Updated October 2026
If you’re interested in how chemistry can be used to create products, improve processes, and solve real-world problems, chemical engineering can be an interesting field to explore. Chemical engineers work across areas such as biotechnology, materials, energy, manufacturing, and pharmaceuticals. An internship can give you a chance to see how chemistry, math, physics, and engineering come together in real-world settings. You might work on a research project, analyze data, learn about manufacturing processes, or explore how materials and chemicals are developed and tested. If you’re considering chemical engineering as a college major, an internship can help you understand the field and figure out which areas interest you most.
TL;DR
This article focuses on 13 chemical engineering internships for high schoolers, largely run through national labs and university research programs or local organizations. You may engage in real research, help with technical investigations, complete independent or mentored projects, and/or explore chemical engineering and broader STEM pathways, depending on the program. Several are fully funded with stipends, though a handful charge an application fee or tuition with financial aid available. It’s worth checking each option’s eligibility, dates, and features to choose the right opportunity for you.
Why should you do a chemical engineering internship?
A chemical engineering internship can help you explore how scientific concepts are applied to develop products and improve industrial or research processes. Depending on the program, you might learn about areas such as materials science, biotechnology, energy, pharmaceuticals, manufacturing, or chemical research. You can also get a better idea of whether you would enjoy studying the subject in college. If you are trying to test yourself and secure a meaningful experience, here’s how to get into a competitive internship!
How do you apply for a chemical engineering internship?
The process can vary for each internship. You can begin by checking the program’s eligibility requirements, application deadline, and required materials. Some internships may ask for a resume, transcript, essays, teacher recommendations, or information about your academic interests. You may also need to meet requirements related to your grade level, age, location, or coursework. Check these details early so you have enough time to prepare your application and any supporting materials. You can also start with our guide on applying for an internship in high school.
To help streamline the process, we have compiled a list of 13 chemical engineering internships for high school students. We have focused on opportunities that let you work on real projects, connect with engineers, and offer insights into career paths in STEM.
If you are also looking for other structured experiences, check out our selection of chemical engineering summer programs and broader engineering programs for high schoolers.
Quick comparison
|
Program type |
Top programs |
Cost/Stipend |
Best for |
|
National lab and government research programs |
NIST SHIP, AFRL Scholars Program, SEAP, Idaho National Laboratory Internships, AEOP Internships |
Free; stipends ranging from ~$500/week to $4,000-4,500 for the summer |
Students who want a paid, structured research experience at a federal or national lab |
|
University-based research programs |
Project SEED, University of Chicago PME After-School STEM Lab, Princeton LLP, NYU ARISE, LSU High School Summer Research Program, George Mason ASSIP |
Cost: Free to $1,299; some come with stipends of up to $4,000 |
Students seeking mentored, lab-based research on a university campus, though many of these are limited to students living in or near the host city or state |
|
Remote and regional programs |
Ladder Internships, Saturday Academy Apprenticeships in STEAM Exploration (ASE) |
Cost with financial assistance available; ASE offers stipends of up to $1,500 |
Students who want either a fully virtual startup-style internship or a regional, hands-on STEM placement in the Pacific Northwest |
13 Chemical Engineering Internships for High School Students
1. National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Summer High School Intern Program (SHIP)
Location: NIST in Gaithersburg, MD, or Boulder, CO
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 10.4% acceptance rate; 35 students in the last cohort
Dates: June 22 – August 7
Application deadline: January 26
Eligibility: High school juniors or seniors with a GPA of 3.0+; applicants must be U.S. citizens living within 50 miles of either of the NIST campuses.
NIST labs host high school students during the summer through SHIP, a seven-week research-focused internship. At NIST, you will join one of six laboratories to engage in lab work and research, with opportunities spanning a range of engineering disciplines, including chemical engineering. Your daily schedule may include working with materials science or measurement science data, using advanced tech and tools, running experiments, or assisting with a technical investigation. At the end of seven weeks, you will share your findings with peers and professionals in the form of a poster.
Who it’s best for: Students near NIST campuses in Maryland or Colorado who want firsthand exposure to the work of a government agency.
2. Ladder Internships
Location: Remote! You can participate from anywhere in the world.
Cost: Varies by program type; full financial assistance available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: Multiple cohorts every year, including Fall, Summer, Spring, and Winter
Application deadline: Varies by cohort; Fall (September), Spring (January), Summer (May), and Winter (November)
Eligibility: Students who can work for 10 to 20 hours a week for 8 to 12 weeks; open to high school, undergraduate, and gap year students!
