14 Business Internships for High School Students in Pennsylvania
Internships can help you strengthen your resume, build a more competitive profile for college admissions, and gain early exposure to professional environments. By working in an organization, you develop new skills and network with mentors who can support your future plans. If you’re interested in business, internships are a great way to explore areas such as finance, marketing, entrepreneurship, management, consulting, and operations.
What business internships are available for high school students in Pennsylvania?
High school students in Pennsylvania can find business internships in finance, banking, consulting, entrepreneurship, logistics, healthcare administration, and public sector management. There are opportunities in city centers like Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, as well as in smaller local communities. You can find summer or after-school roles at local banks, marketing agencies, accounting firms, state government offices, and corporate headquarters. These internships involve working on social media campaigns, organizing data, shadowing professionals to see how decisions are made, and assisting with community outreach or event planning. They help you build practical skills and get a clearer sense of what you might want to study in college.
If you are looking for business internships for high school students in Pennsylvania, we’ve narrowed down the 14 best options below!
1. Ladder Internship Program
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: Cost varies depending on the program type; financial aid is available / No stipend
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Approximately 25%; around 100 students per cohort
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year, including Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter
Application Deadline: Varies depending on the cohort; Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), and Winter (November)
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 virtual internship program that connects you with startups and nonprofits for project-based work over a defined eight-week period. You are placed with a host organization and complete assigned tasks for approximately 5–10 hours per week, depending on the program structure. Work varies by placement and may include research, market analysis, strategy support, operations tasks, or content development aligned with the organization’s needs. The internship is conducted remotely and includes regular check-ins with a supervisor from the host company. A Ladder Coach provides additional oversight and guidance throughout the program timeline. Internships are offered across multiple fields, including business-related functions, depending on available host organizations. Apply now!
2. Emma Bowen Foundation Internship
Location: Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Harrisburg / Statewide, PA
Stipend: Paid, amount not disclosed
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; around 150 students
Dates: 8 weeks from May to August
Application Deadline: Rolling acceptance
Eligibility: High school seniors planning to attend a four-year U.S. college; at least 18 years old before the internship begins; authorized to work in the U.S
The Emma Bowen Foundation Internship Program places you in paid summer internships with media, entertainment, and technology companies through the foundation’s fellowship. You are matched with a professional track in areas such as business, content, or innovation, and complete full-time work assignments over eight weeks. Tasks vary by placement and may include marketing, sales, communications, journalism, production, IT, or engineering work. You work under the guidance of staff at your host organization and contribute to ongoing projects and departmental responsibilities. The program also includes mentoring and professional development activities.
3. SMART Start Internship Program
Location: Pittsburgh, PA
Stipend: Paid, amount not disclosed
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive; roughly 10–15 students
Dates: Academic year
Application Deadline: April 18
Eligibility: High school juniors or seniors in Pittsburgh/Washington or Dallas/Fort Worth areas with a GPA of 3.0; at least 16 years old
The SMART Start High School Internship Program with Range Resources places you in paid work assignments within business or technical departments based on your interests. You work 10–20 hours per week during the school year and are paired with a mentor and supervisor who provide guidance and feedback throughout the internship. Business-focused departments include finance, gas marketing, information technology, supply chain, communications, and human resources. You complete assigned tasks and contribute to ongoing workplace activities while participating in internal events focused on career preparation and professional networking. Mentors provide advice, answer questions, and help you understand workplace processes.
4. Bank of America Student Leaders Program
Location: Multiple locations across the US
Stipend: Paid, amount not disclosed + Summit expenses also covered
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; around 300 students from the country
Dates: June – August; Summit in July
Application Deadline: January 15
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors living in an eligible area for the program; not participated in the program before; authorization to work in the U.S.
The Bank of America Student Leaders program is an eight‑week summer initiative that combines a paid internship with a local nonprofit organization and a national leadership summit in Washington, D.C. You work on business-related tasks at a nonprofit, including supporting operations, assisting with marketing or communications, contributing to budgeting or data management, and helping with program coordination. The program also includes a week-long Student Leaders Summit where you meet peers from across the country and explore topics such as organizational management, leadership, and strategy. Opportunities are available in communities served by Bank of America, and participation is determined through a competitive selection process.
