14 Business Internships for High School Students in Arizona
Doing a business internship in high school lets you test out this career path before committing to a college major. You'll get a feel for what it's like to work in fields like marketing, finance, or operations. You’ll develop skills like professional communication, project management, and teamwork. This kind of experience strengthens your college applications by showing admissions officers that you've taken initiative outside the classroom.
What business internships are available for high school students in Arizona?
Arizona is a good place to find business internships for high schoolers. The state has a growing economy with strong sectors in high-tech manufacturing, semiconductors, logistics, and finance, and major employers like Honeywell, Salt River Project, and Intel. Institutions like Arizona State University and the University of Arizona support professional programs for high school students.
We narrowed down the list to 14 of the best business internships for high school students in Arizona.
1. Salt River Project High School Internship
Location: Various SRP facilities across the Valley (Phoenix, Tempe, and Scottsdale, AZ)
Stipend: Paid, amount not specified
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive
Dates: Full academic year
Application Deadline: Applications generally open in the spring or summer prior to the start of the senior year
Eligibility: High school seniors living in the Valley who are enrolled in a Cooperative Office Education (COE) or Industrial Cooperative Education (ICE) program as a class during their senior year
Through the SRP High School Internship program in Arizona, you'll step into a professional role at one of the nation’s largest public power and water utilities during your senior year. This year-long commitment focuses on practical career development, covering essential fields like engineering, marketing, business administration, and information technology. You will engage in activities such as managing department projects, attending professional networking events, and participating in career-readiness workshops. In this program, you also gain credit through Cooperative Office Education (COE) while receiving a competitive salary and 401(k) benefits. This experience is designed to bridge the gap between high school and a future career in Arizona’s utility industry.
2. Ladder Internships
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: Cost varies depending on the program type; financial aid is available / No stipend
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Between 10–25%; 70–100 students
Dates: Multiple cohorts available throughout the year, including Summer, Fall, Winter, and Spring
Application Deadline: Varies as per cohort; Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), and Winter (November)
Eligibility: High school, undergraduate, and gap year students who can commit 10–20 hours per week for 8–12 weeks
Ladder Internships offers remote, project-based business internships designed for high school students interested in real-world professional experience. It matches you with startups or organizations to work on structured business projects in areas such as market research, strategy, operations, and marketing. You receive mentorship from industry professionals and participate in regular check-ins to track progress. The program emphasizes independent work, accountability, and professional communication. You complete a final deliverable or presentation summarizing your work. This program is well-suited for students seeking flexibility and skill-based learning. Apply now!
3. Honeywell High School Internship
Location: Phoenix, Tempe, and Deer Valley, AZ
Stipend: Paid, amount not specified
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive; usually between 10 and 25 students
Dates: 6-to-8 weeks between June and July
Application Deadline: Mid-February to March
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors who are at least 16 years old, have a strong GPA (usually 3.0+), and are U.S. citizens
In this Arizona-based internship with Honeywell, you will step into a professional role within the aerospace, IT, or manufacturing sectors. You’ll explore topics like mechanical assembly and AI-driven business solutions at facilities in Phoenix or Tempe. During the program, you will assemble complex components, perform quality checks, and update IT webpages alongside mentors. A standout feature is the one-on-one mentorship that allows you to work on high-stakes projects impacting real-world aviation. You’ll master technical skills like blueprint reading and troubleshooting while refining your professional networking abilities. This hands-on experience provides a significant head start for any future career in engineering.
4. Textron Aviation High School Internships
Location: Able Aerospace Services Facility – Mesa, Arizona
Stipend: Paid, amount not specified
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; cohort size not publicly disclosed
Dates: Year–round
Application Deadline: Rolling basis
Eligibility: Current high school students who are 16+ years old and U.S. citizens
In this business management internship, you’ll explore the aviation industry by supporting departments like marketing, sales, and finance. You will engage in hands-on activities such as lead generation, market analysis, and the specialized "Campus to Corporate" business etiquette training. A highlight of the program is the chance to network at the Intern Expo and participate in a community service day with your peers. This paid experience stands out because it offers direct mentorship from Cessna and Beechcraft professionals, providing you with a professional network that is rarely accessible to high school students. Through these projects, you will master essential skills like data organization, Microsoft Office proficiency, and professional communication.
