15 Internships for High School Students in Kansas
An internship bridges the gap between classroom theory and application, allowing you to test out different career paths before committing to a college major. Beyond gaining specialized technical skills, you will develop soft skills such as professional communication, time management, and collaborative problem-solving. These experiences significantly boost your employability odds as employers increasingly favor candidates with proven workplace experience. They enhance your college applications by demonstrating the initiative and discipline that admissions officers look for.
What internships are open to high school students in Kansas?
Internships in Kansas offer high school students access to global leaders in agribusiness (Scoular, Koch Industries), aerospace (Textron Aviation, Spirit AeroSystems), and healthcare (The University of Kansas Health System). Because Kansas has a strong focus on professional preparation, many local organizations offer high school students meaningful internships, often providing stipends and professional certifications. Furthermore, the state’s professional networks can help you build connections that might lead to full-time job offers after college.
Below, we have listed 15 great internships for high school students in Kansas.
1. Learning Club Teaching Internship Program
Location: Kansas City, Kansas
Stipend: $20 per session
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; approximately 80 interns across five urban core high schools
Dates: Academic year, beginning mid-September
Application Deadline: Rolling basis
Eligibility: High school students in Kansas City, Kansas
The Learning Club Teaching Internship Program offers high school students in Kansas City, Kansas, the opportunity to explore teaching as a career while serving their local community. You will tutor elementary students one-on-one in reading, writing, math, and homework support while acting as a mentor and positive role model. In addition to hands-on tutoring, you receive structured training in leadership, life skills, and education-focused career development. Training topics include financial literacy, college planning, resume building, interview skills, and self-care. The program removes common barriers by providing transportation and a weekly stipend, and graduating interns may apply for a long-term teaching scholarship to support their future education careers.
2. Ladder Internship Program
Location: Remote
Cost/Stipend: Varies depending on the program type; financial aid available / No stipend
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 10–25%; 70–100 students
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year, including Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter
Application Deadline: Varies depending on the cohort; Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), and Winter (November)
Eligibility: High school, undergraduate, and gap year students who can work for 10–20 hours/week, for 8–12 weeks
Through Ladder Internships, you gain direct access to fast-paced, venture-backed startups specializing in cutting-edge fields like deep tech and AI. You will collaborate closely with startup managers on high-impact projects while benefiting from the personalized guidance of a dedicated mentor. This experience allows you to refine your professional skills by executing real-world tasks and presenting your final results to executive leadership. It is a particularly effective path for Kansas state-based students seeking a flexible yet highly structured bridge into the economy. By the end, you’ll have developed project management and industry-specific communication within a rapidly scaling business environment.
3. Nex-Generation Round Up for Youth Inc – Summer Internship Program
Location: Northwest and North Central Kansas (in-person at local businesses)
Stipend: Minimum $12/hr
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; 100–140+ interns placed across the region annually
Dates: May 21 – August 3
Application Deadline: March 1
Eligibility: High school students from the 28-county area of Northwest or North Central Kansas, age 16+
The Nex-Gen Summer Internship Program connects high school students with paid internship opportunities at local businesses across rural Kansas. You gain real-world professional experience while developing transferable skills such as communication, organization, leadership, and problem-solving. Internships are designed to expose you to a wide range of career paths while strengthening ties between young people and their local communities. Businesses benefit by gaining fresh perspectives and the opportunity to mentor and evaluate future talent. The program plays a key role in supporting youth retention and sustaining rural economies by helping students envision long-term careers in their home regions.
4. The University of Kansas – Accelerate Cancer Education (ACE) Program
Location: The University of Kansas Cancer Center (in-person), Kansas City area
Stipend: $2,940
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; 10–15 students
Dates: 6-weeks (Mid-June to late July)
Application Deadline: Typically, early Spring
Eligibility: High school students residing in Wyandotte County, Kansas who are 16+
The Accelerate Cancer Education (ACE) Program is a paid summer research experience designed to introduce high school students to careers in oncology and biomedical research. It introduces you to an oncology-focused curriculum and pairs you with faculty mentors for individualized research projects. Projects may take place in laboratory, clinical, or office-based research settings, allowing students to explore multiple facets of cancer research. Throughout the program, you gain exposure to potential career pathways in medicine and science while developing research and professional skills. The experience concludes with a poster presentation.
