13 Business Internships for High School Students in Mississippi
Interning in high school is one of the best ways to bridge classroom theory and practice. Beyond strengthening your resume and college applications, an internship builds soft skills like professional communication and time management. Work experience in a field you're curious about, whether marketing, finance, or operations, gives you a clearer sense of what a business career looks like before you commit to a college major
What business internships are available for high school students in Mississippi?
Mississippi students have solid options across local organizations and major institutions. HII's Ingalls Shipbuilding offers exposure to supply chain and business management in a large corporate setting. The Harrison County Development Commission connects you with regional businesses for marketing and administrative roles. NASA Stennis Space Center has opportunities in communications, while the University of Southern Mississippi supports young entrepreneurs. National companies like Bank of America also offer roles introducing you to finance and community engagement.
To help you navigate your options, we've put together 13 business internships for high school students in Mississippi, focused on programs that offer meaningful learning.
1. Nissan JPS Career Development Center (CDC) High School Intern Program
Location: Nissan North America Manufacturing Plant, Canton, MS
Stipend: Paid hourly, rate not specified
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive; typically 10 students per session
Dates: Spring semester (January – April/May)
Application Deadline: Usually February
Eligibility: High school seniors at JPS CDC; requires ACT WorkKeys Silver level or higher
The Nissan JPS Career Development Center (CDC) High School Intern Program provides you with a direct look into the corporate business world within the automotive industry. Throughout the program, you will explore core business topics like logistics, supply chain management, and operational efficiency. You’ll shadow professionals, participate in team-based problem-solving workshops, and present project findings to Nissan leadership. You receive mentorship from industry experts, giving you a competitive edge before college. By the end, you’ll have sharpened your professional communication, critical thinking, and project management skills.
2. Ladder Internships
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: Varies depending on the program type; financial aid is available / No stipend
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 10–25%; 70–100 students
Dates: Various cohorts throughout the year, including Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter
Application Deadline: Various deadlines throughout the year: January (Spring), May (Summer), September (Fall), November (Winter)
Eligibility: High school, college, and gap year students who can work for 10–20 hours/week, for 8–12 weeks
Ladder Internships is a highly selective program that offers real business experience in a high-growth startup, making it a strong option if you’re looking for flexible, project-based business internships. Through the program, you work directly with a startup team on meaningful projects related to areas like marketing, consulting, operations, strategy, or product development. Many of the host startups are early-stage companies that have raised significant funding, giving you exposure to fast-paced business environments and entrepreneurial decision-making. You’ll receive mentorship from both your startup manager and a dedicated Ladder Coach to ensure you stay on track and develop your professional skills. The experience concludes with a presentation of your work to the company. Apply now!
3. Continental Tire & Clinton High School – Dual Enrollment Program
Location: Continental Parkway, Clinton, MS
Stipend: Paid hourly, rate not specified
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive; typically 5–10 students per year
Dates: Summer/Fall: Often begins in July/August of senior year
Application Deadline: July 1
Eligibility: High school seniors (Dual-enrolled at Clinton HS or Hinds County CTC); 2.5+ GPA
The Continental Tire and Clinton High School dual-enrollment program pairs high school business classes with paid, on-the-job training at their local plant. The curriculum covers a wide range of topics, including business concepts, operations, global marketplaces, financial statements, budgets, and marketing. During the program, you will manage inventory data, deliver professional elevator pitches, and collaborate to solve production challenges as part of your training. A standout feature is the company’s commitment to covering your college tuition and books while helping you earn industry-recognized certifications. This partnership creates a solid bridge between your high school studies and a successful career in the business of manufacturing.
