stands Out: Unlike traditional internships, BetterMind Labs ensures you have the strong foundational knowledge of AI & ML and projects that highlights their applications for college admissions. This structured approach helps you make the most of your internship experience.

2. Stanford Institutes of Medicine Summer Research Program (SIMR)

Elite Medical Research Experience

SIMR represents the gold standard in high school medical research programs. With an acceptance rate of less than 3%, it's highly competitive but incredibly rewarding.

Program Details:

• Location: Stanford University, California

• Duration: 8 weeks (June-July)

• Stipend: $500-$2,500

• Eligibility: Current juniors or seniors, 16+ years old, U.S. citizens/permanent residents

What You'll Experience: You'll be matched with a Stanford mentor (graduate student or postdoctoral fellow) and immerse yourself in cutting-edge medical research. The program offers eight specialized tracks:

• Immunology

• Neurobiology

• Cancer Biology

• Bioengineering

• Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine

• Cardiovascular Biology

• Bioinformatics

• Genetics and Genomics

Your days will begin with morning lectures followed by hands-on lab work. The program culminates in a research poster presentation to the Stanford community.

3. NIH's High School Scientific Training and Enrichment Program (HiSTEP)

Building Future Science Leaders

HiSTEP is designed to promote diversity in STEM fields while providing comprehensive scientific training.

Program Details:

• Location: NIH campus, Bethesda, Maryland

• Duration: Tuesday-Thursday for one month (July-August)

• Stipend: $2,530

• Eligibility: High school juniors, 17+ years old

What You'll Experience: Unlike pure research programs, HiSTEP offers a balanced approach combining:

• Scientific skill development

• Professional development workshops

• Leadership training

• Wellness programming

• STEM-M career exploration

• Weekly workshops and seminars

4. Science and Engineering Apprenticeship Program (SEAP)

Real Naval Research Experience

SEAP offers a unique opportunity to work in Department of Navy laboratories, contributing to actual naval research projects.

Program Details:

• Location: Multiple Navy laboratories nationwide

• Duration: 8 weeks (summer)

• Stipend: $4,000 (new participants), $4,500 (returning)

• Eligibility: Grade 9+ completed, 16+ years old

What You'll Experience: Working alongside naval scientists and engineers, you'll:

• Conduct hands-on research

• Learn advanced STEM concepts

• Contribute to real military research projects

• Gain exposure to various engineering disciplines

• Develop professional research skills

5. NASA and UT Austin's SEES Program

Exploring Space Science

This prestigious program combines NASA expertise with academic excellence at UT Austin.

Program Details:

• Location: Hybrid program with on-site experience at UT Austin

• Duration: May 1 - July 22

• Eligibility: High school sophomores and juniors with U.S. citizenship

• Cost: Free

What You'll Experience: The program focuses on Earth and space research, including:

• Data analysis and visualization

• Collaboration with NASA experts

• Research project development

• Virtual learning modules

• On-campus experiences

• Final symposium presentation

6. California Academy of Science Careers in Science (CiS)

Long-term Scientific Development

CiS offers a unique multi-year experience perfect for students committed to scientific careers.

Program Details:

• Location: San Francisco, California

• Duration: 2-3 years (year-round)

• Eligibility: 9th/10th grade students in SFUSD schools

• Requirements: 2.5+ GPA, C+ in science/math

What You'll Experience: This comprehensive program includes:

• Interactive training sessions

• Field activities

• College application guidance

• Group research projects

• Science communication training

• Environmental action projects

7. Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) Scholars Program

Advanced Defense Research Experience

AFRL offers hands-on research experience working alongside military scientists and engineers on cutting-edge projects.

Program Details:

• Location: Multiple U.S. locations

• Duration: 9 weeks (summer)

• Eligibility: Students 16+ years old

• Requirements: 3.0 GPA recommended (not required)

• Stipend: $468.80-$788.40/week

What You'll Experience: This comprehensive program includes:

• Mentorship from AFRL scientists and engineers

• Work on aerospace/mechanical design projects

• Access to advanced laboratory facilities

• Research in areas like PFAS cleanup and satellite navigation

• Hands-on experience with emerging technologies

• Professional development opportunities

8. NASA and UT Austin's SEES High School Summer Intern Program

Space and Earth Science Research

A prestigious collaboration between NASA and UT Austin focusing on Earth and space research projects.

Program Details:

• Location: Hybrid (on-site at UT Austin, Texas)

• Duration: May 1 - July 22

• Eligibility: Sophomores and juniors

• Requirements: U.S. citizenship

• Stipend: None

What You'll Experience: This comprehensive program includes:

• Collaboration with NASA experts

• Data analysis and visualization training

• Virtual learning modules

• On-campus research experience

• Presentation at SEES Science Symposium

• Professional network development

9. Princeton Laboratory Learning Program

University Research Immersion

Work directly with Princeton faculty on groundbreaking research projects in engineering and natural sciences.

Program Details:

• Location: Princeton, New Jersey

• Duration: 5-6 weeks (summer)

• Eligibility: U.S. high school students 16+

• Requirements: Housing/transportation proof needed

• Stipend: None

What You'll Experience: This comprehensive program includes:

• Direct work with Princeton faculty

• Hands-on laboratory research

• Exposure to advanced scientific equipment

• Collaboration with research teams

• Production of research summary report

• Experience in machine learning and biotechnology

10. Bank of America Student Leaders Program

Community Leadership Development

Combines nonprofit work experience with leadership training for community-minded students.

Program Details:

• Location: Nationwide + DC Leadership Summit

• Duration: 8 weeks (35 hours/week)

• Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors

• Requirements: U.S. work authorization

• Stipend: Paid (amount varies) + covered DC trip

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What You'll Experience: This comprehensive program includes:

• Work at local nonprofit organizations

• Community service projects

• Financial analysis training

• Washington DC Leadership Summit

• Professional networking opportunities

• Real-world project management