14 Free Finance Internships for High School Students
Gaining professional experience through internships is one of the best ways for high school students to explore future careers. Internships help you develop practical skills in financial analysis, budgeting, and data interpretation while exposing you to how businesses operate. They allow you to build professional connections and gain early exposure to career paths in investment banking, accounting, or financial technology.
For students interested in finance, internships offer a way to develop essential skills such as Excel modeling, market research, and portfolio management. Many of these finance internships are hosted by top universities, government departments, and nonprofits, ensuring high-quality mentorship and professional experience. In this article, we’ve compiled 14 free finance internships for high school students.
1. 1435 Capital Management’s Venture Analyst High School Internship
Location: Princeton, NJ
Cost/Stipend: No cost / Stipend paid, amount not specified
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive; 3 – 4 students
Dates: 10 weeks between June – August
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Eligibility: High school students aged 16-18
The 1435 Capital Management Venture Analyst Internship is a prestigious, highly competitive 10-week summer opportunity for high school students interested in finance and venture capital. During the program, you collaborate with partners and analysts to research emerging startups, analyze market trends, and evaluate potential investment opportunities. You also contribute to financial modeling and prepare professional presentations, gaining hands-on experience in real-world financial strategy. The internship emphasizes skill-building in research, analysis, and communication, culminating in a final presentation where you showcase your insights and demonstrate the advanced understanding you’ve developed throughout the program.
2. Ladder Internship Program
Location: Remote
Cost/Stipend: 100% financial aid is available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 10 – 25%; 70 – 100 students
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year (Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter)
Application Deadline: Varies by cohort; January (Spring), May (Summer), September (Fall), and November (Winter)
Eligibility: High school students, undergraduates, and gap-year students who can commit 10 – 20 hours per week for 8 – 12 weeks
The Ladder Internship Program connects motivated students with high-growth startups for remote, project-based internships. During the internship, you’ll collaborate with founders and professionals on real business projects such as financial modeling, market research, or investment analysis, gaining exposure to the fundamentals of finance and entrepreneurship. Many startups are venture-backed, giving you firsthand insight into how early-stage companies manage funding, growth, and financial strategy. You’ll receive guidance from both a company manager and a professional mentor (often from firms like McKinsey, Goldman Sachs, or Google), ensuring structured feedback and skill development.
3. Fidelity Investments Asset Management High School Summer Internship
Location: Boston, MA
Cost/Stipend: No cost / Stipend paid, amount not specified
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive; typically small cohorts
Dates: 5 weeks, July – August
Application Deadline: Typically early March
Eligibility: All high school students
This internship offers an in-depth experience in finance and asset management, focusing on turning financial theory into practical investment insights. You will analyze extensive datasets to design sample portfolios, assess risk, and test various investment strategies. Through Excel-based modeling, data analysis, and economic forecasting, the program sharpens your quantitative and analytical abilities. Experienced Fidelity mentors will guide you through financial decision-making, market regulations, and professional best practices. Interactive workshops on equity and fixed-income markets, portfolio construction, and client communications further enhance your understanding, preparing you to apply analytical thinking and real-world finance tools with confidence.
4. Pathways: Junior Fellows Program – OneAmerica Financial
Location: OneAmerica Financial headquarters, Indianapolis, Indiana
Cost/Stipend: No cost / Stipend paid, amount not specified
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive; small local cohort selected each year
Dates: Five-week summer program (typically mid-June to mid-July)
Application Deadline: Typically in fall/winter
Eligibility: High school students and recent graduates from Indianapolis and nearby communities
The Junior Fellows Program under OneAmerica’s Pathways initiative offers students a structured introduction to the financial services industry. As a Fellow, you’ll rotate through key departments such as investment management, client relations, and business operations, working on projects that teach financial literacy, communication, and teamwork. You’ll attend leadership seminars, mentorship sessions, and networking events with company professionals, gaining insight into both corporate finance and customer engagement. This selective internship combines hands-on learning with professional mentorship, making it one of the most valuable free finance internships for high school students in the Midwest.
