15 Internships for Rising Juniors in High School
If you’re a rising junior in high school, internships can be a powerful way to explore your interests while gaining real-world experience early on. Many internships for high school students combine hands-on work with mentorship from professionals, researchers, or educators, helping you build practical skills and gain an understanding of how different fields operate. As a participant, you might assist with projects, conduct basic research, or support ongoing initiatives while also learning how to communicate ideas, collaborate with teams, and take initiative.
Why should I do an internship in high school?
Before junior year is an especially important time to start building your profile. Internships during this stage can help you identify your academic and career interests, strengthen your college applications, and develop skills that set you apart. Opportunities are available across a wide range of fields, including business, healthcare, technology, environmental science, and the arts, with options ranging from in-person programs to virtual internships.
To help you get started, we’ve put together a list of 15 internships for rising juniors in high school.
Quick Look
15 internships total spanning biomedical research, museum and cultural institutions, environmental science, and startup-based virtual work, hosted by institutions including MIT, Stanford, UCSF, Princeton, and the Smithsonian
The strongest disclosed stipends are the Smithsonian NMNH internship ($5,600), Scripps Research ($5,040), and SEAP ($4,000 to $4,500), while MIT RSI, SIMR, SEES, and Princeton LLP are unpaid
Several programs are local or for in-state students, including Magee-Womens (southwestern Pennsylvania), Princeton LLP (New Jersey), and Enterprise for Youth (San Francisco residents prioritized)
Most programs target rising juniors and seniors aged 16 and above; Brooklyn Botanic Garden's GAP and SEES are open to students from grade 9 or 10
The earliest deadlines are SEAP (November 1) and MIT RSI (applications open in fall), so students interested in these should begin preparing materials well before the new year
1. MIT’s Research Science Institute (RSI)
Location: Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Cambridge, MA
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 100 students
Dates: 6 weeks during summer
Application Deadline: Applications generally open in fall
Eligibility: High school juniors (typically rising seniors) with strong academic record in STEM subjects
The Research Science Institute (RSI) is a highly prestigious summer program that combines intensive coursework with hands-on scientific research under the mentorship of leading researchers. The program begins with a week of advanced STEM lectures and seminars delivered by professors and industry experts, followed by several weeks of independent research conducted in university labs, hospitals, or research institutions. During the program, you will work closely with mentors to design and execute original research projects, gaining exposure to real scientific methodologies and problem-solving approaches. The program concludes with written research papers and formal presentations.
2. Ladder Internships
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: Varies by program
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year, including Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter
Application Deadline: Deadlines vary depending on the 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 competitive program for driven high school students that offers hands-on experience with fast-growing startups. Partner companies span industries such as tech, AI/ML, health tech, marketing, journalism, consulting, and more. As an intern, you’ll work closely with a startup manager and a Ladder Coach on meaningful, real-world projects that support the company’s goals. Many participating startups are high-growth ventures with substantial funding, giving you exposure to dynamic work environments. The experience concludes with a final presentation where you share your contributions with the company.
3. Stanford Institutes of Medicine Summer Research (SIMR) Program
Location: Stanford University, Stanford, CA
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 50 students
Dates: June 8 – July 30
Application Deadline: February 21
Eligibility: Current high school juniors or seniors who are 16 year old at program start
The Stanford Institutes of Medicine Summer Research Program (SIMR) is an intensive eight-week internship that introduces high school students to biomedical research at one of the world’s leading medical institutions. You will be matched with Stanford faculty and research teams, where you will work on ongoing projects in fields such as cancer biology, neurobiology, bioengineering, and computational biology. The program begins with foundational lectures and training sessions, after which students spend the majority of their time conducting full-time lab research under close mentorship. You will gain experience with scientific methods, data analysis, and experimental design while contributing to real research efforts.
4. STEM Enhancement in Earth Science (SEES) Summer High School Intern Program by NASA and UT Austin
Location: University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: Virtual learning: May – early July (pre-internship coursework) | On-site internship: Summer (typically ~2 weeks at UT Austin)
Application Deadline: February 22
Eligibility: Current high school sophomores or juniors
The STEM Enhancement in Earth Science (SEES) Internship at the University of Texas at Austin is a NASA-funded program that immerses high school students in real-world research related to Earth and space science. You will begin with virtual coursework that will introduce you to scientific concepts, data analysis, and programming tools, preparing you for the research phase. During the on-site internship, you will work alongside NASA scientists, engineers, and university researchers to analyze satellite data, study environmental systems, and contribute to ongoing research projects. The experience culminates in a presentation at the SEES Virtual Science Symposium, where students showcase their findings.
