9 Business Internships for High School Students in Georgia
Securing a business internship during high school is a great way to bridge the gap between classroom theory and application. An internship in your field can significantly enhance your profile and resume, making you stand out in competitive college admissions processes. The experience improves your employability odds by helping you develop soft skills such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving.
What business internships are available for high school students in Georgia?
Georgia offers many business-related opportunities at corporations in Atlanta and local government placements. You can find placements in finance, marketing, technology management, and nonprofit leadership. Whether through structured corporate programs like those at Microsoft or Bank of America, or through district-led career initiatives, these business internships for high school students in Georgia provide the skills necessary for a career in the global marketplace.
We have curated the 9 best business internships for high school students in Georgia to ensure you find impactful opportunities.
1. Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta High School Research Intern
Location: Hosting organization: Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta (On-site)
Cost/Stipend: Paid ($17/hour)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective
Dates: September – May (Academic Year)
Application Deadline: June 21
Eligibility: High school students currently enrolled in or who have completed economics coursework
This academic-year internship provides high-achieving students with a rare opportunity to work alongside research economists at the heart of the U.S. financial system. You will support a variety of critical business functions, including statistical data entry, detailed literature reviews, and library research. Beyond administrative tasks, you’ll be invited to attend high-level seminars where you can engage with professional economists about global financial trends. This program is designed to sharpen technical and analytical skills that are essential for any future career in business or finance.
2. Ladder Internships
Acceptance rate: Not specified
Location: Remote
Cost: Varies according to program; financial aid available
Dates: Multiple cohorts: Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter
Application Deadline: Rolling by cohort
Eligibility: High schoolers, gap year students, undergrads; 10–20 hrs/week for 8–12 weeks
Ladder Internships pairs you with a real startup in fields like AI, marketing, consulting, journalism, and more. You'll work on live projects that directly contribute to the company, from growth strategies to research or content development. Each internship is supported by a Ladder Coach who guides you throughout the process. You’ll also get to present your work to startup leadership at the end of your internship. The program is fully remote and flexible, making it ideal if you want to build career-ready experience alongside school. Apply now!
3. Bank of America Student Leaders Program
Location: Local nonprofits in Georgia (Atlanta, Savannah, etc.)
Cost/Stipend: Paid
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Approximately 300 students nationally
Dates: 8 weeks during the summer (includes Summit July 21 – July 26)
Application Deadline: January 15
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors
This prestigious program focuses on the business of social impact and community leadership by placing students in paid internships with local nonprofit organizations. You will learn about the administrative and operational sides of running a community-focused business while developing vital leadership skills. A key highlight of the program is the Student Leaders Summit, where interns from across the country gather to discuss civic engagement. You will gain insight into how nonprofits and businesses collaborate to address community needs.
4. Fulton County Schools Career Internship Program
Location: Hosting organization: Local businesses in Fulton County, GA
Cost/Stipend: None (earns graduation credits)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Open to all qualifying students in the district
Dates: Semester-long (Fall and Spring)
Application Deadline: Varies by school semester
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors
This district-led initiative matches you with professional mentors at local organizations to gain insight into various career pathways, including the financial and operational sectors. You will commit to working 5–10 hours each week during the school day, allowing you to balance academic requirements with professional development. The program is unique because it allows you to participate in multiple placements across your junior and senior years to explore different business environments. Instead of a paycheck, you’ll receive high school credit, making it an excellent way to strengthen a college transcript. This model focuses heavily on mentorship and building professional habits within a real-world office setting.
5. Young Dawgs Program (UGA)
Location: Hosting organization: University of Georgia, Athens, GA
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Varies; ~1,100 students placed since 2008
Dates: Fall/Spring semesters or Summer (min. 120 hours)
Application Deadline: Varies by semester
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors with a minimum 3.7 GPA
The University of Georgia hosts this program to help students explore professional career fields, including finance and business administration, through campus-based internships. You will work at least 120 hours, gaining direct exposure to the daily responsibilities and operational workflows of a major university or local organization. The program emphasizes the development of professional communication and office skills necessary for a successful career. Since its inception, the program has partnered with over 440 different sites, offering students a wide breadth of organizational experiences. When you complete this program, it will provide a significant boost to your college applications and professional resume.
6. Gwinnett County Government Internship Program
Location: Hosting organization: Gwinnett County Government Departments, GA
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective based on department availability
Dates: 4–6 weeks during the summer
Application Deadline: Varies by department (Spring application window)
Eligibility: High school and college students residing in Gwinnett County
This program offers residents a specialized look at the business of public service and the internal operations of a large county government. You will be placed in finance-related departments and will learn the complexities of municipal budgeting, resource allocation, and long-term financial planning for a community of one million. The internship is designed to foster your professional growth through hands-on learning and direct collaboration with county officials. In addition to gaining technical knowledge, you will be introduced to the legal and administrative mentorships that support public infrastructure. It is a valuable opportunity for those interested in the financial management of large-scale public institutions.
7. Internship Forsyth (Work-Based Learning)
Location: Hosting organization: Local businesses in Forsyth County, GA
Cost/Stipend: Paid or unpaid
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Varies by placement availability
Dates: School Year
Application Deadline: January 30
Eligibility: Students at least 16 years of age with a defined career goal and reliable transportation
Internship Forsyth is a structured academic program that bridges the gap between classroom instruction and professional employment by allowing you to earn course credit for off-campus work. You will have the flexibility to leave campus during the school day to intern with local businesses, gaining hands-on experience directly related to your chosen career pathway. The program emphasizes the development of marketable skills and professional preparation, helping you stand out to college admissions counselors. Throughout the experience, you will receive mentorship from a Career Development Specialist and meet every month to ensure your professional growth is aligned with academic standards. This initiative is open to on-campus, virtual, and dual-enrollment students who maintain good attendance and positive discipline records.
8. MARTA Internship Program
Location: Hosting organization: MARTA Headquarters & Various Facilities, Atlanta, GA Cost/Stipend: Paid
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Varies by department
Dates: Summer and year-round opportunities
Application Deadline: Rolling (Check portal regularly)
Eligibility: High school students (minimum 16 years old) with school authorization
MARTA offers an internship program that allows high schoolers to explore the business of transit. Beyond engineering, you can find placements in Accounting, Marketing, Sales, Business Development, and Legal departments. You will work on real-world projects that help move the city, gaining insight into how a massive public transportation hub manages its logistics and community outreach. The program is designed to bridge the gap between classroom learning and professional careers in public service and infrastructure. You will benefit from professional development workshops and networking opportunities with transit leaders.
9. Cherokee Summer Internship Program
Location: Hosting organization: Top employers in Cherokee County, GA
Cost/Stipend: Paid
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Varies
Dates: June – July (Summer)
Application Deadline: January (Check portal for exact date)
Eligibility: Rising juniors, seniors, and recent graduates in Cherokee County
This program provides early exposure to real-world work environments with a focus on career readiness. You will be placed with local employers in fields like marketing and corporate operations. You’ll work on improving your professional skills, such as interviewing and time management. Beyond the immediate benefits of a paycheck, this six-week program challenges you to produce tangible results on projects that directly impact local business goals. Many participants successfully leverage this exposure to secure long-term roles, with nearly 20% of interns historically being retained for full-time or part-time employment after the program concludes.
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