12 Business Management Internships for High School Students
If you are a high school student keen on developing your skills, taking up an internship is an excellent choice. Internships offer hands-on experience in the fields you want to pursue further, help foster essential soft skills like communication and teamwork, and boost your college applications. You will get a chance to experience different fields firsthand, allowing you to discover your interests and strengths. This exploration will help you make informed decisions when selecting a college major or planning your future.
Business management internships, though not always easy to find at the high school level, offer significant value by equipping you with industry-relevant skills. While these internships aren't confined to the financial sector or specific industries, they are versatile and can span various fields, helping you build a strong foundation in business principles.
Here, we have compiled 12 business management internships for you to consider:
Cost: $2,490 (financial aid available)
Location: Remote
Application Deadline: Multiple cohorts throughout the year; Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), and Winter (November)
Dates: 10-20 hours/week, for 8-12 week, with multiple cohorts running in the summer, fall, winter, and spring
Eligibility: High school, undergraduate, and gap year students
Ladder Internships is a selective program that offers students the chance to gain virtual internship experience with startups and nonprofits globally. These startups span various industries, allowing you to choose the field you are most passionate about exploring.
Founded to help ambitious high-school students work with some of the world’s best startups, the internships offer you the opportunity and exposure to work on a real-world project. It will allow you to engage in hands-on learning in a professional business environment and work closely with Ladder Coaches. While the startups are located worldwide, most are in the United States, Asia, and Europe, including the UK. The program covers diverse fields such as technology, machine learning and AI, finance, environmental science and sustainability, business and marketing, healthcare and medicine, media, and journalism, among others.
2. Bank of America Student Leaders Program
Cost: Stipend provided
Location: Remote
Application Deadline: January
Work/Duration: 35 hours/week, 8 weeks in the summer.
Eligibility: Junior or senior high school students; legally authorized to work in the U.S.
The Bank of America Student Leaders Program is an internship designed to empower high school juniors and seniors by providing hands-on experience at local nonprofits and businesses. As a part of the program, you will also take part in a week-long Student Leaders Summit in Washington, D.C., where you will get insights into how businesses, non-profit organizations, and governments collaborate to navigate challenges. The program also covers all costs, including the expenses for the Summit.
It's important to note that the program is exclusive to students who have not been previously selected. However, past applicants who were not chosen can reapply if they meet the criteria. This unique opportunity is highly competitive, with a thorough application process that includes a letter of recommendation from your school administrator or teacher.
Selected students will not work directly for Bank of America but will be placed with a local nonprofit organization that partners with the bank.
3. Microsoft Discovery Program
Cost: Fully funded, with mentorship provided
Location: Redmond or Atlanta, Georgia (in-person)
Application Deadline: Opens in late February 2025
Dates: Early July - early August, 4 weeks
Eligibility: Rising first-year students of a bachelor’s degree program
The Microsoft High School Discovery Program offers a unique 4-week internship experience for graduating high school seniors passionate about technology. Participants, known as Discoverers, will have the chance to immerse themselves in the design phase of the product development cycle at Microsoft. Throughout the program, interns will develop foundational skills, gain insights into the tech industry, and receive mentorship from Microsoft employees.
This internship is specifically tailored to help students discover how their passions can translate into a career in technology, both at Microsoft and beyond. Interns will be assigned to a specific product team, where they will work on a group project. In addition to their primary project, participants will have opportunities to attend discussions on various Microsoft technologies, enhance technical and foundational skills, and network with other interns and employees on campus.
4. Young Entrepreneurs Academy (YEA!)
Cost: Program fees apply
Location: Various locations across the U.S.; check the official website for your nearest location
Application Deadline: Open all year round
Dates: During the school year
Eligibility: Middle school and high school students in grades 6-12
Over the course of this internship, you have the chance to develop a "Big Idea" with the help of instructors who guide you in discovering your strengths and how these can intersect with viable business opportunities. You will create a detailed business plan and pitch it to a panel of investors to receive actual funding to launch their company. You will engage in various hands-on activities, including developing a brand, creating a company logo and website, and learning the ins and outs of business management, such as handling expenses, taxes, and business structures.