5. PECO Summer High School Internship Program
Location: Philadelphia, PA
Stipend: Paid hourly, rate not disclosed
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive; approximately 20–30 students
Dates: 6 weeks during the summer (typically July to August)
Application Deadline: Specific dates align with the C2L-PHL calendar, usually in May
Eligibility: High school students (ages 14-21), Philadelphia residents
In the PECO Summer High School Internship Program, you will learn about the corporate energy sector and the business operations behind a major utility company. You will explore critical business topics like financial analysis, large account management, and corporate safety protocols. Throughout the summer, you will analyze customer data, prepare detailed financial reports, troubleshoot client issues, and participate in professional networking events. A unique feature of this program is its direct placement into corporate departments, allowing you to bypass physical fieldwork entirely to focus purely on the strategic functions that keep the company running. Ultimately, you will build essential corporate skills, including financial planning, data evaluation, and professional communication, setting a strong foundation for your future career.
6. KP Launch Internship
Location: Several locations across the US
Stipend: $24/hour
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; 40–50 students
Dates: June 15 – July 31
Application Deadline: January 9
Eligibility: High school students between the ages of 16-19 who have a permanent residence in a Northern California Kaiser Permanente designated service area
The Kaiser Permanente LAUNCH High School Internship Program is a paid summer internship that places you in administrative and operational departments within the organization. You complete full-time work assignments over seven to eight weeks in areas such as finance, communications, human resources, operations, or consulting services. Your responsibilities include supporting departmental tasks, assisting with projects, and contributing to ongoing organizational work under the guidance of staff and mentors. The program includes weekly workshops and professional development sessions to introduce workplace skills and career preparation concepts. You also participate in group activities and networking events that provide exposure to organizational culture and operations.
7. CliftonLarsonAllen (CLA) High School Internship Program
Location: Several locations across the US
Stipend: Paid amount not disclosed
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
The CLA High School Internship Program is a paid summer internship that places you in business‑oriented work with CliftonLarsonAllen LLP, a large U.S. accounting and professional services firm. You will work on assignments related to accounting, tax, wealth management, consulting, digital services, or professional services functions alongside firm professionals. Work can include case studies, client service simulations, social media development, and team projects that reflect typical business tasks within the firm’s service lines. You interact with staff at different levels, shadow professionals, and receive guidance as you complete assignments and contribute to office activities.
8. U.S. Department of State Pathways Internships Program
Location: Several locations across the US
Stipend: Paid amount varies based on the specific department
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Extremely competitive; cohort size not applicable
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year; Spring: January – May; Summer: May – August; Fall: September – December
Application Deadline: Varies according to internship; Spring: October; Summer: December; Fall: June
Eligibility: High school students who are U.S. citizens, at least 16 years old, and have a minimum 2.0 GPA
The Pathways Internship Programs are federally funded internships that place you in business-oriented roles within U.S. government agencies. You will assist with budgeting, support contract documentation, prepare reports, and help manage organizational workflows under the supervision of agency staff. Internships are available during the academic year or summer and may continue alongside your studies, with pay based on federal job grades. Depending on the assignment, you may also gain exposure to communications, project coordination, and administrative operations. The program provides insight into how business functions operate within government organizations. Work schedules, responsibilities, and benefits vary by agency and position.
9. Independence Blue Cross (IBX) Early Career Talent Program
Location: Philadelphia, PA
Stipend: Paid hourly, rate not disclosed
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; roughly 15 students per partner school
Dates: 9-month work-study programs and 10-week summer placements
Application Deadline: Not publicly listed (managed directly through partner high schools)
Eligibility: High school students in the Greater Philadelphia area (requires enrollment in a partner school program)
In the Independence Blue Cross high school internship, you get to know about the operations of a major corporate healthcare company. You explore various business areas, including corporate communications, healthcare management, finance, and customer service. You will manage project deadlines, attend professional development workshops, collaborate with full-time associates, and deliver a final presentation showcasing your work. The program emphasizes direct mentorship, pairing you with experienced managers who guide your daily tasks. By the end, you gain critical skills in time management, professional communication, data organization, and workplace teamwork.
