12 Delaware Internships for High School Students

Taking up internships during high school offers a unique chance to explore different career paths and build essential skills. By gaining firsthand experience, you can determine if a field aligns with your future goals. Internships provide real-world experience that you won’t find in the classroom, helping you understand industry workings while developing communication, teamwork, and problem-solving abilities.

Internships also allow you to network with professionals, potentially opening doors for mentorship or job opportunities. These experiences can enhance your college applications, showcasing your initiative and commitment to learning. Internships give you the chance to clarify your career interests and boost your confidence. If you’re interested in an internship opportunity, check out our list of 12 Delaware Internships for High School Students.

1. Ladder Internships

Location: Virtual
Cost: $2,490 for the startup internship program; $5,900 for the research internship program; and $7,400 for the combined startup-research internship program. Ladder Internships offers both full and partial financial aid which is available to 10-20% of participants, selected through a competitive process.
Application Deadline: Applications for the Winter Cohort close on November 24, 2024
Dates: The Winter Cohort begins on December 16, 2024, and runs for 8 weeks.
Eligibility: Self-motivated high school students with strong communication skills who can work for 5-15 hours per week can apply for this program.

Ladder Internships provides high school students with virtual, paid placements in startups and non-profits worldwide. The program offers a wide range of opportunities across fields like finance, software engineering, media, and more. It is highly selective, with only 10% of applicants being accepted in 2023, making it a prestigious opportunity for ambitious students.

During the internship, you’ll work on real-world projects that align with both your interests and the host company's goals. With support from a manager and a Ladder coach, you’ll receive mentorship, guidance, and professional development. The program includes both individual and group training sessions, allowing you to develop essential skills and gain hands-on experience that will prepare you for future career opportunities.

2. Google Summer of Code

Location: Virtual
Stipend: Stipends are provided and vary according to the cost of living in your country of residence.
Application Deadline: Applications are typically accepted from March through April.
Dates: The program runs from May to November.
Eligibility: Applicants must be at least 18 years old at the time of registration, not a citizen of a country subject to U.S. embargoes, and must have the right to work in their country of residence. For further details, click here.

Google’s Summer of Code (GSoC) is a paid program designed to introduce high school students in Chicago to open-source software development. Through this virtual initiative, you will collaborate with open-source organizations on real-world coding projects, contributing to the global developer community while gaining practical experience. The program allows you to work at your own pace, offering flexibility in managing deadlines and tasks.

As a participant, you’ll be paired with a mentor who will guide you through the coding process, helping you overcome challenges and improve your technical skills. While a solid foundation in programming is required, prior experience with the organization's codebase is not mandatory. By the end of GSoC, you’ll have completed a significant project and built valuable connections in the tech industry.

3. Hutton Junior Fisheries Biology Program

Location: This program actively works to place interns within a 45-minute commute from their homes.
Stipend: $3000 
Application Deadline: Applications generally run from November to January.
Dates: Flexible start and end dates are determined by the student and their mentor. The program runs for 8 weeks. 
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors, seniors, or incoming college freshmen who are at least 16 years old by the application deadline can apply for this program. 

The Hutton Program is a paid internship designed to inspire high school students to pursue careers in fisheries science. Through this initiative, you’ll gain hands-on experience in aquatic sciences, participating in fieldwork, research, and educational activities. The program aims to increase diversity in the field while connecting you with industry professionals who will mentor and guide you throughout the experience.

As an intern, you’ll work 32-40 hours per week under the supervision of fisheries experts, learning about conservation challenges and the importance of protecting aquatic ecosystems. Projects focus on habitat restoration, protection, and management, offering you a comprehensive understanding of the role of a fisheries biologist. This immersive experience opens doors to various career paths in fisheries and environmental science.

4. John Hopkins Internship in Brain Sciences (JHIBS) at John Hopkins University

Location:  Virtual / John Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD
Stipend: Interns who complete the virtual internship will receive a $500 scholarship.
Application Deadline: Applications generally run from December 1 to March 1.
Dates: The virtual program runs from July – August 
Eligibility: Current high school juniors and seniors from underrepresented populations anywhere in the United States can apply for the virtual internship. 

The Johns Hopkins Internship in Brain Sciences (JHIBS) is a prestigious summer program designed for high school juniors and seniors interested in exploring careers in neurological sciences. This virtual internship offers an incredible opportunity to dive into the world of brain research, providing long-term mentoring, educational resources, and comprehensive support. If you're passionate about neuroscience and curious about what it takes to become a researcher or clinician scientist, JHIBS is the perfect stepping stone.

