16 Internships for High School Students in New Orleans (Louisiana)
If you’re a high school student in New Orleans eager to explore different career options before deciding a field to pursue, internships can be a solid place to start. Whether you're interested in STEM, healthcare, education, or the arts, participating in internships not only adds to your experience in the field but also signals your passion for the subject. These opportunities can help you dive deeper into subjects you’re interested in, engage in workplaces, and figure out which fields are a good fit for you. Choosing a local internship can be very smart move, especially if you’re looking for an accessible and financially affordable opportunity close to home.
Participating in an internship can strengthen your college applications and help you start building your professional network early. In this blog, we’ve highlighted 15 internship opportunities for high school students in New Orleans. While not all of these are formal internships, each one offers experience, mentorship, and the chance to develop practical skills in real-world settings!
1. The University of New Orleans’ AMRI High School Summer Research Program
Location: The University of New Orleans Campus, New Orleans, Louisiana
Dates: 8 weeks during the summer
Application Deadline: March 21
Eligibility: High school students who attend a high school or live within 40 miles of the University of New Orleans
Cost/Stipend: No cost. A stipend of $2000 is provided.
Since 2002, the AMRI High School Summer Research Program has offered students in the Greater New Orleans area the opportunity to participate in scientific research. Over the course of 8 weeks, students work full-time alongside recognized scientists in laboratories on projects ranging from nanomaterials and catalysis to neuroscience and environmental remediation. For this program, you can choose between a research project or joining a larger team to work on a research topic of your choice. In addition to lab work, you will participate in weekly seminars that will cover a number of topics, including lab safety, ethics, computational methods, and career pathways in STEM.
Note: We chose to include this program due to the exposure you get when engaging in research settings, which are similar to those of research internships!
2. Ladder Internships
Location: Remote! You can work from anywhere in the world.
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year, including Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter.
Application deadline: Deadlines vary with the cohort. Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), and Winter (November).
Eligibility: Students who can work for 10-20 hours/week, for 8-12 weeks. Open to high school students, undergraduates, and gap year students!
Cost: Varies with the program
Ladder Internships is a selective start-up internship program for ambitious high school students. In the program, you work with a high-growth start-up or a nonprofit organization in a virtual internship setup. Start-ups that offer internships range across a variety of industries, from tech/deep tech and AI/ML to health tech, marketing, journalism, consulting, and more. You can explore all the options here on their application form. Ladder’s start-ups are high-growth companies on average raising over a million dollars. In the program, interns work closely with their managers and a Ladder Coach on real-world projects, receiving 1-on-1 mentorship and guidance, and present their work to the company. This internship program also includes professional skills training sessions.
3. ESYNOLA’s Internship Program
Location: Multiple public schools in New Orleans; varies with the internship
Dates: 12–16 weeks during a school-year semester | 8–10 weeks during the summer
Application Deadline: Applications are accepted on a rolling basis
Eligibility: All high school students can apply
Cost/Stipend: None. Students may receive school credit
Edible Schoolyard New Orleans (ESYNOLA), a program of FirstLine Schools (open-admission public charter schools in New Orleans), offers hands-on internships in school gardens, kitchen classrooms, and nonprofit development. Interns are placed across multiple public charter school sites in New Orleans, working closely with staff to support garden and culinary education programs. Internship tracks include School Garden, Culinary Education, Garden Education, and Development. Interns work part-time during the school year or join a full-time placement over the summer/in January. The program provides valuable experience in teaching, gardening, nonprofit operations, and communication.
4. Louisiana State University (LSU) Health Summer Research Internship
Location: In New Orleans, either at the Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, University Medical Center, or Children’s Hospital.
Dates: July 2 – July 25
Application Deadline: March 1
Eligibility: Students must live in the New Orleans area, be high school juniors or seniors, and be between 16–18 years old
Stipend: $2,645
The Summer Research Internship Program offers high school students in New Orleans the chance to gain hands-on experience in medical and health sciences research. As an intern, you will work with mentors in laboratories or clinics, learning laboratory techniques, developing research study skills, and exploring careers in medicine, public health, and laboratory science. The internship includes weekly seminars where you will explore topics in medical research, as well as professional development sessions to help you build presentation and career readiness skills. You will have the opportunity to work on your own research project or contribute to an ongoing study under the guidance of your mentor. At the end of the program, you will get to present a research poster.
