12 Internships for High School Students in Florida
Building a strong college application includes engaging in extracurricular activities that can help you stand out. Colleges seek students who demonstrate a motivated approach to learning, including the kind of practical experience that internships offer.
Internships offer an opportunity to engage in real-world projects and collaborate with professionals, providing early exposure that enhances your understanding of your chosen field. This ensures that you are equipped with the skills and confidence needed to excel in your future endeavors.
Here is a list of internships for high school students in Florida to help you lay a strong foundation for your academic and professional careers:
Cost: Financial Aid is available
Start-up Internship: $1990
Research Internship: $5400
Joint Program: $6400
Location: Remote
Duration: 8 weeks, 5 to 25 hours per week, depending on the program.
Application Deadline: Multiple cohorts throughout the year. The upcoming deadline is April 14
Program Dates: June 3 to July 29
Eligibility: High school students willing to commit to the 8 to 12 week programs, for 15 to 20 hours per week.
Ladder Internships is a competitive program with participating startups located across the world, particularly in the United States and Asia, as well as Europe, and UK. This offers passionate students the opportunity to pursue virtual internships with companies and startups operating on a global level, spanning across various industries such as healthcare, technology, finance, environmental science, and more.
Students who apply here have ample choice to select a program that aligns with their interests, and really immerse themselves in their field of choice.
Over the course of the internship, students will receive personalized training to develop their time management, communication, and other necessary soft skills. Group training sessions will also be conducted to encourage students to work independently and as a team. Students will also work on real-world projects under the guidance of their startup manager and Ladder Coach, to ensure that they receive a holistic, immersive experience.
Stipend: depends on the session duration and the student’s academic level
Location: Virtual and at NASA centers across United States
Duration: Between 10 to 16 weeks depending on the session
Application Deadline: Spring Session - Early November | Summer Session - Early March | Fall Session - Early July
Program Dates:
Spring session: Mid-January to Early May
Summer Session: Late May to August
Fall Session: Late August to Mid-December
Eligibility:
US citizen
At least 16 years of age at the time of applications
Cumulative GPA 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
Be a full-time student
The NASA OSTEM (Office of STEM Engagement) High School Internship Programs are extremely prestigious paid internships that offer a range of opportunities to students who are passionate about mechanical engineering and space exploration.
These internships cover a broad spectrum of topics and provide on-the-job experience to help students build their resume and propel their career in robotics, engineering, and other fields pertaining to space studies and advanced technology.
Students will interact with research scientists, engineers, and more, and engage with cutting-edge technologies in the realm of aerospace engineering and satellite communication. They will also gain practical experience as they work on projects that enhance their problem-solving skills and improve their understanding of mechanical engineering.
3. Stanford’s SHTEM: Summer Internship
Cost/Stipend: None. Financial assistance is available for students who may require it.
Location: Virtual
Duration: 8 weeks
Application Deadline: January
Program Dates: June 17 to August 9 for the summer cohort
Eligibility: Must be a high school junior or senior, or a full-time CC student at the time of application. High school students must be at least 14 years of age by June 17, CC students must be between 17 and 21 years of age by June 17.
Stanford’s SHTEM program introduces students to research that transcends traditional disciplinary boundaries as they conduct real-world engineering projects under the mentorship and guidance of graduate students, the renowned faculty and staff of the Stanford Compression Forum, and its affiliated organizations.
With a focus on robotics, design principles, material science, and other components of mechanical engineering, this dynamic learning experience also teaches students about communication, linguistics, engineering, biology, neuroscience, computer science, philosophy, technology, and more.
Students thus receive a holistic educational experience with a combination of hands-on activities, practical project work, and a series of seminars and workshops that are designed to deepen the students’ theoretical and practical knowledge and encourage a comprehensive understanding of their field.
4. MIT Beaver Works Summer Institute
Cost: $1,750 for students with a family income equal to or greater than $150,000. Free for students with a lower family income (which will be verified)
Location: Virtual
Duration: 4 weeks
Application Deadline: March 31
Program Dates: July 8 to August 2
Eligibility: Freshman, sophomore, and junior high school students attending school in the United States who have met the grade requirements in the online prerequisite courses and summer synchronous courses.
