16 Internships for High School Students in Columbia, SC
Interning while in high school can be a great way to explore your interests! Internships typically offer hands-on experience that can help you assess your career goals, enhance your professional profile, and demonstrate your initiative to colleges and employers. Such opportunities set you apart in competitive academic and job markets. Additionally, as an intern, you will learn from professionals, connect with experts and peers, and gain experience in a field of your choice. If you’re based in Columbia (or want to work there in the summer after graduation), there’s tons of internships for you to check out.
Columbia is home to organizations and universities offering such opportunities. To help you get started, we have come up with 15 internships for high school students in Columbia, SC. We have focused on free and competitive programs, along with virtual internships, to help you find valuable, accessible opportunities.
1. Hutton Junior Fisheries Biology Program
Location: Placements available within a 45-minute commute from your home, including in Columbia, SC
Acceptance rate/Cohort size: ~30-40 students/year; the number can vary
Cost/Stipend: Free; $3,000 stipend + an all-expenses-paid trip to the Hutton Scholars Summit
Dates: Eight weeks during the summer; dates set by student and mentor
Application deadline: January 19
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors + recent graduates who are at least 16 years old and live in the U.S., Puerto Rico, Mexico, and Canada
The Hutton Junior Fisheries Biology Program, sponsored by the American Fisheries Society, introduces you to fisheries science through hands-on fieldwork and mentorship. You will engage in projects focusing on habitat restoration, fish population surveys, and ecosystem conservation, developing skills in data collection and environmental analysis. Throughout the program, you’ll collaborate with professionals on real-world conservation efforts and gain insights into career paths in aquatic science. Other program activities may include GPS/GIS mapping and wildlife surveys. You will also attend a Scholar’s Summit to network with fisheries science students and professionals.
2. Ladder Internships
Location: Remote
Acceptance rate/Cohort size: Selective
Cost/Stipend: Varies by format; financial aid available
Dates: Multiple cohorts (Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter) every year with varying start and end dates
Application deadline: Varies depending on the cohort
Eligibility: High school students able to commit 10–20 hours/week for 8–12 weeks
Ladder Internships is a selective program that connects you with high-growth startups in industries like tech, health tech, marketing, and journalism. As an intern, you will work on real-world projects, collaborating with startup managers and a Ladder Coach to develop professional skills. The program culminates in a presentation of your work to the company, helping you refine your communication skills. Typically lasting eight weeks, this virtual internship allows you to gain professional experience from anywhere. You will also build a portfolio of tangible outcomes, which can be valuable for college applications.
3. NASA Internship Programs
Location: Virtual or in-person at various NASA centers and facilities across the U.S.
Acceptance rate/Cohort size: 2,000+ students nationwide
Cost/Stipend: Free; stipend provided
Dates: Opportunities available in Spring, Summer, and Fall sessions
Application deadline: September 12 (Spring) | February 27 (Summer) | May 22 (Fall)
Eligibility: High school students who are U.S. citizens/permanent residents and have a minimum GPA of 3.0
NASA’s Office of STEM Engagement (OSTEM) offers paid internships where you can contribute to the agency’s mission in science, technology, aeronautics, and space exploration. Working alongside research scientists and engineers, you will gain hands-on experience in STEM projects. These internships can provide you with mentorship from NASA professionals and valuable insights into high-impact careers. You may participate in research or experiential learning at NASA facilities, building technical skills and expanding your professional network in the process.
4. MedEx Academy at Prisma Health
Location: Prisma Health, Columbia, SC
Acceptance rate/Cohort size: ~20 students per tier
Cost/Stipend: Varies by program tier; no stipend
Dates: 1–1.5 months during the summer; specific dates vary by tier (typically, from mid-May to early August)
Application deadline: January 6
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors interested in healthcare careers who hold a 2.75+ GPA
The MedEx Academy at Prisma Health equips you to explore healthcare careers through shadowing, workshops, and hands-on activities. You will observe medical professionals, participate in career-focused sessions, and gain insights into fields like nursing and medicine. You will practice how to use medical equipment and participate in simulation labs during the program. The overall experience can help you make informed decisions about pursuing a healthcare career through opportunities to connect with healthcare experts.
