15 Internships for High School Students in Irvine
Internships for high school students allow you to put classroom learning into practice, explore your interests, and see what a career in your chosen field might look like. An internship is a great way to connect with professionals who can help guide your future academic and career path. Doing an internship can also strengthen your resume and give you valuable experiences to write about in college applications.
There are many organizations in Irvine that offer internships for high school students. UC Irvine offers research programs in STEM and medicine, while local hospitals, nonprofits, and political offices also work with high school students. These internships include a range of experiences, from running lab experiments to supporting community outreach projects. To help you navigate these choices, we’ve gathered 15 internships for high school students in Irvine.
1. USC Center for the Political Future Internship
Cohort Size: Highly selective
Location: Virtual
Cost: Not specified
Dates: June 1 – August 1
Application Deadline: May 19
Eligibility: High school students, GPA 3.5+
The USC Center Program gives high school students an opportunity to explore environmental policy and legislation. In this program, you’ll choose a local, state, or federal bill related to sustainability and complete two major assignments: a policy memo and a legislative process analysis. With guidance from USC mentors and instructors, you will learn how to evaluate the political and social factors that influence whether a bill is passed, failed, or remains active. By the end of the program, you’ll have applied political research skills to a real-world issue and produced work similar to what college students complete in policy research programs and environmental studies. The internship is fully online, making it accessible to high school students nationwide.
2. Ladder Internships
Cohort Size: Selective; varies by program
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies by program format; financial aid available
Dates: 8–16 weeks, offered year-round (spring, summer, fall, and winter cohorts)
Application Deadline: Varies by cohort; fall deadline is August 24
Eligibility: High school students, undergraduates, or gap year students; 5–15 hours per week
Ladder Internships is a remote program that connects high school students with startups and nonprofits working in exciting fields such as health tech, AI, mental health, consulting, and more. You will work on real projects for your assigned organization while receiving personalized guidance from both a coach and your site manager. Group sessions with other interns will boost your teamwork, communication, and collaboration skills. Because the program is flexible and virtual, you can build career skills and complete meaningful work without leaving home. You can check out the application form to learn about the available internship formats.
3. UCI Cancer Research Institute Summer Youth Science Fellowship
Cohort Size: 20 students
Location: Cancer Research Institute, University of California, Irvine
Cost: Free
Dates: June 23 - August 1, 2025
Application Deadline: February 23
Eligibility: Current 11th and 12th-graders from Orange County high schools
This highly selective six-week program allows high school students to conduct real cancer research at UCI, alongside scientists and mentors. You’ll spend over 30 hours a week in the lab, working on an independent research project designed and guided by a UCI faculty mentor. Throughout the program, you’ll gain technical lab experience, learn biomedical science, and see how lab discoveries can lead to breakthroughs in science. The fellowship ends with a research symposium where you present your findings to other students and faculty. The program generally accepts only 20 students per year and acceptance is based on academic merit and the needs of UCI research labs.
4. Irvine CubeSat STEM Program
Cohort Size: 100 students from 6 public schools
Location: Various institutions across Irvine, CA
Cost: $1,500
Dates: Not specified
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: Students from underrepresented groups attending public high schools in Irvine
The Irvine CubeSat STEM Program gives high school students an opportunity to build and launch real satellites into space. You’ll work with a team of students to assemble, program, test, and launch CubeSat, a miniature satellite launched into low Earth orbit (LEO) to perform a number of scientific experiments and explore new space technologies. You won’t just be studying aerospace concepts in class, but putting them into action on an actual space mission. Faculty mentors, industry experts, and nonprofit partners will support you through technical challenges and guide your progress.Collaboration is an important part of the experience; you will work closely with other students, teachers, and parent volunteers throughout the project.
