15 Consulting Internships for High School Students
High school internships offer a valuable opportunity to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world settings while building a stronger foundation for college admissions and future career opportunities. Consulting internships for high school students provide exposure to business strategy, problem-solving approaches, and professional environments that help develop critical thinking skills. These experiences can strengthen your resume by demonstrating initiative, industry exposure, and a genuine interest in exploring potential career paths.
What will I do as a consulting intern? What will I get out of the experience?
Consulting internships also offer access to mentorship from experienced professionals, networking opportunities, and insight into whether consulting aligns with your long-term goals. Along the way, you develop transferable skills such as data analysis, presentation, teamwork, and communication that are valuable across many career paths. Early exposure to consulting can also introduce you to the analytical frameworks and collaborative problem-solving that define the field.
To help you explore these opportunities, we’ve compiled 15 consulting internships for high school students to get you started.
P.S. If you want to compare what's out there by state,8 Consulting Internships for High School Students in California and6 Consulting Internships for High School Students in Kentucky are both good reads — useful for seeing how opportunities vary depending on where you're located.
1. Chicago Summer Business Institute (CSBI)
Location: Chicago, Illinois (in-person)
Cost/Stipend: Paid internship
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective
Dates: Exact timing varies annually
Application Deadline: March 31
Eligibility: High school sophomores and juniors; Chicago residents preferred; minimum 3.0 GPA; household income below $80,000
You will gain practical experience in financial services through classroom learning, workshops, seminars, and real-world projects. CSBI pairs students with leading Chicago companies, providing hands-on consulting exposure. The program develops consulting-relevant skills, including analytical thinking, business communication, and professional collaboration. You will make connections with industry experts in finance, law, government, and business fields. Mentorship from business professionals guides your career exploration and professional development. The program provides networking opportunities with other ambitious students and corporate professionals.
2. Ladder Internships
Location: Remote
Cost/Stipend: Varies depending on program type, financial aid available
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Highly selective
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year, including Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter.
Application Deadline: Varies by cohort; Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), and Winter (November).
Eligibility: Students who can work for 10-20 hours/week, for 8-12 weeks. Open to high school students, undergraduates, and gap year students!
As a Ladder intern, you will work directly with high-growth startup companies on real-world projects that require strategic thinking, market analysis, and business development—skills that mirror those of consulting environments. You’ll be paired up with a dedicated startup mentor and a Ladder coach who provide weekly guidance and support throughout the eight-week experience. Your projects will likely involve competitive analysis, go-to-market strategy development, and customer discovery processes that teach you how consultants approach business problems. You will present your contributions to company leadership at program conclusion, gaining valuable presentation experience and professional feedback. The program emphasizes real deliverables over theoretical learning, meaning your work directly impacts the startups you support.
3. PwC From High School to College
Location: Multiple U.S. PwC offices; specific locations vary by application
Cost/Stipend: Paid internship with competitive compensation; benefits package included
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Highly selective
Dates: Typically 10-12 weeks during summer; varies based on opportunities
Application Deadline: Varies based on opportunities; you will need to explore frequently
Eligibility: High school students
You will gain exposure to PwC's consulting services, audit, tax, and advisory practices through rotational experiences. The program emphasizes leadership development, professional skills training, and hands-on project work on actual client engagements. You will work with experienced PwC consultants, learning industry-standard methodologies and business problem-solving approaches. Mentorship from senior professionals guides your understanding of consulting careers and professional development. Networking events, workshops, and social activities connect you with peers and PwC leadership. Following successful completion, participants may receive return offers for internships in subsequent summers.
