13 Art Summer Internships for High School Students
If you’re interested in developing your artistic skills beyond what’s possible in a typical school setting, summer art internships offer a focused way to do that. These programs give high school students experience in areas such as painting, sculpture, illustration, digital media, and design. You work on projects, learn new techniques, and receive feedback from practicing artists and educators, helping you understand both the creative process and professional expectations in the arts.
Why should I participate in a summer art internship?
A summer art internship allows you to build a strong portfolio through guided projects and expert mentorship, which is especially important for college applications in art and design fields. Working with professionals helps you refine your technical skills and artistic voice while producing work you can submit with applications or discuss in interviews. These experiences also show sustained commitment to your craft and give you concrete examples of growth and collaboration to reference in your college essays.
Here are 13 summer art internships for high schoolers!
1. Metropolitan Museum of Art High School Internship
Location: Museum of Modern Art, NY
Stipend: $1,100
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not publicly disclosed
Program Dates: June – August
Application Deadline: March 7
Eligibility: Students who are in grades 10-11 in the New York City area
The Metropolitan Museum of Art High School Internship Program gives high school students a behind-the-scenes look into the operations of one of the world’s learning museums. Over the summer, you’ll work within departments such as curatorial, design, education, imaging, and digital media, learning how exhibitions are researched and executed. You’ll take part in project-based assignments, discussions, and workshops led by museum professionals. The program also includes sessions on museum careers and the practical aspects of art administration, helping you understand the wide range of roles that keep a museum running. By the end of the internship, you’ll share your project outcomes with peers and staff.
2. Ladder Internships
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies by program type
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Approximately 25%; around 100 students per cohort
Program 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!
The Ladder Internships program is an eight-week online experience that gives high school students an opportunity to work with startups and organizations across various industries, including design, media, technology, and business. You’ll collaborate on projects that may involve branding, digital illustration, content strategy, or other industry-specific tasks – all while being guided by a Ladder Coach and a startup mentor. The program provides insight into how professional environments operate, from concept development to project execution. You participate in regular check-ins and feedback sessions to refine your ideas and strengthen your deliverables. The internship also includes discussions and collaborative sessions with peers and mentors to understand different problem-solving approaches within the organization. By the end of the program, you'll not only have practical experience, but also a deeper understanding of how startups turn ideas into impact.
3. Art Institute of Chicago Teen Council
Location: The Art Institute of Chicago, Chicago, IL
Stipend: $16.50/hour
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not publicly disclosed
Program Dates: June–August
Application Deadline: March 28
Eligibility: Chicago high school teens who will be at least 16 at the start of the internship
Art Institute of Chicago Teen Programs gives you the chance to explore one of the nation’s leading museums through creative projects and collaborative experiences. You’ll take part in assignments, workshops, and discussions that show how art interacts with museum practices and operations. The programs introduce you to how exhibitions are researched, designed, and presented within a large cultural institution. You will also get to participate in group meetings, assignments, and final presentations that highlight your ideas and contributions. Throughout the programs, you’ll observe how artists, curators, and technical teams collaborate to bring art to diverse audiences – and gain inspiration for your own future path.
4. National Gallery of Art’s Teen Program
Location: Washington, D.C.
Stipend: Paid, up to $2,000
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not publicly disclosed
Program Dates: June 2 - August 1
Application Deadline: February 21
Eligibility: High school students enrolled in grades 10–11 with a cumulative GPA of at least 3.2
National Gallery of Art Teen Programs gives high school students a chance to experience how art is created, presented, and interpreted in one of the nation’s leading museums. You collaborate with educators and peers through workshops, creative projects, and event planning sessions. As part of the Teen Leadership Collective, you’ll help to co-design public events that explore meaningful social themes while partnering with museum staff and local artists. The sessions include group discussions, studio activities, and explorations of how art connects to community and culture. Along the way, you’ll gain firsthand insights into how curatorial and educational work is carried out in an institutional setting.
