15 Fall Internships for High School Students
As the fall semester approaches, high school students have a prime opportunity to build on their educational experiences by considering an internship. Pursuing an internship in high school can significantly enrich your academic journey. Internships allow you to apply classroom knowledge in real-world settings, develop critical professional skills, and gain a competitive edge for college applications.
These internships not only provide valuable real-world experiences but also offer insights into potential career paths in various subjects of interest. Whether you are interested in finance, the arts, or science, there are diverse opportunities available for all students.
In this blog, we'll introduce you to 15 fall internships specifically designed for high school students.
Location: Virtual! You can work from anywhere in the world.
Application deadline: August 4, 2024 (Fall cohort)
Program dates: 8-week programs with multiple cohorts throughout the year. Upcoming one is the Fall cohort.
Cost: Starting at $2,490. Financial assistance is available.
Eligibility: Open to all high school students, who can work for 10-20 hours/week, for 8-12 weeks. These internships are also open to undergraduates and gap year students!
Ladder Internships is a selective program equipping students with virtual internship experiences at startups and nonprofits around the world! The startups range across a variety of industries, and you can select which field you would most love to dive into. This program offers a curriculum that caters specifically to high school students, ensuring a balance between academic enrichment and practical skill development. These internships provide a structured pathway for high school students to engage in real-world research and innovation.
As an intern, you will work on a real-world project that is of genuine need to the startup you’re working with, and present your work at the end of their internship. You will work with your manager from the startup, with a Ladder Coach who will serve as a second mentor, guiding you as you navigate the startup environment. Interns will receive 1-1 training in communication, time management and other skills, and will attend group training sessions with other interns.
The fields you’d have the chance to intern in include technology, machine learning and AI, finance, environmental science and sustainability, business and marketing, healthcare and medicine, media and journalism and more. You can explore all the options here on their application form.
Tip: Here’s a detailed review of this program!
2. NASA Office of STEM Engagement (OSTEM) Internships
Location: These internships are offered across NASA facilities. Students may select roles based in cities they are in.
Application Deadline: January (Fall session) | August (Spring session) | October (Summer session)
Internship Dates: These internships are offered in 3 sessions – Fall (16-week program, from late August or early September to mid-December) | Spring (16-week program, from mid-January to early May) | Summer (10-week program, from late May or early June to August).
Stipend: Interns may receive a stipend based on academic level and session length.
Eligibility: Internships are available for full-time high school students who meet a minimum 3.0 GPA requirement.
The NASA Office of STEM Engagement (OSTEM) offers paid internships across various locations in the United States. These internships provide high school students with the prestigious opportunity to contribute to ongoing projects at NASA, all under the mentorship of a NASA expert. Participants receive training, mentorship, and career development opportunities while collaborating with some of the brightest minds in science, engineering, finance, IT, and business.
These internships cover a wide range of subjects and disciplines, including space science, engineering, aeronautics, technology, space microbiology, ecology, and outreach and communications. As an intern, you might be involved in designing experiments, analyzing data from space missions, or developing new technologies, gaining real-world experience and valuable insights into NASA's operations.
The program is designed to foster a passion for scientific discovery. For a complete list of available positions, use the "Filter" option to view opportunities specifically open to high school students. If you aspire to be an engineer or astrophysicist, interning at NASA is an invaluable experience.
Here is everything you need to know about NASA internships!
3. U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Headquarters Student Internship Program
Location: Washington, D.C.
Application Deadline: Apply in June. All internship opportunities will be announced on www.usajobs.gov.
Internship Dates: Fall internship runs from September to December.
Stipend: Not specified
Eligibility: Students must be U.S. citizens; enrolled or accepted at an accredited institution.
Interning with the Treasury Department in Washington, D.C. offers high school students an invaluable opportunity to gain firsthand experience in federal careers. Depending on the office, intern responsibilities may include data analysis, research, communication, government engagement, event coordination, and supporting management functions.
