15 Gap Year Internships for High School Graduates
Graduating from high school and preparing for college means making several big decisions: picking a major, finding the right college, and deciding when to start. For many students, taking a gap year before college is a chance to pause, reflect, and gain experiences outside the classroom. Gap year internships for high school graduates let you explore your interests, travel, volunteer, or gain work experience. These programs provide the right mix of guided learning, travel, and hands-on real world experiences to help you grow personally and academically.
If you think online programs would be a better fit for you, check out remote options with some science internships here & find economic internships here!
Why should I do a gap year internship in high school?
These internships help build real-world skills and a clearer sense of purpose. It’s also a chance to grow personally, learn new skills, and return to your academic journey with more confidence and focus. You could volunteer or take up a gap year internship to gain practical experience in your area of interest, travel to explore new cultures, or work to save money for college and future goals. If planning your own gap year feels like too much, you can explore structured gap year internships offered by universities, nonprofit organizations, or private institutions.
To help you get started, we’ve put together 15 gap year programs for high school students.
Quick Look
15 gap year programs total spanning virtual internships, international travel and service, career training, and college-sponsored fellowships, hosted by organizations including AmeriCorps, Semester at Sea, the University of North Carolina, and American University
Costs vary enormously, from fully funded options like AmeriCorps NCCC and UNC's Global Gap Year Fellowship ($8,000 stipend) to premium programs like American University's Gap Program ($19,200 for 10 credits) and InternWorks' Gap Year track ($5,000 to $9,999)
Several programs combine travel with structured learning, including CIEE Gap Year Abroad, Greenheart Travel, Where There Be Dragons, and Semester at Sea, all offering flexible destinations and durations
Year Up United is the most structured career-training option on this list, combining six months of classroom training with a six-month professional internship and a weekly stipend
Most virtual internship programs, including The Gap Year Solutions Internship, Absolute Internship, and US Remote Internships, are accessible regardless of location and have rolling admissions
1. The Gap Year Solutions Internship
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: Unpaid
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Guaranteed placement
Dates: Typically a 6 – 10 week period, 8 – 12 hours per week
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: Students taking a gap year, looking for internship placement, and gap-year planning; minimum age to be around 16 years
The Gap Year Solutions Internship Program offers students the chance to explore different career paths and gain real-world professional experience during their gap year. Designed to help students grow both personally and professionally, the program connects participants with internships across diverse fields such as technology, business, marketing, research, healthcare, and the arts. Over the duration of 6 – 10 weeks, you’ll work part-time while receiving one-on-one mentoring, guidance in resume building and interview preparation, and continuous feedback from professionals. By the end of the program, you’ll have developed important workplace skills, a clarity about your career direction, and a letter of recommendation to support your future college or job applications.
2. Ladder Internship Program
Location: Remote
Cost/Stipend: Cost varies depending on the program type; financial aid is available / No stipend
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
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 8 to 12 weeks, devoting 10 - 20 hours/week
Ladder Internships is a selective internship program that connects ambitious high school students with fast-growing startups. These startups belong to diverse industries such as tech/deep tech and AI/ML, health tech, marketing, journalism, consulting, and more. Ladder’s startups are usually backed by Y Combinator, whose founders have previously worked for top companies such as Google, McKinsey, and Microsoft. On average, these companies have raised over $1 million in funding. During the program, interns work closely with their managers and a Ladder Coach on real-world projects and present their work to the company. You receive weekly mentorship and feedback, helping you to refine your professional and communication skills. Here is the application form.
3. The Intern Group Gap Year Internship Program
Location: Multiple global destinations (USA, Europe, Asia, Australia, Latin America) and remote/virtual options
Cost/Stipend: Fees vary depending on the destination
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Accessible
Dates: Year-round
Application Deadline: No fixed deadline
Eligibility: Applicants must be at least 18 years old for in-person programs; remote/virtual internships may accept candidates who are 16 years old
The Intern Group’s Gap Year Internship Program offers students the opportunity to gain real-world experience while exploring potential career paths around the world. With both in-person and virtual options, participants can choose from different destinations such as New York, London, Madrid, Sydney, and more. The program connects you with leading companies and organizations across diverse industries such as fashion, business, media, law, and technology. As an intern, you’ll work on real projects, attend professional development workshops, and receive mentorship from experienced professionals. The program also features career coaching, networking events, and cultural activities to help you grow both personally and professionally.
