15 Internships for 16 Year Olds

High school students are increasingly looking for meaningful ways to gain experience before college, and an internship for 16 year olds can be a practical way to start. Internships help you explore potential career paths, build technical and professional skills, and strengthen their resumes without requiring years of prior experience. Many universities, nonprofits, research institutes, and companies now offer virtual or hybrid opportunities that reduce travel and housing costs. Some programs even provide stipends, making them financially feasible for students from different backgrounds.

If you want to check out some summer-specific programs, here’s a list of free leadership programs & here’s a list of some STEM-specific internships!

Why should I do an internship as a 16 year old?

Beyond academics, internships can help students develop communication, teamwork, and project management skills that are valuable in both college and future careers. Many programs also give students the opportunity to work alongside researchers, mentors, and professionals in industries ranging from medicine and engineering to journalism and public policy. Since there are hundreds of opportunities available online, narrowing down the best options can be difficult. This list focuses on reputable internships and pre-professional programs that are open to high school students around age 16, offer structured mentorship or project work, and are still active in 2026.

Key takeaways

• This list gathers 15 internships for 16-year-olds spanning federal research institutes, museums, and university-affiliated virtual programs, with standout hosts including Stanford, the Smithsonian, UCSF, and the U.S. Department of State.

• Pay varies widely, with strong stipends like $5,600 at one Smithsonian program and $3,000 at a national fisheries research program, while several university-run virtual programs charge a tuition-style fee instead of offering pay.

• Three of the entries on this list are virtual research programs run by the same UK-based provider, giving students interested in business, psychology, or law a similar academic research structure to choose from depending on their field of interest.

• Most of the research-based internships require being on-site at a specific university or lab, while several fully virtual options, including Ladder and three Oxford-affiliated research programs, are open regardless of location.

• A couple of the earliest deadlines fall in late January and early February for two of the most competitive research programs, so it's worth starting applications well before winter break wraps up.

1. Stanford AIMI Summer Research Internship

Location: Virtual (students must reside in the United States during the program)
Cost: $2,400 program fee
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not publicly specified
Dates: Two-week program, full-day schedule from 9 am–1 pm
Application Deadline: February 21 (standard application)
Eligibility: Ages 14+

The Stanford AIMI Summer Research Internship is a two-week virtual program for high school students interested in artificial intelligence and healthcare. You will attend lectures led by Stanford researchers, clinicians, and trainees covering topics such as machine learning, medical imaging AI, clinical datasets, and responsible AI practices. You’ll work in small teams on mentored health AI research projects alongside Stanford student leads and research mentors. The program also includes hands-on project sessions where you can apply technical concepts while developing collaboration and problem-solving skills. Guest speakers from healthcare, academia, government, nonprofits, and industry discuss real-world AI applications and related career pathways.

2. Ladder Internship Program

Cost: Starting at $2,490 (financial aid available)
Location:  Remote! You can work from anywhere in the world.
Application deadline: Deadlines vary depending on the cohort. Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), and Winter (November). 
Program dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year, including Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter.
Eligibility: Students who can work for 10-20 hours/week, for 8-12 weeks. Open to high school students, undergraduates, and gap year students!

Ladder Internships is a selective start-up internship program for ambitious high school students! In the program, you work with a high-growth start-up on an internship. Start-ups that offer internships range across a variety of industries, from tech/deep tech and AI/ML to health tech, marketing, journalism, consulting, and more. You can explore all the options here on their application form. Ladder’s start-ups are high-growth companies on average, raising over a million dollars. In the program, interns work closely with their managers and a Ladder Coach on real-world projects and present their work to the company. Here is the application form. The virtual internship is usually 8 weeks long.

3. Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History Summer High School Internship Program

Location: Washington, D.C
Stipend: $5,600 stipend ($700/week)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not publicly specified
Dates: June 23 - August 14
Application Deadline: March 20
Eligibility: Ages 15–18

The Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History Summer High School Internship Program is an eight-week internship for high school students interested in museum work, science, research, and public engagement. Interns are placed in departments across the museum, with projects spanning areas such as botany, anthropology, paleobiology, science education, and science communication. You work on hands-on projects that may involve scientific research, specimen analysis, restoration work, writing for public audiences, or digital imaging techniques. The program also includes enrichment activities, field trips, and behind-the-scenes museum tours designed to introduce students to different careers within museums and research institutions. 

