25 Best Paid Internships for High School Students
If you are an ambitious high school student, consider doing a summer internship. Internships give you hands-on experience, industry exposure, and valuable connections. They’re a great way to explore career interests while gaining practical skills that can set you apart in college applications and beyond!
In this blog, we’ve curated a list of the 25 best paid internships for high schoolers. These programs, offered by top colleges and organizations, provide meaningful work experience and a stipend or other compensation. Whether you’re interested in engineering, healthcare, business, or research, these internships can help you build skills while working alongside professionals in your field.
1. NASA’s Office of STEM Engagement (OSTEM) Internship
The NASA OSTEM Internship is a paid opportunity for high school students to contribute to NASA projects under the guidance of mentors. As an intern, you might help design experiments, analyze data from space missions, or support outreach and communication efforts. Internships span various subjects, including space science, engineering, aeronautics, space microbiology, ecology, and technology. In addition to project work, the program includes training, mentorship, and career development activities.
Location: NASA centers and facilities across the U.S. (in-person and virtual options available)
Stipend: Varies based on education level and length of internship
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Highly competitive (5% approx)
Program Dates Spring session (Mid-January - Early May), Summer session (Late May - August), Fall session (Late August - Mid-December)
Application Deadline: September 12 (Spring session), February 27 (Summer session), May 16 (Fall session)
Eligibility: Be a U.S. citizen, have a cumulative 3.0 GPA (on a 4.0 scale), be a full-time student, and be a minimum of 16 years of age at the time of application.
2. The Johns Hopkins Internship in Brain Science Program (JHIBS): Project Pipeline Baltimore
JHIBS is a fully funded summer research program for high school students from underrepresented backgrounds, focused on increasing diversity in neuroscience. Over eight weeks, you’ll conduct brain science research under the mentorship of Johns Hopkins faculty. You’ll gain experience in experimental design, lab techniques, data analysis, and scientific writing. You’ll participate in seminars, weekly professional development sessions, and discussions with neuroscientists. The program concludes with an oral or poster presentation of your research. A virtual format is also available for students unable to attend in person.
Location: Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland (in-person and virtual options)
Stipend: In-person interns receive an hourly wage; virtual interns receive $500
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: 5–6 students selected annually
Program Dates: 8 weeks, June - August (in-person); 5 weeks, July - August (virtual)
Application Deadline: March 1
Eligibility: High school students from underrepresented backgrounds; U.S. citizens or permanent residents preferred
3. High School Scientific Training and Enrichment Program (HiSTEP)
The NIH HiSTEP Program is a free, 5-week summer internship hosted by the National Institutes of Health for rising high school seniors from schools with high economic need. Based on NIH’s main campus in Bethesda, MD, the program introduces you to biomedical research, healthcare, and STEM-M (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math, and Medicine) careers. You’ll explore research and healthcare pathways through lab visits, lectures, group projects, and small group discussions. The program includes career readiness training, leadership development, and college advising.
Location: NIH Main Campus, Bethesda, Maryland
Stipend: $2,150 and public transport benefits provided
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Below 10%
Program Dates: July 7 – August 7 (Tuesdays through Thursdays)
Application Deadline: February 1
Eligibility: Rising 12th graders attending schools where ≥30% of students qualify for free/reduced lunch; U.S. citizens or permanent residents
The Meta Summer Academy is a paid 6-week internship for high school students interested in exploring careers in tech. Hosted at Meta’s California offices, the program gives you a behind-the-scenes look at the operations of a major tech company. As an intern, you’ll learn coding and explore career paths in technology through mentorship from Meta employees. Designed to support early career exploration, the program focuses on skill development, professional growth, and workplace readiness. Interns work up to 30 hours weekly and participate in workshops, team activities, and project-based learning. Meta provides transportation support for selected students.
Location: Meta offices in California (typically Menlo Park or surrounding areas)
Stipend: Paid
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: 150 students selected annually
Program Dates: June 16 - July 25 (6 weeks)
Application Deadline: March 1
Eligibility: High school students who are full-year residents of East Palo Alto, Belle Haven, or Redwood City
5. The Stanford Institutes of Medicine Summer Research Program (SIMR)
The Stanford Institutes of Medicine Summer Research Program (SIMR) is an 8-week research internship for high school students interested in biomedical science. You’ll conduct research under the guidance of Stanford faculty, postdocs, and graduate students. You’ll choose from one of eight research areas: Immunology, Neurobiology, Cancer Biology, Bioengineering, Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Cardiovascular Biology, Bioinformatics, and Genetics & Genomics. Mornings typically include lectures and safety training, while the rest of the day is devoted to lab work. The program concludes with a final poster session where you'll present your research to the Stanford community.
