22 Competitive Internships for High School Students
If you're a high school student looking to gain hands-on experience, build valuable skills, and stand out on college applications, summer internships are one of the best ways to do so. Unlike expensive pre-college programs, internships give you real-world exposure, allowing you to contribute to meaningful projects while working alongside top professionals. Many prestigious universities and organizations offer highly selective programs, some with acceptance rates as low as 5-10%.
These internships can help you explore potential careers in fields like medicine, engineering, business, and research. If you’re serious about your future, getting into one of these programs can give you a significant edge.
To make your search easier, we’ve compiled a list of 22 competitive internships for high school students, including in-person and virtual options.
Location: Remote! You can work from anywhere in the world.
Cost: Starting at $2,490 (financial aid available)
Application Deadline: Deadlines vary depending on the cohort. Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), and Winter (November).
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year, including Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter.
Eligibility: Students who can work for 10-20 hours/week, for 8-12 weeks. Open to high school students, undergraduates, and gap year students!
Ladder Internships is a selective start-up internship program for ambitious high school students! In the program, you work with a high-growth start-up on an internship. Start-ups that offer internships range across a variety of industries, from tech/deep tech and AI/ML to health tech, marketing, journalism, consulting, and more. You can explore all the options here on their application form. Ladder’s start-ups are high-growth companies on average raising over a million dollars. In the program, interns work closely with their managers and a Ladder Coach on real-world projects and present their work to the company. Here is the application form.
The virtual internship is usually 8 weeks long.
2. Veritas AI
Location: Virtual
Cost: $2,290 for the 10-week AI Scholars program | $5,400 for the 15-week AI Fellowship with Publication & Showcase | $6,900 for both. Need-based financial aid is available for AI Scholars. You can apply here.
Application Deadline: On a rolling basis. Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), and Winter (November).
Dates: Multiple 12-15-week cohorts throughout the year, including spring, summer, fall, and winter.
Eligibility: Ambitious high school students located anywhere in the world. AI Fellowship applicants should either have completed the AI Scholars program or exhibit experience with AI concepts or Python.
Veritas AI, founded and run by Harvard graduate students, offers programs for high school students who are passionate about artificial intelligence. Students who are looking to get started with AI, ML, and data science would benefit from the AI Scholars program. Through this 10-session boot camp, students are introduced to the fundamentals of AI & data science and get a chance to work on real-world projects.
Another option for more advanced students is the AI Fellowship with Publication & Showcase. Through this program, students get a chance to work 1:1 with mentors from top universities on a unique, individual project. A bonus of this program is that students have access to the in-house publication team to help them secure publications in high school research journals. You can also check out some examples of past projects here.
3. Stanford’s Clinical Neuroscience Immersion Experience (CNI-X)
Location: Virtual & In-person at Stanford University, California
Cost: Virtual: $1,595 | In-person Session 1: $2,895 | In-person Session 2: $2,895
Application Deadline: March (Tentative, based on previous years)
Dates: Virtual: June 16 – June 27 | In-person Session 1: July 7 – July 18 | In-person Session 2: July 21 – August 1
Eligibility: High school students aged 14-18 years
The Clinical Neuroscience Immersion Experience (CNI-X) at Stanford University is a competitive summer program designed for students interested in neuroscience, psychology, and mental health research. Through interactive seminars with Stanford faculty, you’ll explore topics such as brain imaging, sports psychiatry, behavioral neuroscience, and mindfulness. The program goes beyond lectures — you'll collaborate with peers to develop solutions for real-world mental health challenges, presenting your work in a capstone session.
Alongside scientific learning, you’ll engage in discussions on career paths in medicine and neuroscience, as well as strategies for mental wellness and self-care. This experience also covers sensitive but crucial psychiatric topics, including trauma, addiction, and psychosis. You’ll leave the program with a deeper understanding of how neuroscience research translates into clinical applications and treatments.
Location: Virtual / NASA centers across the country
Stipend: While most interns receive a stipend, certain opportunities are unpaid.
Application Deadline: Summer: February 28 | Fall: May 16
Dates: Spring Session: Mid-January to Early May | Summer Session: Late May to August | Fall Session: Late August to Mid-December
Eligibility: U.S. citizens, full-time students (high school through graduate level) aged 16 at the time of application, with a 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale.