4. CIEE Gap Year Abroad program
Location: Various international destinations (Buenos Aires, Sydney, Paris, Rome, Madrid), depending on the track
Cost/Stipend: Costs vary depending on the destination and track
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Moderately selective
Dates: Options span either a semester or a full academic year abroad, or shorter multi-destination options, depending on the track
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: You must be a high school graduate and at least 18 years old at the start of the program.
The CIEE Gap Year Abroad program offers high school graduates an opportunity to spend a semester or full year exploring the world while developing valuable life and career skills. With 3 main tracks — Language & Culture, Internship & Culture, and Multi-Destination Europe — you can customize your experience based on your interests. Whether you’re learning a new language through immersive lessons and host-family stays, interning with a local business, or traveling across multiple European cities, each track combines hands-on learning with cultural exploration. You’ll participate in guided excursions, build independence, and gain a global perspective that prepares you for college and life beyond.
5. Greenheart Travel “Create Your Own Gap Year” program
Location: Various international destinations (customized work, study, language, or travel tracks)
Cost/Stipend: $1,140 - $15,410
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Moderately competitive
Dates: Flexible as you can pick programs from as short as a few weeks to up to 12 months
Application Deadline: Varies depending on track and destination; apply at least 2 - 3 months prior to your desired start date
Eligibility: You must be a recent high school graduate or a young adult (ages approx. 17 - 24 years) from certain countries (US, Canada, UK, Australia, etc.
The Greenheart Travel “Create Your Own Gap Year” program gives students the freedom to design a fully customized global experience based on their personal interests and goals. You can combine multiple opportunities — such as volunteering, language study, teaching, or work abroad — to build your own itinerary across different countries. Whether you want to learn a new language in Spain, volunteer in Costa Rica, or teach English in Thailand, the program allows you the flexibility to choose your own path and duration, ranging from a few weeks to an entire year. Along the way, you’ll develop independence, cross-cultural understanding, and practical skills through real-world experiences. It’s a flexible and immersive way to take a break before college while exploring the world and discovering your passions.
6. InternWorks
Location: Remote or hybrid (in-person plus remote) across the U.S.
Cost/Stipend: $4,500 – $6,000
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Accessible
Dates: Summer60: 60 internship hours over 4 - 6 weeks in summer, SchoolYear60: 60 hours across 10 - 12 weeks during the school year, and GapYear120: 120 internship hours over 10+ weeks (for older students)
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: High school students from 16 - 18 years old
The InternWorks program helps high school and college students gain real-world experience through customized internships that match their interests and career goals. Whether you choose the remote or hybrid option, you’ll work on professional projects while receiving one-on-one mentorship and career-readiness coaching. The program offers several flexible tracks, such as Summer60, SchoolYear60, and GapYear120, ranging from 60 to 120 internship hours. Throughout your placement, you’ll develop essential workplace skills, build a professional network, and strengthen your college or job applications. Designed to bridge the gap between academics and the professional world, InternWorks provides you with the tools and experience to explore potential careers before stepping into college or full-time work.
7. Absolute Internship High-School Internship Program
Location: Virtual
Cost: $799
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive
Dates: February–September
Application Deadline: Not Specific
Eligibility: High school students who are 14 –18 years old
The Absolute Internship High School Program gives students aged 14 to 18 the opportunity to explore real jobs and learn about different careers through a 4-week online internship. You can choose from different areas such as business, marketing, technology, design, or social impact, and work on real projects under the guidance of experienced mentors. The program also includes workshops and career sessions to help you build practical skills and understand how professional workplaces function. It’s a simple and flexible way to explore your interests, gain experience, and prepare for college or future careers — all from the comfort of your home.
