16 Internships for High School Students in Cleveland, Ohio
As a high school student, internships can be a solid way to explore your interests and build relevant experience. Through an internship, you can develop essential skills, gain exposure to industries like healthcare, engineering, technology, or public service, and start building professional connections.
If you’re a high schooler in Cleveland, there are a number of local and virtual opportunities you can consider. Hosted by top universities, leading organizations, and well-regarded nonprofits, these programs offer a chance to interact with industry experts in a field you’re interested in while also giving your college applications a boost.
Whether you’re looking to get insight into a subject you plan to pursue in college, gain exposure to potential career paths, or just explore a topic you’re curious about, this blog has something for you. To help you get started, we’ve curated this list of 16 of the best internships for high school students in Cleveland, Ohio, covering fields like medicine, engineering, public policy, scientific research, and more. Let’s dive in!
1. CYCE High School Summer Internship
Location: Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio
Cost/Stipend: No cost; students will be paid at $15/hour
Dates: June 9 - July 25
Application Deadline: January-end or early-February
Eligibility: U.S. citizens who are at least 15 years old by June 1
The CYCE High School Summer Internship Program gives you a chance to explore careers in healthcare through practical experience and mentorship. Over the summer, you can choose from three tracks: clinical care, healthcare operations, or advanced technology. Based on your choice, you may observe patient care, assist in non-clinical departments like IT or communications, or learn about hospital tech systems such as AI, robotics, or biomedical engineering. You will also attend workshops, contribute to team projects, and receive guidance from healthcare professionals. The program includes career development sessions and concludes with a graduation ceremony where you share your work.
2. Ladder Internships
Location: Remote
Cost/Stipend: Varies with the program type
Dates: Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter cohorts (8–12 weeks)
Application Deadline: Deadlines vary by cohort
Eligibility: High school students, undergraduates, and gap year students who can commit 10–20 hours/week
Ladder Internships pairs students with startups across the world in industries like health tech, deep tech, AI/ML, sustainability, media, journalism, and more. You’ll work directly with a startup manager and a dedicated Ladder Coach on projects such as market research, content development, or business analysis. Interns meet regularly for feedback and mentorship. At the end of the program, you will present your work to the startup team during a formal showcase. All internships are remote and based on company needs and student interests. The program is highly structured and supports both technical and non-technical roles.
3. NASA SCaN Internship Project (SIP)
Location: NASA Glenn Research Center, Cleveland, Ohio
Cost/Stipend: None
Dates: 10 weeks between early June and August
Application Deadline: To be announced
Eligibility: U.S. citizens, at least 16 years old, with a GPA of 3.0 or higher
Through this NASA internship, you’ll work alongside engineers on projects in space communications and navigation. Over the summer, you’ll take on technical assignments, collaborate across departments, and see how new tools and systems support real missions. You’ll also join mentorship sessions and professional development activities designed to build your skills and confidence. If you return for a second year, you may take on more advanced responsibilities. The program concludes with a formal presentation of your work to NASA staff and invited industry leaders. Each year, one intern is selected to attend an international space technology conference, fully sponsored. This is a great chance to explore STEM careers while contributing to NASA’s research.
4. Lumiere Research Scholar Program
Location: Remote — you can participate in this program from anywhere in the world!
Cost: Varies depending on program type
Application Deadline: Varying deadlines based on cohort.
Program Dates: Varies by cohort: summer, fall, winter, or spring. Options range from 12 weeks to 1 year.
Eligibility: You must be currently enrolled in high school and demonstrate a high level of academic achievement.
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program is a rigorous research program tailored for high school students. The program offers extensive 1-on-1 research opportunities for high school students across a broad range of subject areas that you can explore as a high schooler. The program pairs high school students with Ph.D. mentors to work 1-on-1 on an independent research project. At the end of the 12-week program, you’ll have developed an independent research paper! You can choose research topics from subjects such as psychology, physics, economics, data science, computer science, engineering, chemistry, international relations, and more. You can find more details about the application here. While this isn’t a traditional internship, it follows the work-learn structure of one quite closely!
5. Mₐ²JIC Summer Internship at Ohio State University
Location: Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio (40 minutes from Cleveland)
Cost/Stipend: No cost; students will receive a stipend
Dates: June 2 - August 8
Application Deadline: February 10
Eligibility: U.S. citizen high school students who live in the Columbus area
This internship at Ohio State University’s Manufacturing and Materials Joining Innovation Center (Mₐ²JIC) gives you exposure to welding engineering and materials science. You’ll work with graduate mentors on lab experiments, material testing, data analysis, and simulations, contributing directly to ongoing research in applied science. The program is designed to help you learn practical lab skills, explore how engineering research is conducted, and build connections with professionals in the field. At the end, you’ll present your work at a capstone event, and top projects may also be submitted to the American Welding Society’s national student competition. No prior lab experience is required, making this a solid opportunity if you’re interested in mechanical or materials engineering.