NASA’s STEM Engagement Internships (OSTEM) give students a chance to work on real-world science and engineering projects while being mentored by NASA professionals. These paid internships, available remotely or at NASA centers, provide hands-on exposure to space exploration, technology development, and research. As an intern, you’ll enhance your technical expertise while tackling complex challenges that mirror professional STEM work.
This experience allows you to develop problem-solving skills and gain industry insight, helping shape your future career path. With internships offered three times a year, you have multiple opportunities to contribute to NASA’s groundbreaking missions and expand your knowledge in a professional, research-driven environment.
5. Pediatrics Internship Program at Stanford (PIPS)
Location: Stanford University, California
Cost: Free
Application Deadline: February 24
Dates: June 16 – July 25
Eligibility:
- Rising juniors or seniors in high school who are at least 16 years old by the start of the program
- Reside and attend high school in one of the following counties in Northern California: San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Marin, Alameda, Contra Costa, Santa Cruz
- Unweighted high school GPA of at least 3.0
The Pediatrics Internship Program at Stanford (PIPS) is a highly competitive, six-week research program for rising juniors and seniors interested in science and medicine. With no prior research experience required, you’ll work closely with Stanford faculty and research teams on a maternal and child health research project, developing key analytical and scientific skills.
Beyond research, you’ll participate in career and leadership workshops, receive college application guidance, and be paired with Near Peer Mentors—Stanford students who offer insights into academic and professional pathways. The program concludes with a Poster & Family Symposium, where you’ll present your research findings.
PIPS strongly encourages students from diverse and underrepresented backgrounds to apply, providing an opportunity to build connections, gain mentorship, and explore careers in medicine.
6. Stanford AIMI Summer Research Internship
Location: Virtual
Cost: $850 + $40 application fee
Application Deadline: February 28
Dates: June 16 – June 27
Eligibility: High school students entering grades 9-12 in Fall, over the age of 14 by the start of the program
The Stanford AIMI Summer Research Internship is a two-week virtual program designed to introduce high school students to AI applications in the field of healthcare. Through lectures, mentorship, and hands-on research, you’ll get to explore how artificial intelligence is transforming medicine. By working in groups on research projects, you’ll gain technical skills and real-world insights from Stanford experts. The program also features career discussions with professionals from academia, industry, and government to help you discover diverse career paths in AI and healthcare.
If you’re interested in continuing your work, an extended research internship may be available. Upon successful completion, you’ll receive a Certificate of Completion, recognizing your participation in this competitive program.
Location: Virtual
Cost: $4,000
Application Deadline: December 9 - January 24
Dates: June 18 - July 2
Eligibility: 9th graders or rising 10th graders in the summertime over the age of 14 by the start of the program
If you’re passionate about AI and its real-world impact, Stanford AI4ALL is a prestigious two-week online program designed to introduce you to AI through hands-on research, mentorship, and career development workshops. You’ll explore cutting-edge topics like Robotics, Medical AI, Computer Vision, and Natural Language Processing, working closely with Stanford researchers on projects aimed at improving society.
The program values diverse perspectives and seeks students with strong STEM skills, leadership experience, and a passion for learning. Through mentorship from AI professionals and a supportive peer community, you’ll gain insights into AI’s transformative potential while expanding your technical skills. A strong academic record, problem-solving abilities, and a recommendation letter can enhance your application.
8. Summer Internships at the Foreign Policy Research Institute
Location: In-person and remote internships available
Stipend: Both paid and unpaid internship opportunities are available.
Application Deadline: February 23
Dates: June – August
Eligibility: High school students
The Foreign Policy Research Institute (FPRI) Summer Internship lets you gain real-world experience in international affairs by working alongside top scholars and professionals. Whether you’re interested in research, event management, communications, or operations, this internship provides an opportunity to contribute to various projects. You’ll sharpen skills like critical thinking, collaboration, and time management while exploring foreign policy and global relations.
Interns can also attend exclusive career-focused seminars and apply to publish a research paper in FPRI’s Intern Corner. Research interns focusing on regions like Eurasia, the Middle East, or Africa benefit from foreign language or data analysis skills. A limited number of paid internships are available, and applicants are expected to demonstrate academic excellence, international affairs knowledge, and strong writing abilities.