4. Hutton Junior Fisheries Biology Program

Location: Placements available across all 50 U.S. states, Canada, Mexico, Puerto Rico, and the Pacific Islands within commuting distance of the student’s home
Stipend: $3,000
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not publicly specified
Dates: June - August (8-week internship; flexible dates arranged with mentor)
Application Deadline: January 25
Eligibility: High school students

The Hutton Junior Fisheries Biology Program is an eight-week paid summer internship for high school students interested in fisheries science, aquatic biology, conservation, and environmental science. You are paired with professional mentors and complete hands-on field, laboratory, and office-based work related to fisheries and aquatic ecosystems. Internship activities may include fish population surveys, water quality testing, specimen analysis, and habitat restoration, among others. 

5. Fred Hutch Summer High School Internship Program (SHIP)

Location: Seattle, Washington
Cost/Stipend: Paid internship (exact stipend amount not publicly specified)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not publicly specified
Dates: June 22 - August 14
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: Ages 16+

The Fred Hutch Summer High School Internship Program (SHIP) is an eight-week biomedical research internship for high school students entering their senior year. The program begins with two weeks of laboratory safety and research training before students are placed in Fred Hutch research groups for hands-on mentored work. You will participate in laboratory research, research seminars, professional development workshops, and career-focused activities throughout the summer. The program is designed for students who have a strong academic interest in science but may not yet have extensive research experience. 

6. The Met High School Internship Program

Location: New York City, New York, NY
Stipend: $1,100
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not publicly specified
Dates: Summer 2026 (specific dates not publicly specified)
Application Deadline: March 13
Eligibility: 16 or above; 10th or 11th grade

The Met High School Internship Program offers paid summer internships for high school students interested in learning about museum careers and professional work environments. You will work with museum staff across departments such as curatorial studies, education, design, social media, imaging, and other creative and administrative fields. The program includes both individual and small-group learning experiences that allow you to interact directly with museum professionals and peers. You will develop workplace skills, gain exposure to arts and cultural institutions, and participate in collaborative projects throughout the internship. 

7. Scripps Research Student Research Internship Program

Location: La Jolla, California, CA
Stipend: Unpaid internship (students must receive school credit or transcript notation)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not publicly specified
Dates: June 1 - August 7 or June 15 - August 7
Application Deadline: March 30
Eligibility: Ages 16+

The Scripps Research Student Research Internship Program is a 10-week summer internship focused on translational medical research, genomics, and mobile health technologies. You will be paired with mentors and work on research projects related to genetics, health data, clinical studies, and computational biology. Most interns participate in dry-lab research involving data analysis, statistics, programming, and study design, though a limited number of wet-lab opportunities are also available. You will learn how translational research is conducted, including designing studies, analyzing results, and presenting scientific findings.

8. UCSF CURE Research Internship Program

Location: San Francisco, California, CA
Cost/Stipend: Not publicly specified
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not publicly specified
Dates: June 15 - August 7
Application Deadline: February 8
Eligibility: Ages 16 and above

The UCSF CURE Research Internship Program is an eight-week summer research internship for high school students interested in health sciences, biomedical research, and medical careers. You’ll work with UCSF faculty, graduate students, and postdoctoral researchers on projects spanning basic science, clinical research, behavioral science, and population health. You will gain hands-on research experience while also receiving mentorship, college preparation support, and career advising throughout the program. 

9. United Planet Virtual Internship and Volunteer Quests

Location: Online/Remote
Stipend: Ranges from $100–300 per week
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not publicly specified
Dates: Year-round; program lengths range from 5–8 weeks, 9–12 weeks, or 3–6 months
Application Deadline: Rolling applications
Eligibility: Ages 16+

United Planet Virtual Internship and Volunteer Quests is a remote international internship and volunteer program for high school students, university students, and professionals. You’ll work virtually with organizations around the world on projects related to global health, environmental sustainability, and children’s education. The program focuses on developing professional and cross-cultural communication skills while allowing you to contribute to international nonprofit and community-based initiatives from home. Depending on the placement, you may assist with research, outreach, education, project coordination, or administrative work. 

10. U.S. Department of State Pathways Internship Program

Location: Various locations across the United States
Stipend: Paid internship
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not publicly specified
Dates: Year-round opportunities; duration depends on the student’s academic program
Application Deadline: Rolling applications through USAJOBS
Eligibility: High school students enrolled in school programs

The U.S. Department of State’s Internship Experience Program (IEP) allows you to gain experience working in federal government roles while continuing your education. Internship positions are offered across different offices and departments in the United States and are posted on USAJOBS throughout the year. You will work in professional settings and can explore careers related to public service, administration, policy, and international affairs. 