5. R1 Teen Jobs/Internships Program
Location: Richland County School District One, Columbia, SC
Acceptance rate/Cohort size: Not specified
Cost/Stipend: Paid; starting at $12 per hour
Dates: June 9 – July 31, with possible extension into the school year
Application deadline: April 11
Eligibility: Richland One students, ages 16 and up, who can commute to work
The R1 Teen Jobs/Internships Program offers summer internships for Richland One students, providing paid work experience and academic credit. Here, you will take on roles that align with your career interests and build practical skills in professional settings. You will work in departments like Nutrition Services, Facilities Management Services, Advanced Academic Programs, and ThriveRichland. The program can prepare you for future careers by offering real-world exposure and mentorship. With a flexible schedule of up to 25 hours per week, the program can accommodate your summer commitments.
6. Richland Two Work-based Learning Internships
Location: Richland County School District Two, Columbia, SC
Acceptance rate/Cohort size: Not specified
Cost/Stipend: Free with course credit available
Dates: Vary; typically, a 1- to 2-semester commitment
Application deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Richland Two high school students
The Richland Two Work-based Learning Internships place you in real workplace environments to develop career-related skills. You will work on projects aligned with your academic and professional goals, earning course credit. This program bridges classroom learning with practical applications, enhancing your employability. Under the supervision of professionals, you will gain insights into various industries while building a professional portfolio. The flexible structure accommodates school schedules, making it accessible for Columbia, SC, students. You can check with your school for specific placement opportunities and application details.
7. Palmetto Promise Institute Internship Program
Location: Columbia, SC, with remote options
Acceptance rate/Cohort size: Not specified
Cost/Stipend: Free; unpaid
Dates: Varies based on selected role
Application deadline: Rolling basis
Eligibility: High school students
The Palmetto Promise Institute Internship Program is an opportunity to gain exposure to state policy development through policy research, legislative analysis, and communications. You will work alongside policy researchers, gaining insights into the legislative process and attending state legislature hearings. You will also find opportunities to develop analytical and communication skills. Remote options as well as in-person opportunities near the South Carolina Statehouse are available.
8. South Carolina AHEC Health Careers Program
Location: Multiple regions in SC, including Columbia
Acceptance rate/Cohort size: Not specified
Cost/Stipend: Free; unpaid
Dates: Vary by region and program
Application deadline: Varies by region and program
Eligibility: South Carolina high school students, especially from underrepresented backgrounds
The South Carolina AHEC Health Careers Program is designed to introduce students to healthcare careers through workshops, internships, and community service projects. You will engage in activities that develop skills in communication, math, and science, tailored for future healthcare professionals. The program also offers mentorship from healthcare professionals and opportunities to earn service awards. You will gain practical insights into healthcare roles through job shadowing, career-focused sessions, modules, and networking opportunities. You can contact regional coordinators for specific program details.
9. GSSM and Clemson’s Summer Program for Research Interns (SPRI)
Location: Various university and corporate R&D labs in SC
Acceptance rate/Cohort size: Not specified
Cost/Stipend: Free; unpaid
Program Dates: June 8 – July 18
Application deadline: February 28
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors at the South Carolina Governor’s School for Science and Mathematics
SPRI, offered by the Governor's School for Science and Math (GSSM) and Clemson University, places you in university or corporate R&D labs for a six-week research experience. You will work on scientific, business, or economics projects, developing research and analytical skills. The program culminates in formal research papers and presentations at academic forums like the GSSM Annual Research Colloquium. Under the mentorship of professionals, you will gain insights into advanced STEM fields.
10. Science and Engineering Apprenticeship Program (SEAP)
Location: More than 38 laboratories around the country, including in Charleston, SC (less than two hours away from Columbia)
Acceptance rate/Cohort size: 300 placements each year
Cost/Stipend: Free; stipend of $4,000 for new participants, $4,500 for returning participants
Dates: Eight weeks in summer; specific dates confirmed in the offer letter
Application deadline: November 1
Eligibility: High school students who have completed grade 9, are U.S. citizens, and are at least 16 years old
SEAP offers an eight-week summer internship in the Department of the Navy laboratories, focusing on STEM research. You will collaborate with scientists and engineers on projects like cybersecurity or engineering challenges. You will assist with various lab functions while also attending seminars and conferences to explore STEM research and career paths. Technical meetings, shadowing, networking opportunities, and lab tours are part of the experience. You will also get access to skill-building opportunities and mentorship.