9. Johns Hopkins Internship in Brain Sciences (JHIBS)
Location: Johns Hopkins Department of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland | Virtual
Stipend: In-person participants receive hourly wages and transportation support. Virtual interns receive a $500 stipend.
Application Deadline: March 1
Dates: In-person: June – August (8 weeks) | Virtual: July – August (5 weeks)
Eligibility:
- In-person internship: Current rising high school juniors or seniors living in Baltimore City, Maryland, but don't have to be attending a Baltimore City Public School
- Virtual internship: Current rising high school juniors or seniors living anywhere in North America (U.S. or Canada) and are enrolled full-time toward a high school diploma
The Johns Hopkins Internship in Brain Sciences (JHIBS) is a competitive summer program designed to introduce you to neuroscience research and clinical experiences. If you’re a junior or senior in high school, you can apply for one of two tracks: the 8-week in-person internship in Baltimore, where you’ll conduct mentored research, attend seminars, and participate in clinical rotations, or the 5-week virtual program, open to students across the U.S., offering educational presentations, lab training, and mentorship sessions.
As an intern, you'll develop critical thinking, lab, and presentation skills, culminating in an oral or poster presentation. The in-person track offers a paid hourly wage and transportation funds, while virtual interns receive a certificate of completion. If you’re considering a career in neurology or neuroscience research, this internship provides valuable experience, connections, and insight into the field.
10. Student Leaders by Bank of America
Location: Multiple locations across the country
Stipend: Paid internship
Application Deadline: January 15
Dates: Internship start dates vary but run for 8-weeks
Eligibility: High school juniors or seniors
The Bank of America Student Leaders Program provides a competitive summer experience for high school students dedicated to leadership and community service. As a paid intern at a nonprofit, you’ll gain hands-on experience tackling social challenges while building skills in teamwork, problem-solving, and professional communication.
You’ll also attend the Student Leaders Summit in Washington, D.C., where you’ll engage with government officials, business leaders, and nonprofit executives to explore how different sectors collaborate to create positive change. This program selects only 300 students annually, making it highly competitive. Upon completion of the program, you’ll join a network of Student Leader alumni, gaining access to future opportunities and career connections.
11. BRAINYAC
Location: Columbia University, New York
Cost: Free
Application Deadline: Applications will open in October (for the 2026 cohort)
Dates: Typically from June - August (Tentative, based on 2024 program dates)
Eligibility: High school students from select partner programs and schools that serve students in Upper Manhattan and the Bronx
The BRAINYAC program at Columbia University gives New York City high school students the chance to work in a real research lab under the guidance of a Columbia neuroscientist mentor. During this intensive summer internship, you’ll conduct experiments, learn lab techniques, and explore how scientific discoveries impact medicine and technology.
Open to 10th and 11th graders from select schools and partner programs, BRAINYAC prioritizes students from Upper Manhattan and the Bronx who are eager to develop skills in critical thinking, data analysis, and scientific collaboration. Beyond research, you’ll gain networking opportunities, exposure to professional academia, and a firsthand look at careers in STEM.
Location: Multiple locations across the country
Stipend: $501.6 weekly
Application Deadline: January 10
Dates: Varies depending on the opportunity
Eligibility: High school students who are at least 16 years of age (by session application deadline)
If you're passionate about science, engineering, or technology, the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) Scholars Program offers a paid summer internship where you can work alongside top scientists and engineers on cutting-edge research projects. This highly competitive program provides hands-on experience in fields like aerospace, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence.
As an intern, you’ll contribute to real-world projects, develop critical problem-solving skills, and gain insights into STEM careers. The program is open to upper-level high school students with a recommended minimum 3.0 GPA, though exceptions may be considered. If selected, you'll have the opportunity to explore advanced technologies and make contributions to national defense research.
13. Microsoft Discovery Program
Location: Redmond, Washington | Atlanta, Georgia
Stipend: This is a paid opportunity
Application Deadline: Applications typically close in March (tentatively, based on previous years)
Dates: July 7 – August 1
Eligibility: Graduating high school seniors who live around Redmond, Washington, or Atlanta, Georgia
The Microsoft Discovery Program is a 4-week paid internship designed for graduating high school seniors in Redmond, Washington, and Atlanta, Georgia, who are interested in technology and product development. As a Discoverer, you’ll collaborate with a small team on a real-world project that introduces you to software engineering, product management, and UX design. No prior technical experience is required, but you must have completed pre-calculus before the program begins.