6. Byrd Center High School Intern Program
Location: Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio (40 minutes from Cleveland)
Cost/Stipend: No cost; students will receive a $3,200 stipend
Dates: This information is not available at the moment
Application Deadline: This information is not available at the moment
Eligibility: Current high school students
This internship, hosted by Ohio State University in partnership with the Expanding Visions Foundation, introduces you to research, outreach, and professional work environments on campus. You may be placed in areas like technical research, library services, or community education depending on your interests and department needs. Throughout the program, you’ll attend weekly seminars, participate in team meetings, and receive consistent guidance from both a supervisor and a mentor. The experience is designed to help you strengthen workplace habits, communication skills, and career awareness while contributing to meaningful projects. By the end of the program, you’ll have built connections and gained a clearer sense of the opportunities available in higher education and related career paths.
7. OSU’s Public Service Scholars: High School Internship Program
Location: John Glenn College of Public Affairs, Ohio State Univeristy, (OSU), Columbus, Ohio
Cost/Stipend: No cost; students will receive a stipend
Dates: Varies based on internship
Application Deadline: Varies based on internship
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors
The High School Internship Program (HSIP) gives you the chance to explore public service and policy careers while earning credits from Ohio State University. You’ll intern with a government office or nonprofit agency based on your interests—past placements include Franklin County Public Health and the League of Women Voters Ohio. Alongside your internship, you’ll take two OSU courses: one focused on U.S. public policy and another designed to help you build professional skills and connect with peers. The program combines academic learning with practical experience, making it a strong option if you’re interested in government, law, public health, or social change.
8. The Ohio State University’s Explorations in Neuroscience Internship
Location: The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH
Cost/Stipend: No stipend; cost not specified (likely free)
Dates: June 9 – 13 (with opening keynote on June 8)
Application Deadline: March 14
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors interested in neuroscience
Supported by the National Institutes of Health, this program introduces you to advanced research in neuroscience and biomedicine. You can choose from three pathways: Neuroscience, Neurological Injury, or Neurodegeneration, and spend the week exploring brain and spinal cord anatomy, current treatments, and research methods like microscopy and physiological recordings. You’ll rotate through active research labs, work alongside graduate students and advisors, and take part in small-group discussions on clinical care and emerging discoveries. The program also emphasizes communication skills, giving you the chance to present your findings to mentors and peers. By the end, you’ll have a clearer understanding of neuroscience careers and what’s needed to pursue them.
9. Science for Success Teen Internships at the Cleveland Museum of Natural History
Location: Cleveland Museum of Natural History, Cleveland, Ohio
Cost/Stipend: No cost; students will be paid, starting at $11/hour
Dates: Year-round (weekends during the school year; 2–3 days/week in summer)
Application Deadline: Spring (exact date varies; next cycle opens in winter)
Eligibility: Rising high school freshmen or sophomores living within 15 miles of the museum, with preference for students from Cleveland and East Cleveland neighborhoods
The Science for Success Teen Internship gives you the chance to work with the Cleveland Museum of Natural History’s Education and Community Engagement teams. You’ll support public programs, help plan events, and take part in outreach that connects science to the community. Museum professionals will mentor you as you build practical skills in science communication, leadership, and teamwork. You may also lead youth activities and contribute to projects focused on sustainability and access for underrepresented audiences. The program runs year-round, with weekend shifts during the school year and monthly virtual meetings. It’s a solid opportunity if you’re interested in museums, science, or education.
10. OBAP’S ACE Academy
Location: Programs available in Cleveland and Columbus, Ohio
Cost: $100. Limited fee waivers are available
Dates: June 23-27 (Cleveland) | July 7-12 (Columbus)
Application Deadline: May 31 (Cleveland) | June 24 (Columbus)
Eligibility: Students aged 13-18
At the Aerospace Career Education (ACE) Academy, you’ll explore the various career paths available in aviation and aerospace. The program combines hands-on activities with lessons on aviation history, aerodynamics, and air traffic control, while also demonstrating how STEM subjects are applied in pracitcal settings. You’ll learn directly from professionals about how the industry works and the role of government in aviation. The academy is designed to broaden your perspective on aerospace careers and give you a strong foundation for future opportunities in science and engineering. Hosted by the Organization of Black Aerospace Professionals, this program encourages students to think big, build new skills, and plan a career in aviation.
11. Bank of America Student Leaders Program
Location: Various locations across the U.S., including Cuyahoga, Cleveland, Ohio, and a 1-week summit in Washington, D.C.
Cost/Stipend: No cost; stipend provided + all expenses covered trip to Washington DC for the summit
Dates: 8 weeks during the summer
Application Deadline: January 15
Eligibility: Open to high school juniors and seniors with legal authorization to work in the U.S.