5. CHOC’s Mi4 Summer Internship Program
Cohort Size: Not specified
Location: Children’s Hospital of Orange County (CHOC), Orange (15 minutes from Irvine)
Cost: Free
Dates: June 22 – August 17
Application Deadline: February 28 (rolling admissions; early recommended)
Eligibility: All high school students
CHOC’s Medical Intelligence and Innovation Institute (Mi4) internship introduces high school students to cutting-edge healthcare fields such as nanomedicine, robotics, genomic medicine, and medical devices. You will shadow physicians, attend hands-on clinical workshops, and participate in journal clubs focused on AI in medicine. The highlight of the program is developing and presenting a research project or healthcare invention. Students with top projects may even earn an opportunity to present your work at the international AIMed conference. The Mi4 internship for high school students in Irvine values creativity, diversity, and curiosity, seeking students who can think beyond the status quo and want to make a difference to healthcare.
6. COSMOS at UC Irvine
Cohort Size: Not specified
Location: University of California, Irvine
Cost: $4,770 (financial aid available)
Dates: July 9 – August 4
Application Deadline: February 10
Eligibility: California high school students (and some 8th graders) with a GPA of 3.0+
COSMOS is a four-week residential internship for high school students in Irvine, run by the University of California. At UCI Irvine, you’ll choose a “cluster” such as data science in health, bioengineering, and sustainable aviation and study it in depth through lectures, labs, and real-world projects. Working in pairs or small groups, you will complete a project under the guidance of UCI faculty, graduate students, and researchers. The program combines classroom learning with lab work and fieldwork, giving you a taste of how scientists approach problems. At the end of the program, you’ll share your findings at a formal poster presentation. You will leave COSMOS with technical training, research experience, and a clearer idea of your career goals.
7. UCI x GATI BEAM
Cohort Size: Not specified
Location: University of California, Irvine
Cost: $3,995 – $9,495 (depending on track; scholarships available)
Dates: July 6 - 19
Application Deadline: March 31
Eligibility: All high school students
BEAM (BIO-Engineering AI Medicine), run by UCI in partnership with the Gifted and Talented Institute (GATI), offers high school students an opportunity to experience the world of research and innovation. You can opt for tracks in Biology, Engineering, Artificial Intelligence, and Medicine, and depending on your choice, you’ll explore areas such as neurobiology, aerospace, and chemical engineering. Under the guidance of UCI faculty, you’ll work on research projects, sharpen your technical skills and even earn up to 4 college credits for your work. The program combines academic learning with hands-on lab work to prepare you for advanced STEM studies. BEAM offers both online and in-person options, giving you flexibility with regard to your participation.
8. California State Summer School for the Arts
Cohort Size: Not specified
Location: California Institute of the Arts, Santa Clarita (about one hour from Irvine)
Cost: $4,250 (financial aid available)
Dates: July 8 – August 4
Application Deadline: February 28
Eligibility: Rising high school students
This month-long residential program provides professional training to high school students across a wide range of artistic fields. You can choose from areas such as animation, dance, film, music, theater, visual arts, or creative writing, with each track blending instruction with workshops, field trips, and guest lectures. Applicants must submit a sample of their work—such as a short film, audition recording, or writing sample—making the experience tailored to students who take their art seriously. Graduates of the program are named California Arts Scholars, a recognition that adds weight to college and scholarship applications. You will also earn 3 units of college extension credit, giving you a formal academic boost.
9. Bank of America Student Leadership Program
Cohort Size: Selective; acceptance rate 5–8%
Location: Orange County, CA + one-week summit in Washington, D.C.
Stipend: Paid
Dates: Summer (8 weeks)
Application Deadline: January 12
Eligibility: Current 11th and 12th graders legally authorized to work in the U.S.
This national program pairs high school students with local nonprofits for an eight-week paid internship. In Orange County, you’ll work directly with community organizations, gaining experience in service and leadership. A major highlight of the program is the fully funded summit in Washington, D.C., where you’ll meet students from across the country and hear from national leaders about how nonprofits, businesses, and government work together to drive change. The program is highly selective and best suited for students eager to take on leadership roles and community service.