5. Young Entrepreneurs Program (YEP KC)
Location: Kansas City, Missouri (mostly in-person; limited remote options available)
Cost/Stipend: No cost / Stipend of $12–14/hour + $2,500 scholarship
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; small cohorts matched to startups
Dates: Session 1: June 2 – June 27; Session 2: July 7 – August 1
Application Deadline: February 1
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors from the Kansas City metro area
The Young Entrepreneurs Program (YEP KC) connects students with innovative startups in Kansas City for four-week paid internships. You’ll work roughly 30 hours per week on projects in finance, marketing, and strategic planning while developing key business and analytical skills. The program includes weekly company visits where you’ll observe operations, funding processes, and leadership in action. The program matches you with a startup aligned with your interests, ensuring personalized mentorship and real-world experience. With its combination of pay, skill-building, and exposure to entrepreneurial finance, YEP KC stands out among free finance internships for high school students.
6. Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta – High School Research Internship
Location: Atlanta, Georgia (on-site at the Federal Reserve Bank)
Cost/Stipend: No cost / Stipend of $17 per hour
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; small research cohort
Dates: September – May (Academic year)
Application Deadline: June 21
Eligibility: High school students who have completed or are currently enrolled in economics coursework | Candidates who can demonstrate work in progress towards a high school diploma
The High School Research Internship at the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta provides an advanced introduction to economics and financial research. Working under the guidance of a professional economist, you’ll assist with literature reviews, statistical modeling, and data management related to regional and national economic policy. You will also participate in research seminars, gaining insight into the analytical frameworks the Federal Reserve uses to study economic trends. This program emphasizes technical proficiency, professional communication, and real-world research methodology. The internship offers unparalleled exposure to applied economic research and policy analysis, along with a stipend.
7. Today’s Interns, Tomorrow’s Professionals (TIP) Program – Federal Reserve Bank of Boston
Location: Boston, Massachusetts (hybrid: in-person and virtual options available)
Cost/Stipend: No cost / Stipend paid, amount not specified
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; limited to students from Boston Public Schools
Dates: 8 – 10 weeks between July – August with potential year-round extension
Application Deadline: Typically early spring
Eligibility: High school students in Boston Public Schools who have completed their sophomore year
The TIP Program at the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston introduces students to the professional world of finance, economics, and technology through a structured, paid internship. Over the summer, you’ll receive job coaching, mentorship, and skills-based training in areas such as financial literacy, data analysis, and communication. You’ll also contribute to department projects that mirror real work in economic research and financial operations. Exceptional interns can continue beyond the summer in part-time roles during the academic year, allowing for sustained mentorship and professional growth. As one of the few free finance internships for high school students offering both pay and multi-year potential, TIP provides a strong foundation for future studies in business, economics, or public policy.
8. Bank of America Student Leaders Program
Location: Local nonprofit organizations + Washington, D.C. (Summit)
Cost/Stipend: No cost / Stipend provided and all travel expenses paid
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; approximately 300 students selected nationwide
Dates: 8-week program, including the Student Leaders Summit (July 21 – 26)
Application Deadline: January 15
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors who are first-time applicants and are legally authorized to work in the U.S. | Reside in eligible locations
The Bank of America Student Leaders Program provides a fully funded opportunity to gain firsthand experience in community-focused finance and leadership. You’ll work at a local nonprofit for eight weeks, supporting projects in areas such as budgeting, grant management, and social entrepreneurship. You will gain exposure to how financial tools drive community development and equity. The program concludes with the Student Leaders Summit in Washington, D.C., where you’ll discuss economic mobility, public policy, and social innovation alongside peers and civic leaders. This internship is one of the most competitive free finance internships for high school students, emphasizing real-world financial impact and public service.
9. CLA High School Internship Program – CliftonLarsonAllen LLP
Location: Select CLA offices across the U.S.; see all locations here
Cost/Stipend: No cost / Stipend paid, amount not specified
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive; 60 – 70 students
Dates: Summer cohort (6 – 8 weeks starting in June; varies by location)
Application Deadline: Typically January
Eligibility: High school students aged 16–18 who are authorized to work in the U.S. without the need for an employment visa
The CLA High School Internship Program gives students early exposure to the professional world of accounting, consulting, and financial management. You will join multidisciplinary teams to assist with real client projects, including financial reporting, tax preparation, and business analysis. You’ll gain practical experience in Excel-based financial modeling, auditing, and process documentation while learning about how large firms manage diverse client portfolios. The program also includes mentorship from CLA professionals and workshops on career readiness and industry trends. By the conclusion of the internship, you will become familiar with real client work and professional software.