8. InternWorks Gap Year Internship Program
Location: Virtual
Cost: $5,000 - $9,999
Acceptance rate: Accessible
Dates: Throughout the year
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Students aged 18 years and above for the gap-year internship track
The InternWorks Gap Year Internship Program gives you the opportunity to gain real-world work experience before or during college. Designed for students aged 18 and above, it offers hybrid or remote internships lasting at least 10 weeks, with a minimum of 120 hours of hands-on professional work. You’ll get a personalized placement aligned with your interests and receive 1-on-1 coaching throughout the program. Along with your internship, you’ll build professional skills and resume, complete a career-readiness curriculum, and earn a letter of recommendation to support your future academic or career goals.
9. US Remote Internships
Location: Virtual
Cost: Not specified
Acceptance rate: Moderately selective
Dates: Varies depending on the subject of interest
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Open to students or recent graduates
The US Remote Internships program connects students and recent graduates with online professional internship opportunities. It partners with companies across different industries — including marketing, business, design, media, technology, and more. It allows participants to gain real-world experience from anywhere in the world. During the program, you’ll work on real projects, attend virtual meetings, and collaborate with supervisors and mentors that allows you to build practical skills relevant to your field of interest.
10. Global Gap Year Fellowship at University of North Carolina
Location:Self-designed as the student decides their own location(s) for the program
Cost: $8000 as a stipend
Acceptance rate: Selective
Dates: March - August (6 months)
Application Deadline: October 15
Eligibility: High school students who have applied in the early admissions cycle to UNC are eligible for this college-sponsored gap year before their 4-year degree at UNC
The Global Gap Year Fellowship at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC) offers a unique opportunity for high school seniors who want to take a year off before starting college to travel, learn, and serve around the world. This fully funded fellowship allows selected students to design their own service-based or learning-focused gap year, choosing the destinations, experiences, and goals that are aligned with their interests.Fellows receive financial support and continuous guidance from UNC mentors while gaining valuable experience in global citizenship, leadership, and independence. The program combines hands-on learning and cultural immersion with strong institutional support, helping students return to campus with a deeper sense of purpose and perspective.
11. AU Gap Program American University
Location: Off-campus housing for AU, Washington DC
Cost: $19,200 (10 credits)
Acceptance rate: Competitive
Dates: To be announced
Application Deadline: Varies depending on the semester
Eligibility: Applications are open for high school students who wish to accept/apply to 4-year schools of their choice or have a deferred admission from AU itself. The Gap Year program is open to U.S. students only
This internship gives students the opportunity to work, learn, and explore professional life while earning college credit in Washington, D.C. You can join for one semester or a full academic year, combining real-world internships with academic seminars taught by AU faculty. Internship placements span from Capitol Hill offices and government agencies to nonprofits, embassies, media outlets, and businesses. Past students have interned at places such as the U.S. Department of Education, Voice of America, and the Turkish Heritage Organization. Alongside your internship, you’ll earn academic credit through coursework focused on leadership, communication, and public affairs. Beyond academics, the program encourages you to take part in campus events, cultural experiences, and networking opportunities, helping you build both your professional skills and confidence before beginning college.
12. AmeriCorps NCCC (National Civilian Community Corps)
Location: Varies from opportunity to opportunity
Cost: Most opportunities are fully funded, and the cost may vary from opportunity to opportunity
Acceptance rate: Accessible
Dates: Year-round
Application Deadline: October 19
Eligibility: Students aged 17 years and above can apply for these opportunities.
AmeriCorps is one of the highly respected programs for high school students and young people who want to make a real difference in their communities and the world. Run by the U.S. government, it offers thousands of volunteer opportunities across the country each year. As a participant, you can work on important issues such as helping students graduate, supporting disaster-hit communities, and fighting hunger and poverty. There are three main paths you can take as an AmeriCorps member:NCCC (National Civilian Community Corps): You’ll travel across the U.S. as part of a full-time team working on community service projects. Lodging and travel expenses are fully covered. State and National: You can choose from hundreds of organizations that address local and national challenges, from improving education to environmental conservation. VISTA (Volunteers in Service to America): You’ll help organizations expand their capacity to fight poverty and create long-lasting change. AmeriCorps gives you hands-on experience, leadership skills, and the chance to make a meaningful impact — making it a great choice for a gap year before starting college.