4. Dartmouth Health High School Foundations Summer Internship
Location: Lebanon, New Hampshire (in-person)
Cost/Stipend: Paid internships
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Highly competitive and rigorous
Dates: June 22 – August 7
Application Deadline: March 11
Eligibility: Must be entering your junior or senior year of high school and local or regional to Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center & Clinics. Must be at least 16 years old by the start of the internship
You will participate in a highly competitive and rigorous summer program seeking real-world experience and insights into various careers, including business and consulting. Over several weeks, you'll engage in diverse learning opportunities like workshops, lectures, and hands-on projects, deepening your understanding of professional fields. The program exposes you to careers spanning business, medicine, law, engineering, and the arts, helping you understand how different disciplines approach complex challenges. The internship provides networking opportunities with healthcare and business professionals who can mentor your career exploration. Completion of this program strengthens your college applications by showing ambition and commitment to understanding professional environments. High school students seeking consulting internships often benefit from exposure to health systems and their operational consulting needs.
5. Wharton Global Youth Investment Competition
Location: Remote (fully virtual program; teams compete globally)
Cost/Stipend: Free program; all materials and resources provided at no cost
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Open competition
Dates: Typically between June 30 - April 25th
Application Deadline: N.A.
Eligibility: High school grades 9-12; interested in business or finance; teams of 4-6 students per team
While not strictly a consulting internship, you can expect to develop investment strategy and financial analysis skills through competitive stock market simulation under the guidance of a mentor, which can help you in pursuing a career in the consulting and advisory industries. Teams build stock portfolios, conduct company research, and develop investment theses applicable to consulting work. The program teaches financial analysis, market research, and business communication skills. You will collaborate with teammates, developing teamwork and communication capabilities essential to consulting. Mentorship and instruction from Wharton faculty and investment professionals guide your learning. This internship, accessible to high school students, in the finance field, builds strong analytical skills and market understanding. The competition culminates with portfolio presentations and winner announcements.
6. The Smithsonian Institution High School Internship Program
Location: Washington, D.C. and multiple museum locations nationwide
Cost/Stipend: $5,600 stipend award ($700/week)
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective
Dates: June 23 - August 14
Application Deadline: Varies by position; rolling applications accepted throughout the year
Eligibility: Ages 15 to 18 (grades 9 – 12); high school students; demonstrated interest in museums, history, art, or science
You will participate in valuable internship experiences at the world's largest museum, education, and research complex through virtual, hybrid, and in-person placements. You can choose from diverse roles spanning art history, business administration, museum conservation, communications, and program management. Such internships, while not strictly consulting, offer varied experiences that expose you to how large, complex organizations operate strategically, building a knowledge base applicable to consulting work. Your mentorship from museum professionals helps you understand museum operations, visitor experience strategy, and organizational decision-making. You'll develop professional skills applicable across industries while contributing meaningfully to educational and cultural institutions. The Smithsonian internship demonstrates intellectual curiosity and professional maturity that appeal to competitive colleges.
7. The Bella Abzug Leadership Institute (BALI)
Location: New York City metropolitan area; in-person programming
Cost/Stipend: Free; no tuition required for participants
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Approximately 50-100 students annually; selective admission process
Dates: Six weeks during summer; additional programming throughout academic year
Application Deadline: Varies annually; typically December-February for summer programs
Eligibility: Female-identified and gender-expansive youth ages 13-21 residing in or from NYC metropolitan area
You will participate in comprehensive leadership development programming designed to build confidence and professional skills alongside peers with similar aspirations. The institute offers workshops, seminars, guest speaker presentations, networking opportunities, and debate labs that collectively strengthen your communication and analytical abilities. You will engage with successful professionals and mentors who share their career experiences and provide guidance on navigating professional environments. The program emphasizes developing leadership capabilities, strategic thinking, and the confidence to advocate for yourself and others in professional settings. Through the combination of academic programming and networking events, you will build relationships with peers who share your interests in business and public service. BALI's programming prepares you for consulting and business careers by developing the interpersonal and strategic skills these fields demand. By the program's conclusion, you will have strengthened your resume with recognized leadership development experience and expanded your professional network considerably.