5. George Mason Aspiring Scientists Summer Internship Program (ASSIP)
Location: George Mason University, Fairfax, VA
Cost/Stipend: $1,299 tuition + ~$25 application fee (fee waivers available)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: June 18 – August 12
Application Deadline: February 15
Eligibility: High school students, ages 15 or older (16 or older for wet-lab settings)
The Aspiring Scientists Summer Internship Program (ASSIP) at George Mason University is an intensive research internship that allows high school students to work directly with faculty mentors on advanced STEM projects. Over eight weeks, you will engage in full-time research across fields such as bioengineering, environmental science, physics, and data science, using professional-grade tools and methodologies. You will develop skills in scientific writing, data analysis, and experimental design while contributing to real research efforts. Participants also interact with scientists and professionals through discussions and seminars, helping them explore potential STEM career paths. The experience typically ends with a formal presentation showcasing your findings.
6. UCSF Summer Student Research Program (SSRP)
Location: UCSF and affiliated hospitals, San Francisco, CA
Cost/Stipend: $3,000 stipend for high school students
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: June 15 – July 31
Application Deadline: February (date varies annually)
Eligibility: High school students ages 16 and older, who have completed at least one year of math and biology
The Summer Student Research Program (SSRP) at UCSF provides high school students with an immersive biomedical research experience through one-on-one mentorship with healthcare professionals and researchers. Over seven weeks, you will be placed in clinical or basic science labs where you’ll contribute to active research projects while developing foundational skills in scientific inquiry, data analysis, and professional communication. The program also includes workshops, seminars, training, simulations, and networking opportunities designed to expose you to careers in medicine, biomedical science, and healthcare. At the end of the program, you will present your findings at a formal research symposium.
7. Scripps Research Summer High School Internship Program
Location: Scripps Research, La Jolla (San Diego), CA
Cost/Stipend: $5,040 stipend
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: June 22 – August 7
Application Deadline: March 22
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors, ages 16 and up, who are enrolled in partner/local schools and hold a minimum 3.0 GPA
The Scripps Research High School Internship Program gives San Diego high school students hands-on exposure to biomedical research and laboratory science. The experience begins with a three-day boot camp that introduces you to lab environments and research fundamentals before you connect with principal investigators to find a suitable placement. Once assigned to a lab, you’ll spend seven weeks conducting experiments, learning study design, developing lab techniques, and analyzing data. Throughout the program, a graduate student mentor supports both your research experience and your broader college and career exploration in science.
8. Magee-Womens Research Institute’s High School Summer Internship Program
Location: Magee-Womens Research Institute, Pittsburgh, PA
Cost/Stipend: Qualifying students may receive a $1,800 stipend
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: June 15 – July 24
Application Deadline: February
Eligibility: Local high school sophomores and juniors, 16 and older, who permanently reside in southwestern Pennsylvania
The High School Summer Internship Program at Magee-Womens Research Institute is a biomedical research internship designed for high school sophomores and juniors interested in exploring careers in science and medicine. During the program, you will work on scientific research projects under the mentorship of investigators and research staff, gaining exposure to biomedical research in areas such as reproductive biology, women’s health, and related clinical or translational sciences. The program emphasizes hands-on learning while also introducing students to broader career pathways in biomedical science through structured educational experiences.
9. Princeton Laboratory Learning Program (LLP)
Location: Princeton University, Princeton, NJ
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: Most opportunities require at least 5 weeks in the summer
Application Deadline: March 15
Eligibility: High school students who are 16 years old, attending a New Jersey high school / local NJ school district
The Laboratory Learning Program (LLP) at Princeton University is a summer research internship that gives high school students the opportunity to work directly with Princeton faculty and research staff in active laboratory environments. You will be matched with specific research opportunities in fields across natural sciences and engineering, where you’ll contribute to ongoing scientific projects. You will gain exposure to advanced scientific research while developing technical, analytical, and academic skills in professional lab settings. At the end of the experience, you will be required to complete a research summary discussing your work.
10. Science & Engineering Apprentice Program (SEAP)
Location: Department of Navy laboratories across the United States
Stipend: New participants: $4,000 | Returning participants: $4,500
Acceptance rate/cohort size: ~300 placements annually across participating labs
Dates: 8 weeks during summer (with possibility of extension up to 2 additional weeks)
Application Deadline: November 1
Eligibility: U.S. high school students, ages 16 and up
SEAP gives you the opportunity to spend at least eight weeks in a Department of the Navy research lab, working alongside scientists and engineers on active STEM projects. During the program, you’ll gain experience through tasks such as experimentation, testing, and technology development while observing how scientific research operates in professional settings. You’ll also participate in workshops, seminars, and lab meetings that support your professional growth. While responsibilities vary depending on your lab placement, the program is designed to immerse you in real research and technical work.
