15 Paid Internships For High School Students In Alabama
Even better, many of these opportunities offer a stipend or other compensation; getting paid not only rewards you for your hard work and helps cover basic expenses like transit, but it also teaches real-world financial responsibility and ensures that exploring a future career path is accessible to everyone. Alabama offers high school students excellent paid internships across booming industries like aerospace, automotive manufacturing, and tech, letting them earn money while gaining real-world experience. These hands-on opportunities help students build valuable professional skills and networks right in their home state before they even graduate.
If you’re in Alabama, and looking for summer-specific programs, check out our list here! Else, if you’re more interested in STEM-specific programs, check out our blog here.
Why should I participate in a paid internship in high school?
Internships teach workplace skills (like communication and problem-solving) that go beyond classroom learning. You build relationships with mentors and colleagues who can become references and guide your future career. Hands-on experience in a specific field shows colleges that you are committed and prepared. Interns often secure letters of recommendation related to their career interests, which strengthens applications. Paid internships involve high school interns commonly earning an hourly wage (often $15–$20), which can be saved for college or other goals.
Below are 15 paid internships for high school students in Alabama, each held in person and offering a stipend. These programs pair students with mentors and hands-on projects, helping them explore careers and make valuable industry connections.
1.QuantHub Alabama Data Scholars Internship Program
Location: Various locations across Alabama (on-site, hybrid, and fully virtual options available)
Stipend: $1,200
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive; 25–26 scholars
Dates: June 8 – July 31
Application Deadline: May 1
Eligibility: Must be enrolled in an Alabama high school (public, private, virtual, or homeschool); at least 16 years old by June 1
This program combines an internship with structured skill-building to introduce high school students to data and AI-related careers. You will spend around 10 hours per week working on an internship project, along with an additional 5 - 10 hours on training and enrichment activities. The curriculum includes topics such as data visualization, statistical analysis, and ethical use of AI, along with hands-on exposure to tools like Excel, SQL, and Python. You may work with employers across Alabama in formats that can be fully virtual or hybrid. Industry professionals and college faculty contribute to sessions that focus on career exploration and academic pathways. The program concludes with a showcase where students present their work and learning outcomes.
2.Alabama Power Internship Program at the Edmundite Missions Center for Workforce Development
Location: Selma, AL (Edmundite Missions Center for Workforce Development)
Stipend: $12 per hour
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive; 10–20 students per regional office or facility
Dates: One semester long (typically June–July for the summer cohort)
Application Deadline: Typically early in the year
Eligibility: Must be a high school senior at Selma High School
This one-semester internship combines paid work experience with academic support and workforce training. You will work an average of 15 hours per week while gaining exposure to workplace expectations and professional environments. The program focuses on building both technical and interpersonal skills, including communication, time management, and collaboration. Through hands-on involvement in the Missions’ work, you will develop practical experience that can support future employment opportunities. The application process includes submitting required documents and, if selected, participating in an interview. Overall, the internship is structured to help you transition from school to the workforce with foundational skills.
3.Alabama Colon & Gastro Summer Internship Program
Location: Alabama (Alabama Colon & Gastro, PC offices)
Stipend: Paid, amount not specified
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; 12 interns
Dates: May – August (summer)
Application Deadline: February 15
Eligibility: rising high school seniors who are residents of Alabama; at least 17 years old
This summer internship offers high school seniors an opportunity to explore careers in the medical field through hands-on experience in a clinical office setting. You will spend time observing healthcare professionals, including shadowing providers, while learning about gastroenterology and general medical practices. The program requires a consistent weekly commitment, helping you develop workplace habits and familiarity with healthcare environments. In addition to observational learning, you may gain exposure to administrative and patient-facing tasks. The internship is designed to introduce you to different aspects of medical careers while building foundational professional skills. It also provides insight into healthcare pathways for students considering future studies in medicine.
4.Alabama A&M University Research Experience (Ceramics/Nanostructures)
Location: Alabama A&M University, Huntsville, AL
Stipend: $1,000 per month
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive; 4 students
Dates: June 1 – July 31
Application Deadline: May 15
Eligibility: High school students who have completed 10th, 11th, or early 12th grade; U.S. citizens or permanent residents in the Huntsville/Madison area
This summer research program provides high school students with hands-on experience in STEM, focusing on ceramics and nanostructures. The program is designed for students interested in scientific research and offers exposure to laboratory work and technical concepts. With a small cohort of four participants, you can expect a more focused and guided learning environment. The experience includes working on research tasks, developing analytical skills, and understanding real-world applications of materials science. It is particularly suited for students considering further studies or careers in STEM fields.
