15 Internships for High School Students in Fairfax, Virginia
Internships are one of the best ways for high school students to gain early exposure to the professional world. By participating in an internship, you can build practical skills, strengthen your resume, and stand out when applying to colleges or future jobs. Beyond technical experience, internships provide mentorship and networking opportunities in the field that interests you.
Fairfax hosts many great companies and institutions, such as the Fairfax County Government, Aronson LLC, and Appian Corporation, which offer internships for high schoolers in a variety of fields, such as technology, business, healthcare, and public service. In this article, we’ve compiled 15 internships for high school students in Fairfax, Virginia. We focused on programs that provide meaningful experience, structured guidance, and a chance to develop new skills.
15 Internships for High School Students in Fairfax, Virginia
1. George Mason University Young Scholars Research Program
Location: GMU campuses in Arlington, Fairfax, and Prince William; remote and hybrid options available
Cost/Stipend: Varies as per program, but not specified. Email execed@gmu.edu for application and program fees; financial assistance may be available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective / Limited seats per program
Dates: Programs last between 4 weeks and 4 months, with sessions offered in summer and fall
Application Deadline: Applications are filled on a first-come, first-served basis (most fill by late April)
Eligibility: High school students in grades 9–12
The Young Scholars Research Program at George Mason University allows you to participate in hands-on research projects across diverse fields such as biosciences, computer science, political science, astronomy, and environmental studies. You’ll be matched with a faculty mentor based on your background and interests, and projects may involve data analysis, lab work, or scholarly paper writing. The program enables the preparation and publication of research papers within a few months of completion. Weekly commitments typically include lectures paired with several hours of independent or group research. The program is flexible in format, offering in-person, hybrid, and online options, and includes optional on-site experiences like campus activities and faculty-led workshops.
2. Ladder Internship Program
Cost: Varies depending on program type. Full 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. Ladder’s start-ups are high-growth companies on average, raising over a million dollars. Interns work closely with their manager at the startup on real-world projects and present their work to the company. The virtual internship is usually 8 weeks long.
3. Fairfax County Park Authority Internships
Location: Fairfax County, Virginia — work locations vary depending on the internship division (parks, recreation, natural, cultural, historical, or business operations)
Cost/Stipend: Stipend varies by internship
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive / Not specified
Dates: Three internship sessions per year in Spring (February – May), Summer (June – August), Fall (September – December)
Application Deadline: Varies by internship
Eligibility: All high school students
The Fairfax County Park Authority Internships for high school students offer meaningful hands-on experience in various areas such as parks and recreation, natural and cultural resources, historical preservation, and business operations. It covers topics including environmental conservation, park management, community engagement, and public service administration. You participate in diverse activities like assisting with park maintenance, supporting recreational programs and events, conducting environmental or historical research, and contributing to marketing or administrative tasks. Unique features of the program include personalized mentorship, structured training, and opportunities to work in different divisions of the park authority throughout Fairfax. You gain valuable skills in teamwork, communication, problem-solving, and professional work ethics.
4. Aspiring Scientists Summer Internship Program (ASSIP)
Location: GMU (Fairfax, Arlington, and Prince William campuses); some hybrid and remote options available
Cost/Stipend: None except a $25 application fee (waivers available)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective / 15 - 20 interns per session
Dates: June 18 – August 8
Application Deadline: February 2
Eligibility: All high school students | Minimum age 15 for remote/computer lab work; 16 for in-person wet lab research and undergraduates who have not yet graduated
ASSIP is a competitive summer research internship that pairs you with George Mason faculty and researchers in STEM and related fields. During the 8-week program, you’ll gain hands-on experience with advanced lab techniques, computational tools, and professional research practices. Areas of focus range widely, from bioinformatics, neuroscience, and molecular medicine to data science, engineering, cybersecurity, and environmental policy. You will participate in workshops to strengthen scientific writing and communication skills, while also engaging in discussions with STEM professionals about career pathways. The program culminates in a poster presentation where you showcase your findings, and many interns go on to co-author publications or present at conferences.
5. NASA Data Science Analysis Internship and Scholarly Research Paper Writing
Location: Primarily virtual, with optional in-person sessions at GMU’s Fairfax campus
Cost/Stipend: Email execed@gmu.edu for application and program fees; need-based scholarships are available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective / 50 students
Dates: June 14 – August 30
Application Deadline: First-come, first-served; applications open in February (most seats fill by late April)
Eligibility: High school students in grades 9–12
This three-month internship immerses you in astronomy and data science research through the analysis of NASA’s TESS and James Webb Space Telescope mission data. You’ll work with George Mason faculty and NASA-affiliated scientists to validate potential exoplanets, perform statistical analyses, and explore atmospheric spectra of newly discovered worlds. The program combines synchronous lectures, telescope observation nights, and asynchronous study modules, ensuring both flexibility and structure. Throughout the summer, you’ll use professional tools like Python, Jupyter notebooks, and AstroImageJ to analyze real datasets. By the end, you’ll have gained both technical skills and practical experience in professional astronomy research.