5. KU Health Science Academy (HSA) Program
Location: Primarily at the KUMC Kansas City Campus, KS
Stipend: Paid, amount not specified
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; limited cohort sizes
Dates: 5 weeks during the summer; typically starting in June and ending in mid-July
Application Deadline: Usually in the early spring
Eligibility: High school students enrolled in Kansas City, Kansas Public Schools (KCKPS)
In the KU Health Science Academy, you immerse yourself in an intensive five-week summer journey exploring healthcare pathways like medicine and nursing. You will engage in activities such as complex dissections, lab workshops, and professional shadowing. In the closing ceremony, you will present original research projects to medical experts and community stakeholders. Beyond clinical knowledge, you develop essential skills in critical thinking, scientific communication, and collaborative problem-solving. This program bridges the gap between high school and professional medical environments. By participating, you gain a competitive edge and a clear vision for your future healthcare career.
6. Kiewit LEAD High School Internship
Location: Lenexa, KS
Stipend: Paid, amount not specified
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; small-group cohorts
Dates: 8–10 weeks during the summer (Late May/June to early August
Application Deadline: Early January
Eligibility: Incoming high school juniors or seniors
In the Kiewit LEAD High School Internship, you explore the world of engineering, construction, and design through professional immersion. You will dive into topics like infrastructure planning, project safety, and quality control while tackling real-world business problems. Throughout the summer, you will engage in key activities like creating design sketches with AutoCAD, analyzing technical data, and delivering a final capstone presentation. You receive direct mentorship from industry experts, providing you with high-level responsibility rarely given to students. By participating, you develop skills in critical thinking, public speaking, and collaborative teamwork. This experience effectively bridges the gap between your classroom learning and a successful career in the field.
7. YEP (Youth Employment Project) - Wichita Workforce Center
Location: Wichita Workforce Center, Wichita, KS
Stipend: Paid, amount not specified
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; large cohort size
Dates: Summer Focus: Workshops begin in March; main internships typically run for 8 weeks during June and July
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Eligibility: Students ages 14–15 for workshops/Camp HYPE; ages 16+ are eligible for paid work experience/internships
The Wichita Youth Employment Project (YEP) is a bridge between high school and your future career, where you explore vital topics like financial literacy, business etiquette, and customer service while receiving personalized coaching at the Wichita Workforce Center. You will draft a professional resume, participate in mock interviews, and attend the four-day Camp HYPE summer sessions. You complete specialized camps and have opportunities for paid internships with major local employers like Textron Aviation. Ultimately, you graduate with a Youth Essential Skills Certificate, significantly boosting your employability and confidence.
8. World Food Prize – Kansas Youth Institute
Location: Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS
Stipend: $500 scholarship to Kansas State University’s College of Agriculture
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Non-selective to selective; usually between 50 and 100 students from across the state
Dates: March 6
Application Deadline: February 23
Eligibility: High school students in Kansas public or private schools
In the World Food Prize – Kansas Youth Institute, you will tackle global hunger by researching critical topics like sustainable agriculture, water scarcity, and international policy. During this intensive day at Kansas State University, you will present your original research, engage in expert-led roundtable discussions, and participate in science immersion activities. The program provides an opportunity to earn a scholarship to K-State and qualify as a Borlaug Scholar for prestigious international internships. You will develop public speaking, professional networking, and analytical writing skills while connecting with global leaders. Ultimately, this program empowers you to transform from a student into a visionary advocate for global food security.
9. Kansas Legislative Internship Program (Topeka)
Location: Kansas State Capitol Building, Topeka, KS
Stipend: Variable; most positions are unpaid, but interns who complete all program requirements may be eligible for a small stipend or mileage reimbursement
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; cohort size depends on the number of legislators willing to host an intern for the session
Dates: Align with the Legislative Session (typically mid-January through April)
Application Deadline: December 1
Eligibility: Any student enrolled in secondary (high school) or post-secondary education who is earning credit or making academic progress
During the Kansas Legislative Internship Program in Topeka, you will gain a front-row seat to state government by working directly with a legislator. You dive into critical topics like education finance, healthcare policy, and tax legislation while navigating the fast-paced environment of the Statehouse. Your experience will include tracking bills, drafting constituent correspondence, and developing your own policy proposal to present at the session's end. The program features weekly seminars where you network with high-ranking officials and lobbyists. This internship ultimately provides you with a competitive edge for your future academic and professional pursuits.