Throughout the program, you'll participate in professional development workshops, college prep classes, and mentorship training. The networking opportunities and hands-on experiences will equip you with the skills needed to thrive in STEM fields, laying the foundation for your future academic journey.

5. Mary Miller Summer Program by PHC Group

Location: Virtual
Stipend: This is a paid internship; however, the exact stipend is not specified.
Application Deadline: Applications for 2024 have closed. You can keep track of their website for information regarding the 2025 applications.
Dates: This internship typically takes place in the Summer.
Eligibility: High school juniors or seniors actively enrolled and registered are eligible to apply. Applicants should have proficiency in Microsoft Office and demonstrate the technical aptitude to quickly learn new applications.

PHC Group's Mary Miller Summer Program provides high school students with hands-on experience in the healthcare and pharmaceutical industries. This virtual internship allows you to collaborate with professionals in fields like research, marketing, and operations, giving you a well-rounded understanding of how these sectors function. Through this immersive experience, you'll explore various roles and develop a broad set of skills that will prove invaluable for future career opportunities.

You’ll participate in projects such as analyzing market trends, supporting clinical research, and contributing to social media and product development. The program also emphasizes leadership development and creative collaboration, equipping you with the tools needed to thrive in the fast-paced healthcare industry.

6. United Planet Virtual Internship

Location: Virtual
Cost: The program fee ranges from $800 to $2,300 depending on the duration of the internship. There is a $300 enrollment fee. 
Application Deadline: Applications are accepted year-round on a rolling basis
Dates: Internship dates are flexible. The duration of the internship can be between 1-6 months.
Eligibility: Applicants must be high school students who are at least 16 years old.

The United Planet virtual internship offers an exceptional opportunity to gain professional experience while working on global projects that make a real difference. Whether your interests lie in environmental sustainability, education, or healthcare, this program allows you to collaborate with teams from around the world, giving you a unique cross-cultural experience. With flexible project choices, you can tailor your internship to match your passions while developing essential skills.

Throughout the program, you'll receive the necessary training to enhance leadership, cross-cultural communication, and project management abilities. By the end, you’ll have expanded your resume and established a strong network of international contacts. This internship is perfect for those interested in non-profit work, healthcare, education, and global careers.

7. Bank of America Student Leadership Program

Location: This program is spread across different states. Use the location finder to find a location near you.
Stipend: While this is a paid internship, the exact stipend amount hasn’t been specified..
Application Deadline: Applications for the 2025 program will open in fall 2024.
Dates: This is an 8-week-long internship that will begin shortly after the end of the school year.; The exact dates vary and will be communicated to students. 
Eligibility: Applicants must be current juniors or seniors in high school and legally authorized to work in the U.S. without sponsorship. Read the eligibility requirements for more.

The Bank of America Student Leaders Program is an 8-week paid internship that gives high school students the chance to gain valuable work experience while making a difference in their local communities. As a participant, you'll intern at local nonprofits, developing leadership skills and contributing to meaningful projects that benefit your community. The program emphasizes hands-on learning and community service to prepare you for future success.

In addition to the internship, you’ll attend a fully-funded national leadership summit in Washington, D.C. There, you’ll learn about how nonprofits, governments, and businesses collaborate to address social challenges. With only 300 students selected nationwide, it’s an exceptional opportunity for aspiring leaders.

8. Building-U Internship

Location: Virtual
Stipend/Cost: This is an unpaid internship and participation in the program is free.
Application Deadline: Applications are on a rolling basis, so if you’re interested in applying you can send them an e-mail with your resume attached.
Dates: This program offers 3-month internships throughout the year
Eligibility: Interested applicants must currently be enrolled in high school (between grades 9-12)

The Building-U High School Internship offers a unique opportunity to work on diverse teams, developing essential skills in research, multimedia, marketing, coding, and data privacy. This hands-on program allows you to dive into exciting projects like creating YouTube content and managing social media campaigns, making it ideal for those interested in gaining practical experience without needing prior expertise. You'll get a deep understanding of various fields, preparing you for future career paths.

To maximize your experience, it’s helpful to have a basic knowledge of digital marketing and content creation. Whether you’re aiming for a career in marketing, writing, or research, this internship provides a solid foundation and valuable exposure to different aspects of these industries.

