15 Best Business Internships for High School Students
Some of the best business internships for high school students provide a valuable opportunity to explore career paths, develop essential skills, and gain practical experience in a professional business environment. These programs offer early exposure to the business world, helping you make informed decisions about your future careers.
Participating in the best business internships for high school students can be especially beneficial if you’re interested in fields like finance, marketing, management, or entrepreneurship. Not only do these experiences enhance your college applications, but they also provide hands-on learning that can give you a competitive advantage in future job searches or business school applications.
To that end, below we have curated a list of 15 of the best business internships for high school students to consider this summer!
Location: Meta's HQ, Menlo Park, California
Stipend: Paid (amount varies)
Acceptance Rate: Highly selective
Application Deadline: February 14
Program Dates: June 16 – July 25
Eligibility: High school sophomores with a minimum 2.0 CGPA. They also must be full-year residents of East Palo Alto, Belle Haven, North Fair Oaks, or Redwood City
The Meta Summer Academy offers high school students one of the best business internships for high school students and a valuable opportunity to gain real-world work experience in the tech industry while building skills that enhance their resumes and future job prospects. As a participant, you will engage in projects that involve coding, financial literacy, art and media, or professional networking, all under the guidance of Meta employees and executives.
In addition to technical skills, you will also develop soft skills, such as reflection and communication, which are critical for long-term career success. This internship provides early exposure to diverse career pathways, preparing you for college and equipping you with the tools you’ll need to navigate future professional environments confidently.
Location: Remote
Cost: Starting at $2,490 (financial aid available)
Acceptance Rate: Highly selective
Application Deadline: Deadlines vary depending on the cohort. April 13 for regular admission into the summer cohort
Program Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year. The summer cohort starts on June 2
Eligibility: High school students who can work for 10-20 hours/week for around 8-12 weeks
Ladder Internships is a selective start-up internship program that lasts around 8 weeks. As an ambitious high school student, you will get to work with a high-growth start-up on an internship. These start-ups offer internships across a variety of industries, from tech/deep tech and AI/ML to health tech, marketing, journalism, consulting, and more. In fact, many of Ladder’s start-ups are high-growth companies on average raising over a million dollars! During the program, you’ll work closely with your managers and a Ladder Coach on real-world projects, eventually presenting your work to the company at the end of the internship. Here is the application form.
3. Leadership in the Business World – Wharton Global Youth Program
Location: The Wharton School, The University of Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania
Cost: $7,899 – $9,799
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Highly selective; around 120 students/session
Application Deadline: Priority deadline: January 29 | Final deadline: April 2
Dates: June 8 – June 28 | June 29 – July 19 | July 20 – August 9
Eligibility: 11th graders with demonstrated leadership experience; 3.5 unweighted GPA or higher
The Wharton Leadership in the Business World (LBW) program offers high school students access to one of the best business internships for high school students. As a participant, you’ll get the exclusive opportunity to experience Wharton’s rigorous undergraduate curriculum and explore leadership in modern organizations. In this immersive summer program, you'll attend lectures from distinguished Wharton professors, engage in classroom discussions on leadership and teamwork, and apply your learning through real-world business simulations and case competitions.
You’ll also conduct research on business enterprises and interact with successful leaders from diverse industries such as finance, entrepreneurship, and entertainment. This dynamic program enhances critical thinking, teamwork, and leadership skills, preparing you for future success in business. Active participation and a strong academic interest in business are required.
Location: Virtual
Cost: $2,490
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Highly selective
Application Deadline: Varies based on cohort; the summer early admission application deadline is March 23
Program Dates: Multiple 8-week cohorts throughout the year; the summer cohort starts in May
Eligibility: High school students with experience with AI/ML or those who have completed a Veritas AI program
The Veritas AI Internship Program is founded and run by Harvard graduate students. Through an 8-week internship, you will have the opportunity to work with VC-backed startups on real-world AI/ML projects. You will work directly with mentors from Harvard, Wharton, Google, Microsoft, McKinsey & Company, and more.
This program is a great opportunity for students who have prior experience with AI/ML and are looking to gain real-world exposure to a career in the field. During the internship, you’ll network with industry professionals, work closely with company leadership, and receive a letter of completion at the end of the internship. You can learn more about the program here and apply here.
5. High School Business Internship – PNNL
Location: PNNL (various locations)
Stipend: Paid
Acceptance Rate: Moderately selective
Application Deadline: Opens in February
Program Dates: August – May (during the school year)
Eligibility: High school juniors or seniors with proficient computer skills and experience in spreadsheet and database programs, preferably Excel and Access, as well as Word and PowerPoint
The PNNL High School Business Internship provides students with hands-on experience in a professional business environment, enhancing their resumes and career prospects. During the academic year, you will work up to four hours daily alongside experienced mentors in specialized business areas while earning elective credits through your school’s work-based learning program.