5.UAB PRISM (Pre-College Research Internship for Scholarship and Mentoring)
Location: University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB), Birmingham, AL
Stipend: $1,000
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive; 5 students
Dates: June 8 – July 31
Application Deadline: January 19
Eligibility: High school juniors; U.S. citizens or permanent residents, and either from an NIH-defined disadvantaged background or a first-generation college student
This research internship provides high school juniors with hands-on experience in surgical and medical research under the guidance of faculty and mentors. You will work on a mentored research project, often collaborating with undergraduate and medical students as part of a team. The program also includes seminars, workshops, and clinical shadowing to help you explore careers in healthcare and surgery. Throughout the eight weeks, you will gain exposure to how research contributes to patient care and medical advancements. A key component of the program is presenting your research at the end of the internship. The experience is designed to build foundational research skills and provide insight into academic and clinical pathways in medicine.
6.AFC Summer Internship Program
Location: Various locations across the southern United States (including Alabama)
Stipend: Paid, amount not specified
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive; cohort size not specified
Dates: May 19 – July 25
Application Deadline: March 31
Eligibility: Students interested in agriculture and related fields
This summer internship offers hands-on experience in the agriculture industry, focusing on working with farmers, growers, and agricultural businesses. You will engage in outdoor activities and learn about agricultural products, services, and technologies through daily interactions with industry professionals. The program introduces you to the cooperative (Co-op) system and how it supports agricultural communities. Over the course of ten weeks, you will build practical knowledge by connecting with producers, manufacturers, suppliers, and retailers. The experience is designed to provide a foundational understanding of agriculture-related careers. It may be suitable if you are interested in exploring opportunities within farming, agribusiness, or related sectors.
7.Decatur Youth Services – Summer Youth Employment Program
Location: Decatur, Alabama
Stipend: Paid, amount not disclosed
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; ~100 participants
Dates: June – August
Application Deadline: Typically closes in early spring
Eligibility: Teens aged 14–15
As an intern in the Decatur Youth Services Youth Employment Program, you participate in an early-career workplace readiness initiative designed specifically for young teens. You engage in practical workplace responsibilities across community settings throughout the summer. By interacting with successful adult mentors and positive role models, you develop self-esteem, establish a strong sense of self-worth, and build character. The program allows you to explore different career paths while gaining hands-on professional experience in a structured, supportive environment. You also learn how to collaborate with peers and fulfill basic daily operational tasks. Ultimately, you conclude the internship with a deeper understanding of local workforce opportunities and a strong foundation for future career development.
8.Birmingham Promise Internship Program
Location: Birmingham, AL
Stipend: Paid; amount varies by employer
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive; cohort size not specified
Dates: Fall Semester and Spring Semester
Application Deadline: Typically April 7
Eligibility: High school seniors enrolled in Birmingham City Schools
This internship program connects high school students with local employers to gain real-world work experience across different industries. You will typically work up to 15 hours per week, with flexible scheduling based on your availability and commitments. The program begins with an application and training session to prepare you for your placement. Once matched, you will work in a professional setting, building practical skills and gaining exposure to workplace expectations. Payment is usually provided weekly, either through a pay card or directly from the employer. The experience is designed to help you develop your resume and explore potential career paths while still in high school.
9.USASMDC Technical Center STEM Internship Program
Location: Redstone Arsenal, Huntsville, AL
Stipend: Paid, bi-weekly, amount not specified
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive; cohort size not specified
Dates: 8–10 weeks (first Monday in June to second Friday in August)
Application Deadline: November 30
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors; must be able to pass a background investigation to obtain a security clearance
This internship provides high school students with research experience in areas related to space and missile defense technologies. You will work closely with a mentor or lab coordinator in a professional research environment at Redstone Arsenal. The program focuses on exposing you to real-world applications of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics through hands-on projects. The experience includes structured mentorship and opportunities to develop technical and analytical skills. It is suited for students interested in pursuing future studies or careers in STEM fields.