Ladder Internships is a selective startup internship program for ambitious high school students! Through the program, you will work with a high-growth startup on an internship. Startups that offer internships range across a variety of industries, from AI/ML and tech/deep tech to journalism, health tech, marketing, consulting, and more. Ladder’s startups are high-growth companies that, on average, raise more than $1 million. You will work closely with a manager on real-world projects and present your work to the company. The virtual internship is usually eight weeks long. Apply now!
Who it’s best for: Students looking for firsthand exposure to startup culture and a fully virtual internship experience.
3. American Chemical Society’s Project SEED
Location: Participating academic and industrial research sites across the U.S.
Cost/Stipend: No fee; $4,000 stipend
Acceptance rate/cohort size: ~350+ students/year
Dates: 8- to 10-week summer research experience; dates vary by host site
Application deadline: April 6
Eligibility: High school students under 18 who have completed at least one year of high school chemistry; applicants’ annual family income should not be above 300% of the limits defined in Federal Poverty Guidelines.
Project SEED is a paid, summer experience that connects high school students to university labs or research facilities across the U.S. You will spend 8 to 10 weeks working within a laboratory and engaging in real research work within chemical science and engineering alongside a scientist or research mentor. Depending on your project site, you may go on field trips and campus tours, attend career panels, and access other professional development opportunities. Additionally, you may attend the American Chemical Society National Meeting, where you can showcase your work to a large audience of professionals. You may also be able to return to Project SEED next year to continue engaging in chemistry research.
Who it’s best for: High schoolers interested in chemical science research who are looking for an opportunity to work in a real lab.
4. Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) Scholars Program
Location: Multiple sites in the U.S.
Cost/Stipend: No cost; stipend is typically $506.80/week; a few sites offer bigger stipends + travel coverage (check details here)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: Vary by site and internship; typically a minimum commitment of 8 weeks is required, with most internships running 10 – 12 weeks in the summer, spring, and fall.
Application deadline: Summer: January 10 | Fall/Spring: Not specified
Eligibility: Upper-level high school students, undergraduates, and graduate students who are U.S. citizens and 16+
The ARFL Scholars Program is a paid internship that offers high school and college students research-focused work experiences at federal facilities. You will join a research team at an Air Force lab, with placements spanning various disciplines, including chemical science and engineering. You will work within the assigned lab under the supervision of scientists, learn about Air Force-centric R&D, and explore career paths in STEM over eight weeks or more. Tasks can vary by placement: you may analyze data, design experiments, or help document research. You can also return to the program in subsequent years to continue engaging in research.
Who it’s best for: Students interested in working within Air Force research facilities on real STEM projects.
5. Science and Engineering Apprenticeship Program (SEAP)
Location: U.S. Department of the Navy laboratories (multiple sites nationwide)
Cost/Stipend: Free; $4,000 stipend for new participants, and $4,500 stipend for returning participants
Acceptance rate/cohort size: ~300 placements across 38+ labs nationwide
Dates: Eight weeks in the summer; term can be extended to 10 weeks.
Application deadline: November 30
Eligibility: Rising high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors, ages 16 and up, who are U.S. citizens; some labs may accept permanent residents or dual citizens (check individual lab pages for additional requirements here).
SEAP places high schoolers across the U.S. in Department of the Navy labs to contribute to real naval research for 8 to 10 weeks during the summer. As a participant, you will spend time in labs working on projects in STEM, including chemical engineering, alongside scientists and engineers. While the day-to-day tasks can vary by site, you will find opportunities to connect with researchers and learn about careers in research and engineering at your chosen site. Additionally, you will get to shadow STEM professionals and attend seminars and presentations at SEAP.
Who it’s best for: Students looking for a paid internship focused on naval STEM research.
6. Idaho National Laboratory (INL) Internships
Location: Idaho National Laboratory, Idaho Falls, ID
Cost/Stipend: No cost; stipend paid
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: 10 to 16 weeks; dates vary by opportunity
Application deadline: Varies by opportunity
Eligibility: Full-time students attending accredited high schools or colleges with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0; international students at accredited U.S. institutions must have valid Curricular Practical Training (CPT) authorization.
Internships at INL let college and high school students explore what it is like to work at a national laboratory within areas such as chemical engineering, materials science, civil/structural engineering, mechanical engineering, biology, cybersecurity, clean energy, and more. You will spend most of your time working on real laboratory projects and the rest on facility tours, seminars, and networking. You will also get to work closely with INL professionals who may serve as mentors throughout the internship and offer insights into potential career paths. The program will wrap up with a final project presentation.