Beyond business skills, YEA! offers opportunities for you to meet and network with successful entrepreneurs, media professionals, and social entrepreneurs. The program offers a chance to compete in the Saunders Scholars Competition for scholarships and prizes.
5. Bella Abzug Leadership Institute (BALI) Virtual After-School Program
Cost: Free
Location: Virtual
Application Deadline: October
Dates: November - May. Weekly virtual meetings with trainers
Eligibility: Public high school students (ages 13-18) in NYC’s five boroughs
The Bella Abzug Leadership Institute (BALI) offers a new, year-long, virtual after-school program as part of its Journey to Leadership Program. This initiative is designed to provide you with leadership and debate skills. The program especially focuses on reaching underserved communities within New York City's five boroughs. BALI's mission is to equip students with skills-based and socio-emotional leadership training.
Your weekly training will focus on helping you gain skills like public speaking and critical analysis that are crucial for becoming effective leaders both now and in the future. The program emphasizes the importance of socio-emotional development, ensuring you are prepared to navigate the complexities of leadership in various contexts.
This program is particularly targeted at students from low-income backgrounds, especially those attending Title I schools. Students who identify as female or gender expansive are strongly encouraged to apply.
6. KPMG Future Leaders Program
Cost: Free
Location: United States
Application Deadline: February
Dates: After mid-April
Eligibility: Female high school seniors in the U.S.; minimum 3.5 cumulative GPA
The KPMG Future Leaders Program is a philanthropic initiative that promotes diversity in business and science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields by supporting promising young women. The program selects 22 female high school seniors each year to receive a $10,000 scholarship per year for four years of college. In addition to financial support, you will attend a KPMG Future Leaders Retreat focused on leadership training, college transition, and career development. Additionally, you will also be paired with an executive female mentor for one year who will guide you through your journey.
To qualify for this program, you must demonstrate significant financial need, with a household income up to $75,000. To complete your application, you will need a letter of recommendation from a nonprofit, school, or community organization.
7. PNNL High School Business Intern
Cost: Free
Location: Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL), locations vary
Application Deadline: Open in early February
Dates: August to May (varies annually). Academic year internship; up to 4 hours per day, 5 days a week
Eligibility: High school students
The Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) High School Business Internship Program offers you a great platform to gain practical business experience while still in school. During the academic year, you will split your time between attending regular classes and working up to 4 hours per day at PNNL. Throughout the program, you will get an opportunity to collaborate with a mentor in a specific business area. The program provides hands-on work experience along with educational and leadership development activities such as laboratory demonstrations, field trips, communications, and career awareness workshops.
This internship is integrated with your school’s work-based learning (WBL) program, allowing you to earn elective credits that count toward graduation.
To apply, you will need a cover letter and a resume. The cover letter should clearly explain why you are applying for the business internship. Keep in mind to highlight specific interests and motivations that are relevant to the program. Your resume should outline your educational background, academic achievements, and other relevant skills.
Cost: Free
Location: East Palo Alto, Belle Haven, and Redwood City, California
Application Deadline: Mid-February
Dates: 6-week externship in the summer, 30 hours per week (9-4 p.m.)
Eligibility: High school sophomores; minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA; full-year residents of East Palo Alto, Belle Haven, or Redwood City, CA
The Meta Summer Academy, formerly the Facebook Summer Academy, offers a unique opportunity to gain insight into the operations of one of the world’s leading social media networks. This program allows you to immerse yourself in the tech industry, helping you explore various careers, develop coding skills, and enhance essential soft skills for future success.
Now in its thirteenth year, the Meta Summer Academy has provided over 200 students with meaningful summer experiences and continues to expand its impact. You will engage in hands-on learning and receive mentorship, all aimed at inspiring your economic success and career mobility.