Location: Stanford University, Stanford, California
Stipend: $500+ ($1,500+ for underrepresented groups)
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: 50 students selected annually; acceptance rate <3%
Program Dates: June 9 - July 31
Application Deadline: February 22
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors (must be 16+ by program start); U.S. citizens or permanent residents
6. New York City Office of the Mayor Internship
The Mayor’s Office Internship Program offers high school students the chance to explore public service and city government through work, professional development, and community impact projects. You’ll be placed in a specific NYC Mayor’s Office department, where you’ll assist with policy research, data analysis, event planning, communications, and outreach. The program also includes a bi-weekly Speaker Series at City Hall, where you'll engage with senior city officials, including Deputy Mayors and Commissioners. Additionally, you’ll collaborate with fellow interns on a service project designed to support underserved NYC communities—previous initiatives have included park clean-ups, tree planting, and community restoration.
Location: New York City, New York
Stipend: $16.50 per hour
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective placement by department
Program Dates: June - August (Summer term) | October - April (Fall-Spring term)
Application Deadline: Summer term: March 30, Fall-Spring Term: August 11
Eligibility: High school students; must live in or attend school in NYC.
7. Bank of America Student Leaders Program
The Bank of America Student Leaders Program is an 8-week paid summer internship that places high school students in local nonprofit organizations. You’ll work on projects that support the nonprofit’s mission while developing skills in teamwork, communication, financial literacy, and social impact. Interns also participate in the Student Leaders Summit in Washington, D.C.—a week-long conference where you'll engage with national leaders, explore civic engagement, and network with students and professionals from across the country. Travel, lodging, and meals for the summit are fully covered.
Location: Local nonprofit placements + one week in Washington, D.C.
Stipend: Paid (exact amount varies by location)
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: 300 students selected nationwide
Program Dates: June to August (8 weeks)
Application Deadline: January 15
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors; must be legally authorized to work in the U.S.
8. Microsoft Discovery Program
Microsoft’s High School Discovery Program is a 4-week paid internship for graduating high school seniors interested in exploring careers in technology. You’ll join a small team (or “pod”) and work on a project for a Microsoft product group, gaining exposure to the product design process and roles in software engineering, product management, and UX design. Alongside project experience, you’ll receive mentorship from Microsoft employees, attend professional development sessions, and explore how your personal interests can align with a tech career.
Location: In-person in Redmond, Washington State, or Atlanta, Georgia
Stipend: $20 per hour
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified (competitive; small cohort)
Program Dates: July 7 - August 1 (4 weeks)
Application Deadline: Varies from year to year (typically spring)
Eligibility: Graduating high school seniors entering a 4-year college; must live near Redmond, Washington State or Atlanta, Georgia
9. City Limits’ CLARIFY (City Limits Accountability Reporting Initiative for Youth) program
City Limits CLARIFY is a paid journalism internship for NYC high school students interested in public service reporting and civic engagement. Throughout the program, you’ll develop skills in investigative research, journalism writing, and public speaking. You’ll work alongside experienced journalists, contribute to published stories, and receive mentorship focused on career readiness and communication. The program is designed for students who may not have had prior access to professional development or paid internships. Alumni of the program have gone on to work with outlets like The New York Times, Rolling Stone, Politico, and NPR!
Location: Virtual
Stipend: $500
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: 10-15 students
Program Dates: Summer
Application Deadline: April 30
Eligibility: High school students in NYC; priority given to students from underserved backgrounds
10. Science and Engineering Apprenticeship Program (SEAP)
In this internship, you’ll spend 8 weeks working on Naval research projects at one of over 30 Department of Navy (DoN) labs nationwide. You’ll be paired with a DoN scientist or engineer and contribute to research in mechanical engineering, computer science, chemistry, and materials science. This program is a good fit if you’re interested in pursuing a research or engineering career within the Navy or a related field. Past projects have explored axial fan simulation, catalytic oxidation of Li-ion electrolytes, and submarine life support systems.
