15 Internships for High School Students in Georgia

If you’re a high school student in Georgia, an internship can help you explore careers while developing professional and technical skills early on. These programs allow you to step into real workplaces, from tech companies and hospitals to research labs and law offices. They help you see what day-to-day work in each field looks like. You’ll learn from mentors, work on projects, and explore your interests before choosing a college major. Many internships also offer stipends or college-level training, giving you both experience and financial support.

Internships in Georgia offer high school students experience in a range of industries, such as healthcare, technology, law, and public service. Programs like the TAG-Ed High School Summer Internship and GTRI STEM internships can prepare you for future careers and enhance your college applications. To help you find a good fit, here’s a list of 15 internships in Georgia for high school students who want to build skills and gain industry exposure.

15 Internships for High School Students in Georgia

1. Microsoft Discovery Program

Location: Microsoft campus, Atlanta, GA
Cost/Stipend: No cost / Stipend paid, amount not specified
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive; typically small cohorts
Dates: July 7 – August 1
Application Deadline: Typically late February
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors who live and attend school within the Atlanta Public Schools, DeKalb, Fulton, Cobb, and Gwinnett County School Districts | Completed pre-calculus or an equivalent course by the start of the program

The Microsoft Discovery Program is a 4-week summer internship designed for graduating high school seniors who are about to enter college. It offers students hands-on experience in technology by introducing them to core computer science concepts, providing mentorship from Microsoft employees, and helping them develop career readiness skills. Over four weeks, you’ll explore software development, product design, and UX research through guided team projects. Interns learn to approach real-world problems creatively and present solutions to Microsoft mentors. The program also includes career workshops and networking opportunities with professionals. 

2. Ladder Internship Program

Location: Remote
Cost/Stipend: Varies according to program type; financial aid is available / No stipend
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 10 – 25%; 70 – 100 students
Dates: 8–12 weeks; multiple cohorts through the year, including summer, fall, winter, and spring
Application Deadline: January (Spring), May (Summer), September (Fall), November (Winter)
Eligibility: High school students, undergraduates, and gap year students who can work 10 – 20 hours per week for 8 – 12 weeks

Ladder Internships places students at high-growth startups across industries such as technology, health, and marketing. These startups are backed by Y Combinator, whose founders have experience at companies like Google, McKinsey, and Microsoft. You’ll work on live projects and collaborate closely with managers while receiving support from a dedicated Ladder coach. Interns develop communication, problem-solving, and project management skills through hands-on assignments. The virtual setup allows students to join from anywhere, offering flexibility alongside professional exposure. This program is ideal for those looking to understand how startups operate and build experience before college. You can apply here.

3. TAG-Ed High School Summer Internship Program

Location: Companies across Georgia
Stipend: $1,500
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive; cohort size varies by placements
Dates: 8 weeks (June – July)
Application Deadline: Late February to Early April
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors aged 17 and older

The TAG-Ed High School Summer Internship Program is a highly competitive, paid internship aimed at outstanding high school juniors and seniors (age 17+) interested in STEM fields. Over eight weeks during the summer, interns are paired with Georgia-based host companies where they work collaboratively on real projects with clear goals. You’ll collaborate with peers, receive mentorship from professionals, and apply classroom knowledge to real industry tasks. Weekly progress reviews help track growth in communication and technical ability. The program provides valuable workplace exposure and prepares students for future STEM opportunities.

4. Bank of America Student Leaders Program

Location: Multiple Georgia cities and counties
Cost/Stipend: No cost / Stipend paid, amount not specified
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; over 300 students
Dates: 8 weeks in the summer. Student Leaders Summit: July 21 – 26
Application Deadline: January 15
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors who are first-time applicants and legally authorized to work in the U.S. | Reside in an eligible location and be in good academic standing

The Bank of America Student Leaders Program is designed to empower high school juniors and seniors across the U.S. by providing an 8-week paid internship at local nonprofit organizations. You develop leadership, teamwork, and community engagement skills by contributing to meaningful projects. Every year, over 300 students from nearly 100 communities participate in paid eight-week internships with local nonprofits such as Habitat for Humanity and the Boys and Girls Clubs of America. You also attend a week-long Student Leadership Summit in Washington, D.C., to meet peers and learn from national leaders. 

