9 Finance Internships for High School Students in Charlotte, NC
Finance internships give high school students a practical look at how the industry works. You might help with budgeting or basic accounting, conduct market research, or analyze financial data. You’ll build skills like data interpretation, professional communication, and time management, which will prepare you for college. The experience strengthens your resume and college applications by showing concrete skills and achievements. An internship is also a good way to figure out early whether a career in finance is right for you.
What finance internships are available for high school students in Charlotte, NC?
Charlotte is a good place to find finance internships for high schoolers. It's the second-largest banking hub in the United States, home to the headquarters of Bank of America and major offices for Wells Fargo. That means you can get exposure to how large financial institutions operate. The city also has a growing fintech sector, so there's a range of options beyond traditional banking. Working in Charlotte's Uptown business district puts you in a good position to build a professional network early.
We put together a list of 9 finance internships for high school students in Charlotte to help you find programs that offer meaningful learning.
1. Bank of America Student Leaders
Location: Nationwide (the Leadership Summit is held in Washington, D.C.)
Stipend: Paid; all expenses towards the trip to Washington, D.C. are also covered
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; over 300 students
Dates: 8 weeks between June and August, with the Summit held in July
Application Deadline: January 15
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors who have authorization to work in the U.S., live in an eligible area, and have not participated in the program before
This program places you in an eight-week paid summer internship with a local nonprofit organization, where you support operational and administrative work that often includes budgeting, fundraising coordination, or tracking program expenses. Through these responsibilities, you gain insight into how nonprofits manage financial resources while pursuing community impact goals. The program selects participants nationwide for placements with established organizations such as Habitat for Humanity or Boys & Girls Clubs. Alongside the local internship, you will attend a fully funded, week-long Student Leaders Summit in Washington, D.C. The summit includes sessions on economic policy, nonprofit finance, and civic engagement.
2. Ladder Internship Program
Location: Remote! You can work from anywhere in the world
Cost/Stipend: Cost varies depending on the program type; financial aid is available / No stipend
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year, including Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter
Application Deadline: Varies depending on the cohort; Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), and Winter (November)
Eligibility: High school students, undergraduates, and gap year students who can work for 10–20 hours/week for 8–12 weeks
Ladder Internships is an eight-week virtual program that places you with a high-growth startup, including companies operating in finance-adjacent fields such as consulting, data analysis, or business strategy. You work directly with a startup team on projects that may involve market research, financial tracking, competitive analysis, or operational planning. Throughout the internship, you receive guidance from a dedicated Ladder Coach who supports project execution and professional development. The program also includes one-on-one training in communication, time management, and accountability. At the conclusion of the internship, you formally present your completed work to the company. Here is the application form.
3. Mayor’s Youth Employment Program (MYEP)
Location: Charlotte, NC (Internships are hosted at various private, public, and nonprofit sites)
Stipend: Minimum $13/hour
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; approximately 80–100 students per cycle
Dates: June 22 – July 31
Application Deadline: February 18
Eligibility: High school students between ages 16–18 (must be 16 by April 15); enrolled in a CMS high school or reside in Charlotte; valid SSN; completion of Job & Career Readiness Training (JCRT)
The Mayor’s Youth Employment Program (MYEP) allows you to participate in a six-week paid finance internship designed to jumpstart your career. You will cover essential topics like financial literacy, civic leadership, and professional networking while working in local banking or government offices. During the program, you will analyze financial data, support budgeting projects, and prepare professional reports under the guidance of a dedicated industry mentor. The program features the mandatory Job & Career Readiness Training, which allows you to earn college credit and LinkedIn certifications before the internship even begins. This experience is ultimately about building the social capital and mobility you need to succeed long after high school.
4. CliftonLarsonAllen (CLA) High School Internship Program
Location: Multiple CLA locations across the U.S.
Stipend: Paid, amount not specified
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive; 60–70 interns
Dates: Summer (starts June; 6–8 weeks)
Application Deadline: Typically January
Eligibility: Current high school juniors or seniors (ages 16–18) authorized to work in the U.S.
This finance internship for high school students in Charlotte, NC, offers a paid summer placement in a professional services environment focused on accounting, finance, and business operations. You will engage in case studies, team-based projects, and job shadowing that introduce you to how firms support clients through audit, advisory, and financial services. Depending on your location, you may assist with documentation, observe client meetings, or support internal projects related to financial reporting and analysis. You’ll work alongside professionals to see how financial information supports decision-making in organizations. The program includes mentorship that helps you explore career paths within accounting and finance.
