16 Internships for High School Students in Worcester, Massachusetts
If you’re a high school student looking to explore different career paths, strengthen your college applications, or earn academic credit, internships can be a solid place to start. An internship can help you gain insight into various industries, give you a chance to work with professionals, and build experience across different skill sets.
If you’re a high school student in Worcester, Massachusetts, there are a number of strong opportunities you can consider, including programs offered by legal firms, museums, research institutes, hospitals, universities, and more. Whether you’re interested in exploring law, biochemistry, business, engineering, community service, or art administration, these internships will expose you to different fields and help you figure out which subjects best align with your interests and goals.
To help you get started, we’ve curated this list of the top 16 internships for high school students in Worcester, Massachusetts. This list includes both in-person and virtual options, and programs offered by top colleges and leading organizations. Let’s take a look.
1. Worcester County District Attorney’s Office Internship
Location: Worcester County District Attorney's Office, Worcester, Massachusetts
Cost/Stipend: None
Dates: Varies by cohort; typically aligns with academic semesters (Fall, Spring, Summer)
Application Deadline: Varies for each cohort
Eligibility: High school, college, graduate, or law school students
The Worcester County District Attorney’s Office Internship gives you a glimpse of the Massachusetts criminal justice system. As a high school intern, you’ll observe courtroom proceedings such as trials, pleas, arraignments, and motion hearings, while also attending presentations from the District Attorney and Assistant District Attorneys on cases involving OUI, drug offenses, domestic violence, and more. You’ll support the office through clerical tasks like filing, archiving, and maintaining case lists, gaining experience in the DA office’s day-to-day functions. This internship not only helps you understand the legal system but also builds leadership and professional skills. Programs are offered in fall, spring, and summer, and while unpaid, they provide solid experience and connections.
2. Ladder Internships
Location: Remote
Cost/Stipend: Varies with the program type
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year, including Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter
Application Deadline: Deadlines vary by cohort. Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), and Winter (November)
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 in a virtual internship setup. Ladder’s start-ups are high-growth companies that have raised over $1 million on average. You can choose to work in a field you’re interested in, from a wide range of choices: tech, deep tech, AI/ML, health tech, marketing, journalism, consulting, and more. As a Ladder intern, you will work closely with your startup manager and a dedicated Ladder Coach on current projects and present your work to the company. The virtual internship typically lasts 8 weeks and includes professional skills and group training sessions, too.
3. High School Apprenticeship Challenge
Location: Various locations across Massachusetts, including life sciences institutions, companies, or incubators. Some are located in Worcester, and some in Waltham and Boston (both 1 hour away from Worcester)
Cost/Stipend: No cost; students will be paid $17/hr or $4,080
Dates: Part-time or full-time during the academic year (6 weeks)
Application Deadline: Rolling basis
Eligibility: High school students who are at least 16 years old
Massachusetts Life Sciences Center offers internship opportunities for underrepresented high school students in Massachusetts. The program offers pre-internship training in biotechnology and biomedicine, where you’ll learn lab methods, using advanced equipment, and perform research tasks. The program includes sessions that will help you develop professional skills such as teamwork, communication, and presentation. As an intern, you’ll get to work at life science institutions and contribute to practical research projects. You’ll also receive mentorship from experienced STEM scientists and researchers while exploring diverse career paths in the field.
4. Horizon Academic Research Program (HARP)
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies depending on program type
Application Date: Multiple deadlines throughout the year for the Spring, Summer and Fall cohorts.
Program Dates: The spring and fall cohorts run 15 weeks, while the summer cohort runs 10 weeks (June-September).
Eligibility: High school students with good academic standing (>3.67/4.0 GPA) can apply. Most accepted students are 10th/11th graders! A few tracks require prerequisites, see here.
Horizon offers trimester-long research programs for high school students across subject areas such as data science, machine learning, political theory, and more! Horizon is one of the few research programs for high school students that offers you the choice to engage in either quantitative or qualitative research. Once you select a particular subject track, Horizon pairs you with a professor/PhD scholar who acts as a mentor throughout your research journey. As a participant, you will be expected to develop a 20-page research paper that you can send to prestigious journals for publication as a high school student. The program also provides a letter of recommendation for each student and detailed project feedback that you can use to work on future projects. While this isn’t a traditional internship, it follows the work-learn structure of one quite closely!
5. Bank of America Student Leaders Program
Location: Multiple locations across the country, including Worcester, Massachusetts, with a week-long summit in Washington, D.C.
Cost/Stipend: No cost; stipend provided + all expenses covered trip to Washington DC for the summit
Application Deadline: January 15
Program Dates: June – July (8 weeks)
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors residing in eligible locations; eligible to work in the U.S.