10. Congresswoman Sánchez’ Congressional Internship Program
Cohort Size: Not specified
Location: Cerritos, CA (near Irvine)
Cost: Free
Dates: June – August (3–4 months)
Application Deadline: Early May
Eligibility: High school and college students with a GPA of 3.0+
This internship offers school students a first-hand look into working of the government at the local level. As an intern, you’ll help with constituent services, community outreach, event planning, and office communication. Interns also collaborate with community-based organizations and gain an understanding of how a congressional office operates on a day-to-day basis. The program includes professional development sessions in social services, translation, and policy research. If you are interested in politics, law or community leadership, or simply want to develop communication and organizational skills in a political environment, this internship would be the place to go.
11. Assemblymember Cristina Garcia Internship Program
Cohort Size: Not specified
Location: Downey, CA (commutable from Irvine)
Stipend: Free (unpaid; school credit available)
Dates: Flexible; summer internships typically June – August
Application Deadline: January 31 (extended deadline; varies by year)
Eligibility: High school and college students, GPA 2.5+
This program introduces high school students to the workings of a California State Assembly district office. As an intern, you’ll take part in community outreach, constituency events, and other programs while learning about how state governments function and how policies are shaped at the local level. The program is unpaid but offers flexible scheduling, making it easier to balance with your school commitments. Interns will acquire skills in communication, teamwork, and leadership, while exploring career options in public service. The program is especially valuable if you are interested in politics, government careers and making a difference in the community.
12. Orange County Superior Court Emergency Management Internship
Cohort Size: Not specified
Location: Santa Ana, CA (near Irvine)
Cost: Free
Dates: Summer; application deadline March 31
Application Deadline: Not available
Eligibility: High school students and recent graduates
The Orange County internship gives high school students an opportunity to work inside the Court’s Emergency Response and Security Services Unit, where you’ll learn how institutions prepare for crisis situations. As an intern, you’ll attend FEMA training, help research emergency planning strategies, and participate in exercises and drills. Each intern also completes a hands-on project or capstone paper to add to their professional portfolio. The program would be a good fit if you are interested in public service, safety, and emergency management.
13. Johns Hopkins Virtual Internship in Brain Sciences (JHIBS)
Cohort Size: Not specified
Location: Virtual
Cost Free
Dates: July – August (5 weeks)
Application Deadline: December 1 – March 1
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors
JHIBS is a five week program that introduces high school students to the fascinating world of neuroscience. You’ll explore core brain science concepts, take part in research-based activities, and learn basic lab techniques, all from home. You’ll also receive mentorship and career training from neuroscientists, to help you understand future paths in neuroscience and related fields. Students join the program from across the country, creating a diverse and collaborative environment where you can share ideas and build connections. At the end of the program, you’ll receive a certificate of completion that recognizes your work and learning..
14. NASA OSTEM Internships
Cohort Size: Not specified
Location: Virtual + NASA Centers Nationwide
Stipend: Most interns receive a stipend (some unpaid opportunities)
Dates: Late May – August (Summer Session)
Application Deadline: February 28 (Summer)
Eligibility: U.S. citizens, age 16+, GPA 3.0+, enrolled full-time in school
NASA’s OSTEM Internships give high school students an opportunity to do something extra-ordinary – contribute to real projects that support NASA’s mission of exploration and discovery. Depending on your placement, you may work with engineers, scientists, or specialists in technology, or even join teams in finance, or communications. Internship positions can be full-time or part-time, and interns receive mentoring and training throughout the program. Internships are available across NASA centers or in virtual formats, with sessions offered year-round.
15. Foreign Policy Research Institute (FPRI) High School Internship
Cohort Size: Selective
Location: Virtual / In-person at FPRI
Stipend: Paid and unpaid options available
Dates: June – August (Summer Session)
Application Deadline: Rolling (varies by cohort)
Eligibility: High school students with strong writing and research skills
The Foreign Policy Research Institute (FPRI) internship gives high school students an opportunity to explore international relations and policy research. As an intern, you will support FPRI’s work by attending seminars, assisting with research, and choosing a focus area such as communications, event planning, or operations. Career development workshops are part of the program, helping you build skills in teamwork, communication, and time management – all necessary for future success. Some interns may also contribute to research publications – an experience that will stand out on any future applications. With both paid and unpaid options, and flexible scheduling, this internship is accessible to students nationwide.
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