10.Gaylor Electric High School Internship Program
Location: Huntsville, AL
Stipend: Paid, amount not specified
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; approximately 100 high school interns nationwide
Dates: Early June – Late July (8 weeks)
Application Deadline: Typically, spring
Eligibility: Current high school students
This internship introduces high school students to careers in construction and the electrical trades through hands-on experience. Interns are placed either on active construction sites or within a production and innovation center, where they learn entry-level electrical skills. The program focuses on practical exposure to workplace environments and basic technical training. Students also receive guidance on resumes, interviews, and professional conduct. Alongside skill-building, interns gain insight into career pathways in the trades. The experience is structured to help students understand day-to-day responsibilities in this field while developing foundational workplace skills.
11.Tuskegee CISC – High School Summer Agents Summer Experience Internship
Location: The Carver Integrative Sustainability Center at Tuskegee University, Tuskegee, Alabama
Stipend: Paid, exact amount not specified
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; cohort size not specified
Dates: June 2 – July 25
Application Deadline: Typically, March
Eligibility: High school students interested in agriculture, sustainability, or related STEAM fields; residents of the Alabama Black Belt placed with professionals in the counties where they reside; interest in becoming future farmers, agricultural specialists, or policy advocates
In this program, you work alongside Tuskegee University faculty, farmers, cooperative extension agents, agricultural specialists, and community-based organizations across Alabama's Black Belt. You gain hands-on experience in sustainable agriculture, exploring areas such as urban agriculture, the operation and management of farmers’ markets, youth development, and cooperative extension activities tied to Agricultural & Natural Resources and Food & Consumer Sciences. You apply practical field techniques under staff guidance while attending afternoon virtual sessions led by agricultural business professionals, federal agency representatives, and university faculty. The experience builds career-readiness, workforce, and entrepreneurial skills rooted in the tradition of George Washington Carver. You finish better prepared to pursue agriculture, extension, or policy careers.
12.UAB CORD Summer Science Institute — High School Research Internship (EBSCO Scholars track)
Location: University of Alabama at Birmingham campus, Birmingham, Alabama
Stipend: $2,500
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive; approximately 25 interns
Dates: June 2 – July 31
Application Deadline: March 16
Eligibility: Currently a Birmingham, Bessemer, Fairfield, or Midfield high school junior or senior in 11th or 12th grade; overall GPA of 3.0 and 3.5 in STEM courses
As an EBSCO Scholar, you spend eight weeks conducting hands-on biomedical research on the UAB campus alongside a UAB faculty research mentor. You begin with a multi-day orientation in biomedical laboratory techniques before joining your mentor's lab to design and carry out an independent research project tied to their focus. Across the summer, you build skills in experimental design, laboratory methods, data collection, and scientific communication while exploring fields such as cancer biology, genetics, microbiology, pharmacology, engineering, and vision science. You also attend scientific seminars and career workshops and network with UAB graduate and postdoctoral researchers. The program closes with a poster symposium where you present your findings and compete for monetary prizes and a scholarship to UAB.
13.HudsonAlpha – BioTrain Internship
Location: Huntsville, Alabama
Stipend: $2,700–$4,000
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; 25–35 interns
Dates: May 26–July 24
Application Deadline: February 15
Eligibility: High school through graduate students; attend school in or be a permanent resident of Alabama; legal U.S. residents able to work in Alabama
In this internship, you will take on practical workplace responsibilities in an applied biotechnology environment. By matching with bioinformatics, computer programming, or data analysis roles, you interact directly with computational labs conducting genomic research. You will learn to navigate the digital systems and analytical software tools necessary to process complex biological data. Your daily workflow involves applying programming skills to analyze real-time research discoveries and utilizing databases alongside professional scientists. Alongside your technical responsibilities, you will attend a required one-week Biotech Boot Camp and weekly professional development seminars that build your workplace communication skills. At the end of the summer, you will present a research poster highlighting your computational contributions to the HudsonAlpha community.
14.City of Birmingham Department of Youth Services – Kids and Jobs Summer Program
Location: Birmingham, Alabama (within Birmingham city limits)
Stipend: $11–$14 per hour
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive; cohort size not specified
Dates: June 8 – July 10
Application Deadline: April 17
Eligibility: Residing within the city limits of Birmingham; minimum 2.0 GPA; at least 14 years of age and not exceeding age 24 by June 8
In this internship, you work a real paid summer job for five weeks, four hours a day and five days a week, earning $11–$14 an hour with a Birmingham partner in the public, nonprofit, or business sector. If you are 16 to 24, the Executive component lets you work in a career path of your choice, while 14- and 15-year-olds gain first-time workplace exposure through the Exposure component. You build professional development, workplace readiness, and communication skills while earning income. The program reflects a partnership between the City's Department of Youth Services and WBRC 6 News spanning more than 30 years.