10. Goldman Sachs High School Summer Internships
Location: Various locations, primarily major cities where Goldman Sachs has offices; some programs are virtual
Cost/Stipend: No cost / Stipend paid, amount not specified
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Extremely competitive; around 2,600 interns across various divisions
Dates: 5 – 8 weeks during the summer (Dates vary by year)
Application Deadline: Usually in early winter or late fall
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors (rising juniors and seniors are often eligible)
The Goldman Sachs High School Summer Internship offers juniors and seniors an in-depth experience in the world of finance and business. Through workshops, case study challenges, financial modeling sessions, and networking opportunities, you engage with investment banking, wealth management, risk management, and financial planning. The program places special emphasis on mentorship and career growth, particularly supporting diverse and underrepresented students. By the end of the internship, you gain valuable insights into financial markets while strengthening essential abilities like analytical reasoning, clear communication, collaboration, and strategic decision-making.
11. Chicago Summer Business Institute (CSBI)
Location: Chicago, IL
Cost/Stipend: None / Stipend paid, amount not specified
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive; approximately 100 students
Dates: 6 weeks between June – August
Application Deadline: March 31
Eligibility: High school sophomores or juniors residing in Chicago | “B” or 3.0 average | Family income below $80,000/year
The Chicago Summer Business Institute (CSBI) offers high school students a structured introduction to the world of finance through a mix of coursework and real-world projects. You gain experience in investment research, financial analysis, and professional reporting while exploring case studies and market simulations. Expert-led workshops shed light on banking operations, corporate finance, and capital markets, supported by mentorship from finance professionals who share insights into client-facing and analytical roles. Alongside technical skills, the program focuses on career readiness by guiding students in networking, crafting resumes, and communicating effectively, building a strong foundation for future business or economics studies.
12. On the Money (OTM) Paid Internship – Economic Awareness Council (Chicago)
Location: Chicago, Illinois (hybrid: rotating in-person and virtual)
Cost/Stipend: No cost / Stipend paid, amount not specified
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; small editorial cohort
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year; Spring/Summer: January – May; Fall/Winter: September – December
Application Deadline: Varies by cohort; Spring/Summer: January; Fall/Winter: September
Eligibility: High school students who are City of Chicago residents and aged 14 – 18
The On the Money (OTM) Internship gives Chicago teens the opportunity to research, write, and publish articles about finance and entrepreneurship through a by-teens-for-teens magazine. Run in partnership with DePaul University’s Writing Center, this hybrid internship combines financial education with journalism and professional development. You’ll learn how to interview business leaders, analyze economic trends, and communicate financial topics to a broad audience. Interns receive mentorship in writing and media ethics while developing real-world publishing experience. This makes OTM one of the most unique free finance internships for high school students, blending financial literacy, storytelling, and professional skill-building.
13. Headquarters Student Internship Program – U.S. Department of the Treasury
Location: Washington, D.C.
Cost/Stipend: No cost or stipend
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; limited placements across Treasury offices
Dates: Spring: January – May; Summer: May – August; Fall: September – December
Application Deadline: Spring: October; Summer: December; Fall: June
Eligibility: U.S. citizens enrolled in or accepted to an accredited high school
The Headquarters Student Internship Program in the U.S. Department of the Treasury offers one of the most prestigious introductions to federal finance and economic policy. As an intern, you’ll work with senior economists and analysts in divisions such as Economic Policy, Domestic Finance, and International Affairs, contributing to projects that inform national financial strategy. Your tasks may include data visualization, policy research, and the preparation of economic briefings for senior officials. You also attend meetings and congressional hearings to gain direct exposure to the policymaking process. Fully funded and academically rigorous, this opportunity ranks among the most competitive free finance internships for high school students, combining public service with applied economics experience.
14. Gwinnett County Government Internship Program
Location: Gwinnett County, Georgia
Cost/Stipend: No cost / Paid and unpaid opportunities available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive; cohort size varies by department; limited placements available each year
Dates: 4 – 6 weeks in the Summer
Application Deadline: Typically, March
Eligibility: High school students residing in Gwinnett County
The Gwinnett County Government Internship Programs give students firsthand experience in the public sector, including exposure to financial planning and government budgeting. Depending on your placement, you may assist in tracking expenditures, developing budget reports, or analyzing data used to allocate public resources. You will work directly with local government officials and department staff to understand how public finance supports community programs and infrastructure. The program also encourages civic engagement through workshops and volunteer opportunities across departments. The program offers a valuable glimpse into how finance functions in real-world government administration.
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