5. UGA Young Scholars Internship Program

Location: University of Georgia campuses in Athens, Griffin, or Tifton
Stipend: Paid, amount not specified
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; 20 – 25 students per location
Dates: July 1 – 10
Application Deadline: January 23
Eligibility: High school students who are 16+ by the program start date | Completed sophomore year | Completed one lab science course and one semester of algebra

The University of Georgia (UGA) Young Scholars Internship Program is a paid five to six-week summer internship for high school juniors and seniors interested in agricultural, food, and environmental sciences. You work roughly 30 hours per week conducting supervised research under the mentorship of UGA faculty on the Athens, Griffin, or Tifton campuses. Students are placed in university labs and work under faculty mentorship. You participate in workshops, field visits, and data-driven projects that explore sustainability and innovation. The internship emphasizes scientific thinking, teamwork, and presentation skills. It concludes with a research conference where students present their findings to peers and mentors.

6. Emory Winship Cancer Institute Summer Scholars Research Program

Location: Emory Winship Cancer Institute, Atlanta, GA
Cost/Stipend: No cost / $2,400 stipend
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; 10–12 students
Dates: June 9 – July 18
Application Deadline: Typically early February
Eligibility: Rising or graduating high school seniors aged 16 or older by the program start date

The Winship Cancer Institute’s Summer Scholars Program gives high school students hands-on exposure to cancer research and clinical science. You work under the mentorship of physicians or researchers on laboratory and data-driven projects. Students attend lectures led by oncology experts and visit institutions such as the CDC to understand real-world medical research. The internship concludes with a symposium where participants present their findings to faculty. You’ll gain both lab experience and insight into careers in biomedical research. It’s a selective and rewarding program for aspiring scientists.

7. Atlanta Bar Association Summer Law Internship Program (SLIP)

Location: Atlanta, GA
Stipend: $2,000
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive; 35 – 45 interns annually
Dates: June 8 – July 17
Application Deadline: March 19
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors from the Atlanta area

The SLIP program introduces high school students to the workings of the legal system through placements at firms, courts, and legal departments. You complete administrative and research assignments while learning how attorneys prepare and manage cases. Students also attend weekly sessions with guest speakers and analyze a 750-word essay focused on Supreme Court decisions. The program pairs each intern with mentors who guide their professional development. You’ll get exposure to courtroom settings, client interactions, and civic engagement. It’s a practical opportunity to understand the responsibilities of legal professionals.

8. Emory University - NextGen High School Internship Program

Location: Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA
Stipend: $2,600
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive; around 12 students
Dates: June 2 – July 9
Application Deadline: February 14
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors or seniors aged 16 or older by June 2

Emory’s NextGen High School Internship exposes students to genetics and biomedical research while promoting diversity in STEM fields. You receive hands-on training in laboratory procedures and data interpretation, and participate in lectures, mentorship sessions, and activities designed to connect science with public health. Faculty and graduate mentors guide students through clinical and research tasks to build foundational technical skills. The internship also includes professional development sessions focused on STEM careers. It’s a comprehensive experience for students interested in medicine or genetics.

9. ACLU Georgia Internship Program

Location: American Civil Liberties Union, Atlanta, GA
Stipend: Generally unpaid, except for the legal internship program
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive; cohort size varies as per placement
Dates: Summer, fall, and spring options available
Application Deadline: Varies by season and type of program
Eligibility: All high school students

The ACLU of Georgia offers internships for students passionate about civil rights and public policy. You assist in departments such as communications, community outreach, and legal research, where you’ll contribute to ongoing projects, attend team meetings, and observe how advocacy organizations operate day to day. The program provides valuable insight into legal reform and civic action while helping students strengthen research and writing skills. You also receive mentorship from professionals in law and policy. The program is a strong fit for students interested in justice and advocacy work.

10. University of Georgia VetCAMP (Veterinary Career Aptitude and Mentoring Program)

Location: University of Georgia, Athens, GA
Cost/Stipend: $1,000 program fee + $20 deposits; partial scholarships are available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; around 50 students annually
Dates: May 31 – June 6
Application Deadline: January 20
Eligibility: Current 10 – 12th graders who are U.S. residents and at least 16 years old at the time of application

VetCAMP is a week-long residential program hosted by the UGA College of Veterinary Medicine. You’ll shadow professionals and explore careers in veterinary medicine through lab demonstrations, hospital tours, and diagnostic exercises. The camp includes surgery and anatomy sessions, career panels, and field activities in poultry and wildlife care. Each participant receives mentoring from faculty and veterinary students, offering a glimpse of life in vet school. Group projects and presentations help strengthen communication and teamwork skills. The program includes a highlight field trip, which is typically a behind-the-scenes tour of a major off-site veterinary medicine partner, such as the Georgia Aquarium.