These roles provide a comprehensive understanding of the Treasury Departmental Offices, which focus on developing strategies in economics, finance, and national security, and overseeing the Treasury Department. If you have a keen interest in these areas, this internship could be an ideal fit for you. For more detailed information about the program, you can check this blog post out.
4. Internships at Dolphin Research Center
Location: Dolphin Research Center, FL (Non-residential)
Application Deadline: June (tentatively, based on previous years)
Internship Dates: September-December (duration is 16-18 weeks)
Stipend: Unpaid
Eligibility: Open to all high school students who have English language proficiency and are physically fit (due to the nature of the work)
The Dolphin Research Center’s Volunteer Resources Department offers an Internship Program that gives high school students a unique chance to experience the day-to-day operations of a marine mammal facility. These internships are focused on specific departments and typically last between 16 to 18 weeks.
Interns are expected to commit 40 hours per week, usually working four days in their assigned department and one day assisting various daily operations through the Volunteer Resources Pool. Depending on the center's needs and the intern's skills and interests, there may be opportunities for supplemental projects that involve supporting your department and collaborating with other teams.
The Dolphin Research Center provides internships in several areas, including Animal Care and Training, Education, Information Technologies, the Medical Department, Research, and Visual Communications.
5. Textron Aviation High School Internship Program
Location: Wichita, KS and Columbus, GA
Application Deadline: TBD, see their website for openings
Internship Dates: Part-time work during the Fall Semester, between 8 am-5 pm, Monday-Friday
Stipend: Paid (amount not specified)
Eligibility: High school students between the ages of 16-19 who are U.S. citizens
Textron Aviation, an established provider of aviation solutions for government, military, and commercial clients, offers a wide array of internships for high school students. While their primary focus is on engineering and manufacturing, they also provide opportunities in various other fields, including finance, sales, marketing, IT, flight operations, and human resources.
These internships are designed to give young individuals practical experience in the aviation industry, allowing them to engage in meaningful business-related tasks that connect their current knowledge with their future career goals.
Location: United States Senate, Washington, DC (Residential)
Application Deadline: The application materials you need vary by senator and state, so you’ll need to contact your senator’s office if you’re interested in this kind of opportunity
Internships Dates: Early September - Late January
Stipend: Paid on an annual salary basis of $35,360
Eligibility:
High school juniors
Aged between 16-18 years
U.S. citizen with a valid social security number
Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0
The U.S. Senate Page Program provides high school juniors with a unique chance to participate in public service, engage with key national leaders, and witness Senate debates firsthand. As a page, you will play an important role in the daily operations of the Senate, working alongside fellow pages.
Your responsibilities will include delivering letters and legislative documents within the Capitol and Senate office buildings, preparing the Senate Chamber for sessions, assisting during roll call votes, supporting senators and staff during debates, and transporting bills and amendments to the Senate desk. This program offers an in-depth look at the legislative process and an insider's view of the workings of the nation's capital.
For a comprehensive review of this program, check out this detailed guide here!
7. New York City Office of the Mayor Internship
Location: New York City
Application Deadline: August (tentatively, based on previous years)
Internship Dates: October - April (tentatively, based on previous years)
Stipend: $15/hour
Eligibility: You must be a New York City Resident, enrolled in high school, 16 years old or older, and have current working papers at the time of application.
The NYC Office of the Mayor offers internships for high school students eager to understand city government and policy-making. When applying, you can select a department that matches your interests, and if chosen, you will work closely with that department.
During the internship, you will collaborate with full-time staff on various projects. Your duties may include conducting research, attending meetings, handling inquiries, analyzing data, drafting briefings, and helping coordinate events. Additionally, you will gain insights into city government operations through a bi-weekly Speaker Series, featuring talks from Deputy Mayors, Commissioners, Program Directors, and other senior officials who will share their expertise.
Furthermore, you will work with fellow interns on a service project aimed at positively impacting communities and supporting New Yorkers in need.