15.City of Mobile – Y.E.S. (Youth Empowered for Success) Summer Internship
Location: Mobile, Alabama
Stipend: $12 per hour
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; approximately 100 positions
Dates: June and July
Application Deadline: March 6
Eligibility: Mobile-area youth ages 16 to 24; high school students generally ages 16 to 18; residency in the City of Mobile or attendance at a local school or college
As a Y.E.S. intern, you step into the local workforce through a paid summer placement matched to your interests and a host employer's needs. You can work up to 160 hours across June and July within City of Mobile departments, Parks and Recreation, nonprofits, small businesses, and roles spanning public services, administration, environmental management, and community development. City staff interview, vet, and assign you to your position, so you gain real on-the-job responsibilities, workplace communication, and professional skills. You build direct connections with local employers and supervisors throughout the season. Many former interns have extended the experience into longer placements or full-time employment with the city and partner organizations.
One more option - Ladder Internship Program
Location: Remote
Cost: Varies depending on the program type; financial aid is available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 10–25%; 70–100 students
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year, including Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter
Application Deadline: Varies depending on 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!
Ladder Internships is a selective program that places ambitious high school students with high-growth start-ups for hands-on internship experience. Participating start-ups span a wide range of industries, including tech and deep tech, AI/ML, health tech, marketing, journalism, and consulting, and you can browse the full list of options directly on the application form. On average, these companies are high-growth start-ups that have raised over a million dollars in funding. Throughout the program, you work closely with both a manager and a dedicated Ladder Coach on real-world projects, culminating in a presentation of your work to the company. The internship is virtual and typically runs for eight weeks. Apply now!
Frequently Asked Questions
1. I am only 14 or 15 years old. Are any of these internships actually open to me?
Yes, a few. The Decatur Youth Services Summer Youth Employment Program is specifically designed for teens aged 14 to 15. The City of Birmingham's Kids and Jobs Summer Program also accepts 14 and 15 year olds through its Exposure component, which focuses on first-time workplace experience, while older teens aged 16 to 24 can apply to the more advanced Executive component. Most other programs on this list, including the university research internships and Ladder Internships, set a minimum age of 16, so younger students have fewer options but can use these two city-run programs to start building experience early.
2. Which of these programs offer the highest pay, and which are better suited if I want a research-focused experience rather than a general job?
The highest stipends on this list belong to research-focused university programs: HudsonAlpha's BioTrain Internship pays $2,700 to $4,000, UAB CORD's Summer Science Institute pays $2,500, and QuantHub pays a $1,200 flat stipend for its data and AI focused program. If you specifically want hands-on research experience rather than a general work placement, UAB PRISM, UAB CORD, Alabama A&M's Research Experience, and HudsonAlpha BioTrain are the strongest choices, since each pairs you directly with a faculty mentor and culminates in a poster presentation or symposium. City-run programs like those in Birmingham and Mobile pay a more modest hourly wage ($11 to $14) but offer broader, more general workplace exposure across public service, nonprofit, and small business roles.
3. Do I need to be a resident of a specific Alabama city to apply to these programs?
Many of the city and community-based programs do have residency requirements. Birmingham Promise is limited to high school seniors enrolled in Birmingham City Schools, the City of Birmingham's Kids and Jobs program requires residency within Birmingham city limits, and the City of Mobile's Y.E.S. program requires residency or school attendance in Mobile specifically. The Alabama Power Internship at the Edmundite Missions Center is even more narrowly restricted to seniors at Selma High School. University-based research programs like UAB PRISM and UAB CORD are also geographically tied, prioritising students from specific nearby districts. Ladder Internships is the only program on this list with no residency requirement at all, since it is fully remote and open to students from anywhere.
Key Takeaways
This list covers 15 paid, in-person internships for high school students in Alabama, plus Ladder Internships as a remote alternative, spanning city-run youth employment programs, university biomedical and STEM research placements, and industry-specific internships in agriculture, construction, and biotechnology. Pay varies considerably by format, from hourly city and community programs in the $11 to $14 range (City of Birmingham, City of Mobile) to flat research stipends reaching $2,500 to $4,000 at UAB CORD and HudsonAlpha BioTrain, with several programs also tied to specific city or school district residency requirements. For students seeking the most flexible option regardless of age, location, or residency, Ladder Internships is the only fully remote program on this list, allowing students to work with a startup from anywhere while gaining real project experience without a fixed local eligibility requirement.