5. NORD Teen Internship Program
Location: In New Orleans; exact location varies based on internship placement. Potential sites include indoor pools, the Administration Office, the Athletics Department, and the Eastbank/Westbank Recreation Centers
Dates: 6 weeks during the year, working 2–3 days a week
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Eligibility: Must be 13–17 years old and an active member of Teen Council
Cost/Stipend: No cost. Students will be paid (amount not specified)
This internship gives students the opportunity to gain work experience, explore their career interests, and earn money while supporting the city’s recreation system. You will work in areas such as athletics, aquatics, cultural programming, or recreation centers, taking on responsibilities like event setup, junior lifeguard training, clerical work, and supporting community events. The program offers a flexible schedule of up to six hours per week for 6 weeks in the year, with placements at different locations. You will also attend teen events and complete at least one community service project during the summer. With this internship, you will get to develop practical job skills and interact with community members. To participate, you must be an active member of NORD’s Teen Council, a year-long program.
6. YouthForce NOLA Internship
Location: Varies based on internship placement (in New Orleans)
Dates: Training: May 28 – June 18 + Internship: June 23 – July 25
Application Deadline: March 12
Eligibility: Must be a current junior enrolled in an open-enrollment public school in New Orleans, have an Orleans Parish address, and be available for all training and internship dates
Cost/Stipend: No cost. Students receive a $2,240 stipend
This is a paid summer internship for rising high school seniors designed to provide work experience in fields such as business services, digital media and IT, health sciences, and skilled crafts. The program begins with a three-week training, where you will participate in professional development sessions, interactive workshops, and networking events that focus on building soft skills, workplace communication, interview techniques, and problem-solving. After this, you will be matched with a local business or organization for a five-week internship, where you’ll work on projects in your chosen field, develop a better understanding of industry expectations, and gain hands-on experience alongside working professionals. Every intern is supported by a YouthForce coach who will guide you, helps you navigate challenges, and monitor your progress. At the end of the program, you’ll present a project that highlights your contributions and what you learned.
7. Outdoor Adventure Club Internship Program
Location: LOOP NOLA’s Outdoor Adventure Club office, City Park, New Orleans + outdoor activities in and outside the city
Dates: Two cohort options — Fall (September-December) and Spring (February-May). You can apply for one semester or reapply for additional semesters, with priority given to returning interns.
Application Deadline: August 1 (fall cohort) | December 1 (spring cohort)
Eligibility: Public high school students ages 14-20 from Orleans, Jefferson, St. Charles, St. Bernard, Plaquemines, or St. Tammany Parishes
Cost/Stipend: No cost. Students will be paid based on the number and type of events they attend
This internship gives students a chance to explore the outdoors while building leadership, technical, and career readiness skills. As an intern, you’ll participate in activities such as hiking, camping, paddling, fishing, climbing, and wetlands ecology. Your responsibilities include attending weekly basecamp meetings, monthly trips to outdoor sites, and at least one group camping experience each semester. You’ll also gain experience in supporting the facilitation of outdoor programs, working alongside peers and mentors. Throughout the program, you’ll develop skills in leadership, teamwork, and outdoor program operations, and at the end of the internship, you will earn a LOOP NOLA Outdoor Adventure Club Internship certificate recognizing your accomplishments and growth.
8. City of New Orleans Pathways Youth Internship Program
Location: Various local organizations in New Orleans
Dates: Varies with the internship placement; typically 15 weeks
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: Must reside in Orleans Parish, be between 14-17 years old, and have past or present involvement with the juvenile justice system
Cost/Stipend: Paid (amount not specified); transportation support provided
This is a 15-week, year-round initiative that supports youth aged 14-17 with work experience and opportunities for personal growth. Through this program, participants are matched with local employers for paid internships, gaining job experience and building skills in a practical workplace settings. The program also offers regular support sessions that focus on mindfulness, meditation, and personal development, helping students manage stress and build resilience. Interns will receive mentorship, case management, and workshops covering topics such as conflict resolution and soft skills development, all designed to help them transition successfully back to school and into long-term employment.
