15 Summer Internships for High School Students in Houston, TX
If you’re a high schooler in Houston, TX, looking for ways to spend your summer, consider an internship!
Participating in an internship during high school is a useful way to explore your interests and build experience that complements what you learn in the classroom. Internships can help you develop practical skills—such as communication, teamwork, and problem solving—while giving you a clearer sense of what different careers actually involve. They can also help you make more informed decisions about college majors or future opportunities.
Houston is a particularly strong location for high school internships due to its large and diverse economy. The city is home to major institutions across energy, healthcare, aerospace, research, and the arts, many of which offer structured programs for high school students. Local internships also allow you to build connections within your own community while avoiding the cost and logistics of travel.
To help you get started, we’ve put together a list of 15 summer internships for high school students in Houston, including both in-person and virtual options.
1. NASA Office of STEM Engagement (OSTEM) Internship
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive
Location: NASA Centers, including Johnson Space Center, Houston, TX
Cost & Stipend: Most offer stipends
Program Dates: 10 weeks, June to August
Application Deadline: September 12 (Spring cohort); February 27 (Summer cohort); May 22 (Fall cohort)
Eligibility: High school students, 16+, who are U.S. citizens, minimum 3.0 GPA
The NASA OSTEM Internship at the Johnson Space Center introduces high school students to STEM projects alongside NASA scientists and engineers. You will engage in tasks that contribute to mission research in fields like space exploration and aeronautics. The program fosters technical proficiency and problem-solving skills through practical applications. The competitive selection process ensures a cohort of motivated students, making this a great opportunity for those interested in advancing scientific discovery.
2. Ladder Internships
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective, ~10% acceptance rate
Location: Remote! You can work from anywhere in the world.
Cost: Varies depending on program type; financial aid available
Program Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year, including Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter; 8 weeks
Application Deadline: Deadlines vary depending on the cohort. Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September) and Winter (November)
Eligibility: High school students, undergraduates, or gap year students able to work 10-20 hours/week for 8-12 weeks
Ladder Internships connects high school students with high-growth startups for virtual summer internships. You’ll tackle projects in industries like technology, health tech, media, and journalism, under the guidance of a manager and a Ladder Coach. The program emphasizes skill development in communication, time management, and project execution. You’ll complete 10-20 hours weekly over 8-12 weeks, culminating in a letter of completion. This selective program is great for high school students in Houston eager to explore entrepreneurial ecosystems and build professional networks.
3. MD Anderson Cancer Center Summer Program
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 12 students
Location: Houston, TX
Cost & Stipend: Stipend of $6,800; costs for housing, transportation, and meals
Program Dates: June 2 - August 8; 10 weeks
Application Deadline: November 18 – January 20
Eligibility: Current high school seniors in Texas, 18+, who are US citizens / permanent residents, and interested in an allied health career
The Carl B. & Florence E. King Foundation High School Summer Program at MD Anderson Cancer Center offers a 10-week internship for aspiring biomedical researchers. You will conduct laboratory work under faculty mentorship, focusing on biomedical research projects. The curriculum emphasizes scientific investigation principles, equipping you with robust research methodologies. You will participate in seminars, competitions, and present your findings at a concluding luncheon.
4. Houston Methodist Research Internship
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Select group
Location: Houston Methodist Hospital in the Texas Medical Center, Houston, TX
Cost & Stipend: No cost, unpaid
Program Dates: June 9 - August 1; 8 weeks
Application Deadline: December 2 - January 31
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors, 16+, minimum 3.5 GPA
The High School Emerging Researcher Experience at Houston Methodist Academic Institute provides an 8-week summer internship for high school students in Houston focused on translational research. You’ll collaborate with undergraduate peers and faculty on laboratory projects, mastering techniques in scientific investigation. Weekly seminars and lectures enhance career development and research communication skills. The program culminates in a symposium where you will present your findings.
5. Bank of America Student Leaders Program
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Approximately 300 students per year throughout the US
Location: Houston, TX (local nonprofit)
Cost & Stipend: Paid internship
Program Dates: 8 weeks during summer; varies by state/location; July 21 – July 26 (Student Leaders Summit in Washington, DC)
Application Deadline: October 14 - January 15
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors
The Bank of America Student Leaders program offers an 8-week paid summer internship for high school students in Houston at local nonprofits. You’ll develop leadership and workforce skills while addressing community needs. A week-long Student Leaders Summit in Washington, D.C., will expose you to civic and business leadership. The program fosters skills in collaboration and community engagement, preparing you for future leadership roles.
6. Genesys Works Internship
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Varies
Location: Houston, TX
Cost & Stipend: $10,000-$13,000
Program Dates: Year-long, with summer training (8 weeks)
Application Deadline: Students apply during the fall or winter of their junior year and will complete their application process in the spring
Eligibility: High school seniors from underserved communities who attend schools that partner with Genesys Works
Genesys Works Houston provides a year-long program for underserved high school students, including eight weeks of summer skills training followed by a paid internship at top companies. You’ll gain technical and professional skills in fields like IT and business operations. The program supports college and career readiness through ongoing coaching. You will work 20 hours weekly, building your resume and network.
7. CIS Summer Legal Internship Program
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 20 interns
Location: Houston, TX
Cost & Stipend: Paid, salary varies
Program Dates: June 10 – August 5 (tentative); 8 weeks
Application Deadline: March 1 (tentative)
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors from CIS-supported schools
The CIS Summer Legal Internship Program, partnered with the Houston Bar Association, places high school students in paid summer internships at law firms and legal agencies in Houston. You’ll gain experience in legal environments, exploring career paths in law. The program develops job readiness and professional skills through practical tasks like mock trials and campus tours of locations such as the Houston Law Center. Students from CIS-supported schools benefit from professional mentorship and exposure to the field of law.