5. MeckPathways High School Internship
Location: Charlotte, NC (on-site at various Mecklenburg County Government departments)
Stipend: Paid, amount not specified
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; up to 75 positions
Dates: June 11 – August 7
Application Deadline: March 2
Eligibility: Currently enrolled CMS high school juniors or seniors; at least 16 years old by May 4
Through the MeckPathways program, you can experience local government finance through a paid summer partnership between Mecklenburg County and your school district. This program could cover specific topics such as public sector budgeting, accounting procedures, and financial data management. You might analyze spreadsheets, help with departmental audits, and participate in professional networking sessions with county staff. You receive free access to all county recreation centers and parks while earning as part of the internship. By the end, you’ll develop critical skills in professional communication, data analysis, and organization, which help bridge your classroom learning with a future career in public service.
6. NCDOT High School Budgeting and Civil Finance Internship
Location: Division 10 Offices & Field Sites, Charlotte, NC
Stipend: Paid, amount not specified
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective
Dates: Year–round
Application Deadline: May 1
Eligibility: Currently enrolled as a high school student in North Carolina who is at least 16 years old at the time of employment and has a minimum overall GPA of 2.3 (on a 4.0 scale)
Through this NCDOT internship, you will explore the intersection of public sector finance, infrastructure budgeting, and project management. You'll perform financial data tasks, track transportation project expenditures, and participate in professional meetings to observe state-level decision-making. A unique feature of this paid, year-round program is the ability to customize your experience with hiring managers to suit your specific interests. You will sharpen vital skills like data management, collaborative problem-solving, and professional communication while working alongside seasoned experts. Ultimately, this role provides a rare, hands-on look at how civil finance keeps North Carolina's transportation systems moving.
7. Junior Achievement (JA) of Central Carolinas – JA Finance Park Advanced
Location: TowneBank Opportunity HQ, Charlotte, NC, or virtual
Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Non-selective; approximately 20–30 students per class
Dates: School year between October and May
Application Deadline: Rolling basis
Eligibility: High school students
In the JA of Central Carolinas Finance Park Advanced program, you step into a realistic simulation to navigate the complexities of adult financial life. You will learn essential subjects, including income, credit, insurance, budgeting, and long-term investment strategies. During your visit to the facility in Charlotte, you’ll research housing costs and select health insurance plans. This program’s unique high-school track lets you choose a career persona and see how your financial decisions impact your goals over multiple life stages. By participating, you develop the sharp analytical and critical-thinking skills necessary for responsible wealth management.
8. INROADS College Links
Location: Charlotte, NC
Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; cohort size varies by year and local corporate sponsorship levels
Dates: October – May (Monthly sessions); June or July (National Career Academy)
Application Deadline: December 31
Eligibility: High school students with a minimum 2.5 GPA
Through the INROADS College Links program in Charlotte, you gain a solid foundation in finance by exploring topics like financial literacy, budgeting, credit management, and investment basics. You will participate in activities like visiting corporate offices, working with professional mentors, attending workshops, and completing financial case studies. The program offers you direct access to local business leaders and a supportive peer network. During your time here, you develop practical skills including public speaking, leadership, and strategic planning. These experiences help you build a professional network early, giving you a clear advantage when applying for college and future internships.
9. Central Piedmont Community College Summer Bridge – Business & Accounting Track
Location: Central Piedmont campuses: Cato, Central, Merancas, and Levine. Charlotte, NC
Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: June 15 – July 23
Application Deadline: May 30
Eligibility: Graduating high school seniors with a minimum unweighted GPA of 2.0 who attend a participating CMS public or private high school
The CPCC Summer Bridge (Business & Accounting Track) offers you a free, six-week immersive experience to jumpstart your career in finance while earning up to seven college credits. You will explore essential topics such as financial and managerial accounting, individual and business taxation, business law, and professional ethics. Throughout the program, you will participate in activities like analyzing corporate financial statements, ten-key data entry, completing simulated tax returns, and attending networking workshops. This program stands out due to its full scholarship for tuition and books, combined with a supportive, closed-cohort environment and personalized professional mentorship.