5. Getty Museum Student Gallery Guides
Location: Getty Center (Brentwood, CA) and Getty Villa (Malibu, CA)
Cost: Paid internship; stipend provided
Acceptance Rate / Cohort Size: Not specified
Program Dates: Summer program; specific dates vary annually
Application Deadline: Information available in February
Eligibility: High school students; the Getty Villa program is specifically for teens living in or attending high school in Boyle Heights
The Getty Teen Programs offer an exciting way to connect with art, public speaking, and museum education. As a Teen Gallery Guide, you’ll work at either the Getty Center or the Getty Villa, leading interactive tours and activities for school-aged visitors. Over the summer, you’ll learn strategies for understanding and discussing artwork, audience engagement techniques, and teaching methods to lead gallery experiences and activities. At the Getty Villa, you’ll dive deeper into the world of ancient Greek and Roman art, studying objects from the museum’s collection while collaborating with peers and art professionals. The program focuses on community building and provides a platform for you to share your perspectives within the museum setting.
6. Arts for Learning ArtWorks Summer Internship
Location: Miami, FL (Arts for Learning Miami)
Cost: Paid internship (interns earn $13/hour for up to 180 hours of work)
Acceptance Rate / Cohort Size: Not specified
Program Dates: Six-week summer program (mostly June–July)
Application Deadline: April
Eligibility: Current 9th–12th grade students; must be at least 14 years old
The Arts for Learning Miami Internship Program gives high school students an opportunity to work in a creative arts co‑op, such as animation, architecture, creative writing/film, dance/theatre, music production, or visual art. You’ll collaborate with professional artists and staff to develop and complete an original artistic project while participating in workshops that focus on skill building, collaboration, and professional development. The program emphasizes both the creative process and the production of meaningful work, giving you a full picture of what it's like to work in your chosen field. You will also work alongside peers from different artistic backgrounds and receive guidance and mentorship from experienced teaching artists.
7. Brooklyn Interns for Arts & Culture
Location: BAM Fisher Howard Gilman Opera House, Brooklyn
Stipend: Paid program (stipend provided)
Acceptance Rate / Cohort Size: Not specified
Program Dates: Summer (one week in August); Fall (October–December); Spring (February–June)
Application Deadline: June 6
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors from NYC’s five boroughs with a GPA of 2.0 or higher
The Brooklyn Interns for Arts and Culture (BIAC) program introduces high school students to the professional and creative aspects of working in the arts. The program runs in three parts: a summer intensive, followed by fall and spring after-school sessions – all designed to build your college, career, and life readiness skills. You’ll take part in workshops that address topics such as wellness, communication, and planning for the future. You’ll experience a range of artistic fields, from performance and visual media to design and museum work. Throughout the internship, you’ll collaborate with peers, participate in discussions with professionals, and develop skills in organization, reflection, and creative thinking. Each module offers a new perspective on how art and culture intersect, helping you grow as an artist.
8. Whitney Museum of American Art Youth Insights Program
Location: Whitney Museum of American Art, NY
Cost: Free
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not publicly disclosed
Program Dates: Varies each year
Application Deadline: Varies each year
Eligibility: New York City high school students in grades 9 through 12
The Youth Insights Program at the Whitney Museum of American Art is a summer opportunity for high school students to explore contemporary American art. Through workshops, discussions, and collaborative projects, you’ll explore artworks from the Whitney’s collection and exhibitions while learning directly from museum educators, artists, and fellow teens. The program includes studio sessions that focus on techniques such as collage, drawing, and mixed media. You’ll also visit galleries, analyze artworks, and discuss how artists address themes relevant to today’s culture. Each session includes time to create your own art projects, inspired by what you have studied in the museum.
9. Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) Teen Arts Collective
Location: Museum of Modern Art, NY
Cost: Free
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not publicly disclosed
Program Dates: Varies based on program
Application Deadline: Varies based on program
Eligibility: High school students in New York
Museum of Modern Art Teen Programs is a series of studio and gallery-based experiences where you create art, study modern and contemporary works, and collaborate with museum educators and artists. You’ll take part in workshops, discussions, and group projects that explore themes in visual culture and artistic expression. You’ll get an insider’s view of the museum’s collections and exhibitions, learning how art is curated, interpreted, and presented. You will also get to experiment with different media and techniques, receive feedback, and reflect on your creative process as you grow as an artist. By the end of the program, you’ll have built a strong portfolio of work and gained a deeper understanding of how artists and museums shape the contemporary art world.
