12 Internships for High School Students in Charlotte, NC

If you’re a high school student looking for something to do during your breaks, consider doing an internship in a field that interests you. An internship can be a way to gain experience outside the classroom. These opportunities let you apply what you’ve learned in school to projects, develop skills, and connect with mentors who can guide your future. They also add to your college applications by showing initiative and a willingness to explore career interests early.

Charlotte is home to a wide range of industries, from business and healthcare to technology and the arts, allowing you to explore different career options. Many internships for high schoolers even offer virtual formats, giving you more flexibility. Here are 12 of the best internships for high school students in Charlotte, NC, to help you get started.

1. AEOP High School Internship STEM Research Program at UNC Charlotte

Location: The University of North Carolina at Charlotte, NC
Cost & Stipend: Free
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Program Dates: June 16 - July 25 (orientation on June 9)
Deadlines: Typically early in the year
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors who are permanent U.S. residents; ideally, having taken chemistry, biology, algebra I, and II

The AEOP High School Internship STEM Research Program at UNC Charlotte offers you the opportunity to engage in STEM research under the guidance of faculty mentors. Over six weeks during the summer, you’ll work on campus, dedicating 220 to 300 hours to projects in fields like engineering and environmental sciences. The program aims to foster interest in STEM, enhance research skills, and provide insights into potential careers, particularly within the context of the Army and Department of Defense. You’ll be required to present your findings at the Junior Science & Humanities Symposium (typically the last weekend of February), honing your presentation skills. The internship includes access to facilities and mentorship from graduate students. 

2. Ladder Internships

Location: Remote (accessible from anywhere, including Charlotte, NC)
Cost: Varies depending on program type; financial aid available
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective
Program Dates: Multiple cohorts (Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter)
Deadlines: Vary by cohort: Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), Winter (November)
Eligibility: High school students, undergraduates, and gap year students are able to work 10-20 hours/week for 8-12 weeks

Ladder Internships is a program connecting you with start-ups. You’ll work in industries like tech, health tech, marketing, or journalism, collaborating closely with managers and a Ladder Coach on projects. The program, at a minimum of eight weeks long, allows you to present your work to company stakeholders, enhancing your communication skills. You’ll gain experience in dynamic environments, learning about entrepreneurship and innovation. The virtual format ensures flexibility, making it accessible for students in Charlotte, NC. Financial aid options broaden participation, supporting diverse applicants.

3. New Professionals High School Internship at McColl Center

Location: McColl Center, Charlotte, NC
Stipend: $12 per hour
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Program Dates: June 17 - July 25
Deadlines: May 23
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors

The New Professionals High School Internship Program at McColl Center is a paid summer opportunity for you to explore art careers. Over five weeks, you’ll engage with McColl Center professionals and artists-in-residence, participating in projects that develop team-building, leadership, and marketing skills. You’ll gain insight into art museum operations, including residency, programs, development, and administration. Working four days a week, the program includes interactions with local art professionals, offering networking opportunities. 

4. MeckPathways Internship Program

Location: Mecklenburg County, Charlotte, NC
Stipend: $15 per hour
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Program Dates: June 11 - August 1
Deadlines: March 3
Eligibility: Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools (CMS) high school juniors and seniors, aged 16+

The MeckPathways Internship Program, a partnership between Mecklenburg County Government and Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools, offers you work experience in various county departments. You’ll work 20 to 40 hours per week over eight weeks, earning $15 per hour. The program connects your classroom learning to public service career paths, providing knowledge and networking opportunities. You can choose departments based on your interests, such as criminal justice or public health. The internship fosters civic engagement and community impact, which is ideal for students interested in local government roles. Flexible scheduling accommodates your summer commitments.

5. Bridges to Healthcare Internship Program at Novant Health

Location: Novant Health locations, including Charlotte, NC
Stipend: Paid internship
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Program Dates: Summer (exact dates vary)
Deadlines: Application window opens in the spring
Eligibility: High school students and recent graduates from partnering schools, minimum 2.5 GPA, household income $40,000 or less

The Bridges to Healthcare Internship Program at Novant Health is a paid summer opportunity for you to explore healthcare careers, particularly if you’re from a low-income household. In Phase I, you’ll gain experience in clinical and non-clinical roles within the healthcare system. The program offers mentorship, skill development, and networking with healthcare professionals, helping you understand the industry’s demands. You’ll work in Novant Health facilities in Charlotte, NC, contributing to patient care and administrative tasks. This internship aims to close the skills gap in healthcare, inspiring the next generation of professionals.

6. UNC Nutrition Research Institute (NRI) Virtual Internship Program

Location: Virtual
Cost: Free
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: 54 students nationwide
Program Dates: June 3 - June 26
Deadlines: Applications open in February
Eligibility: Rising 9th graders to college freshmen

The Nutrition Research Institute’s Virtual Internship Program (VIP) offers a four-week, online introduction to the world of nutrition research. The program combines faculty-led lectures, group mentoring sessions, and learning experiences with NRI scientists and staff. You can explore topics such as research methods, nutrition’s role in health and brain development, and pathways to undergraduate study in the field. You’ll create and present scientific posters on a nutrient of your choice. The program fosters curiosity, builds foundational research skills, and connects students with mentors in the field of nutrition science. 