You’ll develop problem-solving and teamwork skills while practicing Microsoft’s Growth Mindset philosophy. Alongside project work, you’ll attend discussions on Microsoft technologies, receive mentorship, and build professional skills. By the end of the program, you'll gain a deeper understanding of tech careers and how your interests can evolve into future opportunities.
14. Met High School Summer Internships
Location: The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York City, New York
Stipend: Upon completion of the program, High School Interns receive a stipend commensurate with New York State minimum wage law
Application Deadline: March 7
Dates: June 21 – August 8
Eligibility: Students in grades 10 and 11 who either reside in or attend a high school or homeschool in New York, New Jersey, or Connecticut
The Met High School Internship Program gives high school sophomores and juniors a paid opportunity to explore museum careers while developing professional skills and industry connections. Over the summer, you’ll be placed in a Met department, such as marketing, conservation, scientific research, or education, where you’ll assist museum professionals and gain hands-on experience. The internship also includes career labs, mentorship sessions, biweekly cohort check-ins, and networking events to help you grow your critical thinking, communication, and teamwork skills.
You’ll attend behind-the-scenes museum events like Teen Fridays and the final intern showcase to present what you’ve learned. This program is great for students eager to develop career-ready skills in a prestigious cultural institution.
15. Princeton University’s Laboratory Learning Program
Location: Princeton University, New Jersey
Cost: Free
Application Deadline: March 15
Dates: Opportunities typically run for at least 5 weeks in the Summer
Eligibility: High school students who are at least 16 years old by June 15
The Princeton Laboratory Learning Program is a free summer research internship for high school students who are interested in science or engineering. You’ll be placed in an active research lab, working alongside Princeton faculty and researchers on real-world projects. The program runs for 5-6 weeks, with schedules determined by the research team.
While the program doesn’t grant academic credit, it offers extensive exposure to high-level scientific research and the chance to develop key analytical, problem-solving, and lab skills. If you’re looking for an intensive, hands-on STEM experience that will challenge you and prepare you for future research opportunities, this program is worth exploring.
16. Genomics Research Internship Program at Stanford (GRIPS)
Location: Stanford University, California
Cost: Free
Application Deadline: February 28
Dates: June 16 – August 7
Eligibility:
- Students who are 16 years or older by the internship start date and reside in one of the following counties: Alameda, San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara, or Santa Cruz counties
- Unweighted GPA of at least 3.0
The Genomics Research Internship Program at Stanford (GRIPS) is an intensive, eight-week summer program that immerses you in computational genetics and genomics research. As a participant, you’ll work 20 hours per week in a Stanford lab, conducting real-world research under the guidance of experienced mentors. Your time will be split between data analysis, hands-on lab work, and professional development activities, including career panels and weekly cohort meetings.
Prior knowledge of programming isn’t required, but familiarity with Python, R, or Java can help you dive deeper into your research project. The hybrid format means you must be available for on-campus activities as needed.
17. Cardiothoracic Surgical Skills and Education Center's Stanford Summer Internship
Location: Virtual
Cost: $4,500 + $95 non-refundable application fee
Application Deadline: March 14
Dates: Program 1: June 23 – July 4 | Program 2: July 14 – July 25
Eligibility: High school students who are at least 16 years of age on the first day of the program
You can gain firsthand experience in cardiothoracic surgery through the Stanford Cardiothoracic Surgical Skills Summer Internship, a highly interactive and technical training program. You’ll spend two weeks immersed in surgical education, attending morning lectures on heart and lung anatomy, diagnostic techniques like echocardiography, and major surgical procedures.
Afternoons are dedicated to hands-on surgical practice, where you’ll refine essential skills such as suturing, knot tying, and instrument handling — all using simulation models and guidance from Stanford surgeons. You’ll also examine a porcine heart prosection, giving you a real-world perspective on cardiac anatomy. The program emphasizes interactive learning, allowing you to apply lecture concepts in practical lab sessions each day.