The Bank of America Student Leaders Program gives you the chance to spend eight weeks working at a local nonprofit while getting paid. You’ll contribute to ongoing projects that support community programs, youth services, outreach, and daily operations. Past placements have included organizations like Habitat for Humanity and Boys and Girls Clubs. During your internship, you’ll travel to Washington, D.C. for a national leadership summit, where you’ll meet other students from across the country and learn how businesses, government, and nonprofits work together to address social challenges. Through this experience, you’ll build leadership skills, gain practical nonprofit experience, and strengthen your understanding of civic engagement while being guided by mentors who support you.
12. The Johns Hopkins Internship in Brain Science Program (JHIBS)
Location: Virtual | In-person (Baltimore, Maryland)
Cost/Stipend: Fully funded; virtual interns receive a $500 stipend, and in-person interns are paid at an hourly rate
Dates: 5 weeks, July-August (virtual) | 8 weeks, June-August (in-person)
Application Deadline: March 1
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors
The Johns Hopkins Virtual Internship in Brain Sciences (JHIBS) offers a five-week online program where you can explore neuroscience while working closely with researchers from Johns Hopkins. You’ll take part in live lectures, lab simulations, and interactive projects that introduce you to brain science and the methods used to study it. During the program, you’ll have mentors who will guide you through scientific concepts, research techniques, and career pathways in neuroscience and biomedical research. You’ll also participate in professional development sessions. By the end of the program, you’ll present your work, build research skills, and receive a certificate of completion.
13. Stanford AIMI Summer Research Internship
Location: Virtual
Cost: $840 + $40 application fee (financial aid is available)
Dates: June 16-27
Application Deadline: February 28
Eligibility: High school students who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents who will be 14 years or older by the program's start are eligible.
The Stanford AIMI Summer Research Internship is a two-week virtual program where you’ll explore the intersection of artificial intelligence and medicine. Through live lectures, you’ll learn about medical imaging, machine learning, and the ethical issues surrounding AI in healthcare. You’ll also take part in guided group projects, working with Stanford researchers and mentors to see how AI can solve clinical problems and promote health equity. Beyond research, the program includes career sessions where you’ll hear directly from professionals in tech, medicine, government, and academia. You may even continue with an independent research project after the program ends. On completing the internship, you’ll earn a certificate.
14. SHTEM: Summer Internships for High Schoolers at Stanford University
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: None
Dates: June 17 - August 9
Application Deadline: March
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors aged 14 or older, including international students, can apply
The Stanford SHTEM Summer Internship is an eight-week virtual program where you’ll take part in interdisciplinary research that combines science, technology, engineering, humanities, and math. You’ll spend 30-40 hours each week collaborating in small groups on projects guided by Stanford faculty, graduate students, and staff. Past projects have ranged from nanotechnology and computational biology to virtual reality, design, and artificial olfaction, giving you a chance to explore innovative ideas across fields. Throughout the program, you’ll build technical skills, strengthen communication and problem-solving abilities, and learn how different disciplines connect to solve practical challenges. You’ll also receive mentorship, present your research at the program’s conclusion, and connect with Stanford’s academic community, creating a strong foundation for college and your career.
15. George Mason University’s Aspiring Scientists Summer Internship Program (ASSIP)
Location: Online | Hybrid | In-person (Fairfax, Virginia)
Cost/Stipend: $25 application fee (waivers available)
Dates: June 18 - August 8
Application Deadline: February 2
Eligibility: High school students who are at least 15 years old at the start of the internship
The Aspiring Scientists Summer Internship Program (ASSIP) at George Mason University is an eight-week, full-time research program for high school students interested in STEM. You’ll explore topics like data science, machine learning, cybersecurity, earth observation, and geospatial technologies, while building skills in coding, statistical modeling, and data-driven decision-making. Working closely with faculty and researchers, you’ll gain practical experience with lab equipment, research technologies, and current projects. The program emphasizes scientific skills such as data analysis, lab techniques, scientific writing, and public speaking. You’ll also take part in workshops on programming, analytical thinking, and career development, and have opportunities to present your research or contribute to publications.
16. Smithsonian Science Education Center Internships
Location: Virtual | Hybrid (Washington, DC)
Stipend: Paid, but information on the exact amount is not available
Dates: 10 weeks between May-August, with a flexible schedule for virtual internships
Application Deadline: March
Eligibility: High school students who are at least 16 years old can apply
The Smithsonian Science Education Center (SSEC) Internship gives high school students the chance to gain experience in science communication, marketing, and STEM education. You’ll contribute to projects in digital media, social media, graphic design, and communications strategy while supporting SSEC’s mission to improve K–12 science learning. Working alongside professional staff, you’ll help create outreach materials, manage content assets, conduct research, and strengthen the SSEC brand. This internship helps you understand how a communications team operates within an educational organization and develop practical skills in messaging, strategy, and digital storytelling.
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