8 Internships for High School Students in San Jose
If you’re an ambitious high school student, you’re probably looking for extracurriculars to strengthen your college applications. One great activity is to do an internship. Internships show that you're interested in things beyond the classroom and eager to learn more. Stanford calls this "intellectual vitality," but top universities in general look for this spark. Having an internship on your application can help you stand out, making admissions officers more likely to pay attention when they’re reviewing hundreds of applications.
These opportunities also benefit you in the future when applying for jobs. Internships related to your interests give you practical experience and a better understanding of what the work is like. They also make you a more valuable candidate to employers who’ll see that you have experience relevant to their roles. For high school students in San Jose, California, we’ve found 8 great internships!
1. 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.
2. Stanford Institutes of Medicine Summer Research Program
Cost/Stipend: Students receive a $500 stipend at a minimum
Location: Stanford Institutes of Medicine
Application Deadline: February 24
Program Dates: June 10 - August 1
Eligibility: Applicants must be juniors or seniors at the time of application, 16 years or older, must be currently living in and attending school in the U.S., and be U.S. citizens or permanent residents with a green card.
SIMR presents students with the chance to partake in state-of-the-art biomedical research. This highly competitive initiative offers practical laboratory exposure and guidance from esteemed faculty, scientists, and researchers. Participants delve into diverse realms of medicine and scientific exploration, encompassing genetics, immunology, neuroscience, and bioengineering. Through hands-on research endeavors, students hone critical thinking abilities, acquire essential laboratory techniques, and contribute to ongoing scientific inquiries.
3. High School Internship Program at Kaiser Permanente
Cost/Stipend: $15.50 - $18/hour
Location: Kaiser Permanente
Application Deadline: TBA
Program Dates: July 17 - August 2
Eligibility: Applicants must be ages 16 - 19 by June 1.
This internship offers practical exposure and insights into the healthcare industry for those interested in this field. Participants will have the opportunity to collaborate with healthcare professionals and gain insights into various medical disciplines, including nursing, pharmacy, laboratory sciences, and more. Engaging in hands-on activities, shadowing experiences, and educational workshops will enhance participants' comprehension of healthcare practices. The program underscores mentorship, teamwork, and personal growth, providing valuable encouragement for individuals exploring career opportunities in the medical field.
4. Student Internship Program at the County of Santa Clara
Cost/Stipend: $15-19/hour
Location: Various locations across the county.
Application Deadline: There is no fixed deadline for applications.
Program Dates: The dates vary throughout the year, with the department choosing when they require students to intern.
Eligibility: Applicants must be high school students or enrolled in an alternative vocational high school.
The internship program provides an exclusive chance to acquire practical work exposure and explore potential career trajectories. Participants will be assigned to different county departments and agencies, offering the opportunity to collaborate with professionals across governance, healthcare, public safety, and other sectors. This initiative aims to offer hands-on learning opportunities, exposure to real-world complexities, and the ability to cultivate essential skills and professional connections within a professional environment.
5. Internship at the San Jose Stage Company
Cost/Stipend: Hourly minimum wage
Location: San Jose Stage Company
Application Deadline: None
Program Dates: Students may list their availability when applying.
Eligibility: Applicants must be high school students.
This internship opportunity caters to individuals with a keen interest in theater. Interns will immerse themselves in various aspects of theatrical production, including stage management, technical production, marketing, and administration, under the guidance of industry professionals. Through hands-on experience, interns will gain insights into the operations of a professional theater company and collaborate with skilled artists, contributing to San Jose's dynamic arts community. Whether one's interests lie in acting, directing, design, or arts management, this internship offers a supportive and enriching environment to hone skills and pursue the performing arts.
6. Pediatrics Internship Program Stanford (PIPS)
Application deadline: February 26
Duration: June 17 - July 26
Location: Stanford University
Cost: Free, Stipend available (based on need)
Eligibility: High school students
PIPS aims to teach students how scientific research is performed and how to conduct research projects through their interactive workshops. PIPS helps students explore a number of career options in the field of science and medicine. Their hands-on workshops teach interns to prepare for college applications and the financial aid process. In this program, every student is matched with a faculty mentor and research lab to finish a research project in the subject area of material and child health. The program culminates in a poster symposium where students present their research projects. Additionally, under the Near Peer Mentor (NPM) program of PIPS, all students will be assigned 2-3 NPMs, who meet with these students for 1 hour every week to discuss their progress at PIPS and their interests. These NPMs are Stanford undergraduate, graduate, medical students, and residents.
7. Junior Achievement of Northern California
Cost/Stipend: No cost is listed on the website.
Location: Walnut Creek, CA + Virtual
Application Deadline: Available year-round.
Program Dates: Various dates depending on which course is selected.
Eligibility: Courses are offered for middle and high school students.
Junior Achievement of Northern California aims to inspire and equip young individuals to excel in a global economy by fostering financial literacy, workforce readiness, and an entrepreneurial mindset. JA offers a range of programs tailored to different grade levels, employing interactive methods and a blended-learning approach. These programs enable students to apply their knowledge both in and out of the classroom. Across all JA programs from kindergarten to 12th grade, the focus remains on three key elements crucial for success in the 21st century: financial literacy, readiness for the workforce, and entrepreneurship.
8. TRiO Upward Bound at Evergreen Valley College
Cost/Stipend: None
Location: Evergreen Valley College
Application Deadline: Registration opens on April 22.
Program Dates: No information available.
Eligibility: Applicants must be high school students attending either William C. Overfelt HS or Yerba Buena HS and first-generation/low-income.
This program focuses on both academic and personal growth, aiming to equip students for success in higher education. Participants will partake in a diverse range of activities, including college readiness workshops, academic tutoring, cultural enrichment, and visits to college campuses. Through a combination of challenging coursework, mentorship, and practical experiences, students will have the opportunity to improve their skills in subjects such as mathematics, science, English, and foreign languages. The program provides a supportive learning atmosphere and encourages students to pursue their educational goals well before entering college.
* Dates passed are to be announced for the 2025 cycles, but will have similar deadlines and dates.
Image Source - Kaiser Permanente Logo