18. Science and Engineering Apprenticeship Program (SEAP)
Location: Various locations across the country
Stipend: New participant: $4,000 | Returning participant: $4,500
Application Deadline: November 1
Dates: 8 weeks during the Summer
Eligibility: High school students who have completed at least Grade 9 and are 16 years or older by the internship start date
If you’re interested in cutting-edge STEM research, the Science and Engineering Apprenticeship Program (SEAP) offers an incredible opportunity to work in Department of Navy (DoN) laboratories for eight weeks over the summer. You’ll conduct real-world research alongside top scientists and engineers, gaining hands-on experience in Naval technology and innovation. SEAP is highly competitive, with around 300 placements available across 38+ labs nationwide.
Selection is based on academic achievement, personal statements, recommendations, and research interests. This internship offers a chance to enhance your STEM education, explore potential career paths, and receive mentorship from experts in the field. A bi-weekly stipend is provided, and the program can be extended for an additional two weeks.
19. Stanford Institutes of Medicine Summer Research Program
Location: Stanford University, California
Stipend: Minimum $500 stipend
Application Deadline: February 22
Dates: June 9 – July 31
Eligibility: Current high school juniors or seniors in the Fall of 2024 who are 16 years or older by the program start date
The Stanford Institutes of Medicine Summer Research Program (SIMR) offers a competitive eight-week research experience for high school students interested in medicine and biological sciences. You’ll work closely with Stanford researchers, gaining hands-on experience in a cutting-edge medical lab. The program includes safety training, scientific lectures, and full-time lab work, requiring a 40-hour weekly commitment.
By the end of the internship, you’ll have developed a research poster summarizing your project and present it to Stanford faculty and peers. This immersive program helps you build technical skills and gain exposure to the world of scientific research.
20. Stanford STaRS Internship Program
Location: Stanford University, California
Cost: Free
Application Deadline: Typically in November each year
Dates: June 23 – August 8
Eligibility: Students who are at least 16 years old by program start
The Stanford STaRS Internship Program is a seven-week, in-person research experience designed for high school students interested in healthcare and biomedical research. You’ll work alongside experienced scientists and clinicians, gaining hands-on exposure to real-world medical research. No prior lab experience is required for this program.
Throughout the internship, you’ll develop critical skills in scientific thinking, problem-solving, and teamwork. At the end of the program, you’ll showcase your research findings in a formal presentation to faculty and peers.
21. High School Research Internships at Boyce Thompson Institute (BTI), Cornell University, and the USDA
Location: Cornell University, Ithaca, New York
Stipend: $4,200
Application Deadline: Applications will open in Spring
Dates: June 30 - August 7
Eligibility: Current high school students, 16 years of age before the first day of the program, who are local to Ithaca, NY
The Boyce Thompson Institute (BTI), Cornell University, and USDA High School Research Internship is a prestigious six-week summer research experience where you’ll explore plant science, molecular biology, and bioinformatics. You’ll collaborate with scientists and faculty mentors, conducting hands-on research in labs, greenhouses, or computational settings. The program does not require prior lab experience, making it accessible to students with a passion for science. You’ll also attend weekly seminars, participate in professional development sessions, and gain exposure to real-world scientific careers.
At the end of the program, you’ll present your research at the George and Helen Kohut Symposium, building critical skills in scientific communication and presentation. Throughout the summer, you’ll also take part in lab meetings, engage in peer discussions, and review scientific literature related to your project.
22. Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory (PPPL) Internship Program
Location: Princeton University, New Jersey
Cost: Free
Application Deadline: March 1
Dates: TBD (Summer after high school graduation)
Eligibility: Graduating high school seniors when the internship begins, who are at least 16 years old
The Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory (PPPL) High School Internship provides a select group of graduating seniors with an immersive research experience in plasma physics and fusion energy. As an intern, you’ll collaborate with leading scientists on experimental and computational projects aimed at developing sustainable energy solutions. Recommended qualifications include coursework in physics and engineering, along with experience in programming or computer-aided design (CAD).
This full-time, hands-on experience will expose you to world-class research facilities, where you’ll contribute to real scientific advancements. The skills and knowledge you gain will prepare you for future studies in physics, engineering, and related fields. Interns will also participate in lab meetings and discussions, gaining insights into the research process and the broader impact of their work.