As an intern, you get to participate in leadership development activities, career awareness workshops, and field trips, gaining both practical knowledge and essential workplace skills. This internship offers students a unique opportunity to explore business careers, build professional connections, and develop real-world competencies that prepare them for future academic and professional success.
6. Building-U High School Internship
Location: Virtual
Cost: No cost
Acceptance Rate: Selective
Application Deadline: Not mentioned
Program Dates: Internships run year-round
Eligibility: Students currently enrolled in high school: 9th, 10th, 11th, or 12th grades
The Building-U internship offers high school students a chance to gain hands-on experience working on real-world business challenges across diverse teams. You’ll get to collaborate with peers and professionals worldwide, contributing to projects like resource research, video editing, marketing campaigns, coding, blog writing, and social media content creation.
Each team addresses specific organizational needs, such as web development, partnership cultivation, or data privacy, providing you with practical skills in areas like Google Analytics, Laravel, React, and content strategy. You’ll also build essential soft skills, including teamwork, communication, and cross-functional collaboration while exploring professional environments and contributing to meaningful initiatives.
7. School Internships – Jimmerson Birr Law Firm
Location: Jimerson Birr, Jacksonville, Florida
Stipend: None
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective
Application Deadline: Not mentioned; apply here
Program Dates: 4-6 weeks in the summer
Eligibility: High school students with good analytical and research skills
The Jimerson Birr High School Summer Internship Program provides students with an opportunity to gain hands-on experience in a dynamic business law environment. Over 4 to 6 weeks, you’ll get to work closely with department leaders across fields, such as legal services, communications, marketing, accounting, and information technology, contributing to real projects that develop your professional and analytical abilities.
This internship provides valuable business experience by exposing you to contract negotiation, compliance, and risk management—key aspects of corporate operations. You’ll develop critical thinking and communication skills while gaining insight into how legal strategies support business success. This hands-on experience gives you a competitive edge for future business roles in management, consulting, finance, and entrepreneurship.
Location: Drake University, Des Moines, Iowa
Cost: $350 (by May 30); $400 (after May 30). Need-based financial aid available
Cohort Size: Over 70 students
Application Deadline: Opens early in the year for the summer program
Program Dates: July 13 – 17
Eligibility: High school students (grades 9-12)
Each summer, more than 70 high school students from across Iowa converge on a college campus to participate in one of the best business internships for high school students. As a participant, you will get to work on collaborative business ventures, which will culminate in investor pitches, infomercial screenings, and a trade show where teams will compete for the "best product" award. The program also features leadership activities, team-building exercises, and workshops led by Iowa professionals that you can participate in as well as networking opportunities and career insights. This program will give you hands-on work experience while enhancing your problem-solving, critical thinking, and public speaking skills.
9. Bank of America Student Leaders® program
Location: Leadership Summit at Washington DC and internship opportunities at various locations
Stipend: Paid
Cohort Size: Around 300 students
Application Deadline: January 15
Program Dates: The internship will run for 8 weeks (dates vary based on location); the summit dates are July 21 – 26
Eligibility: High school juniors or seniors legally authorized to work in the U.S.; be able to participate in a week-long Student Leaders Summit in Washington, DC; permanently reside in one of the eligible locations (see here)
As one of the best business internships for high school students, The Bank of America Student Leaders Program offers high school juniors and seniors a paid eight-week internship with local organizations, providing hands-on experience in serving their communities while building leadership and civic skills. You will gain real-world exposure to the inner workings of organizations and nonprofits, develop professional abilities, and enhance your resume. The program concludes with a national Student Leaders Summit in Washington, D.C., where you will explore how businesses, nonprofits, and governments collaborate to address community needs.
10. Millie King Entrepreneurship Program – Bella Abzug Leadership Institute
Location: Bella Abzug Leadership Institute, Hunter College, NYC, New York
Cost: Free
Acceptance Rate: Selective
Application Deadline: Opens in March
Program Dates: 3 days during the last week of July or the first week of August
Eligibility: High School seniors and college students
The Bella Abzug Leadership Institute (BALI) empowers high school students, particularly those from underserved and underrepresented communities, through the Millie King Entrepreneurship Program. This initiative provides hands-on experience in entrepreneurship, helping participants develop business skills, explore career goals, and refine their professional presence. As a participant, you’ll engage in real-world projects, enhance your resume, and build essential leadership abilities, preparing you for future academic and career success in business, civic, and community roles.