4. Emma Bowen Foundation Summer Internship
Location: Mississippi placements typically at WAPT-TV Jackson or similar media affiliates
Stipend: Paid hourly, rate not specified
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; ~150 fellows nationally
Dates: May–August (minimum 8 weeks; exact dates vary by employer)
Application Deadline: Rolling applications
Eligibility: Graduating high school seniors (18+) and college students with a minimum 3.0 GPA who plan to attend or are enrolled in a four-year U.S. college
The Emma Bowen Foundation Summer Internship is a strong option if you’re interested in the business side of media, entertainment, or technology. Through the program, you’ll be placed in a paid summer internship with one of EBF’s major partner companies, where roles can include business operations, marketing, PR, sales, tech, or media strategy. You don’t just intern for one summer, as EBF is known for supporting Fellows long-term with mentorship, professional development, and career guidance. You’ll work in a real corporate environment, gaining experience that directly translates to future business or leadership roles.
5. Bank of America Student Leaders
Location: Jackson Market, MS (the Leadership Summit is held in Washington, D.C.)
Stipend: Paid, along with expenses towards the trip to Washington, D.C.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; over 300 students
Dates: 8 weeks between June and August, Summit: July
Application Deadline: January 15
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors who have authorization to work in the U.S., live in an eligible area, and have not participated in the program before
Through the Bank of America Student Leaders program, you gain a unique perspective on how corporate resources and nonprofit goals intersect to drive community growth. During this eight-week paid internship, you will handle nonprofit operations, attend board meetings, participate in leadership workshops, and join a national summit in Washington, D.C. The curriculum covers business economics, community service, government politics, and leadership, teaching you to balance social impact with organizational efficiency. This experience is unique for its competitive paycheck and fully funded travel, making high-level professional development accessible to all students. By the end, you will understand the critical role business plays in solving complex societal challenges.
6. City of Jackson Mayor’s Summer Youth Employment Program
Location: Various government departments and private business worksites across Jackson, MS
Stipend: Paid hourly, rate not specified
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive; cohort size not specified
Dates: Summer: Typically June – July (6–8 weeks)
Application Deadline: February 27
Eligibility: Students ages 16–24; must be a resident of the City of Jackson; must be 16 years old by the start of the program
As a Jackson high schooler, the Mayor’s Summer Youth Employment Program gives you a paid look at how professional businesses and city offices operate. You will explore topics like workplace ethics, socio-economic independence, and career pathways across both the public and private sectors. During the program, you'll perform tasks at local job sites, attend professional development workshops, and complete a formal interview process. This experience connects you directly with city leaders and business owners for real-world mentorship and networking. It is a solid way to earn a paycheck while building a professional foundation for your future career.
7. Advanced Composites Institute at Mississippi State University Internships
Location: Advanced Composites Institute, Mississippi State University, Starkville, MS
Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; typically, small cohorts
Dates: Summer, Spring, or Fall (term-based internships)
Application Deadline: Rolling until positions are filled
Eligibility: All high school students
The Advanced Composites Institute (ACI) at Mississippi State University offers a dynamic internship for high school students that bridges the gap between high-tech manufacturing and business operations. You will explore a curriculum that covers essential topics such as additive manufacturing, technology transfer, and the economic development of the composites industry. Throughout the program, you will assist with resin infusion processes, perform material characterization tests, and analyze market trends for the aerospace and automotive sectors. You get to work within the 50,000-square-foot Marvin B. Dow Stitched Composites Development Center, where you collaborate directly with industry partners on real-world projects.
8. C Spire Liftoff (Business Track)
Location: C Spire Headquarters, Ridgeland, MS
Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; maximum 10 students per year across all tracks
Dates: Fall semester
Application Deadline: Late August
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors with a 3.5+ GPA attending school in the Jackson, MS metro area
In the C Spire Liftoff Business Track, you dive into the operational side of a leading tech firm by exploring core areas like accounting, finance, operations, and supply chain management. During this program, you will shadow industry professionals, participate in networking sessions, and collaborate on projects that mirror business challenges. The externship focuses on local talent, allowing you to gain high-level experience in your own backyard while qualifying for exclusive college scholarships. By bridging the gap between high school theory and professional practice, the program effectively prepares you for both competitive college applications and future career success.
9. CTE New Albany School of Career & Technical Education – Business, Marketing & Finance Course
Location: New Albany School of Career & Technical Education, New Albany, MS
Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Open enrollment; ~15–25 students per class
Dates: August – May
Application Deadline: February 2
Eligibility: High school students enrolled in New Albany High School
In the New Albany CTE Business, Marketing, and Finance program, you explore a blend of economics, entrepreneurship, and personal finance alongside professional ethics. You gain hands-on experience by creating marketing campaigns, drafting startup business plans, conducting market research, and competing in Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) events. The program partners with Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA), offering you access to professional networking and regional leadership opportunities. Through these immersive projects, you develop vital skills like digital literacy, financial statement analysis, and the ability to pitch ideas with confidence. This pathway is specifically designed to prepare you for success in 21st-century office environments.
10. Ingalls Shipbuilder Academy
Location: Haley Reeves Barbour Maritime Training Academy, Pascagoula, MS
Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive; ~25–45 students per year
Dates: Academic year (August – May)
Application Deadline: Typically February/March
Eligibility: High school seniors enrolled in a partner district (e.g., Pascagoula-Gautier, Ocean Springs, Biloxi, Gulfport, Moss Point)
At the Ingalls Shipbuilder Academy, you’ll explore the business of maritime manufacturing, covering topics like supply chain management, finance, human resources, and contract pricing. You will gain experience through hands-on activities such as drafting formal business plans, pitching product prototypes in Shark Tank-style competitions, and creating advertisements using professional design software. You will earn dual-enrollment college credits and industry-recognized certifications. Throughout the year, you’ll learn corporate leadership, strategic communication, and financial analysis. This immersive environment ensures you graduate job-ready for a professional career in a high-stakes industry.
11. Gulfport Mayor’s Youth Council
Location: Gulfport, MS
Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not disclosed
Dates: Academic year (service year typically runs from August/September to May)
Application Deadline: Typically late summer / early fall
Eligibility: High school students who reside in the City of Gulfport
Joining the Gulfport Mayor’s Youth Council lets you explore the business side of city operations through topics like economic development, public policy, and grant management. You’ll gain a unique edge by working directly with municipal leaders to influence local growth. During the program, you will manage community events, participate in the Statewide Youth Leadership Summit, and draft professional project proposals. These activities build high-level skills in public speaking, strategic planning, and professional networking. The council’s standout feature is giving you a formal platform to pitch real-world solutions and policy recommendations directly to the Mayor. Ultimately, you will gain the leadership experience and professional polish necessary for a successful business career.
12. Mississippi Public Broadcasting (MPB) Student Council
Location: Hybrid / statewide (meetings held at MPB Headquarters in Jackson, MS, or virtually; members serve as liaisons in their local schools)
Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive; cohort size not specified
Dates: September – May
Application Deadline: Late August
Eligibility: Students in grades 8–12
Joining the MPB Student Council gives you exposure to the media business while focusing on career readiness and leadership. You’ll dive into topics like media literacy, civic engagement, college prep, and professional self-presentation. You’ll host a podcast, participate in legislative discussions, and work with industry mentors to see how a broadcast network functions. The program allows you to serve as a statewide liaison while stacking up community service hours. By the end, you’ll have mastered public speaking, project management, and digital storytelling. This program essentially gives you a head start on your professional future.
Location: Virtual
Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; cohort size not specified
Dates: Flexible; quarter-time internships are available all year round
Application Deadline: Rolling applications
Eligibility: High school sophomores, juniors, and seniors with a GPA above 3.25
EnergyMag’s virtual internships are a great fit if you’re interested in business, research, or sustainability. In this internship, you will work closely with a mentor to research and analyze real companies, technologies, or markets in the renewable energy and energy storage space. From a business perspective, you’ll build skills in market research, competitive analysis, professional writing, and synthesizing information from multiple sources. Strong reports are published on EnergyMag’s website with your name attached, which is a solid resume boost. You’ll also practice professional communication by reaching out to industry experts and presenting your findings clearly and thoughtfully.