The Bank of America Student Leaders Program is an eight-week paid summer internship that gives you the chance to work directly with a local nonprofit. You’ll contribute to current projects that support youth programs, community outreach, and daily operations at organizations such as Habitat for Humanity and Boys and Girls Clubs. During the program, you’ll gain practical experience in how nonprofits function and how they create impact in the community. A highlight of the program is the National Student Leaders Summit in Washington, D.C., a week-long, fully-funded trip, where you’ll connect with peers from across the country and learn how businesses, government, and nonprofits work together to address social issues. Through this experience, you’ll build leadership skills, explore civic engagement, and grow your professional network.
6. Judicial Youth Corps (JYC) Program
Location: Boston, Springfield, and Worcester, Massachusetts
Cost/Stipend: No cost; students will be paid $15/hour
Dates: 6 weeks in the summer, typically July-August
Application Deadline: March-end or early-April
Eligibility: High school students who are residents of Boston, Worcester, and Springfield; specific requirements vary by location
The Judicial Youth Corps (JYC), offered by the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court, is a six-week paid summer internship that gives you a close look at the court system. You’ll work in a Suffolk County court four days a week, where you’ll be mentored by judges, lawyers, clerks, probation officers, and other court staff. One day each week is dedicated to law-related educational sessions, where you’ll learn about legal rights, courtroom procedures, and the rule of law. The program also includes field trips, group discussions, and the chance to take part in a mock trial in federal court. This program can help you build skills in teamwork, critical thinking, and public speaking while exploring careers in law and justice.
7. Court Service Center (CSC) Internship and Volunteering Program
Location: Remote and in-person opportunities at different trial courts in Massachusetts, including Worcester
Cost/Stipend: None
Dates: Flexible, year-round options available
Application Deadline: Rolling basis; apply here
Eligibility: High school students who are residents of Massachusetts and attend school in the state
The Court Service Center Internship gives you practical experience in the Massachusetts Trial Court while helping people who are navigating the legal system on their own. You’ll work directly with court users, conducting interviews to understand their needs, assisting with forms, and connecting them to resources. During the program, you’ll learn how different trial court departments function, including the Probate & Family Court, Housing Court, Boston Municipal Court, and District Court. You’ll also take part in community research, individual assignments, and group legal projects. This internship is a good way to explore careers in law and public service while building practical skills in communication, problem-solving, and working with underserved communities.
8. Worcester Art Museum’s Teen Apprentice Program
Location: Worcester Art Museum, Worcester, Massachusetts
Cost/Stipend: No cost; students will be paid
Dates: Varies with cohort; typically aligns with academic semesters (Fall, Winter, Summer)
Application Deadline: This information is not available at the moment
Eligibility: High school students who are at least 16 years old
The Worcester Art Museum Teen Apprentice Program gives you the chance to explore careers in the arts, museums, and education while gaining relevant experience in research, curation, cataloging, public engagement, and more. As an intern, you’ll be part of a wide range of projects, including helping with exhibitions, supporting studio classes, assisting with research and cataloging, and engaging with visitors. You’ll also design and present your own research project at the end of the program. This paid internship is open to teens ages 16 and older and offers flexible hours. Because the program is selective, you’ll be part of a small group, making it a good option to build skills, explore your interests, and connect with museum professionals.
9. UMass Chan Biochemistry and Molecular Biotechnology Research Internship
Location: UMass Chan Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts
Cost/Stipend: No cost; students receive a stipend
Dates: Internships are offered year-round
Application Deadline: Rolling basis; refer to the FAQs page to find which faculty members are accepting interns at the time
Eligibility: High school students who are at least 16 years old
UMass Chan’s Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biotechnology (BMB) offers high school students the opportunity to gain practical research and lab experience. The BMB department has six different research cores, each focusing on a specialized area. Working in any one of these subject areas will help deepen your understanding of cell biology, genetics, and molecular pathways. To get an internship, students are requested to contact the faculty member they want to work with directly, based on their interests and department openings. You could choose to contribute to research in topics such as host-pathogen interactions and antiviral discovery, nanobiotechnology and neurotherapeutics, cell cycle regulation, biophysical principles in biology, and genetics of neurodevelopmental disorders. As part of the lab experience, you’ll learn how to design experiments, work with real lab data, and gain insight into how scientific discoveries are made.
10. Innovation Career Pathways
Location: Worcester, Massachusetts
Cost/Stipend: No cost; the program includes a paid internship component
Dates: November - March (technical classes) | Summer (internship)
Application Deadline: March 29
Eligibility: Students enrolled in WPS (Worcester Public School) comprehensive high schools, in grades 9-10. However, preference will be given to 9th graders. Take a look at further details here.
The Innovation Career Pathways (ICP) Program helps you explore careers in technical fields while gaining relevant experience. You can choose one pathway from these options: advanced manufacturing, allied health, business, finance and marketing, construction and related engineering, computer science, information technology, or biotechnology. During the program, you’ll take technical classes that count for school credit and may qualify for college credit through AP or dual enrollment. You’ll also gain industry-recognized skills, explore college and career options, and prepare for future opportunities. To put your learning into practice, you’ll complete a 100-hour paid internship or a capstone project, usually during the summer. This program is designed to give you both the training and support you need to explore your interests and strengthen your skills.