8. San Diego District Office Internship at Congressman Scott Peters’ Office
Location: Congressman Scott Peters’ San Diego District Office
Application Deadline: August 20, 2024
Internship Dates: 20 hours/week for 10-12 weeks during the Fall term, depending on the students’ availability
Stipend: $15/hour
Eligibility: All high school seniors are eligible to apply
The internship with Congressman Scott Peters' office is tailored for students with an interest in political science. As an intern, you will be responsible for various tasks, including routine office duties such as answering phone calls, drafting letters, and responding to constituent inquiries. Additionally, you might support and contribute to constituent casework and key District-based projects, which provide significant opportunities for community outreach and engagement.
This internship emphasizes community involvement, allowing you to connect with local residents and gain a deeper understanding of legislative processes. Throughout the program, you will develop your research, critical thinking, and communication skills, establish professional relationships, and actively participate in initiatives that benefit the constituents of San Diego. All of this will be done under the mentorship and guidance of Congressman Peters' experienced team.
9. Alley Pond’s Field Biology Internships
Location: Alley Pond Environmental Center, NY
Application Deadline (Fall 2023): September 1, 2024
Internship Dates (Fall 2023): Saturdays, 9:30 am - 12:30 pm, with specific dates being:
October 5th, 12th, 19th, 26th
November 2nd, 9th
Cost: $150 program fee (financial aid is available upon request)
Eligibility: All high school students aged 14 years and above
The Alley Pond Environmental Center’s Field Biology Internship (FBI) is designed for high school students with a keen interest in field research, urban biology, and understanding local ecosystems and wildlife. This program equips participants with essential research and experiment design skills, which are valuable for college and future careers in research. As FBI interns, you will explore various ecosystems within Alley Pond Park and other areas in Queens, NYC, engaging in activities such as biodiversity surveys, bird observations, soil and water quality assessments, macroinvertebrate identification, coastal seining, and native flora planting.
Throughout the internship, you will gain hands-on experience, learn from environmental experts, and build a supportive network with fellow interns and mentors. This program is ideal for students considering majors in sustainability, environmental science, natural sciences, biology, or related fields, offering practical opportunities to study biodiversity, identify local wildlife, and collaborate with professionals in the field.
Location: Chicago (Hybrid)
Application Deadline: Applications are due before September. See more details here.
Internship Dates: Part-time, September – December 2024
Cost/Stipend: Not specified
Eligibility: You must currently be in high school and a resident of the city of Chicago
On the Money Magazine is an online publication based in Chicago, specifically designed for a teenage audience. Created and managed 'by teens for teens,' this platform aims to enhance financial literacy and promote entrepreneurship education among young people. Their fall internship program brings together a team of students tasked with researching and writing articles about finance and entrepreneurship. The publication collaborates closely with DePaul University's Writing Center, providing interns with an excellent opportunity to apply economic and financial concepts in their writing effectively.
Prospective applicants must undergo an interview, which can be conducted either virtually or in person, and they are also required to submit a sample of their work prior to the interview.
11. Bank of America Student Leaders Program
Location: Washington D.C
Application Deadline: TBD, applications open in October
Internship Length: Eight weeks in the fall
Cost: Fully funded, hourly stipend
Eligibility: Current junior or senior high school student, legally authorized to work in the U.S
The Bank of America provides high school students nationwide with the chance to engage meaningfully with their communities through its internship program. Participants are paired with local nonprofit organizations, such as Habitat for Humanity and The Boys and Girls Club, for an eight-week, paid internship. This program allows students, particularly those interested in economics, to apply their knowledge and develop new skills in a practical setting over the summer.
Additionally, interns gather in Washington, D.C., for the National Student Leaders Summit, where they interact with professionals from various fields, including business and government affairs. This highly selective program offers an excellent opportunity to gain hands-on experience in economics while building connections on a national level.
Note: To learn more about this opportunity, check out this guide!
12. Textron Aviation High School Internship Program
Location: Wichita, Kansas
Application Deadline: TBD, see their website for openings
Program Length: Varies depending on program
Cost: Paid, part-time
Eligibility: High school student between 16-19 years of age, US citizen
Textron Aviation is an aviation company that provides aviation equipment for government, military, and commercial customers. Although their work is rooted in engineering and manufacturing, the company provides an extensive range of internship opportunities for high school students, including in the fields of finance, sales, and marketing. This opportunity for career exploration through the aviation industry intends to provide exposure to meaningful business-driven work that connects foundational knowledge with future career goals. Many different offerings for internships are available during both the fall and spring semesters.