8. KP LAUNCH High School Internship (Kaiser Permanente)
Location: Locations across the US
Cost/Stipend: $24 per hour for healthcare workers
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: N.A.
Dates: June 15th – July 31st
Application Deadline: January 9
Eligibility: High school students aged 16–19 with permanent residence in a Northern California Kaiser Permanente service area; priority given to juniors and seniors; must be legally eligible to work in the U.S.
KP LAUNCH offers you a seven-week paid internship in administrative and support roles at Kaiser Permanente. You will work in departments like finance, internal medicine administration, patient services coordination, or business operations. Weekly workshops build your workplace readiness through training in communication, networking, and time management. Mentors support your career planning and provide regular feedback throughout the program. You’ll gain practical exposure to organizational workflows and professional office tools, with compensation at one of the highest hourly rates for high school internships. The full-time structure requires managing a 40-hour workweek, helping you adapt to professional responsibilities.
9. EnergyMag Virtual Internship
Location: Virtual; work from home with remote mentorship
Cost/Stipend: Free (unpaid internship)
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: N.A.
Dates: Quarter-time (1-9 months, 8 hours/week) or half-time (2-8 weeks, 20 hours/week) available year-round
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions; early application recommended due to limited spots
Eligibility: High school sophomores, juniors, and seniors with a minimum 3.25 GPA; at least one honors-level science or English class (exceptions possible)
This free remote internship program focuses on the renewable energy storage industry and connects you with professionals working to increase its share in global energy infrastructure, thereby rapidly replacing non-green energy sources. You’ll work in areas such as company profiling, market analysis, and professional report writing, while receiving mentorship and daily guidance from supervisors. Your research typically focuses on specific companies, technologies, narrow markets, or related business topics within the renewable energy sector. You can expect to gain skills in business analysis, writing, research, and project management through applied work on real industry challenges. These skills are directly transferable to the consulting and advisory industry sectors with specific knowledge of the energy storage sector. If your work meets publication standards, it may be published on EnergyMag's platform with your name credited, providing portfolio material for future applications. You’ll receive a Letter of Accomplishment summarizing your work contributions upon completion, which you can share with colleges or employers.
10. Kansas City Young Entrepreneurs Program (YEP)
Location: Kansas City, Missouri (remote opinions available with some in-person visits)
Cost/Stipend: Students will receive a $2,500 scholarship ($1,250 per session) upon completion of the program and compensation of $12-14 per hour
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Moderately selective
Dates: Session 1: June 2nd - June 27th Session 2: July 7th - August 1st
Application Deadline: February 1
Eligibility: High school students in grades 11-12, ages 15-18; Kansas City area residents; entrepreneurial interest valued
You will gain real-world business experience at local Kansas City companies while learning entrepreneurial thinking and soft skills. This internship develops consulting-relevant capabilities, including problem-solving, teamwork, and business communication. You will work 30 hours weekly, contributing to meaningful company projects under professional mentorship. Mentors from host companies guide your professional development and career exploration. The program emphasizes both technical skill development and professional conduct development. You will build networks with peers and business professionals in the Kansas City area.
11. Emma Bowen Foundation Internship
Location: Multiple locations
Cost/Stipend: Paid internships
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Highly competitive; 150 students accepted each year
Dates: 8 weeks in summer
Application Deadline: Early January
Eligibility: High school senior OR an undergraduate college student who is graduating Spring of the application year; Have a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.0; Must be at least 18 years of age prior to the start of the internship
Internships with the Emma Bowen Foundation (EBF) offer students interested in media-tech the opportunity to experience various aspects of the business. Whether you aspire to become a producer, journalist, web developer, engineer, business executive, PR agent, sales representative, or pursue any role in media or technology, these summer internships can help you toward reaching your goal by engaging with leading companies in this space. You'll have the opportunity to dive deep into top partner organizations and gain hands-on experience in your chosen path, accelerating your learning and growth. This fellowship helps you build skills relevant to your desired area of focus within the media-tech world and build networks that can further your career in the field. The internship program also helps polish your resume by highlighting achievements and technical skills, helping you stand out in your career pursuits.