11. The New York Historical Student Historian Internship Program

Location: New York City, New York, NY
Cost: $700 stipend
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: July 7 - August 13
Application Deadline: Applications closed for 2026; final decisions released by May 8, 2026
Eligibility: High school students entering grades 10–12

The Student Historian Internship Program is an in-person history and digital humanities internship for high school students interested in research, writing, and public history. You can use the museum and library resources of The New York Historical Society to conduct research and create digital projects focused on American history themes. You will work collaboratively with peers while learning about museum studies, archives, digital humanities, and historical scholarship from professional staff. The program emphasizes historical thinking, communication, research, and digital media skills through academically rigorous project work. 

12. English Teacher Assistant Volunteer Program - Instituto Hemingway 

Location: Bilbao, Spain, ES
Cost: €500/week
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not provided
Dates: Flexible; placement options range from one week to one year 
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Ages 14 and above

Instituto Hemingway brings volunteers of all ages from high school and above to work as teaching assistants for underserved children in northern Spain. You’ll intern for local instructors to support English language education, including developing creative lesson plans, games, and activities for interactive learning, and directly teaching students. You’ll additionally provide guidance through reading to young students, helping older students complete projects and homework, and serving as a fluent speaker with whom children can practice their English skills. On weekends and weekday evenings, you’ll participate in activities like salsa lessons, museum tours, and hiking on local beaches and mountains.

13. Oxford Scholastica Online Business, Economics & Finance Internships

Location: Online via Zoom
Cost: £995 tuition fee
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Maximum 15 interns per group
Dates: June, July, and August sessions available
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions; early application recommended
Eligibility: Ages 15–18

The Oxford Scholastica Online Business, Economics & Finance Internships are month-long virtual research programs for high school students interested in economics, finance, and business. You will work in small groups with mentors, typically academics from Oxford or Cambridge, meeting for weekly live sessions over four weekends. Internship topics include global economic governance, behavioral economics, AI and the future of work, and fintech. You learn how to conduct academic research, analyze economic issues, and co-author a research paper for publication in an academic journal. 

14. Oxford Scholastica Online Psychology & Neuroscience Internships

Location: Online via Zoom
Cost: £995 tuition fee
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Maximum 15 interns per group
Dates: June, July, and August sessions available
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions; early application recommended
Eligibility: Ages 15–18

The Oxford Scholastica Online Psychology & Neuroscience Internships are virtual research programs for high school students interested in psychology, neuroscience, and mental health studies. You will participate in weekly mentor-led sessions over four weekends while exploring topics such as neurotechnology, PTSD and trauma, addiction, autism and neurodiversity, and behavioral neuroscience. You’ll collaborate in small groups to research a focused topic and co-author an academic paper intended for publication in a student journal. The program emphasizes academic research skills, critical thinking, scientific communication, and collaboration with peers from different countries. 

15. Oxford Scholastica Online Law Research Internships

Location: Online via Zoom
Cost/Stipend: £995 tuition fee
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Maximum 15 interns per cohort
Dates: July 12–August 2 (sessions held on Sundays)
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions; limited places
Eligibility: Ages 15–18

The Oxford Scholastica Online Law Research Internship is a month-long virtual program for high school students interested in legal studies and law school pathways. You will explore topics in international commercial law, including cross-border contracts, aviation law, liability, and dispute resolution through case studies and guided research. You’ll attend weekly live mentoring sessions led by academics typically affiliated with Oxford or Cambridge and collaborate in small groups to co-author a legal research paper for publication. The internship also introduces you to academic legal research methods, critical analysis, and professional communication. Alongside live sessions, you will be expected to complete independent research and project work throughout the month.

Questions students often ask about these internships

1. Do I need prior research experience to apply to these internships?

Not usually. Most of these are designed to teach research skills from the ground up, so no background is expected going in. A few of the most competitive university and hospital-based programs do favor students with strong coursework, so it's worth checking eligibility closely.

2. A few of these programs charge a tuition-style fee rather than offering a stipend. Are they still worth considering?

Yes, especially if the academic structure and mentorship matter more to you than pay right now. These programs tend to offer close mentorship and a polished research credential you can point to later. If a stipend matters more to your situation, several other paid options on this list are worth prioritizing first.

3. Do I need to be a rising senior to apply to these internships, or are sophomores and juniors eligible too?

Most of these are open based on age rather than grade specifically, so sophomores and juniors who meet the age requirement are generally eligible. A couple of programs do lean toward students entering their senior year, so it's worth checking each listing's grade guidance if you're younger.