6. Fairfax County - Equity Impact High School Internship Program
Location: Fairfax County government offices and departments
Stipend: Paid, amount not specified
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive / Not specified
Dates: Typically mid-June to mid-August
Application Deadline: May 12
Eligibility: Fairfax County high school students | At least 16 years old | U.S. Citizens
The Fairfax County Equity Impact High School Internship Program aims to provide high school students, especially from underrepresented backgrounds, with hands-on experience in the field of Information Technology. The program covers topics such as network administration, software development, cybersecurity, data analytics, and technical support. You engage in activities like assisting with IT projects, supporting technical systems, analyzing data, and participating in team collaboration and problem-solving sessions. The program focuses on equity and inclusion, a paid internship model, and mentorship from county IT professionals. Through this internship, you develop critical skills in technology, communication, teamwork, and project management, which prepare you for future careers in IT and related fields.
7. Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) Summer Internship Program
Location: FCPS administrative centers and facilities, Gatehouse, Willow Oaks, and others
Stipend: $15.88/hour for current high school students; $17.88/hour for FCPS high school graduates
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive/limited placements in pilot program
Dates: June 30 – August 8
Application Deadline: Typically early June
Eligibility: At least 16 years old by June 30 | Currently enrolled as an FCPS high school student or be a recent FCPS graduate enrolled in post-secondary education | U.S. work authorization
This internship places you directly in Fairfax County Public Schools’ central offices, giving you a unique view of how the school system operates behind the scenes. Over six weeks, you’ll work on mission-critical projects in departments such as human resources, procurement, facilities, school operations, or student activities. In addition to your departmental placement, you’ll participate in weekly workshops on professional development topics like resume writing, personal finance, and communication skills. You will also shadow staff and contribute to preparations for the upcoming school year. The FCPS Summer Internship Program is a strong option if you want both real-world work experience and skills that directly support your future academic goals.
8. JSSA High School Internship Program
Location: Northern Virginia (Fairfax) and other sites in the National Capital Region
Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective / 12 - 20 interns
Dates: Flexible scheduling; typically 12–16 hours per week
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Eligibility: High school students who are residents of DC, Maryland, or Virginia
The JSSA High School Internship Program introduces you to the nonprofit world of human services, offering experience in an organization that supports individuals and families across all stages of life. Depending on your placement, you may assist with administrative tasks, help develop community presentations on mental health, support youth programs, or observe professional case consultations. The program allows you to explore different departments based on your interests, creating a personalized internship experience. You will earn Student Service-Learning hours toward graduation and gain meaningful insight into careers in social services. The internship is designed for students who are motivated, adaptable, and eager to engage with community-focused work.
9. Children’s Science Center Youth Development Initiative Internships
Location: Children’s Science Center Lab (Fairfax) and community sites across Northern Virginia
Cost/Stipend: Most positions are unpaid; select internships (such as cybersecurity) include stipends
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: Offered year-round, including summer, fall, and rolling opportunities
Application Deadline: Varies by internshi,p with some being on a rolling basis
Eligibility: All high school students (16+ for STEM Camp, 17+ for Commonwealth Cyber Initiative); some internships (e.g., animal husbandry) require 18+
The Children’s Science Center offers a range of internships through its Youth Development Initiative, combining mentoring, hands-on STEM experience, and leadership training. As an intern, you may assist with elementary school STEM camps, design and lead educational programming, or contribute to communication and outreach projects. For older students, opportunities include cybersecurity-focused internships through the Commonwealth Cyber Initiative, which place you with local cyber organizations and provide stipends. Other tracks, like animal husbandry, allow you to learn about animal care and welfare in an educational setting. You will receive continuous feedback to develop the skills needed for employment.
10. Fairfax County Youth Leadership Program (FCYLP)
Location: Fairfax County government departments and facilities
Cost/Stipend: None / $1,000 stipend
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive / 25 students
Dates: Runs during the school year (February 4 – January 13) with monthly meetings and a three-week internship in summer (June)
Application Deadline: November 7
Eligibility: Fairfax County high school juniors
The Fairfax County Youth Leadership Program prepares you to become an active citizen and future leader through direct engagement with local government. As a participant, you’ll attend monthly learning sessions, meet with County leaders, and explore how the government impacts daily life. During the summer, you’ll complete a three-week paid internship in a Fairfax County department, gaining hands-on experience in public service. In addition, you’ll act as a student ambassador by speaking to middle school civics classes about your experiences. With its mix of leadership training, community engagement, and paid professional work, FCYLP offers a comprehensive introduction to civic service for motivated high school juniors.