Location: 38+ DoN labs across the U.S.
Stipend: $4000 for new participants; $4500 for returning participants
Program Length: 8 weeks (summer) Application Deadline: November 1
Eligibility: High school students aged 16+ at the time of application; U.S. citizens only
Acceptance rate/Cohort Size: 300 students, around 10-15% acceptance rate.
11. The Met Internship Program for High School Students
The Met High School Internship Program offers NYC high school students the chance to explore careers in the arts, museums, and cultural institutions. You’ll work with professionals across departments—including education, conservation, scientific research, digital media, and marketing—while participating in weekly Career Labs focused on career exploration, skill development, and mentorship. Interns also collaborate with peers on projects that support museum initiatives and public engagement. The program is open to students with a wide range of interests, not just those pursuing visual arts.
Location: New York City, New York
Stipend: $1,100
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: 40 students per session; highly selective
Program Dates: School-year Internship: January 11 – June 13 | Summer Internship: June 21 – August 8
Application Deadline: School-year Internship: October 28 | Summer Internship: March 7
Eligibility: High school students enrolled in a NYC school (must be 15+ years old)
12. Hutton Junior Fisheries Biology Program
The Hutton Junior Fisheries Biology Program is an 8-week paid summer internship that allows high school students to explore careers in fisheries and aquatic science through mentorship and fieldwork. As a Hutton Scholar, you’ll be paired with a fisheries professional in your area and gain experience in lab and field research across marine and freshwater environments. Activities may include electrofishing, water quality testing, population surveys, data analysis, and habitat restoration. You’ll also be introduced to conservation and resource management work while learning about careers in fisheries science and related fields.
Location: Varies by student location (local placements across the U.S. and Canada)
Stipend: $3,000
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: 100 students selected annually; moderately selective (12%)
Program Dates: 8 weeks during summer (exact dates vary by mentor location)
Application Deadline: January 19
Eligibility: High school students entering grades 11 or 12 (priority for underrepresented groups in STEM)
13. Library of Congress High School Work Study Program
The Library of Congress High School Work Study Program offers D.C.-area high school students the opportunity to develop career skills in a federal agency setting. You’ll work in a Library of Congress department during the school year, with responsibilities that vary by office but may include administrative tasks, research support, and digital organization. The program combines on-the-job training with career development sessions, helping you build professional habits and workplace confidence. Interns work a regular weekday schedule—usually from 12:00 to 4:00 p.m. or 1:00 to 5:00 p.m.—and receive mentorship from Library staff.
Location: Washington, D.C. (must live within a 45-minute commute)
Stipend: Paid (GS-01/01 federal salary scale)
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified (rolling admissions; selective placement by office)
Program Dates: Part-time during the academic year (appointments may last up to one year, ending June 30)
Application Deadline: Accepted year-round (apply early for best consideration)
Eligibility: U.S. citizens, at least 16 years old, enrolled in a local high school, able to work daytime hours during school year
14. The U.S Department of State’s Pathway Internship Program
The U.S. Department of State Pathways Internship Program offers paid federal internships for students interested in exploring careers in diplomacy, foreign affairs, and public service. As a Pathways Intern, you’ll be placed in either the Internship Experience Program (IEP) or the Internship Temporary Program (ITEP), where you’ll support projects related to international relations, policy analysis, communications, or administration. Interns may be assigned to offices such as the Office of the General Counsel, Environmental Protection Agency, or the Office of Structured Finance and Insurance, among others. You’ll collaborate with professionals while gaining insight into the workings of U.S. foreign and domestic policy.
Location: Washington, D.C., and various locations across the U.S. (varies by position)
Stipend: Paid (salary depends on GS level and position)
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified (competitive; positions open on a rolling basis via USAJobs.gov)
Program Dates: Varies by internship term and posting
Application Deadline: Rolling (check USAJobs.gov frequently for new openings)
Eligibility: U.S. citizens; current high school students enrolled at least half-time
15. Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) Scholars Program
The AFRL Scholars Program offers upper-level high school students the chance to work on STEM research alongside scientists and engineers at Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) sites. As an AFRL Scholar, you’ll work on projects in aerospace engineering, satellite navigation, electromagnetics, and environmental cleanup. You’ll receive mentorship from AFRL professionals, tour research labs, and develop technical and professional skills. Select locations also offer opportunities in STEM education or teaching. Past high school projects include data structures for satellite navigation, simulation testing of navigation signals, and PFAS contamination research.