12. Bank of America Student Leaders
Location: Local nonprofit organizations across the United States; locations vary by city
Cost/Stipend: Paid internship; approximately $15-18/hour depending on location; all travel and lodging for the Washington, D.C. summit included
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective; approximately 300 students selected annually from diverse communities
Dates: 8 weeks during summer; includes week-long leadership summit in Washington, D.C.
Application Deadline: Typically January 15
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors
You will work full-time (typically 35+ hours weekly) for eight weeks at local nonprofit organizations, gaining real-world business and professional experience, while making an impact on the community. This internship develops civic, social, and business leadership skillsthrough daily project work and mentorship from nonprofit professionals. You will contribute to meaningful community initiatives while learning how the nonprofit, government, and business sectors collaborate. Overall, the experience provides both professional skill development and awareness of social responsibility.
13. Meta Summer Academy
Location: Menlo Park, California (in-person at Meta headquarters)
Cost/Stipend: Paid internship; stipend provided upon program completion; all program costs covered
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective; approximately 200+ students have participated since program inception
Dates: 6 weeks (June 15 – July 24)
Application Deadline: February 14
Eligibility: High school sophomores only; full-year residents of East Palo Alto, Belle Haven, North Fair Oaks, or Redwood City, California; minimum 2.0 GPA
You will work as an extern within Meta, learning about daily operations at one of the world's largest social media technology companies. The program provides structured mentorship from experienced Meta professionals who guide your professional development. You will work 30 hours per week (while earning competitive stipends) and develop business and technical skills applicable to consulting careers. Mentors provide guidance on career pathways, technology industry fundamentals, and professional development. You will participate in workshops addressing communication, identity, career development, and community building. The program concludes with presentations to Meta leadership that provide feedback on your contributions and skills.
14. Interns 4-Good Virtual Internship
Location: Online
Cost/Stipend: Unpaid
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Open
Dates: Flexible
Application Deadline: Rolling basis
Eligibility: High school students
This business-oriented internship is focused on managing not-for-profit organizations. You'll be expected to collaborate with nonprofit organizations on projects that advance their social impact goals while building essential professional business skills. For students interested in business internships with a nonprofit or social-impact focus, Interns 4-Good offers hands-on operational experience. Your responsibilities will likely include developing marketing strategies, planning fundraising campaigns, and managing social media presence for these organizations, essentially finding ways to expand the scope of their social impact. Throughout the internship, you'll build business skills in communication, organization, and project management. You'll gain insight into how nonprofits operate as businesses, learning skills such as grant writing and donor communication specific to this sector. The service-learning approach ensures your contributions create real value for nonprofit missions, helping you develop professional capabilities.
15. Stevens Institute of Technology – Organizational Leadership Virtual Summer Research Experience
Location: Virtual (weekly asynchronous modules + live office hours)
Cost/Stipend: $1,500 tuition
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective; targeted toward students historically underrepresented in computer science; limited spots
Dates: Typically July – August
Application Deadline: Not specified (typically opens in February-March for summer cohort)
Eligibility: Rising sophomores, juniors, and seniors entering the fall of application year
The Stevens School of Business's five-week virtual summer research program immerses you in management principles, including organizational leadership, corporate culture, ethics, social responsibility, and strategic communication. You’ll engage with weekly asynchronous modules that allow independent study, supported by live office hours for discussions with professors and mentors. This structure enables you to explore research-based applications of leadership theory to real-world organizational contexts at your own pace. You can expect to develop analytical, writing, and communication skills essential for business and management studies. By completion, you’ll build a strong foundation for higher education and professional growth in these fields.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
What is a consulting internship for high school students? A consulting internship for high school students is a structured program — usually 6 to 12 weeks — where you work on real business problems alongside professionals. Tasks typically include market research, competitive analysis, data synthesis, and presenting recommendations. Unlike shadowing or observation, you're expected to contribute actual deliverables. Programs like Ladder Internships are built around exactly this model — pairing high school students with real startups on real projects, not busy work.