9. SHTEM: Summer Internships for High Schoolers at Stanford University
Location: Virtual
Dates: June 17 - August 9
Application Deadline: Applications typically close in January
Eligibility: Students who will be in grades 11-12 at the time of application, OR full-time community college students (within the first 3 years of community college), are eligible to apply
Cost/Stipend: None
Offered by Stanford University, this internship allows high school students to dive into research, collaborative projects, and receive direct mentorship from university faculty and professionals across a number of different fields. Over the summer, you’ll typically dedicate 30-40 hours a week engaging projects across disciplines such as technology, science, design, and the humanities. The program highlights the value of interdisciplinary work and teamwork, mirroring the way today’s technology and research fields function. Alongside technical knowledge, you’ll also strengthen key skills like problem-solving, communication, and adaptability. The experience gives you access to Stanford’s academic and professional networks, providing you with the chance to build a strong foundation for your future studies and career goals.
10. The Johns Hopkins Internship in Brain Science Program (JHIBS): Project Pipeline Baltimore
Location: Virtual and in-person options. The in-person program will be held at the Johns Hopkins Department of Neurology on the East Baltimore campus
Dates: 8 weeks, June - August (in-person); 5 weeks, July - August (virtual)
Application Deadline: March 1, every year
Eligibility: Juniors and seniors from around the country are eligible to apply to the 5-week, virtual program; Juniors and seniors residing in Baltimore City and the metro area, who have a strong passion and interest in science and medicine, are from underrepresented groups, and have an academically strong background are eligible for the in-person program.
Stipend: In-person participants receive an hourly stipend (amount varies), while virtual interns receive a stipend of $500
This program offers a fully-funded research experience for students from underrepresented backgrounds who want to explore neuroscience. As a participant, you'll work closely with a Johns Hopkins scientist on research projects, receiving mentorship and guidance. The program includes scientific seminars, interactive sessions, and weekly meetings centered on both personal and professional development. You’ll also be able to connect with leading neuroscientists at Johns Hopkins, expanding your understanding of the field and your professional network. Only a small group, typically five or six students per year, is selected for the virtual program, ensuring close mentorship and a focused learning environment. At the end of the program, you will showcase your research work through an oral or poster presentation.
11. Pathways Internship Programs at the U.S. Department of State
Location: This will vary; students can opt for programs close to their location. Check available options here.
Dates: While the dates of the internship will vary from post to post, those under the Internship Experience Program (IEP) are expected to last the length of the academic program for which the intern is enrolled, and those under the Internship Temporary Program (ITEP) will run during seasonal and holiday breaks as well as year-round
Application Deadline: Varies from location to location
Eligibility: Students applying must be at least 16 years old by the closing date of the post they’re applying to; Students must also have a cumulative GPA of 2.0 at the time of application and throughout the internship appointment
Stipend: This varies from post to post
These internships allow students to gain experience in different areas of the federal government. Interns are placed in roles related to fields such as foreign affairs, public policy, and international relations, and work in offices like the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, Environmental Protection Agency, and others. The program offers two main options: the Internship Experience Program (IEP) and the Internship Temporary Program (ITEP). IEP internships are tied to the duration of a student’s academic program and may include federal benefits, along with opportunities for advancement without the need for further competition. ITEP internships are set up as temporary assignments that last up to one year or until the intern’s anticipated graduation date, with the possibility of a one-year extension. ITEP roles are primarily seasonal or for shorter durations and offer experience in federal workplaces, preparing students for a range of governmental careers.
Note: All vacancies part of this internship program are posted on USAJobs.gov. Details such as the application deadline, internship dates will vary from role to role, and will be available on each specific posting. Check out current vacancies here.
12. Science and Engineering Apprenticeship Program (SEAP) by the Department of Navy (DoN)
Location: While there are several lab locations to choose from, students in New Orleans may select the NIWC Atlantic, New Orleans, Louisiana
Dates: 8 weeks in the summer
Application deadline: November 1
Eligibility: High school students who have completed at least grade 9, are at least 16 years old when the internship begins can apply. Graduating seniors are eligible as well. There is room for some exceptions. Students are recommended to check whether their preferred lab choice has any other particular requirements
Stipend: $4,000 (new participant) | $4,500 (returning participant)
This is an eight-week summer internship that places academically talented high school students in Department of Navy research laboratories across the United States. Interns engage in ongoing research in fields such as engineering, computer science, and aeronautics, contributing to current Naval projects. Each participant is paired with a mentor, often a leading Navy scientist or engineer, who provides guidance and support throughout the internship. With approximately 300 placements offered annually at over 38 Navy labs, SEAP is a highly competitive program designed for students interested in research and STEM careers, particularly those considering future roles in defense or government sectors. Interns receive a stipend and gain experience in areas like coding, data analysis, prototyping, and experimental design. Many SEAP alumni continue their careers with the Department of the Navy or in advanced scientific research. This program offers a solid opportunity for high school students to build valuable skills and connections in STEM fields within a professional government research environment.