11. Stanford AIMI Summer Research Internship
Location: Virtual
Cohort size: 25; the number can vary by year
Cost: $850 + $40 application fee (waiver available); up to 100% financial aid available
Dates: June 16 – 27
Application deadline: February 21 (scholarship deadline); February 28 (application deadline)
Eligibility: High school students, age 14+, who are U.S. citizens/permanent residents; applicants with math or programming skills are given preference
The Stanford AIMI Summer Research Internship is designed for students interested in exploring how to tackle medical challenges using AI. Over two weeks, you will work on projects and learn about AI’s applications in healthcare. You will have access to mentorship, networking opportunities, and technical skill-building. You will also get industry insights from professionals. Additionally, the program offers exposure to AI and healthcare research through opportunities to work with Stanford Student Leads and researchers.
12. Bank of America Student Leaders Program
Location: Multiple locations in the country, including near Columbia, SC
Acceptance rate/Cohort size: 300+ students/year
Stipend: Paid; amount not specified
Application deadline: January 15; application opens on October 14
Dates: Eight-week summer internship starting soon after the end of the school year
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors
Bank of America offers high school students eight-week opportunities to work with nonprofit organizations in their area. As a participant of the Student Leaders Program, you will explore various aspects of running a nonprofit, participate in community service work, and develop a clearer understanding of social issues. In the process, you will get to refine your social, civic, and business leadership skills. The program includes a week-long Student Leadership Summit in Washington, D.C., where you will gain insight into the collaborative efforts of the government, business, and nonprofits in addressing critical community needs.
13. Johns Hopkins Internship in Brain Sciences (JHIBS): Virtual Track
Location: Virtual
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Cost/Stipend: None
Dates: Five weeks in the summer
Application deadline: March 1
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors in North America
JHIBS offers a research-focused summer internship to high schoolers interested in neuroscience and biomedical research. During the five-week virtual program, you will attend sessions led by researchers and scientists, learn about the scientific method and neuroscience research, and engage in experiments. You will learn and apply laboratory techniques, participate in scientific presentations, and interact with professionals and peers. The program offers access to professional development workshops and college prep classes to help you explore academic and career paths in biomedicine and neuroscience.
14. Girls Who Code Summer Programs
Location: Virtual
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Cost: Free + $300 need-based grant available
Dates: Summer Immersion Program: July 7 – 18 (for U.S. students); July 28 – August 8 | Pathways: June 30 – August 8
Application deadline: Early acceptance: February 28 | General application: April 16
Eligibility: High school students in grades 9 – 12 (only 9th – 11th graders accepted for Summer Immersion) who are between the ages of 14 and 18 and identify as girls or non-binary individuals
Girls Who Code offers free online summer programs to high school students interested in computer science. The Summer Immersion Program is a two-week, instructor-led experience covering game design and foundational coding concepts. It offers insights into beginner to intermediate level computer science, the game design process, and the basics of UX design. Another option in the summer is Girls Who Code’s Pathways Program—a six-week, self-paced program covering topics such as cybersecurity, web development, data science, and AI. Both programs offer access to industry-led events, opportunities to build projects, and experience in coding languages like Python, HTML, and CSS.
15. EnergyMag Internships
Location: Virtual
Acceptance rate/Cohort size: Not specified
Cost/Stipend: None
Dates: Varying dates; half-time (2–8 weeks, 20 hours/week) and quarter-time (1–9 months, 8 hours/week) opportunities available throughout the year
Application deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: High school sophomores, juniors, and seniors, with one honors science/English class, and a GPA >3.25
EnergyMag offers virtual opportunities in the renewable energy sector, allowing you to gain work experience while engaging in research and analytical tasks. You will work on projects related to sustainable energy solutions, developing skills in data analysis, research, scientific communication, and environmental science. You will research and analyze a company, technology, or market, and collect data related to the energy storage industry. You will compile your data into a publishable report to be submitted at the end of the internship.
16. Stanford Cardiothoracic Surgical Skills and Education Center's Summer Internship
Location: Virtual
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Cost: $4,500 + $95 application fee; financial aid is available.
Application deadline: TBA; application window opens in January
Dates: June 23 – July 4 | July 14 – 25
Eligibility: High school students who are at least 16; applicants under 16 can also apply if they are juniors or seniors in high school
This two-week Stanford internship is an online opportunity to gain exposure to cardiothoracic surgery and surgical techniques. During the program, you will engage in lectures and surgical lab sessions and gain insights into anatomy, cardiac diseases, imaging techniques, and various surgical procedures. You will also gain hands-on experience with techniques such as vessel anastomosis, porcine heart dissection, and suturing. Additionally, the program offers training in the use of surgical instruments. Throughout the program, you will interact with and learn from Stanford faculty and surgical residents.
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