The Beaver Works Summer Institute (NWSI) is a learning opportunity for students who have demonstrated a keen technical ability and a commitment to extracurricular learning. They cover subjects such as medical analytics, quantum software, remote sensing for disaster response, and more. The program offers a hands-on learning experience which sharpen the students’ practical skills such as programming, designing, and building skills, while enhancing their knowledge of mechanical engineering principles.
Students are expected to collaborate with their peers while conducting research and working on projects such as building rovers, autonomous drones, and other cutting-edge robotic systems. The participants showcase their creations in a final presentation.
This is a highly selective program, with a competitive admission process that only limited students make it through. Beyond an intellectually stimulating learning experience, it also builds a strong foundation for a successful career in engineering.
5. Spark Summer Internship Program (Spark SIP)
Stipend: May be provided depending on the program
Location: Remote
Duration: 10 weeks, 20-25 hours per week
Application Deadline: Open on April 2
Program Dates: Flexible
Eligibility: High school students in grades 9 to 12 who are US citizens or permanent residents
Spark SIP is a competitive program that offers prestigious internship opportunities to select high school students in a range of different fields. Students who successfully intern with Spark SIP engage with scholars and leaders and conduct immersive research projects with assigned sponsors that offer real-world experience.
Non-profit market research with IUCEE is one such opportunity whereby students will learn about marketing literature, raising funds for nonprofits, and conduct market research while polishing their persuasive skills. Students will perform all kinds of tasks involved in raising money to scale the organization’s activities, such as compiling a list of target organizations, creating persuasive pitches and marketing brochures, and more. These can be extremely useful skills for high school students as they pursue a college degree and lay the groundwork for a successful career.
6. Kenan Fellows High School Summer Internships at the University of Florida Health
Stipend: $4,480. No housing or transportation
Location: Palm Beach State College, Palm Beach Gardens Campus/The Wertheim UF Scripps Institute laboratories in Jupiter, Florida
Duration: 9 weeks, 40 hours per week (including introductory course)
Application Deadline: March 24
Program Dates: June 3 to August 2
Eligibility: US citizen or permanent resident students beginning their junior or senior years in a Palm Beach or Martin County high school, with a minimum GPA of 3.0. Students must be at least 16 years of age by the first day of the program, and be available throughout the internship.
This is a competitive program established in 2005, which emphasizes research planning, scientific process, experimental design, data analysis, and laboratory personnel. Students are supervised by a UF Scripps scientist as they conduct biomedical research and attend scientific seminars pertaining to a wide array of research subjects.
Participants are required to attend a week-long course prior to their arrival, which offers a comprehensive introduction to standard techniques and applications in biomedical research. Students then work full-time for eight weeks in a UF Scripps laboratory. At the end of the program, students will submit a written scientific abstract, and present their work - a noteworthy contribution to their portfolio.
7. Building-U Marketing Internship
Cost: None.
Location: Remote
Duration: 3 months
Application Deadline: Rolling basis throughout the year.
Eligibility: High school students currently enrolled in grades 9 to 12
Building-U is a non-profit organization that offers a free database of valuable information pertaining to internships, scholarships, education programs, contests, and other opportunities for students.
They accept applicants from across the world, which makes this a great opportunity for students to interact with peers in various countries and expand their understanding of various cultures, while improving their ability to work as a team and polish their communication skills.
Building-U has ten teams performing various duties, including marketing, coding, animation, data privacy, and more. Students can thus choose from a range of responsibilities and experiences in an effort to contribute to the organization’s mission.
8. EnergyMag Research Internship
Cost: None. Unpaid internship
Location: Virtual
Duration: Half-time internships in increments of 2 weeks for up to 8 weeks, 20 hours a week. Quarter-time internships in increments of 1 month for up to 9 months, 8 hours a week.