5. AZ Youthforce – Emerging Leaders Program Internship
Location: Arizona counties
Stipend: Paid, amount not specified
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive; approximately 25–30 students per training academy session
Dates: Summer and Fall options (Typically 7–10 weeks; Summer sessions often start in June)
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: High school students aged 14–17
In the AZ Youthforce Emerging Leaders Program, you immerse yourself in a professional world covering business topics like financial literacy, communication, and workplace ethics. You will support local club operations, participate in speed networking events, and attend skills workshops at the program's academy. The internship provides a paid stipend and pairs you with a professional mentor who offers personalized career guidance. Through these hands-on experiences, you will learn essential skills like public speaking, resume writing, and a leadership mindset. You also get to build a professional network that effectively bridges the gap between high school and your future career. This program offers you a rare chance to gain real business experience while earning a paycheck.
6. AZYouthforce (AZYF) – Boys & Girls Clubs of the Valley
Location: Phoenix Metropolitan Area, Arizona
Stipend: Paid, varies by placement and amount not specified
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; cohort size not specified
Dates: Year–round
Application Deadline: Rolling applications
Eligibility: Students aged 14–21 (most internships require 16+); must be enrolled in school and live in the Phoenix area
AZYouthforce is a workforce development and paid internship program where selected participants receive training in financial literacy, professional communication, resume-building, interview preparation, and workplace readiness. After completing the academy, you will be matched with paid internships through AZYouthforce’s network of employer partners for internships in business. Internships allow participants to explore different career pathways while gaining real-world work experience. The program emphasizes personalized career planning, skill development, and long-term success. AZYouthforce is designed to be inclusive and accessible, supporting students as they transition from education to employment.
7. City of Phoenix Youth Employment Program – Business & Admin Roles
Location: Various City of Phoenix Departments (Finance, Aviation, City Manager’s Office, etc.) and partner sites
Stipend: Paid, amount not specified
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive; cohort size varies by partner
Dates: Summer Session: Typically 5–8 weeks between June and August
Application Deadline: Application windows vary by partner between March and May; early registration is highly encouraged
Eligibility: Youth aged 14–24 who reside in Phoenix
The City of Phoenix Youth Employment Program offers paid internships across multiple city departments, including administrative and business-related roles. You will receive a dedicated "Career Advisor" who helps with resume building and interview prep before the job starts. Students in the Business/Admin track are typically placed in departments such as Human Resources, Finance, and Water Services to assist with data entry, customer service, and project coordination. The program introduces participants to public-sector business functions and workplace expectations. Interns receive supervision and on-the-job training. Emphasis is placed on professionalism, punctuality, and teamwork. Positions vary depending on departmental needs.
8. City of Tempe: Career Ready Tempe Internship
Location: Local businesses and city departments in Tempe, AZ
Stipend: Paid, amount not specified
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive; typically 20 students per summer
Dates: 6 weeks between June and July
Application Deadline: April 1
Eligibility: Incoming high school juniors or seniors; must live in Tempe OR attend a school in Tempe/TUHSD; 16+ years old; 2.0+ GPA
Through the City of Tempe’s Career Ready Tempe internship, you dive into the fundamentals of business management by exploring organizational structures, project coordination, and professional communication. You will participate in staff meetings, assist with administrative operations, and collaborate on department projects to see how a city functions. You also receive dedicated college and career readiness coaching you receive alongside a paid work experience. By the end of the summer, you will have mastered essential soft skills like time management and networking, while gaining a practical understanding of how to manage business resources effectively in a professional setting.
9. West-MEC High School Professional Internships
Location: Various industry partner sites across the West Valley (Phoenix, Glendale, Surprise, Buckeye)
Stipend: Paid and unpaid roles available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Non-selective; approximately 2,000+ total
Dates: Spring semester of a student's senior year
Application Deadline: Generally late January to early March
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors enrolled in a West-MEC Central Program; 16+ years old
Through the West-MEC High School Professional Internship program, you immerse yourself in a business curriculum covering professional communication, financial literacy, and self-advocacy. What makes this program unique is its direct partnership with local industry leaders, providing you with a real-world workplace environment rather than a traditional classroom. By collaborating with professional mentors, you will build vital skills like teamwork, analytical problem-solving, and workplace etiquette. Ultimately, you network with local employers to bridge the gap between your high school education and future employment. This immersive experience ensures you graduate with the confidence and credentials necessary to launch a successful business career.