9. Internships at the Foreign Policy Research Institute (FPRI)

Location: Offers both in-person and virtual internships
Stipend: Part-time paid internship opportunities are available
Application Deadline: Applications for the fall cohort typically close in July.
Dates: September to December
Eligibility: High school students authorized to work in the US are encouraged to apply. There are no restrictions on nationality.

The Foreign Policy Research Institute (FPRI) offers a dynamic paid internship program designed for students eager to delve into the world of international relations. As an intern, you'll work closely with FPRI scholars, gaining hands-on experience in research, event planning, and content creation. This role will help you develop critical thinking and analytical skills, giving you a significant advantage in both your academic and professional pursuits.

While prior knowledge of foreign policy is not required, strong writing and research abilities are essential. This internship provides a rare opportunity to build expertise in international relations, supported by expert mentorship and real-world experience. It's an excellent stepping stone for those looking to enhance their academic credentials and career prospects in the field.

10. Medical Encompassed

Location: Virtual
Stipend: This is an unpaid internship
Application Deadline: Applications are on a rolling basis.
Dates: Internship opportunities are available year-round
Eligibility: Applicants must be high school students (between grades 9-12)

Medicine Encompassed is a student-run nonprofit organization dedicated to making the medical field more accessible to aspiring professionals. With 18 committees and general positions open year-round, it offers a variety of opportunities for high school students to get involved. The earlier you apply, the better your chances of joining this dynamic team. This program is perfect for those interested in exploring medicine through hands-on experience and collaboration.

As a volunteer, you can work in writing, editing, graphic design, marketing, or social media. Whether you're researching medical topics or creating educational materials, this experience will help you build valuable skills while gaining insight into potential medical careers, all within a supportive and collaborative environment.

11. EnergyMag Internships

Location: Virtual
Stipend: This is an unpaid internship.
Application Deadline: Applications are open. However, there is no specification regarding the deadline.
Dates: Half-time internships are available in summer and can range from 2 to 8 weeks in duration. On the other hand, quarter-time internships are available all year round and can vary from 1 to 9 months in duration.
Eligibility: High school applicants must be sophomores, juniors, and seniors only, have at least one honors science or honors English class, and have a GPA over 3.25. Read here for more information on application requirements.

The Energymag Internship offers students an exciting opportunity to explore renewable energy and environmental sustainability. This virtual program allows you to work on projects that focus on critical issues like climate change, energy policy, and sustainable technology. As an intern, you’ll engage in research, content creation, and data analysis, contributing to articles and reports that address important topics within the energy sector.

This hands-on experience provides practical training outside of the classroom, helping you deepen your understanding of environmental science. By the end of the internship, if you produce a publishable report, you’ll receive a Letter of Accomplishment from EnergyMag, recognizing your contributions. It’s an excellent opportunity to gain real-world experience and strengthen your skills in sustainability.

12. Internships at the Smithsonian National Zoo

Location: This program offers virtual opportunities.
Stipend: There are internship opportunities that offer stipends. 
Application Deadline:
The deadlines will vary for different internship opportunities.
Dates:  Internship dates are dependent on the different programs available.
Eligibility: Applicants must be high school students who are at least 14 years old. You can get more information regarding the eligibility criteria for application here.

Immerse yourself in wildlife conservation with the Smithsonian’s National Zoo internship. This unique program offers hands-on experience in animal care, research, and conservation efforts. You’ll work closely with experts in fields like veterinary medicine, animal nutrition, and ecology, gaining insights into daily zoo operations. Your responsibilities could include everything from caring for animals to participating in research and educational initiatives. This internship is perfect for those passionate about conservation and eager to balance practical tasks with research-driven projects. By the program’s conclusion, you’ll walk away with a deeper appreciation for wildlife preservation and a strong foundation for a career in animal science or related fields, ready to contribute to conservation efforts in the real world.




Looking for an immersive internship experience?
Check out Ladder Internships.

Ladder Internships is a selective, virtual program where you’ll have the chance to work with startups and nonprofits from around the world! These startups span a variety of industries, including computer science, tech, and engineering. During your internship, you’ll work on a meaningful, real-world project that directly contributes to the startup’s needs, and you’ll present your work at the end of the program.

You’ll collaborate closely with your manager from the startup and also receive guidance from a Ladder Coach throughout your experience. Ready to take the next step? Apply now!

Dhruva Bhat

Dhruva Bhat is one of the co-founders of Ladder, and a Harvard College graduate. Dhruva founded Ladder Internships as a DPhil candidate and Rhodes Scholar at Oxford University, with a vision to bridge the gap between ambitious students and real-world startup experiences.

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12 Best Internships for High School Students

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