Application Deadline: You can apply throughout the year. Note that you will have to explain why EnergyMag should grant you an internship in your application.
Dates: Half-time internships are available in the summer, quarter-time internships are available all year round.
Eligibility: high-school sophomores, juniors, and seniors with at least one honors English or honors Science class, and a GPA over 3.25.
EnergyMag internships are designed to educate and improve students’ on-the-job skills which they may not acquire in a traditional school setting, and provide firsthand experience in the field of renewable energy. EnergyMag internships are quite adaptable, and students receive a Letter of Accomplishment and appreciation upon completion of the internship.
During the internship, students will receive support, guidance, and supervision from a mentor as they perform their duties. They will learn how to conduct research in scientific or business issues, how to analyze and synthesize their findings from multiple sources, and how to communicate and interact professionally with other professionals in positions of authority.
9. Startup Internship Program by Empowerly
Location: Virtual
Program Dates: Fall, Spring, and Summer cohorts
Eligibility: 9th - college students
The Empowerly Startup Internship Program has been featured in Forbes 30 Under 30 and offers students a rewarding educational experience that helps them explore different career parts, collaborate with over 40 startups, and develop their professional skills to elevate their college applications and build their professional careers.
The Empowerly Program spans across various fields including finance, education, artificial intelligence, telecommunications, health, beauty, and more, offering students a wide array of opportunities to choose from. Students can benefit from their flexible sessions that are adapted to accommodate their busy schedules, as they receive real-world experiences and build a strong network of connections with peers and professionals in the field.
10. Science and Engineering Apprenticeship Program (SEAP) at the Department of Navy (DoN)
Stipend: $4000 for new participants, $4500 for returning participants
Location: Various labs across the Florida
Duration: 8 weeks, 40 hours per week
Application Deadline: Applications are scheduled to open in August
Program Dates: Based on the lab
Eligibility: US citizens or permanent residents, at least 15 years of age or on before the beginning date of their lab (some labs may make an exception). Certain labs may require interns to be 18 years old for security clearance
The Science and Engineering Apprenticeship Program at the Department of Navy offers students access to various opportunities across the country, including highly coveted internships at labs such as the NAWCTSD Naval Air Warfare Center Training Systems Division, the FRCSE Naval Air Systems Command Fleet Readiness Center Southeast, and more.
Inspiring interns have the option to apply to three labs from all the available options in the program, each with varying subjects of interest and unique benefits.
11. Army Educational Outreach Program (AEOP)’s High School Internships
Cost: None. Interns receive an educational stipend
Location: Varies
Duration: Varies
Application Deadline: Varies
Eligibility: US citizens or permanent residents who are currently enrolled in high school. Additional requirements may vary depending on the internship in questions
The United States Army Educational Outreach Program involves a wide range of internship opportunities available to high school students at institutions across the country. They cover various fields and roles, and are designed to offer students an enriching, practical learning experience to widen their knowledge and deepen their understanding of their subject.
The program may also focus on military-connected families and minority populations in an effort to make education more accessible.
USAEOP offers various opportunities of all kinds, such as Gains in the Education of Mathematics and Science (GEMS) which is a summer STEM enrichment program, or Unite, which is a pre-collegiate summer experience for high school students.
12. Johns Hopkins Internship in Brain Science (JHIBS) Program
Stipend: Virtual interns receive a $500 scholarship upon successful completion of the program.
Acceptance Rate: 4-5%. About 8 students are selected as JHIB interns.
Location: Virtual
Duration: 5 weeks for the virtual summer experience.
Application Deadline: December 1 to March 1 for the summer programs
Eligibility: Juniors and seniors enrolled in a summer program under Johns Hopkins Career, Academic, and Research Experiences for Students (CARES) from across the country.
In the Johns Hopkins Internship Program, students are guided and mentored by faculty, staff, and university students as they conduct research and work on a project.
Virtual interns receive mentorship training, development training, and more. They also enjoy other activities related to science, including educational presentations, basic laboratory techniques, and experiments.