You will need to submit your current transcript (including first semester grades from sophomore year) and a recommendation form from a teacher, counselor, school official, or community leader as a part of your application.
9. Building-U High School Internship
Cost: Free
Location: Online
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Dates: Year-round; program lengths start at three months
Eligibility: High school students in grades 9-12
The Building-U High School Internship provides students with the opportunity to tackle real-world business challenges in a fully online setting. You will have the chance to join various teams and take on roles in areas like resource R&D, marketing, multimedia, coding, and more, contributing to meaningful projects designed to benefit students globally. Interns gain hands-on experience in research, content creation, and marketing while collaborating with peers, mentors, and industry partners.
The program offers flexible, year-round virtual internships and allows you to work on impactful initiatives, including creating a student-focused database, developing YouTube campaigns, and contributing to environmental blogs. This immersive experience also enables you to explore diverse fields like coding, multimedia, and marketing, all while building valuable skills and connections.
10. DOROT Academic Year Teen Internship Program
Cost: Free
Location: Manhattan, Long Island, and Brighton Beach, New York City
Application Deadline: Open for the year
Dates: Early February - Late March. 4-week internships with sessions available throughout the year; high school students participate one afternoon a week after school
Eligibility: High school students in grades 9-12
DOROT, a nonprofit organization committed to reducing social isolation among the elderly, presents a unique internship opportunity in nonprofit management for high school students in New York City. This 4-week program offers valuable hands-on experience in managing nonprofit operations while fostering meaningful intergenerational connections through activities with older adults. You will participate in leadership development, hone your organizational skills, and earn over 112 hours of community service.
This internship provides comprehensive training and the chance for sustained community involvement, offering you a significant opportunity to develop management skills while making a positive impact on the elderly community.
11. Emma Bowen Foundation (EBF) Summer Internship
Cost: Paid internship
Location: Varies (partner companies across the U.S.)
Application Deadline: Typically in early January
Dates: Usually starts in May or June and lasts a minimum of 8 continuous weeks (35–40 hours per week)
Eligibility: High school seniors or undergraduate students graduating in Spring or later; must be 18; identify as a student of color (Asian, American Indian/Alaskan Native, Black, Hawaiian/Pacific Islander, Hispanic/Latino, or Multi-Racial); minimum 3.0 GPA
The Emma Bowen Foundation (EBF) Summer Internship offers students of color a pathway to careers in media, entertainment, and technology. For over 30 years, EBF has supported nearly 2,000 aspiring professionals by providing paid internships, mentorship, and career development opportunities.
Interns, known as EBF Fellows, gain hands-on experience in fields like journalism, production, business, public relations, sales, and web development while working with EBF’s industry-leading partner companies. This program is designed to build a solid foundation for long-term success in competitive industries by fostering professional growth and expanding networks.
Cost: Free (stipend provided)
Location: New York City, New York
Application Deadline: January
Dates: Specific dates vary, 6 weeks
Eligibility: High school or college students (ages 16-24); residents of one of the five boroughs of New York City; legally allowed to work in the U.S.
The Ladders for Leaders program is an initiative under New York City’s Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP), offering high school and college students paid professional internships across industries. This program is recognized nationally and partners with leading corporations, nonprofit organizations, and government agencies to provide you with valuable work experience that aligns with your career and educational goals.
If you are selected for the program, you will have to undergo a competitive application process and receive 30 hours of pre-employment training. This training includes assistance with writing your résumé and cover letter, interview preparation, learning workplace readiness skills, and other business etiquette. After the training, you will be matched with employers in fields that match your interests. To apply, you must have prior work experience (paid or volunteering).
In addition to the summer internship, you could join the program's growing Alumni Network, which offers post-internship opportunities and exclusive networking events. This ensures that the benefits of participating will extend beyond the summer, supporting your long-term career development.