8. City of Houston Summer Jobs Program
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Varies
Location: Houston, TX
Cost & Stipend: Paid, $14/hour
Program Dates: June 9 – July 31; 8 weeks
Application Deadline: March 31
Eligibility: Ages 16-24 who are residents of the greater Houston area
The City of Houston Summer Jobs Program offers paid summer internships for high school students in Houston in various city departments. You’ll work 32 hours weekly for eight weeks, earning $14 per hour while learning about municipal operations. The program provides practical experience in public service and community engagement. You will explore careers in government, developing skills like teamwork and communication. This accessible internship suits those interested in civic roles.
9. DPR Construction Build Up Internship
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Varies
Location: Houston, TX
Cost & Stipend: $20-$26/hour (starting pay range); extra transportation stipends available
Program Dates: 8 weeks during the summer
Application Deadline: April 18
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors, seniors, or recent graduates from low-income families with demonstrated interest in the built environment
The DPR Construction Build Up Internship provides an 8-week paid summer internship for high school students in Houston on active commercial construction sites, where you will work in the job trailer. You will gain experience in construction management, including the technology used for planning, scheduling, and design, mentored by professionals in engineering and architecture. A final presentation assignment hones communication and project skills. The program is designed for low-income students, offering hourly wages and transportation stipends.
10. Texas Department of Transportation Internship
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Varies
Location: Houston, TX
Cost & Stipend: Paid, $19-$23/hour (tentative)
Program Dates: Year-round, including in summer
Application Deadline: Rolling basis, year-round
Eligibility: High school students, 16+, and eligible to work in the US
The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) offers paid summer internships to high school students in transportation engineering and management in Houston. You’ll contribute to infrastructure projects under professional supervision. The program exposes you to civil engineering and planning careers. With a rolling application process, it’s accessible throughout the year, including in the summer. This internship provides practical skills and industry insights.
11. Stages Summer Apprenticeship
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Varies
Location: Houston, TX
Cost & Stipend: Paid
Program Dates: 8-10 weeks during the summer
Application Deadline: October 1 – March 1
Eligibility: High school students with an interest in theater
Stages, a Houston theater company, offers paid summer apprenticeships for high school students in Houston. You’ll work in Production, Marketing, or Development, learning theater operations from professionals. The program develops skills in theater itself, but also arts administration and production management. You will contribute to live performances, gaining practical experience. This apprenticeship suits those pursuing careers in the performing arts.
12. Mohan Lab Summer Internship
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive
Location: University of Houston, Houston, TX
Cost & Stipend: Free; unpaid; free Metro cards provided
Program Dates: June 3 – July 26, preceded by 1-2 weeks of introduction to lab techniques
Application Deadline: February 1 – March 28
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors with a strong academic record and demonstrated interest in the biomedical and health sciences
The Mohan Lab at the University of Houston offers a summer internship for high school students in biomedicine and health sciences. You’ll learn laboratory techniques and conduct bench research on autoimmune diseases and malignancies. Presenting findings at a joint laboratory meeting works to enhance scientific communication skills, with the opportunity to contribute to research publications. Mentored by scientists and graduate students, you will gain exposure to research. This program is great for future medical field workers and researchers.
13. Rice PATHS-UP Digital Health Young Scholars Program
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Location: Rice University, Houston, TX
Cost & Stipend: Free; unpaid
Program Dates: June 9 – June 26; 3 weeks
Application Deadline: April 4
Eligibility: Current 10th and 11th-grade high school students residing in the Houston area
The Rice PATHS-UP Digital Health Young Scholars Program offers high school students a unique opportunity to explore the intersection of technology and healthcare. Over three weeks, you will engage in projects involving digital circuitry, computer science, and engineering research. You will develop a smart watch using Tiny Circuits and gain experience in scientific writing and communication as well. The program is free and provides valuable insights into digital health innovations. This internship is great for those interested in pursuing careers in biomedical engineering or health technology.
14. HARC Summer Internship through EfTA
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Varies
Location: HARC, Houston, TX (HARC)
Cost & Stipend: Free; Unpaid
Program Dates: Two-week periods in 7 sessions from June 2 – July 25
Application Deadline: March 1 – April 4
Eligibility: High school seniors
The Houston Advanced Research Center (HARC) participates in the Education for Tomorrow Alliance’s summer internships for high school students in Houston, offering roles in sustainability research and non-profit operations. You will work on projects that may involve geospatial analysis, environmental data collection, and administrative support for HARC’s initiatives. The program builds skills in data analysis, environmental advocacy, scientific research, and organizational management. Great for those interested in ecology and community impact, this internship provides a platform for you to contribute to sustainability projects.
15. High School Civic Engagement Internship
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Location: Houston, TX
Cost & Stipend: Free; unpaid
Program Dates: 12 weeks during the summer
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: High school students interested in democracy
The High School Civic Engagement Internship, a collaboration between Rice University and the League of Women Voters of Houston, helps students promote voter registration and civic education. You will organize events, develop promotional materials, and engage with your community to encourage participation in the electoral process. This 12-week program enhances skills in civic leadership, political communication, and community organizing. You will gain practical experience in civic engagement and contribute to strengthening democracy at the local level.