Location: Multiple AFRL sites across the U.S.
Stipend: $468.80 per week
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: 8-10%
Program Dates: Typically 8–12 weeks in summer (varies by location)
Application Deadline: January 10
Eligibility: U.S. citizens; upper-level high school students (must be at least 16)
16. American Museum of Natural History Teen programs
The American Museum of Natural History offers free and paid opportunities for NYC high school students to explore science, research, and museum careers. You can participate in programs across anthropology, astrophysics, conservation science, evolutionary biology, and Earth science. Examples include the Science Research Mentoring Program (SRMP), a year-long opportunity (August–June) to conduct research with Museum scientists, and the Science Alliance Program, where you choose your field of interest and join a cohort for workshops, mentorship, and skill-building.
Location: New York City, New York (Manhattan)
Stipend: Paid internships; all programs are free to participate in
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified (selective, varies by program)
Program Dates: Varies by program (e.g., SRMP runs August–June)
Application Deadline: Varies by program (SRMP deadline usually in March)
Eligibility: High school students in NYC (typically grades 9–12; some programs may have additional age or grade requirements)
17. Boston Children’s Hospital Student Research Internship
The Summer Student Research Program SSRP at Boston Children’s Hospital offers upper-level high school students the chance to conduct research in neonatal and developmental biology alongside researchers. You’ll be matched with a mentor to work on a research project in vascular biology, molecular genetics, epigenetics, public health, or neonatal clinical research. You’ll attend weekly seminars on topics in newborn medicine and present your findings at the end of the program. This is an excellent opportunity if you’re curious about careers in medicine, pediatrics, or biomedical research.
Location: Boston, Massachusetts
Stipend: Paid (hourly rate, varies by education level)
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified (highly selective)
Program Dates: June–August (8 weeks total, 35 hours/week)
Application Deadline: Typically in February
Eligibility: Advanced high school students
18. City Of Hope’s Eugene and Ruth Roberts Summer Student Academy
The Eugene and Ruth Roberts Summer Student Academy at City of Hope is a research internship for high school students interested in cancer biology, molecular genetics, and translational medicine. You’ll be matched with a research mentor to work on an independent lab-based project, gaining experience in techniques like PCR, Western blotting, cell culture, and genetic analysis. The program emphasizes research and communication—expect to present your findings through a formal poster session, an oral presentation, and a written research paper. Weekly seminars, career talks, and field trips complete the experience.
Location: Duarte, California
Stipend: $4,500 upon completion
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: ~5% (100 students selected from ~2,000 applicants)
Program Dates: 10 weeks during summer (typically June–August)
Application Deadline: January (varies by year)
Eligibility: Rising juniors and seniors in high school; undergraduate students also eligible
19. Amazon Future Engineer Scholarship & Internship
This program allows high school seniors to explore careers in technology through a paid summer internship at Amazon and a college scholarship worth up to $40,000. As an AFE Scholar, you’ll gain early exposure to computer science, software engineering, and project development. Interns work on technical projects alongside Amazon professionals, learning to navigate challenges in a fast-paced tech environment. You’ll receive mentorship, participate in career-building workshops, and connect with a network of peers and professionals. The scholarship supports your pursuit of a computer science degree at an accredited four-year college.
Location: Various Amazon offices across the U.S.
Stipend: Paid summer internship + up to $40,000 scholarship over 4 years
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: 400 students selected nationally
Program Dates: Summer internship takes place after senior year of high school
Application Deadline: Typically in December or January
Eligibility: High school seniors from underserved or underrepresented backgrounds pursuing a computer science major
20. Brain Research Apprenticeships in New York at Columbia (BRAINYAC)
The BRAINYAC Program offers high school students the chance to conduct neuroscience research in a Columbia University laboratory over the summer. You’ll be paired with a Columbia neuroscientist and work on an independent project in areas like sensory processing, neuron function, and brain development. You’ll develop laboratory research skills, gain exposure to professional academic careers, and engage with scientists in the field. For example, a past project explored how specialized neurons relay sensory signals. The program culminates in a final presentation of your research to the scientific community at Columbia.