10. Johnson County Wastewater Internships
Location: Olathe, KS (Main Wastewater Offices and various field sites in Johnson County)
Stipend: Unpaid (may be paid at the time of application based on recruitment needs and program funding)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; small cohorts
Dates: 12 weeks maximum across multiple cohorts, including spring, summer, fall, and winter
Application Deadline: Varies as per cohort (Spring: January 23)
Eligibility: Students who are at least 16 years old and currently enrolled in an accredited high school
In this internship, you explore water reclamation and environmental stewardship through hands-on public service. You will dive into topics like water quality standards, asset management, and the regulatory frameworks that keep your community safe. Throughout the program, you will participate in sample collection, conduct lab analysis for parameters like pH and turbidity, and attend official Board of County Commission meetings. A standout feature is the professional mentorship, offering you direct networking with utility leadership and personalized resume audits. By the end, you will have developed data interpretation and technical reporting skills.
11. The University of Kansas Health System – ELEVATE Internship
Location: Various TUKHS locations across Kansas
Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; cohort size depends on the number of mentors/departments available each semester
Dates: Semester-long
Application Deadline: Rolling basis
Eligibility: High school juniors or seniors, at least 16 years old, and enrolled in an academic credit course at a school with a current affiliation agreement
This semester-long program allows you to explore over 100 clinical and nonclinical career paths, ranging from direct patient care to hospital administration. You’ll shadow diverse professionals, assist with tasks, and observe complex medical procedures. The internship features a tiered placement system, which enables you to focus on a single profession or rotate through three different specialties. By participating, you’ll sharpen your clinical reasoning, master HIPAA regulations, and build professional networking skills crucial for your future career. This experience bridges the gap between high school academics and the real-world healthcare workforce, ensuring you are better prepared for your next steps.
12. University of Kansas – Summer Venture in Business (SVB)
Location: Lawrence, Kansas (University of Kansas Campus)
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive; approximately 50 students
Dates: June 15 – 20; July 13 – 18
Application Deadline: Typically around March 31st or until the program is full
Eligibility: Rising 11th–12th grade students
The Summer Venture in Business is a residential immersion hosted by the KU School of Business that offers a firsthand glimpse into the professional world. This scholarship-funded academy replaces traditional lectures with interactive sessions led by faculty, focusing on core fields like entrepreneurship, marketing, and management. You will gain valuable industry perspective through corporate site visits, alumni networking, and workshops with business partners. Beyond the classroom, the program fosters a sense of community through evening socials, mentorship panels, and campus tours, helping you build a professional foundation.
13. KU Medical Center (KUMC) KEE Research and Observation Experiences
Location: KU Medical Center, Kansas City, KS
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not applicable
Dates: Year–round
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Eligibility: U.S. citizens, permanent residents, or DACA recipients aged 16 or older
The University of Kansas Medical Center’s KEE program provides a firsthand insight into the intersection of medical innovation and patient care. You will learn about healthcare by shadowing a multi-disciplinary team in a clinical setting and observing discoveries inside a high-tech laboratory. These structured opportunities allow you to participate in supervised, hands-on learning that bridges the gap between academic theory and real-world public health impact. It is an invaluable way to witness how dedicated professionals collaborate to move science from the research bench to the bedside.
14. Bethel College – Summer Science Institute
Location: North Newton, KS
Cost/Stipend: Fee is $60 / No stipend
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; approx. 10-15 students per group
Dates: July 13 – 18
Application Deadline: April 15
Eligibility: High school students entering grades 10–12 and graduates
At the Bethel College Summer Science Institute, you explore diverse fields like biology, psychology, chemistry, computer science, and mathematics. You will collect field data, test original hypotheses, use professional statistical software, and practice lab techniques alongside expert faculty. The program emphasizes the "excitement of discovery" through small research groups, where you tackle challenging topics not typically found in high school curricula. By collaborating on individual projects and presenting findings at a formal symposium, you sharpen your critical thinking and scientific communication skills. This immersive experience provides you with a clear, hands-on roadmap for a future career in STEM.
15. Kansas State University – Health Professions Exploration Program
Location: Kansas State University Main Campus, Manhattan, KS
Cost/Stipend: $450 / No stipend
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; 20 students per session
Dates: June 7 – 12; June 21 – 26
Application Deadline: February 20
Eligibility: Incoming high school juniors and seniors
In the Kansas State University Health Professions Exploration Program, you investigate diverse careers like medicine, nursing, and dietetics. You will practice clinical skills in simulation labs, tour research facilities, and solve medical case studies. This program’s unique feature is its immersive on-campus living experience, allowing you to network directly with K-State faculty. Through these interactions, you develop essential critical thinking and communication skills. Ultimately, you gain a clear roadmap for your future academic journey in healthcare.
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