Who it’s best for: Students interested in working at a national laboratory on real projects in STEM and able to commute to INL in Idaho.
7. AEOP (Army Educational Outreach Program) Internships
Location: Multiple research sites across the U.S.
Cost/Stipend: No cost; stipends are available.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive
Dates: June – August; dates vary by opportunity
Application deadline: Varies by lab position
Eligibility: High school students who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents; specific roles can have additional criteria
AEOP lets high school interns work at U.S. Army facilities and university labs alongside scientists or engineers on real research. As an intern, you will work directly under the supervision of a scientist or engineer, contributing to active research projects, with opportunities available within chemical engineering. You may help design experiments, collect and assess data, or conduct other technical lab work. The program will also offer the mentorship of a STEM professional, educational sessions, and opportunities to access the broader program network.
Who it’s best for: Students interested in STEM research who are looking for internships in Army facilities or affiliated university labs.
8. University of Chicago Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering After-School STEM Lab Internship
Location: University of Chicago Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering, Chicago, IL
Cost/Stipend: Free; stipend available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: Six weeks during the summer; dates TBA
Application deadline: TBA; applications will open in March.
Eligibility: High school students who attend a high school in Chicago and are at least 16 years old by the first day of the program
The After-School STEM Lab Internship is a paid summer program run by the University of Chicago Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering and After School Matters. As an intern, you will begin with a week-long bootcamp that introduces you to the basics of authentic research and then spend 20 hours/week working in a lab on projects in STEM fields, including chemical engineering. You will receive support from UChicago PME researchers and education staff throughout the program. The program will also offer science communication training and the chance to present your work. Additionally, it will provide you with resources and support for college applications during the program.
Who it’s best for: Chicago high schoolers who want to gain hands-on research experience within a university lab.
9. Princeton University Laboratory Learning Program (LLP)
Location: Princeton University, Princeton, NJ
Cost/Stipend: None; some labs may offer a stipend
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; 1 – 2 students/lab
Dates: Five to six weeks in the summer
Application deadline: March 17
Eligibility: Students who are at least 16, enrolled in a high school, U.S. citizens, and able to provide proof of local housing and transportation in New Jersey
Princeton’s LLP is a summer program for local New Jersey students. As a participant, you will get to work with faculty and research staff on real projects in the sciences and engineering. The project focus and tasks vary by placement, but typically include projects in chemical engineering. You may engage in lab work, data analysis, modeling, and/or scientific writing, depending on the project. You will follow a schedule set by your assigned Princeton lab and complete safety training before starting lab-specific work. At the end, you will submit a two-page research summary of your summer research work.
Who it’s best for: New Jersey students seeking a free, credible, lab-based summer experience on a university campus.
10. NYU ARISE (Applied Research Innovations in Science and Engineering)
Location: New York University’s Tandon School of Engineering, Brooklyn/New York, NY
Cost/Stipend: No cost; $2,000 stipend
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; exact details not specified
Dates: June 1 – August 14
Application deadline: February 27
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors or seniors who live and attend school in NYC
ARISE is a paid program that offers high schoolers lab training as well as research experience on the New York University campus. In the initial few weeks, you will undergo training focused on college writing, lab safety, and research skills. Then, you will engage in a six-week lab experience, conducting research in STEM. Placements span a range of engineering fields, including chemical science and engineering. You will spend the summer gaining about 150 hours of lab exposure, accessing college application guidance, working through skill-building activities, and building a research presentation, which you will deliver at the end of ARISE. You will leave with access to ARISE’s alumni network.
Who it’s best for: NYC students who want a paid research experience and lab training within a university lab.
11. Saturday Academy Apprenticeships in STEAM Exploration (ASE)
Location: Sites in Portland, Corvallis, and Oregon/SW Washington; some virtual opportunities may be available
Cost/Stipend: $40 application fee (waivers available); learning stipends of $500 – $1,500 available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: ~75 – 130 placements/year
Dates: Typically, eight weeks in the summer
Application deadline: March 6
Eligibility: Rising 10th to 12th graders who can commute to the internship locations (usually in the Portland-Metro area or in Albany/Corvallis/Eugene)
Saturday Academy’s ASE connects students with mentor-led projects in STEM. You will secure a placement at a lab, university, or organization and engage in tasks ranging from research to fieldwork. Chemical engineering-focused projects may require you to run tests to monitor the health of transformers, conduct gas chromatography, and help develop products or systems using chemistry. You will spend most of the time working alongside scientists and engineers on the assigned research project as well as undergoing training. At the end, you may present your work at a closing symposium.