13. Internships at the Foreign Policy Research Institute (FPRI)
Location: Virtual | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Dates: These internships are offered in 3 sessions – Fall (September to December) | Spring (February to May) | Summer (June to August)
Application deadline: The applications typically close in July (Fall Session), November (Spring Session), and March (Summer Session)
Eligibility: High school students who have the right to work in the US can apply
Cost/Stipend: Stipend awards are determined by financial need after interns are selected for their program
This is an opportunity for high school students to engage in international affairs through internships. As an intern, you will be paired with experienced scholars or professionals who mentor you in research and help you develop important skills such as clear communication, effective collaboration, and critical analysis. The program includes weekly seminars on foreign policy and career development, often featuring guest speakers with expertise in the field. You’ll also have the chance to author a research paper, which may be selected for publication on FPRI’s Intern Corner, offering you real exposure to policy analysis and academic writing. Internships at FPRI are available across several areas, including research, special events and development, communications, and operations. You can choose a track that best matches your interests and career goals.
You can check out the details of each of the internships here.
14. Stanford Center for Artificial Intelligence in Medicine and Imaging (AIMI) – Summer Research Internship
Location: Virtual
Dates: June 16 – 27
Application Deadline: March 31
Eligibility: U.S. high school students over 14 years old with strong math and/or computer programming skills and/or experience with a healthcare project
Cost: Application Fee: $40 | Tuition: $850. Financial aid is available
The Stanford AIMI Summer Research Internship allows high school students to explore the applications of artificial intelligence in healthcare with a two-week virtual program. You’ll explore new topics in AI and medicine via lectures delivered by industry experts, research projects, and personalized mentorship from Stanford faculty and engineers. The program also features “Lunch and Learn” sessions with professionals from academia, nonprofits, and government, offering insight into different career options. Though academic credit is not offered, interns receive a certificate of completion. This program is a good opportunity for high school students interested in both computer science and healthcare tech.
15. Aspiring Scientists Summer Internship Program (ASSIP)
Location: Online | Hybrid | In-person (Fairfax, Virginia)
Dates: June 18 – August 8
Application Deadline: February 2
Eligibility: High school students who are at least 15 years old at the start of the internship
Cost: $25 application fee (waivers available)
This is a full-time, eight-week research experience for high school students interested in STEM fields. The program includes a virtual track concentrating on areas such as data science, machine learning, earth observation, and geospatial technologies. You will dive into a range of research topics, including artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and environmental systems, while building skills in programming, statistical modeling, and data-driven problem solving. You will collaborate with faculty and research teams, gaining experience with advanced scientific tools and technologies. ASSIP places a strong focus on core research competencies, helping students develop abilities in data analysis, laboratory methods, scientific writing, and public speaking. The experience culminates with each intern presenting their research findings, with some students having the opportunity to publish their work in academic journals.
16. NASA OSTEM Internships
Location: These internships are offered across NASA facilities. Virtual options are also offered
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)
Application Deadline: January (Fall session) | August (Spring session) | October (Summer session)
Eligibility: Internships are available for full-time high school students who meet a minimum 3.0 GPA requirement
Cost/Stipend: Interns may receive a stipend based on academic level and session length
NASA’s Office of STEM Engagement (OSTEM) provides paid internships tailored for high school students who want to contribute to projects in science, technology, engineering, aeronautics, and space exploration. As an intern, you’ll work alongside NASA experts, scientists, engineers, and analysts, on ongoing agency projects that match your interests, whether that’s developing new tech, analyzing mission data, or supporting robotics and AI research. These internships are available across various NASA centers nationwide and cover a wide range of topics, including robotics, artificial intelligence, space biology, environmental sciences, and even public outreach or communications. You will receive mentorship, participate in career development training, and gain hands-on experience within NASA’s professional research culture.
You can check out a complete list of positions here - you may have to use the “Filter” option to see opportunities only open to high school students.
Bonus! Here are a few more internship and volunteering opportunities in New Orleans that offer a chance to gain relevant experience while in high school: