14 Business Internships for High School Students in Missouri
For high school students, a business internship is a chance to bridge economic classroom theory with practical experience. A business internship allows you to test out potential careers before committing to a college major. Business internships help you build essential soft skills like professional communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. Professional experience on a resume or college application demonstrates initiative, setting you apart from your peers and boosting your employability in a competitive job market.
What business internships are available for high school students in Missouri?
Business internships for high school students in Missouri are spread near major hubs like St. Louis and Kansas City. These opportunities range from formal summer programs at large corporations to roles with local startups and non-profits. You can find positions in fields such as marketing, finance, entrepreneurship, and general administration. Whether it is a paid summer job, a volunteer position for school credit, or a virtual role, these experiences give you a practical introduction to the professional world before you start college. You may work on tasks such as social media management, data analysis, content creation, managing finances, and more.
We’ve narrowed down a list of the top 14 business internships for high school students in Missouri.
1. St. Louis Internship Program
Location: Internship placement at local employers through the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater St. Louis, St. Louis bi-state region, MO/IL
Stipend: Paid, amount not specified
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive; 150–250 students
Dates: Eight-week summer internship period (varies by employer)
Application Deadline: December 1
Eligibility: Attend a St. Louis bi-state area high school; be a current sophomore or junior; have a cumulative GPA of 2.0+; and commit to all mandatory SLIP activities
The Boys and Girls Club of St. Louis offers an internship and career readiness program for high school students in the St. Louis region. You will attend soft skill workshops, receive guidance on the college application process, and then be placed in an internship with a local nonprofit, school, business organization, or community organization. You can work in various areas, including business, administration, program management, accounting, and more. Past interns have worked in diverse areas, including science, technology, public policy, business, international affairs, pathology, STEM research, and more.
2. Ladder Internship Program
Location: Remote
Cost/Stipend: Cost varies depending on the program type; financial aid is available / No stipend
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Around 10%; 70–100 students
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year, including Winter, Spring, Summer, and Fall
Application Deadline: Varies depending on the cohort; Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), and Winter (November); apply here
Eligibility: High school students, undergraduates, and gap year students who can work for 10–20 hours/week for 8–12 weeks
Ladder Internships is a selective start-up internship program for high school students interested in gaining experience with fast-growing startups. The startups offering internships span various fields, including finance, tech/deep tech, AI/ML, health tech, marketing, journalism, consulting, and more. Ladder’s startups are high-growth companies backed by Y Combinator and have raised over a million dollars on average. The program includes one-on-one training in communication and time management, facilitated by a manager and a Ladder Coach, as well as group learning sessions with other interns. Founders lead startups in the program with experience at organizations like Google, Facebook, and Microsoft.
3. Missouri Innovation Campus Internships
Location: Internship placements with corporate partners coordinated through the University of Central Missouri Lee’s Summit Campus, Lee’s Summit, MO
Stipend: Paid, amount not specified
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; 30–60 students across all tracks
Dates: Begins summer after junior year and continues throughout fall and spring each academic year (long-term program that takes place over 3 years)
Application Deadline: Typically, mid-February
Eligibility: High school students in their junior year; must secure an internship placement
The Missouri Innovation Campus is a practical internship experience that places you at a long-term internship with a corporation in Missouri. During the internship, you will complete a training program in your area of interest and work with professional mentors. This is a long-term program that allows you to complete multiple internships that begin in junior year, until the end of high school. Each internship experience is paid, along with allowing you to learn work-ready skills, explore different roles, and find where your interests are.
4. CLA High School Internship Program
Location: CLA offices across the U.S., including in Kansas City, MO
Stipend: Paid, amount not specified
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive; 60–70 students
Dates: 6–8 weeks typically, mid-June – August
Application Deadline: Typically, early January
Eligibility: Current high school juniors or seniors who are between the ages of 16 and 18 and authorized to work in the U.S. without the need for an employment visa
CliftonLarsonAllen offers an internship opportunity for high school students interested in the intersection of business, professional services, and accounting. You will gain insight into the professional services and accounting industries by working alongside professionals and shadowing different roles. You will gain insight into fundamental accounting and business concepts through case studies and working on client projects. As an intern, you will work alongside passionate peers, collaborate on team projects, and build your leadership, communication, and collaboration skills.
5. General Services Administration (GSA) Pathways Internship Program
Location: General Services Administration (GSA), Kansas City Regional Office, MO
Stipend: Paid, starting at GS-4 pay grade level; varies as per location
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive; 5–15 students
Dates: Academic year and summer (June – August)
Application Deadline: Mid-February; applications typically open on USAJOBS in October and again in February for very short windows (often only 10 business days)
Eligibility: Students in an accredited high school; U.S. citizens
The U.S. General Services Administration offers a federal government internship for high school students looking to gain federal experience and explore pathways in the field. You can opt for the Pathways Internship Program that offers a business and industry track. As a business intern, you will work closely with professionals within the organization and gain experience in areas of procurement for the federal government. You will also gain experience in various business areas, departments, and projects. You can also opt for the contracting track, where you will work in areas such as vendor management, solicitation development, contract administration, and more, relevant for fields including business, finance, and aligned areas.
6. St. Louis Public Schools Learn & Earn Internship Program
Location: Internships with local businesses, nonprofits, and government partners through SLPS Learn & Earn, St. Louis, MO area
Stipend: Paid, amount not specified
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive; 300–600 students
Dates: Year-round (August – May)
Application Deadline: September 18
Eligibility: High school seniors in good academic standing (minimum C average); must complete job readiness and financial literacy training
St. Louis Public Schools offers an internship program for high school seniors looking to gain practical experience with local nonprofits, government agencies, and businesses. Before your internship, you participate in a training program where you will gain insight into various pathways, learn job readiness skills, undergo financial literacy training, work on your resume, and receive mentorship. During your internship, you will be placed at a local business depending on your interests and skills in areas such as administration, business, research, and more. You will receive ongoing mentorship throughout your internship experience.
7. Young Entrepreneurs Program Kansas City
Location: Internship placements at high-growth companies and startup partners, Kansas City, MO area
Stipend: $12–14/hour + $2,500 scholarship upon completion
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive; small cohorts matched to startups
Dates: Session 1: June 2–27; Session 2: July 7 – August 1
Application Deadline: February 1
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors from the Kansas City metro area
The Youth Entrepreneurs Program is an entrepreneurial-focused internship program for high school students interested in learning more about entrepreneurship and business. You will work at a high-growth startup in the Kansas City area, where you will gain exposure to various areas of business and receive mentorship from professionals. You will be matched with a company that is suited to your interests and skill sets. Intern programs offer training through field trips to different industries, where you will explore different entrepreneurial concepts. You will receive a scholarship upon the completion of your internship.
8. Emma Bowen Foundation Summer Internship
Location: Internship placements with media, tech, and entertainment partner companies nationwide, including MO
Stipend: Paid hourly, rate not specified
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; typically 150 fellows selected annually
Dates: 8-week summer internship (exact dates vary by employer)
Application Deadline: Rolling applications
Eligibility: Graduating high school seniors; plan to attend or attend a four-year accredited U.S. college/university; GPA ≥ 3.0; interest in media/tech; U.S. work authorization; must be 18 before internship start
The Emma Bowen Summer Internship Program offers a multidisciplinary internship opportunity to high school students. The program is specially designed for students interested in a career in media, entertainment, or tech, where you will receive mentorship support, explore various roles, and gain practical experience. You will be placed at a company in the area of your interest to work with professionals, receive mentorship, and work on different projects. You need a resume to apply to the program, and selection will be according to the partner company's internship requirements.
9. Flourish Initiative Internships
Location: Internship placements with local employers in Boone County and Columbia, MO
Stipend: $13.75/hour plus a $2,500 scholarship
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; typically, 15 students per summer
Dates: Mid-June – Mid-August
Application Deadline: Mid-April
Eligibility: Rising seniors from Boone County for Prep I; marginalized youth facing socioeconomic barriers; referred by a counselor/staff from a school or a nonprofit agency
The Flourish internship offers opportunities to high school students in Boone County. You will first go under training, after which you will be placed at an organization based on your interests. Past interns have worked at banks, businesses, nonprofits, healthcare, financial institutions, legal services, tech companies, etc. The program includes weekly training support, where you will gain an understanding of personal finance, life skills, and guidance on pursuing higher education. During your internship, you will earn an hourly compensation and also earn a $2,500 scholarship on the successful completion of the program.
10. Bank of America Student Leaders Program
Location: Various locations across the U.S., including MO
Stipend: Paid, amount not specified
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; approximately 300 students selected annually
Dates: 8-week internship during the summer, including the week-long Student Leaders Summit in Washington, D.C. (July 21–26)
Application Deadline: January 15
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors; legally authorized to work in the U.S.; in good standing at their school; permanently reside in one of the eligible locations, and have not been previously selected for the program
The Bank of America offers a program where you will gain experience at the intersection of nonprofits, business, public policy, and governance through community-based work. During the program, you will be placed at a local nonprofit where you will serve your community, understand local needs, and gain insight into the workings of a nonprofit. The internship will take place over eight weeks, and you will work with nonprofits such as the Boys and Girls Club of America, Habitat for Humanity, and more. The program includes a student leaders summit experience that takes place in Washington, D.C. Here, you will see how governments, businesses, and nonprofits work together to address local needs.
11. ProX Kansas City Student Internship Program
Location: Internships with local employers in Kansas City, MO
Stipend: $1,500
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Non-selective; ~600 students per year
Dates: June 1 – July 2
Application Deadline: February 20
Eligibility: High school students residing within the six-county Kansas City region (Jackson, Clay, Platte, Cass, Johnson, or Wyandotte); ages 14–19
ProX is a Kansas City-based internship program that connects high school students to paid internships and work projects in the city. Before your internship, you will go through training, work on professional and work readiness skills, polish your resume, and practice how to give interviews. You can apply to companies across various industries, such as restaurants, fitness, financial institutions, real estate, design centers, libraries, community health centers, retail, education, food, and more. After the completion of the internship, you will be awarded one elective school credit.
12. National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) Internship
Location: National Archives locations across the U.S., including the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) facility in Kansas City, MO
Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive; typically, 1–5 students per department
Dates: The program typically takes place over 2-5 months and aligns with academic sessions, i.e., Summer, Fall, Spring
Application Deadline: Varies by session; Summer: Late March; Fall: Early July; Spring: Mid-December
Eligibility: High school, undergraduate, and graduate students; 18+
The National Archives and Records Administration places high school students in a 10-12 week internship in the areas of their interest, including business, accounting, financial management, communications, editorial, public programs, human resources, marketing, legislator, facility operations, logistics, information technology, social media, public history, event management, exhibit management, and more. You will work under the mentorship of a supervisor who will determine your work schedule and assign work projects according to your interests and goals. Selection is competitive, requiring submission of an application form, cover letter, resume, and transcript with your GPA. You will undergo an interview and reference check process before your final offer is made.
13. Partners in Education Summer Internship Program
Location: Placements in local organizations in Rockwood, MO
Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive; cohort size depends on the number of business hosts
Dates: 6–8 weeks in the summer
Application Deadline: Typically, January
Eligibility: Rockwood juniors in the summer leading into their senior year of high school
The Rockford School District offers a Partners in Education program where you will be placed in an internship based on your area of interest. The program offers career exploration opportunities, allowing you to develop skills and gain practical experience. The program pairs you with a professional in an area of interest, where you receive mentorship and guidance from them. You will be placed at a local business to work in teams, participate in projects, and shadow various professionals. The program selection criteria require self-motivated students who show a desire to pursue their chosen careers. You can demonstrate this by having taken relevant coursework in your career of interest and showing commitment.
14. Interns 4-Good Internship
Location: Virtual internships with nonprofit partners
Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Open enrollment; no cohorts
Dates: Year–round/flexible
Application Deadline: Rolling basis
Eligibility: All high school students
Interns for Good pairs you with virtual internship opportunities at non-profit organizations. Opportunities are available across various fields, including graphic design, social media management, video editing, business development, and more. Internships in business-related areas may include tasks such as connecting with leads, implementing program changes, planning content for social media, researching topics, and writing articles. Most internships offer flexible hours, and you can apply according to your schedule. Internships are community-based and employ a skill-based approach, allowing you to apply according to your interests.