Location: DiverseWorks Office, Houston, TX
Application Deadline: Not specified
Program Dates: September - December
Stipend: Paid (amount unspecified)
Eligibility: All high school students
DiverseWorks, a non-profit organization at the crossroads of various art disciplines, offers internships perfect for students aspiring to be curators, artists, or arts administrators. Selected interns will gain valuable experience in a non-profit arts setting by working alongside staff on curatorial, marketing, development, and administrative projects. Interns typically commit to a schedule of two days a week, with each day comprising five hours, and occasional evening and weekend work to support events and activities.
As an intern, your responsibilities will include researching artists for upcoming events, assisting with promotional and marketing efforts, updating the membership database, performing general administrative duties, aiding in gallery maintenance, and preparing for evening art performances, events, and exhibition openings. Additionally, you will participate in a reading group with fellow interns, designed to enhance mutual understanding and deepen appreciation of contemporary art spaces and practices.
14. Northwestern Medicine GSM Governor Discovery Program
Location: The Discovery Program offers six chapters:
Cook County (City of Chicago and North Suburban Cook)
Lake County
McHenry County
DeKalb, Kendall, LaSalle, Lee and Ogle counties
DuPage County and Kane County
Will County and South Suburban Cook County
Application Deadline: September (tentatively, based on previous years). Please revisit this page in August 2024.
Dates/Duration: The 2023-2024 session began on November 18, 2023. The 2024-2025 session is expected to begin in November, 2024.
Stipend: Varies based on internship
Eligibility: First-year applicants must:
Be at least 15 years of age.
Be entering sophomore or junior year of high school. Suburban chapters will accept seniors on a limited basis.
Have an academic GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 GPA scale. Students with a GPA below 3.0 can explain any unique circumstances on their application, and they may still be considered.
The Northwestern Medicine Discovery Program is an excellent opportunity for high school students interested in pursuing careers in healthcare. This immersive program allows participants to gain practical experience and insight into various medical fields and professions. Through a series of sessions, students will engage in hands-on activities such as job shadowing healthcare professionals, participating in clinical skills workshops, and attending informative seminars on different medical specialties and healthcare topics.
Students will also receive mentorship and guidance from Northwestern Medicine professionals, helping them to develop a deeper understanding of the healthcare industry and the diverse career paths available. This program is particularly beneficial for those considering futures in medicine, nursing, biomedical research, or other health-related fields. By participating in the NM Discovery Program, students will not only enhance their knowledge and skills but also strengthen their college applications and gain valuable insights into their potential career paths.
15. Internships at Maryland Public Television (MPT)
Location: Both in-person (Baltimore) and virtual options are offered.
Application Deadline: May (tentatively, based on previous years)
Program Dates: Summer session: June 2, 2024 - August 15, 2024 | Fall session: September 10, 2024 - December 15, 2024 | Spring session: January 28, 2025 to May 15, 2025
Cost/Stipend: None
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors willing to commit to at least 16 hours per week
MPT offers both in-person and virtual unpaid internships, providing valuable educational experiences in television programming, development, co-productions, and related business development. These internships are ideal for creative, motivated, and energetic students, requiring a commitment of at least 16 hours per week.
Additionally, MPT offers general internships across various fields, including public relations, communications, content creation, client relations, sales, marketing, TV production, community engagement, IT, education, administration, and more. You can explore some of the past internship projects here.
Looking for an immersive internship experience?
Check out Ladder Internships!
Ladder Internships is a selective, virtual internship program where students work with startups and nonprofits from around the world! The startups range across a variety of industries. As part of their internship, each student will work on a real-world project that is of genuine need to the startup they are working with, and present their work at the end of their internship. In addition to working closely with their manager from the startup, each intern will also work with a Ladder Coach throughout their internship. Apply now!
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