11. Healthcare Experience and Research in Oncology (HERO)
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: $500 taxable stipend
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 20 participants
Dates: July 20 – July 31
Application Deadline: April 24
Eligibility: Rising high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors who are Minnesota residents
The Healthcare Experience and Research in Oncology (HERO) program at Mayo Clinic is a virtual summer experience that introduces Minnesota high school students to careers in cancer research, healthcare, and biomedicine. Over two weeks, you will engage with researchers and healthcare professionals through mentorship, career development workshops, and guided educational programming focused on oncology and scientific exploration. You will receive lab kits for hands-on experiments connected to the curriculum, allowing you to actively participate even in a virtual format. The program emphasizes both scientific learning and career awareness, helping you explore pathways in medicine, biomedical research, and cancer science.
12. Smithsonian NMNH Summer High School Internship
Location: Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History, Washington, D.C.
Cost/Stipend: $5,600 stipend
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: June 23 – August 14
Application Deadline: March 20
Eligibility: Current high school students ages 15–18 (grades 9–12)
The Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History Summer High School Internship Program is an eight-week paid internship that gives high school students the opportunity to explore both scientific and museum careers through project-based work across multiple departments. You will spend part of the week working directly with supervisors on assigned projects, and on other days, participate in enrichment activities such as field trips, behind-the-scenes tours, and skill-building workshops. The program offers a well-rounded introduction to careers in natural history, science communication, and museum operations.
13. Enterprise for Youth Internship Program
Location: San Francisco, CA
Cost/Stipend: $20/hour stipend
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: June 8 – July 31
Application Deadline: April 15
Eligibility: Rising juniors or seniors; San Francisco residents are prioritized
Enterprise for Youth’s Paid Summer Internship Program helps San Francisco high school students gain real-world work experience while earning competitive wages. Before placement, you will complete a paid Job Readiness Training program that builds foundational skills in resumes, interviewing, and workplace communication. Once selected, you will be placed in professional settings across diverse sectors such as architecture, arts, climate, culinary, healthcare, nonprofit, retail, and tech.
14. Brooklyn Botanic Garden - Garden Apprentice Program (GAP)
Location: Brooklyn Botanic Garden, Brooklyn, NY
Cost/Stipend: Tier 1 (9th grade): $600 stipend | Tier 2 (10th grade): $700 stipend
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: March – November
Application Deadline: Early December
Eligibility: Students in grades 9–11
The Garden Apprentice Program (GAP) at Brooklyn Botanic Garden is an environmental education and urban agriculture internship that helps high school students build practical skills in botany, sustainability, and public engagement. You will work in Brooklyn Botanic Garden’s Children’s Garden and related spaces, where you’ll grow fruits, vegetables, and herbs while learning about environmental science through hands-on activities. Participants also help facilitate educational programs for children and visitors, gaining experience in communication, teamwork, and leadership.
15. Metropolitan Museum of Art (The Met) Summer Internship
Location: The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Cost/Stipend: $1,100 stipend
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: July 1 – August 7
Application Deadline: March 13
Eligibility: Rising juniors and seniors in NY, NJ, or CT
The Met’s Summer High School Internship Program gives students the opportunity to gain paid professional experience while exploring careers in one of the world’s leading museums. During the internship, you will work one-on-one and in small cohorts with museum professionals across departments, including curatorial, education, social media, imaging, design, and more. The program is intentionally broad, making it accessible not only to students interested in art history but also to those curious about communications, creative industries, and public engagement. The internship gives you a chance to develop workplace skills, build professional networks, and gain firsthand exposure to museum operations.
Questions Students Often Ask About These Programs
1. As a rising junior, am I actually eligible for the most prestigious programs on this list, like MIT RSI or Stanford SIMR?
Yes, both are explicitly open to current high school juniors. MIT RSI is typically aimed at rising seniors but does accept juniors with a strong STEM record, and Stanford SIMR requires applicants to be current juniors or seniors who are at least 16 by the program start. These are also two of the most selective programs on this list, so a strong academic record and early preparation matter more here than for less competitive options like Ladder Internships or the Brooklyn Botanic Garden program.
2. A lot of these stipends vary quite a bit, from $500 to over $5,000. What accounts for that difference?
It generally comes down to program length, location, and funding source. Shorter or virtual programs, like the two-week Mayo Clinic oncology program ($500), pay less because the time commitment is lower. Longer, in-person research programs at well-funded institutions, like Scripps Research ($5,040 over seven weeks) and the Smithsonian ($5,600 over eight weeks), pay more in part to offset the cost of relocating or committing full-time for the summer. If a stipend amount matters to you, it's worth weighing it against the length of the program and whether you'd need to cover housing or travel separately.
3. Several of these programs are restricted to specific states or cities, like Minnesota, New Jersey, or San Francisco. What if I don't live in one of these areas?
A handful of programs on this list have no geographic restriction at all, including MIT RSI, Stanford SIMR, SEAP, and Ladder Internships, all of which accept students from anywhere in the U.S. (and Ladder accepts students from anywhere in the world). If you're set on a program with local residency requirements, like Magee-Womens or Enterprise for Youth, double check the specific eligibility criteria early, since some require permanent residency in the area rather than just being willing to travel there for the summer.