11. NASA OSTEM High School Internship Program
Location: Various NASA centers in Virginia, could potentially include Fairfax; remote options also available
Stipend: Paid based on their academic level and session duration
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive / 2000+ students across centers
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year
Application Deadline: Summer: February 27; Fall: May 22
Eligibility: High school students | U.S. citizen | At least 16 years old at the time of application | 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale
Through NASA’s Office of STEM Engagement (OSTEM), you’ll have the opportunity to contribute to projects that advance science, technology, aeronautics, and space exploration. You will work under the mentorship of NASA scientists, engineers, and other professionals, gaining experience in fields like aerospace engineering, data science, computer modeling, and space mission planning. Programs are flexible, with both in-person and remote formats available, allowing you to engage in meaningful research regardless of location. You may assist with data analysis, design prototypes, or support ongoing space missions depending on your placement. NASA OSTEM internships provide a rare chance to participate directly in the nation’s space program as a high school student.
12. EnergyMag Internship
Location: Virtual
Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective / 10-15 students per session
Dates: Flexible; duration may be extended by one to two weeks if needed
Application Deadline: Open year-round; applications accepted on the EnergyMag website
Eligibility: High school sophomores, juniors, and seniors with at least one honors-level science or English course and a minimum GPA of 3.25
The EnergyMag Internship introduces you to the rapidly growing fields of renewable energy and sustainable technologies. As a participant, you’ll collaborate with professionals and researchers on projects that may involve energy storage, system efficiency, or sustainable design. Tasks often include analyzing technical data, contributing to reports, or exploring new materials with real-world applications in the energy sector. The program is structured to give you flexibility in scheduling while still offering hands-on experience in an emerging industry. By the end of the internship, you’ll have gained practical insight into energy innovation and a deeper understanding of the technical and analytical skills needed for careers in energy and engineering.
13. Johns Hopkins Internships in Brain Sciences (JHIBS)
Location: Virtual
Stipend: $500
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective / 8 students
Dates: 5 weeks, July – August
Application Deadline: March 1
Eligibility: Rising juniors and seniors
The JHIBS program introduces you to neuroscience through a structured mix of virtual labs, seminars, and interactive workshops. Over five weeks, you’ll analyze brain imaging data, explore neurotechnology, and simulate real research tasks under the guidance of Johns Hopkins faculty. Live lectures and Q&A sessions provide context on neurological processes and the latest research in brain science. In addition to scientific training, the program emphasizes mentorship and community, giving you the chance to interact directly with leading neuroscientists. With its focus on underrepresented students, JHIBS combines technical skill-building with professional development in a supportive environment.
14. BAE Systems WiT Summer Intern
Location: Various BAE Systems facilities, often including onsite locations such as Fairfax, Virginia
Cost/Stipend: Stipend provided; amount not specified
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive / a few dozen interns
Dates: 10 weeks between May and August
Application Deadline: Typically between February and March
Eligibility: Female high school students with aptitude in math and science | High school graduates or current seniors enrolled in college for some internship roles | Eligible to work in the United States and often require U.S. citizenship or permanent residency
The BAE Systems Women in Technology (WiT) Summer Intern program for high school students is designed to inspire and prepare female students interested in careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). The program covers topics such as engineering principles, cybersecurity, software development, and defense technologies. Students engage in hands-on activities, including designing and testing engineering prototypes, participating in cybersecurity challenges, coding software projects, and collaborating on real-world technical problems. Unique features of the program include personalized mentorship from professional women engineers, career development workshops within the LEAP internship framework, and exposure to a leading aerospace and defense company’s work environment.
15. Bank of America Student Leaders Program
Location: Placements at local nonprofits, potentially in Fairfax; includes a leadership summit in Washington, D.C.
Cost/Stipend: None / Stipend paid, amount not specified
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective / 300 students chosen nationwide each year
Dates: 8 weeks in summer, typically June – August
Application Deadline: January 15
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors legally authorized to work in the U.S. | Permanently reside in one of the eligible locations | First-time applicant
The Student Leaders Program places you with a nonprofit organization where you’ll work on projects that support community initiatives and develop practical skills. Beyond your local placement, the program includes a weeklong Student Leadership Summit in Washington, D.C., where you’ll meet peers from across the country, participate in leadership workshops, and hear from civic and business leaders. The internship is designed to help you build teamwork, communication, and problem-solving skills while also encouraging civic responsibility. With its mix of hands-on nonprofit work and national leadership training, the Bank of America Student Leaders Program is a prestigious opportunity for Fairfax high school students interested in service and leadership.
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