10. Art Summer Institute Program, UCLA
Location: UCLA campus in Los Angeles
Cost: Free
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not publicly disclosed
Program Dates: June 24–July 6 (Virtual), July 7–20 (In-person with housing), and July 22–August 2 (In-person commuter)
Application Deadline: March 15
Eligibility: High school students enrolled in grades 10–11 with a cumulative GPA of at least 3.2
UCLA Summer Art Institute is a two-week program that lets high school students dive into college-level art study. You’ll choose from studio courses such as Drawing, Painting, Photography, Sculpture, Video Art, and Experimental Animation and follow a structured schedule of daily instruction, studio practice, and individual faculty guidance. The program includes group critiques and artist lectures that introduce you to different techniques and creative approaches. You’ll also engage in thoughtful discussions about artistic processes and visual analysis, helping you develop your own artistic voice. Each session carries three units of UCLA college credit, and the program culminates with a group exhibition. You can choose to attend one or both two-week sessions.
11. Project Write Now Teen Internship Program
Location: Red Bank, NJ (in-person for Teaching Assistants); virtual options available
Cost: Unpaid; offers community service hours and experience for college applications and resumes
Acceptance Rate / Cohort Size: Not specified
Program Dates: Summer program; specific dates vary annually
Application Deadline: Applications open in February
Eligibility: Teens aged 15–18; Teaching Assistant role requires residence in Monmouth County, NJ
The PWN Teen Internship Program at Project Write Now gives high school students the chance to explore careers in education, publishing, and journalism through three tracks: Teaching Assistant, Editorial Assistant, and The Interview Project. Teaching Assistants train virtually and then work in person, helping design and deliver writing lessons for youth. If you choose the Editorial Assistant or Interview Project track, you’ll participate fully online, contributing to content creation, interviews, and storytelling for Bridge Ink, Project Write Now’s online literary magazine. Throughout the program, you’ll receive mentorship from professionals, collaborate with peers, and build valuable skills in writing, teaching, and communication. You will also earn community service hours and gain practical experience in your chosen field of study.
12. Summer Internship Program at Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History
Location: Remote and in-person options available
Stipend: $16.50/hour
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not publicly disclosed
Program Dates: Late May to early June
Application Deadline: March 28
Eligibility: Open to high school, undergraduate, or graduate students
The Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History Summer Internship Program is a paid opportunity that lets high school students experience what it's like to work in a leading educational non-profit. You’ll collaborate with staff across departments such as curatorial, education, development, and digital, contributing to ongoing projects that connect history to communities. You might assist with archival research, educational programming, and historical content development. You may also assist with managing collections, preparing digital materials, or supporting outreach efforts. Through collaboration with professionals and hands-on work, you’ll gain valuable insights into how educational and historical resources are developed and maintained, preserved, and shared in an institution.
13. New-York Historical Society Museum & Library | Student Historian Internship Program
Location: New York City, NY (New-York Historical Society)
Cost: Free; all interns receive a $700 stipend upon successful completion of the internship
Acceptance Rate / Cohort Size: Not specified
Program Dates: October 29 – June 24
Application Deadline: August 24
Eligibility: High school students entering grades 10–12
The Student Historian Internship Program at the New-York Historical Society lets high school students explore history in a practical manner. During the program, you’ll work with the museum’s collections, archives, and resources to investigate a historical theme and present your findings through a digital project. You’ll work with fellow students to develop historical thinking, research, and communication skills while creating digital projects that serve as public educational tools. The program includes regular meetings with museum staff and guest experts, who introduce you to careers in history, libraries, museums, and digital humanities. Expect a mix of research, writing, and project-building sessions designed to help you interpret historical materials and share them in meaningful ways.
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