11. Georgia Tech Summer Engineering Institute (SEI)

Location: Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA
Cost/Stipend: No cost or stipend
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; Typically small cohorts
Dates: June 8 – 16
Application Deadline: Typically mid-February
Eligibility: Rising 11th and 12th graders interested in engineering, science, math, or technology

The Summer Engineering Institute (SEI) at Georgia Tech is a selective, residential summer opportunity designed for high school students transitioning into their junior or senior year. You are immersed in an intensive curriculum that allows you to investigate engineering and computer science principles through hands-on lab experiments, collaborative design challenges, and organized technical workshops. The program covers the breadth of engineering fields, demonstrating how areas such as mechanical, electrical, and computational science converge in problem-solving scenarios. You attend daily sessions focused on cultivating critical analytical skills, mastering technical instruments, and enhancing teamwork. Furthermore, they benefit from direct interaction with Georgia Tech's professors and current students both formally and informally. 

12. Project ENGAGES – Georgia Tech

Location: Atlanta, GA
Cost/Stipend: No cost / Stipend paid, amount not specified
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; likely 15 – 30 students
Dates: June – May; Summer (35 hrs/week) + school year (15 hrs/week)
Application Deadline: March 7
Eligibility: High school students from partner Atlanta public schools | Overall GPA of 83 (3.0) or above and science course GPA of 83 (3.0) or above

The Project ENGAGES initiative offers select high school scholars the unique chance to conduct long-term research within the specialized laboratories at Georgia Tech. You acquire expertise in experimental methodologies, data acquisition, and analytical techniques, working with lab equipment specific to their assignment, such as mechatronics setups, embedded systems development tools, or specialized biomedical instruments. Students focused on robotics may specifically request placements in labs dedicated to autonomous systems, advanced sensing, or control theory, providing them with practical exposure to microcontrollers, fundamental ROS (Robot Operating System) procedures, or computer vision workflows. It also involves enrichment sessions and field trips to industry partners.

13. North Georgia Wildlife Park Internship

Location: North Georgia Wildlife Park, Cleveland, GA
Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; cohort size varies by seasonal need
Dates: Available year-round (Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter sessions)
Application Deadline: Rolling acceptance
Eligibility: High school students aged 16+

This three-month internship offers immersive, hands-on work with exotic and domestic animals at the North Georgia Wildlife Park. You help with daily husbandry tasks like feeding, cleaning, and enrichment while assisting zookeepers and educators. You’ll learn about animal behavior, public engagement, and zoo operations in a professional wildlife setting. The experience also includes opportunities to participate in farm maintenance, educational tours, and community outreach. You will undergo interviews before acceptance, and housing may be available on-site. The internship provides a solid foundation for anyone pursuing wildlife or veterinary careers.

14. Zoo Atlanta Volunteen Program

Location: Zoo Atlanta, Atlanta, GA
Cost/Stipend: $30 orientation fee; scholarships are available / No stipend
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; cohort size varies each year based on the Zoo's needs and the number of qualified applicants selected through the interview process
Dates: June – May (year-round program)
Application Deadline: January 31
Eligibility: High school students aged 14 – 17

Zoo Atlanta’s Volunteen Program is a year-long experience combining conservation education with community engagement. The program begins with a five-day summer training session that prepares you for on-site volunteering. As a Volunteen, you’ll commit to at least 160 service hours supporting visitor engagement and species education. Returning participants may also assist animal care staff with enrichment and husbandry tasks under supervision. It’s designed to help students explore zoology, animal behavior, and conservation careers through practical exposure. The experience also builds long-term teamwork and leadership skills.

15. Banfield NextVet Internship

Location: Atlanta Area, Georgia (including specific hospitals in locations like Douglasville and Roswell, though this may vary each year)
Stipend: Paid, amount not specified
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive; approximately 30 students
Dates: 6 – 10 weeks in the summer
Application Deadline: February – March
Eligibility: High school students, aged 16+

Banfield’s NextVet Internship introduces students to clinical veterinary practice through a hybrid learning format. Over eight weeks, you’ll shadow veterinarians and technicians, observe animal wellness exams, and complete a structured online learning curriculum. The program emphasizes teamwork, patient care, and professional communication within real veterinary environments. The program pairs you with a mentor who provides guidance and feedback throughout the internship. You earn a stipend while developing foundational clinical and interpersonal skills. This program is one of the most practical ways to experience daily veterinary work before college.

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Dhruva Bhat

Dhruva Bhat is one of the co-founders of Ladder, and a Harvard College graduate. Dhruva founded Ladder Internships as a DPhil candidate and Rhodes Scholar at Oxford University, with a vision to bridge the gap between ambitious students and real-world startup experiences.

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