Location: New York, New York (Columbia University Zuckerman Institute)
Stipend: Paid (amount not publicly specified)
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: ~40 students per year; nomination-based
Program Dates: Summer (typically June–August)
Application Deadline: Varies by nominating partner program
Eligibility: Must be nominated by a partner organization (S-PREP, Lang Youth Medical Program, Double Discovery Center, Columbia Secondary School, or BioBus); must live in NYC and be in high school
21. Warner Bros Reach Honorship Program
The Warner Bros. Reach Honorship Program is a hybrid scholarship-internship awarded to graduating high school seniors interested in the business and creative sides of media and entertainment. If selected, you'll receive a college scholarship and a paid summer internship at Warner Bros. You will learn about departments like production, content development, marketing, communications, post-production, finance, HR, and more. You'll gain experience working with industry professionals and build an early foundation for an entertainment career. The program includes mentorship from Warner Bros. staff, exposure to studio operations, and opportunities to contribute to projects in film, TV, and games.
Location: Burbank, California (Warner Bros. Studios)
Stipend: Paid internship + college scholarship
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: ~5 students per year (highly selective)
Program Dates: Summer (after high school graduation)
Application Deadline: Typically March
Eligibility: High school seniors in the LA County area
22. Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience (MPFI) High School Summer Research Internship
The MPFI Summer Research Internship is a six-week program for high school students entering their junior or senior year. You’ll work in wet labs alongside professional scientists, gaining experience in genetic engineering, microbiology, microscopy, histological techniques, and neural imaging. Research projects focus on brain structure, function, and circuit mapping using advanced technologies. In the final week, you will present your work to a group that includes MPFI researchers, staff, peers, and guests from the local scientific community.
Location: Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience (Jupiter, Florida)
Cost/Stipend: $13 per hour
Cohort Size: Small (8 participants)
Program Dates: Six weeks during summer (June 16 - July 25)
Application Deadline: March 4
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors who are at least 16 years old, live in Palm Beach or Martin County, and have U.S. work authorization.
23. NMNH Summer High School Internship – Smithsonian Institution
This six-week internship places high school students in the Entomology or Exhibits department at the National Museum of Natural History. In Entomology, you might sort and classify moths or assist with collections of insects like spiders and centipedes, learning about taxonomy and preservation. In Exhibits, you’ll contribute to exhibit development and learn how museum displays are planned and built. You’ll also participate in field trips, college prep, behind-the-scenes tours, and skill-building in public speaking and science communication.
Location: Washington, D.C.
Cost/Stipend: $3,600 total ($600/week)
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Small cohort
Program Dates: June 24 – August 5; Tues–Fri, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Application Deadline: February 28
Eligibility: Current high school students, ages 14–18; fluent in English
24. Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory (PPPL) Internship Program
This full-time summer research internship is open to graduating high school seniors with an interest in plasma physics, fusion energy, and related fields. Hosted by the U.S. Department of Energy, the program matches interns with research or engineering mentors to contribute to experimental or computational projects. You may work on data analysis, modeling, or engineering tasks using Python, Java, SolidWorks, or AutoCAD. Enrichment activities include guest lectures and professional development workshops. Prior coursework in physics, chemistry, engineering, or advanced math is recommended.
Location: Princeton, New Jersey (in-person) + remote option available
Cost/Stipend: Paid
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective; limited positions
Program Dates: June 30 - August 1
Application Deadline: March 1
Eligibility: Graduating high school seniors with relevant coursework or technical experience
25. Foreign Policy Research Institute (FPRI) Internship
FPRI’s internship program allows high school students to explore foreign relations, international policy, and think tank operations. You’ll choose a focus area—Research, Special Events/Development, or Operations—and be paired with a mentor who will guide your work throughout the term. You’ll develop professional and academic skills in policy research, communication, critical thinking, and teamwork. Interns attend FPRI’s events, participate in career seminars, and may submit a research paper for possible publication in Intern Corner.
Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania or remote
Cost/Stipend: Stipend available
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Program Dates: Summer (June–August)
Application Deadline: May 12
Eligibility: Open to all high school students with U.S. work authorization, including international students
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