13. The Semester at Sea Gap Year program
Location: As part of your semester at sea, you will visit 10+ countries on your voyage, more details of which can be found here.
Cost: Varies each semester. $75 (application fee)
Acceptance rate: Accessible
Dates: Generally run between January and June
Application Deadline: Varies from cohort to cohort
Eligibility: High school graduates with a CGPA of 3.0/4.0 and a certification of english proficiency (if not native english speakers) are preferred as applicants
Semester at Sea is a unique gap year program that lets you earn 10 – 13 college credits while traveling to 10+ countries in a single semester. As part of this voyage, you’ll live and learn aboard a ship, gaining first-hand global experiences while studying alongside students from around the world. You’ll also have the opportunity to join one of the 70+ student organizations focused on interests such as photography, theater, and sports. This program offers an enriching combination of academic learning, cultural exploration, and community life — making it an ideal choice for students who want a travel-plus-study gap year before starting college.
14. Where There Be Dragons (Dragons) Gap Year programs
Location: Varies from program to program
Cost: Varies each semester. Check here for details
Acceptance rate: Moderately competitive
Dates: Rolling
Application Deadline: Varies from cohort to cohort
Eligibility: All high school students aged 17 years and above can apply for any of their programs
Where There Be Dragons offers unique travel-based gap year and semester programs for students who want to explore the world while learning about culture, language, and the environment. The program allows you to choose your destination, trip duration, and focus area — whether it’s cultural exploration, language immersion, or environmental conservation. Throughout your journey, you’ll live with local communities, participate in hands-on projects, and gain a deeper understanding of global issues. It’s a great option for students seeking meaningful international experiences and personal growth before starting college.
15. Year Up United program
Location: Both in person and online options are available
Cost: Stipend provided
Acceptance rate: Competitive
Dates: Year-round
Application Deadline: Varies from cohort to cohort
Eligibility: High school students from 18 to 29 years old, having a high school diploma or GED
Year Up is a year-long career training program designed for recent high school graduates who want to build their professional skills before or during college. The program focuses on bridging the gap between education and employment by offering hands-on learning, mentorship, and real-world experience. During the first six months, you will take part in classroom-based training in areas such as business, finance, technology, or project management. In the second half, you complete a professional internship with one of Year Up’s partner companies, gaining direct industry experience. Throughout the program, you’ll also receive mentorship and career coaching to help you prepare for future job or college opportunities, all while earning a weekly stipend.
Questions Students Often Ask About These Programs
1. I want to travel during my gap year but I'm not sure how structured I want the experience to be. How do these travel-based programs compare?
It depends on how much flexibility you want. Greenheart Travel's "Create Your Own Gap Year" and Where There Be Dragons both let you choose your own destination, focus area, and duration, making them ideal if you want a highly personalized experience. CIEE Gap Year Abroad and Semester at Sea are more structured, with defined tracks or academic components built in, which suits students who want some independence but still prefer a set itinerary and built-in support system.
2. Some of these programs, like the UNC and American University options, are tied to specific colleges. Do I need to already be admitted to that school to apply?
Yes, in both cases. UNC's Global Gap Year Fellowship is specifically for students who applied through UNC's early admissions cycle, and American University's Gap Program is designed for students who have been accepted to AU or have deferred admission there. If you're not admitted to either school, the other programs on this list, like AmeriCorps, Semester at Sea, or the virtual internship options, don't require a specific college affiliation.
3. I want a gap year experience that will actually help me professionally, not just personally. Which programs are most career-focused?
Year Up United is the most explicitly career-focused option, combining structured classroom training with a real professional internship and ending with strong job placement outcomes. The Intern Group's Gap Year Internship Program and InternWorks both place you directly in professional roles with mentorship and career coaching built in. If you want international experience with a professional component specifically, AU's Gap Program stands out since it combines internships in Washington, D.C. with academic credit and has placed past students at places like the U.S. Department of Education and Voice of America.