11. NYC Ladders for Leaders – DYCD
Location: Various organizations in New York City, New York
Stipend: $16.50/hour
Acceptance Rate: Highly selective
Application Deadline: March 2
Program Dates: 6 weeks; the dates depends on the individual employer
Eligibility: High school or college students between the ages 16-24; residents of either of the five boroughs of New York City; legally allowed to work in the U.S.; have work experience, either paid or volunteer
Ladders for Leaders is a prestigious program and one of the best business internships for high school students. It provides high school and college students in New York City with paid summer internship opportunities in leading corporations, nonprofit organizations, and government agencies. As a participant, you will gain valuable real-world work experience, enhancing your resume and future job prospects.
The program includes 30 hours of pre-employment training, covering résumé writing, interview preparation, workplace readiness, and business etiquette. You will be matched with internships aligned with your career interests, giving you a chance to explore various industries while building professional connections. With access to an alumni network and post-internship opportunities, this program equips students with essential skills for academic and professional success.
12. Chicago Summer Business Institute
Location: Chicago Summer Business Institute, Chicago, Illinois
Stipend: Paid
Acceptance Rate: Selective
Application Deadline: February 1 – March 31
Program Dates: Varies according to the employer
Eligibility: Chicago high school sophomores or juniors; “B” or 3.0 average; family household income below $80,000/year; 2 letters of recommendation required
The Chicago Summer Business Institute (CSBI) offers high school students in Chicago a valuable opportunity to gain paid summer internships in the financial services sector. Established in 1991, CSBI aims to prepare students for the business world while encouraging them to pursue higher education.
As a participant, you’ll work with prestigious organizations like the Department of Finance Chicago and Citibank, gaining hands-on experience alongside professionals in banking, business, and entrepreneurship. Through this program, you will develop critical organizational and communication skills, building a strong foundation for your future career while gaining insight into the professional environment.
13. Internship with Project Pull – SF.gov
Location: City departments in San Francisco, California
Stipend: $19.25/hour
Acceptance Rate: Selective
Application Deadline: February 17
Program Dates: June 9 – August 1
Eligibility: Entering junior or senior year or college-bound freshman; live or attend high school in San Francisco; at least a 2.75 GPA from the last finished semester
The San Francisco government’s Project Pull offers paid summer internships for high school students from diverse communities, providing them with valuable real-world experience in the public sector. This program connects you to professional mentorship in STEAM fields, fostering skills like leadership, teamwork, integrity, and creativity. Designed to inspire civic engagement and promote diversity, Project Pull introduces you to potential careers within the city and county of San Francisco.
14. Emma Bowen Foundation Internship
Location: Various locations across the U.S.
Stipend: Varies depending on EBF partner organizations
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Highly selective; 150 students
Application Deadline: Early January
Program Dates: 8 weeks from late May to early June
Eligibility: U.S. high school senior; cumulative grade point average of at least 3.0; student of color (Asian, American Indian/Alaskan Native, Black, Hawaiian/Pacific Islander, Hispanic/Latino, or Multi-Racial)
The Emma Bowen Foundation Summer Internship offers an 8-week opportunity for high school and undergraduate college students of color interested in careers within media and tech. This comprehensive program provides interns with hands-on experience at leading companies in media, entertainment, and technology.
As a participant, you will gain exposure to various roles like business executive, producer, journalist, web developer, and PR agent. Through professional development workshops, career coaching, and mentorship, you will build valuable skills and expand your network. The program enhances resumes and job prospects by offering real-world experience and connections with industry professionals.
15. Warner Bros. Discovery Reach Honorship Program
Location: Warner Bros. Discovery Studios, Burbank, California
Stipend: $5,000 scholarship towards college
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Highly selective; 5-6 students accepted annually
Application Deadline: TBA
Dates: TBA
Eligibility: High school seniors from Burbank or Los Angeles County; minimum 3.0 GPA; plan to attend an accredited college or university
The Warner Bros. Discovery Reach Honorship Program offers high school seniors a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience in the business side of the entertainment industry. Designed for students interested in the corporate and operational aspects of media, this internship provides exposure to key functions such as finance, marketing, human resources, operations, and communications.
You’ll have the chance to explore specialized fields like content development, post-production, sound editing, and game design, gaining insight into how creative and business teams collaborate to bring entertainment to life. This program is ideal for students eager to develop real-world skills and a deeper understanding of the entertainment industry’s corporate landscape.