Are there consulting internships for high school students near me? Yes — consulting internships for high school students are available across the U.S., including in major cities like Chicago, New York, Washington D.C., San Francisco, and Houston. That said, some of the most substantive programs are fully remote. Ladder Internships, for example, is a remote consulting-style program that places students with high-growth startups regardless of where they're located — making strong opportunities accessible to students outside major metros too.
Can high school students get consulting internships with no experience? Most consulting internships for high school students are designed for students with no prior professional experience. What programs look for instead is curiosity, strong communication skills, and a willingness to do analytical work. Ladder Internships, for instance, accepts motivated high school students across all backgrounds — what matters is your ability to show up professionally and engage with real work, not a prior resume.
Are there free or paid consulting internships for high school students? Both exist. Paid programs include Chicago Summer Business Institute, PwC From High School to College, Bank of America Student Leaders, and KP LAUNCH, which pays $24/hour. Free options include the Wharton Global Youth Investment Competition, Bella Abzug Leadership Institute, and Interns 4-Good. Ladder Internships charges a program fee starting at $2,490 but offers financial aid — and the structured mentorship and real startup experience it provides makes it one of the more substantive options on this list for students serious about consulting.
What GPA do I need for a consulting internship in high school? GPA requirements vary by program. The Chicago Summer Business Institute requires a minimum 3.0, EnergyMag requires a 3.25, and the Emma Bowen Foundation requires a 3.0. Several programs — including Interns 4-Good and the Wharton Investment Competition — have no stated GPA requirement. Ladder Internships is similarly focused on drive and professional readiness over grades, making it a strong option for students who are motivated but don't have a perfect academic record.
What grade do I need to be in to apply for consulting internships? Most consulting internships on this list are open to students in grades 9 through 12, with several specifically targeting juniors and seniors. Ladder Internships is open to all high school students, as well as undergraduates and gap year students, and runs multiple cohorts throughout the year — Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter — so there's more flexibility on timing than most programs offer.
How do consulting internships help with college applications? Consulting internships demonstrate that you've operated in a professional environment before college — something relatively few applicants can say. Admissions officers respond to experiences where students took on real responsibility, not just observation. Ladder Internships is particularly strong here because students work on defined projects, present findings to company leadership, and walk away with a concrete deliverable they can speak to in essays and interviews — not just a line on a resume that says they observed.
Are there online consulting internships for high school students? Yes — several programs on this list are fully remote. Ladder Internships, EnergyMag, Interns 4-Good, the Wharton Global Youth Investment Competition, and the Stevens Institute Organizational Leadership program are all virtual. Of these, Ladder Internships is one of the most consulting-specific — students work directly with startup teams on strategy, market analysis, and business development projects, with weekly mentorship built in throughout.
What skills do you learn in a consulting internship as a high school student? The core skills you'll develop include structured problem-solving, market and competitive research, data analysis, business writing, and presenting recommendations to an audience. Programs like Ladder Internships go a step further by pairing you with both a startup mentor and a dedicated Ladder coach — so you're getting feedback from two directions throughout the experience, which accelerates how quickly you develop professional judgment, not just technical output.
When should I start applying for consulting internships as a high school student? Most summer programs have deadlines between January and March, so you should start researching in the fall of the year you want to intern. Ladder Internships is one of the more flexible options here — with four cohorts a year and rolling applications, you're not locked into a single summer window. If you miss the summer deadline, you can still apply for fall or winter. That said, spots are competitive, so earlier is always better regardless of which program you're targeting.
Image source - Chicago Summer Business institute logo