Who it’s best for: Students in the Portland-Metro area or Albany/Corvallis/Eugene areas looking for paid STEM-focused work experiences.
12. Louisiana State University College of Engineering High School Summer Research Program
Location: Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not officially disclosed
Dates: Summer program (dates TBA); commitment of 15 – 20 hours per week or ~120 – 140 hours in total
Application deadline: February 6
Eligibility: Current 9th, 10th, or 11th graders who are at least 15 and have a 3.5 (or equivalent) high school GPA
The LSU College of Engineering’s High School Summer Research Program places you inside a faculty-led research group to work on questions in engineering, computing, and construction management. You will work on a project in tech or engineering, with topics typically involving chemical engineering work, under the guidance of a professor and graduate and undergraduate mentors. As a participant, you will explore how research teams work. Workshops covering research ethics, best practices, safety, and communication will help you learn about the professional standards behind technical work. At the end, you will deliver a poster presentation to share your findings with peers and mentors.
Who it’s best for: Students looking for hands-on research exposure and direct mentorship in a university engineering environment.
13. George Mason University Aspiring Scientists Summer Internship Program (ASSIP)
Location: Virtual or George Mason University and affiliated sites in Virginia
Cost/Stipend: $25 application fee + $1,299 tuition (fee waivers available); no stipend
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: June 18 – August 12
Application deadline: February 15
Eligibility: High school and undergraduate students who are at least 15 years old for remote internships or 16+ for in-person/wet-lab opportunities
ASSIP allows students to work one-on-one with faculty researchers at George Mason University on active research projects. Placements span various STEM fields, including chemical science and engineering, where you may contribute to projects in drug design and discovery, DNA/protein interactions, or lithium-ion batteries, among other potential focus areas. During the eight-week experience, you will learn how to work with lab equipment and research tech, and develop and practice scientific writing and communication skills. You will also learn about career paths through discussion forums and meetings with STEM professionals. You will leave with three university credits.
Who it’s best for: Students interested in research who want to work with faculty mentors in virtual or university lab settings.
What skills can you pick up in chemical engineering internships?
Chemical engineering internships can help you develop skills in areas such as laboratory research, data analysis, experimentation, process design, and problem-solving. You may also learn how to work with technical equipment, analyze experimental results, use engineering or research tools, or communicate your findings. Working on projects with other students, researchers, or engineers can also help you build teamwork and communication skills.
Can a chemical engineering internship help with your college applications?
While building your college application profile, chemical engineering internships can give you specific experiences to discuss if you’re interested in studying the field or related areas like materials science or biotechnology. You can use the experience to explain how you explored the field outside your regular classes and what you learned from working on real projects. The internship itself does not automatically strengthen a college application, but what you can explain about the experience, such as what you did, what you learned, and how it shaped your interests, is what makes it useful in your application.
Explain your interest in the major: Through your internship experience, you can show why chemical engineering became an area you wanted to explore further. You can discuss what you worked on and which parts of the field interested you. Additionally, you can focus on whether the internship confirmed an existing interest or introduced you to a new area of chemical engineering.
Help connect coursework to real work: You can discuss in your application materials how subjects such as chemistry, physics, math, or biology were applied during your internship.
Give you material for essays and interviews: Specific projects, experiments, or problems you worked on can be solid examples to discuss while applying to chemical engineering or a related STEM program.
Common questions about these internships
1. Will I get to focus specifically on chemical engineering, or will I be working across several STEM fields?
It depends on the program. Some internships place you directly into a chemical engineering-focused project, while others are broader STEM or general engineering programs where chemical engineering is just one of several tracks you might be placed into, alongside areas like materials science, biology, or mechanical engineering.
2. What kind of day-to-day work should I expect in one of these internships?
This also varies by placement, but common tasks include running lab experiments, analyzing data, testing materials or chemical processes, and working with research or lab equipment under the guidance of a scientist or engineer. Most programs also end with some form of final deliverable, such as a poster presentation or a written research summary, where you share what you worked on.
3. Do I need to pay to participate, or are these internships paid?
Both models exist. Many of these internships are free to apply to and include a stipend of up to $4,500. Others may charge an application fee, require tuition, or offer no stipend at all, so it's worth checking the cost structure for each program individually before you apply.
4. Are these internships only available in person, or can I complete one remotely?
Most of these internships require you to be on-site at a lab or university campus, and a few are limited to students living in a specific city, county, or state. A couple offer virtual tracks. Ladder Internships is one option on this list that offers fully virtual, startup-focused work experience.