11. Boston University (BU) – RISE Internship
Location: Boston University Research Lab, Boston, Massachusetts (1 hour from Worcester)
Cost: Application Fee $60; Tuition: $5,700; Service Fees: $485; limited need-based scholarships available (room and board are not included)
Dates: Late June – Early August
Application Deadline: February
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors
You’ll spend the summer working full-time in a university research lab under guidance from BU faculty and graduate mentors, gaining experience in fields like biology, chemistry, neuroscience, or engineering. The program combines hands-on lab work with structured workshops on topics such as research ethics, scientific communication, and career planning. You'll work on and complete an independent research project and present your research at a formal Poster Symposium before the session ends. Weekly sessions also offer support for college admissions and STEM career exploration.
12. MIT’s Research Science Institute
Location: Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts (1 hour from Worcester)
Cost/Stipend: none
Dates: June 22 – August 2
Application Deadline: December 11
Eligibility: High school juniors
The Research Science Institute (RSI) is a selective summer program hosted at MIT that gives you the chance to explore advanced science and engineering. Each year, only 100 high school students from around the world are selected to participate. The program begins with one week of intensive STEM classes led by top professors to help you build a strong academic foundation. You’ll then spend five weeks working on your own research project in state-of-the-art labs, guided by experienced scientists and mentors. You’ll design experiments, analyze data, and deepen your understanding of the scientific process while collaborating with peers who share your interests. In the final week, you’ll present your findings in both a formal research paper and a conference-style presentation.
13. Broad Scholars Summer Program
Location: Broad Institute, Cambridge, Massachusetts (1 hour from Worcester)
Cost/Stipend: No cost; a $3,600 stipend and partial reimbursement for transportation costs are provided to participants
Dates: June 30 – August 8
Application Deadline: January 22
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors who attend a high school in Massachusetts within commuting distance of the Broad Institute, have earned a B or better in science and math classes
The Broad Summer Scholars Program (BSSP) gives you the opportunity to spend six weeks at the Broad Institute working on original research in genomics and biomedicine. You’ll be matched with a Broad scientist and take on a project in areas such as cancer biology, infectious diseases, psychiatric disorders, computational biology, or chemical biology. With your daily lab and computational work, you’ll attend seminars, college readiness workshops, and career development events that prepare you for STEM careers. You’ll also practice presenting your work by creating a research poster and sharing it with your mentor and peers. Beyond the lab, you’ll join social events, connect with like-minded peers, and explore different science careers.
14. Sports Operations Internship at Worcester Warriors FC
Location: Worcester, Massachusetts
Cost/Stipend: None
Dates: Year-round
Application Deadline: Rolling basis
Eligibility: High school students; minimum GPA of 2.9
The Sports Operations Internship with Worcester Warriors Football Club gives you a behind-the-scenes look at how a professional sports organization runs. You’ll work closely with the club’s administration, gaining practical experience in areas like event management, marketing, public relations, and data analysis. Your tasks may include helping plan and manage events, supporting social media and promotions, assisting with communications, and using statistics to guide strategic decisions. This program will help you strengthen your professional skills, build a network, and receive one-on-one mentorship from staff who will guide you through your projects. This internship is ideal for students who are interested in sports management.
15. Future Art Workers of Worcester Internship
Location: ArtsWorcester Gallery, Worcester, MA
Cost/Stipend: No cost; students will be paid $10/hour
Dates: Entire academic year; 3 hours/per week
Application Deadline: June 29
Eligibility: Rising 10th, 11th and 12th graders
The Future Arts Workers of Worcester (FAWW) is a year-long paid internship that lets you explore the world of nonprofit arts administration. You’ll learn how an arts organization runs while gaining practical experience in exhibition design, art installation, marketing, nonprofit finance, and theme development. Each week, you’ll take part in workshops that strengthen your leadership, teamwork, and organizational skills, while also introducing you to professionals working in the field. Your year will culminate in a capstone project where you and your peers will plan, curate, and present a public exhibition of ArtsWorcester member artwork. This program is about more than art-making, it’s about contributing to the work that goes into running a non-profit arts organization.
16. Museum of Science – Summer Youth Internship Program
Location: Museum of Science, Boston, Massachusetts (1 hour from Worcester)
Cost/Stipend: No cost; students are paid $15.00/hour and may earn course credit or a stipend from their schools
Dates: Typically 7 weeks in the summer (3 days a week)
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: High school students aged 14-19
The Museum of Science Summer Internship gives you the chance to spend your summer working at one of Boston’s top science institutions. You’ll support museum staff with STEM programs, exhibitions, and special events while also assisting visitors and helping behind the scenes with exhibits and demonstrations. You’ll develop important skills in communication, teamwork, and professionalism. In addition to this, you’ll take part in weekly workshops on topics like financial literacy, resume and cover letter writing, and career exploration. You’ll also go on field trips to other museums and local colleges, broadening your understanding of opportunities in science education and museum work.
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