7. Bank of America Student Leaders Program

Location: Local nonprofits in Charlotte, NC
Stipend: Paid internship
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Over 300 students nationally
Program Dates: 8 weeks during the summer (varies by state/location); July 21 – July 26 (Student Leaders Summit in Washington, DC)
Deadlines: January 15
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors who are community-minded, legally authorized to work in the U.S., and able to attend a week-long summit in Washington, D.C.

The Bank of America Student Leaders Program provides you with an eight-week paid internship at Charlotte nonprofits like Boys and Girls Clubs or Habitat for Humanity. You’ll develop leadership skills and gain work experience while contributing to community service. The program includes a national leadership summit in Washington, D.C., where you’ll learn about civic engagement and social issues. You’ll network with peers and professionals, enhancing your college applications. 

8. NASA OSTEM Internships

Location: Virtual or on-site at NASA centers
Cost & Stipend: Free; Paid internships
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Highly competitive
Program Dates: Three sessions – Spring, Summer (June to August), Fall; 10-week commitment
Deadlines: September 12 (Spring 2026 cohort); February 27 (Summer 2026 cohort); May 22 (Fall 2026 cohort)
Eligibility: High school students, aged 16+, who are U.S. citizens, with a minimum 3.0 GPA

NASA’s Office of STEM Engagement (OSTEM) offers paid internships where you can work on NASA projects under expert mentorship. Available virtually or at NASA centers, these internships provide experience in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. You’ll contribute to the agency’s mission, developing skills in research and problem-solving. Multiple sessions allow flexibility to fit your schedule. 

9. Internships at the Center for Folklife and Cultural Heritage

Location: Virtual (or in-person in Washington, D.C.)
Cost & Stipend: Free; Unpaid
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Over 100 interns per year
Program Dates: Year-round, durations from 6 weeks to 1 year (Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter sessions)
Deadlines: March 1 for summer; rolling for other seasons (at least 6 weeks before start)
Eligibility: High school students, undergraduates, postgraduates, non-students; U.S. and non-U.S. citizens 

The Internships at the Center for Folklife and Cultural Heritage are open to high school students, providing an opportunity to engage in cultural research and preservation at an institution. You'll work under the guidance of Smithsonian professionals on projects such as the Smithsonian Folklife Festival or archival work in the Ralph Rinzler Folklife Archives. You'll develop skills in fields like folklore, cultural anthropology, or museum studies, tailored to your level of experience. This internship allows you to contribute to cultural initiatives while gaining insights into the operations of an institution. It's a great choice for students interested in cultural heritage and eager to make a tangible impact.

10. EnergyMag Internships

Location: Virtual
Cost & Stipend: Free; Unpaid
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Program Dates: Flexible – half-time (2-8 weeks, 20 hours/week) or quarter-time (1-9 months, 8 hours/week)
Deadlines: Rolling
Eligibility: High school sophomores, juniors, and seniors, with one honors science/English class, GPA>3.25 

Energy Mag provides high school students with the opportunity to explore careers in renewable energy through internships. You’ll explore the energy storage sector, gaining experience in research, data analysis, and professional communication while collaborating with industry professionals. You’ll work under the guidance of a mentor and complete a research report, which may be featured on the Energy Mag website. The program concludes with a Letter of Accomplishment, an addition to college applications and future resumes.

11. Stanford AIMI Summer Research Internship

Location: Virtual
Cost & Stipend: $850; $40 application fee (waivable); up to 100% financial aid available
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective
Program Dates: June 16 - June 27
Deadlines: February 21 (scholarship deadline); February 28 (application deadline)
Eligibility: High school students, aged 14+, who are US citizens/permanent residents, with math or programming skills

The Stanford AIMI Summer Research Internship introduces you to artificial intelligence in medical imaging over two weeks. You’ll work on research projects, attend expert-led lectures, and receive mentorship from Stanford faculty and graduate students. The program fosters interest in AI applications in healthcare, providing a foundational understanding of machine learning techniques. You’ll gain skills in data analysis and scientific inquiry, which is ideal for computer science or pre-med tracks. 

12. U.S. National Park Service Internships

Location: Virtual or on-site (Appalachians and other parks in NC)
Cost & Stipend: Free; Paid (salary)
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Varies
Program Dates: Year-round or summer
Deadlines: Rolling year-round
Eligibility: High school students aged 15+

The U.S. National Park Service offers internships where you can work on conservation, education, and park management projects. Some positions may be virtual, allowing you to participate from Charlotte, NC. You’ll gain experience in environmental science, history, and public service, contributing to America’s natural and cultural resources. The program develops skills in research, communication, and project management. Paid opportunities make it accessible for diverse applicants. 

Image Source - Bank of America Logo