10. Pima County – Summer Youth Employment Program
Location: Pima County, Arizona
Stipend: Paid, amount not specified
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive; approximately 1,100 – 1,300 students
Dates: Typically, 4 weeks in the summer
Application Deadline: February 27
Eligibility: High school students who are at least 14 years old and are permanent residents of Pima County
The Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP) is a county-run workforce initiative that helps young people gain paid work experience while building academic and life skills through business-related internships. You will be placed in internship or job roles with local businesses, public agencies, and community organizations across Pima County. Alongside employment, the program supports youth in goal-setting, career planning, skill development, and preparing for college and future careers. Worksite supervisors receive orientation and guidance to ensure a supportive and structured work experience. Due to high demand and limited capacity, admission to SYEP is selective.
11. ElevateEdAZ (Greater Phoenix Chamber Foundation Initiative)
Location: Phoenix Union High School District, Greater Phoenix Area, Arizona
Stipend: Paid, amount not specified
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive; approximately 300+ interns
Dates: Summer (June–July) or Semester-based (Spring/Fall)
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: High school students (often 16-17+) enrolled in a CTE program at a partner school
ElevateEdAZ, a Greater Phoenix Chamber Foundation initiative, empowers you to bridge the gap between high school and the professional business world. You will explore topics like entrepreneurship, marketing, and finance through dedicated Career and Technical Education pathways tailored to the Arizona economy. During the program, you’ll dive into activities such as professional internships, job shadowing, and mock interviews to gain a real-world perspective. What makes this program unique is its commitment to your success, offering gift card incentives for earning credentials and even providing transportation to job sites. Ultimately, you’ll develop vital skills in networking, workplace professionalism, and technical communication that prepare you for a high-wage career.
12. Mesa Chamber of Commerce Internship Program
Location: Mesa, Arizona
Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Moderately competitive; typically 1–5 interns per semester
Dates: Flexible; follows Fall, Spring, or Summer semesters
Application Deadline: Rolling basis
Eligibility: All high school students
The Mesa Chamber of Commerce Internship Program offers students hands-on experience within a professional business association while providing access to a strong local business network. You will support core operations through member engagement, event coordination, and administrative work, gaining exposure to how a chamber serves over 1,000 member organizations. You assist with networking events, committee meetings, and member communications, helping deliver a high-quality experience for the business community. The program emphasizes teamwork, problem-solving, and professional communication while offering flexible scheduling to accommodate academic and personal commitments.
13. Junior Achievement of Arizona – JA High School Heroes
Location: Various local elementary schools across Arizona (Phoenix, Tucson, and rural areas)
Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Open enrollment; large number of volunteers annually
Dates: Year–round
Application Deadline: Rolling basis
Eligibility: High school students
Junior Achievement of Arizona’s High School Heroes program is a unique service-learning initiative where you act as a "teacher for a day" in local elementary classrooms. In this role, you will explore business management topics like leadership, civic responsibility, teamwork, financial literacy, and entrepreneurship. You will engage in activities like attending staff-led training, team-teaching interactive curriculum, and managing classroom dynamics. A standout feature is the experiential shift from student to professional, bridging the gap between theory and real-world management. Ultimately, you learn to handle professional responsibilities while building a robust resume for your future career.
14. Fleischer Scholars Program (ASU)
Location: Arizona State University – Tempe Campus
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive; estimated 40–60 students per cohort
Dates: June 1–5
Application Deadline: April 15
Eligibility: Arizona high school juniors with a 3.0+ GPA, facing financial hardships, and first in their families to pursue college
As a Fleischer Scholar at ASU, you will immerse yourself in a collegiate environment designed to bridge the gap between high school and a successful career in business. Throughout this intensive summer program, you explore fundamental topics such as entrepreneurship, accounting, management, and financial literacy. You will engage in professional development workshops, collaborate on a competitive business model project, and tour local corporations to see industry leaders. By the end of the week, you will have developed public speaking, collaborative problem-solving, and strategic networking skills, leaving you better prepared for the rigors of a university business curriculum.