10. nth Solutions High School Internship Program (Exton)
Location: Exton and Coatesville, PA
Stipend: Paid hourly, rate not disclosed
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; 10–15 students
Dates: Year-round (2-3 days a week after school)
Application Deadline: Rolling basis
Eligibility: High school sophomores, juniors, and seniors
At the nth Solutions Internship Program, you get to experience the real business world by working alongside professionals in a corporate incubation environment. As a business intern, you will dive into core topics like market research, entrepreneurship, product development, and business strategy. You will conduct market analysis, draft social media campaigns, create promotional videos, and design marketing materials for clients. You also work on commercial products with the chance to get your name on a patent, all while being mentored by high school "Intern Managers." By completing this experience, you will learn skills like professional communication, creative direction, problem-solving, and workplace accountability.
11. Commonwealth of Pennsylvania High School Internship Program
Location: Several Commonwealth agencies across Pennsylvania
Stipend: Free; stipend amount not disclosed
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive; cohort size varies
Dates: Year-round
Application Deadline: Rolling basis
Eligibility: Pennsylvania high school juniors or seniors ages 16 or above with a school-issued letter of recommendation
The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania High School Internship Program is a paid program in state government agencies that offers assignments in business, administration, finance, communications, and data management. You complete tasks under the supervision of agency staff, contributing to departmental operations and supporting ongoing projects. The program follows a schedule aligned with school requirements and legal guidelines for work hours and responsibilities for minors. Work is conducted during the academic year, with hours and duration determined by agency needs and state regulations. The program provides exposure to organizational processes and professional workflows within government operations. Applications are submitted through the Commonwealth’s official employment system.
12. WorkReady Summer Internship Program
Location: Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA
Stipend: Paid, amount not disclosed
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive; approximately 40 funded positions across various Drexel departments
Dates: July 7 – August 15
Application Deadline: Early June
Eligibility: Rising sophomores and graduating seniors who reside in Philadelphia
The Drexel WorkReady Summer Internship places you directly into the university's academic and administrative departments to experience corporate operations. During the program, you explore topics like office administration, financial literacy, customer service, project management, and basic technology integration within a large institution. You will assist staff with data entry, handle budget administration tasks, organize internal department events, and resolve everyday student inquiries. The program pairs your hands-on office work with weekly off-campus professional development seminars led by the Philadelphia Youth Network. Ultimately, this early exposure gives you a practical foundation to start your corporate career and build a professional network before college.
13. Wilson High School Internship Program
Location: Wilson High School, West Lawn, PA
Stipend: Paid and unpaid options available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Open enrollment; limited cohort sizes
Dates: Academic year
Application Deadline: February 20
Eligibility: Rising juniors or seniors
As a Wilson High School student, you can take this credit-based internship course to gain practical business experience before graduating. The program covers essential corporate topics like marketing, finance, business administration, and workplace communication. During your placement, you will meet with a supervising teacher, deliver a semester presentation, and assist your host company with daily operations. The program acts as a capstone course tailored specifically to your career interests within Wilson's various academies. Through this hands-on setup, you will learn practical skills like resume writing, professional networking, and real-world problem-solving.
14. PNC PartnerUp Program
Location: Pittsburgh, PA (hosted within participating high schools)
Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; cohort size varies by participating school
Dates: Runs continuously throughout the academic school year
Application Deadline: Varies by participating high school
Eligibility: 11th and 12th-grade students at partner schools who intend to enter the workforce directly after graduation
The PNC PartnerUp program is an employer-led initiative designed to transition you directly from high school into a full-time corporate business career. You will explore essential business topics, including financial literacy, corporate communication, career branding, and workplace professionalism. You will participate in mock interviews, build a professional resume, evaluate your strengths, and engage in job shadowing. A unique feature of this program is that it takes place directly inside your high school and ends with an interview for a real entry-level position at PNC or its partner companies. By the end of the year, you will have learned critical business skills like problem-solving, effective communication, and teamwork.