15 Best STEM Internships for High School Students in 2025
STEM internships offer exposure to industry practices, mentorship from professionals, and valuable connections that can help students navigate future academic and career paths. Many internships are hosted by top colleges, research labs, and organizations, making them accessible and credible options for skill development.
For high school students interested in STEM fields, internships can be a great way to explore potential career paths. Through coding projects, lab research, or engineering challenges, these experiences help students strengthen their technical and problem-solving skills.
To help students find the right fit, we've put together a list of the 15 best STEM internships for high school students in 2025!
Stipend: Interns will receive a stipend depending on the academic level and session duration
Location: Virtual or at NASA facilities across the country
Application Deadline: Fall: May 16 | Summer: February 27
Program Dates:
Summer Session: 10 weeks, typically from late May or early June to August
Fall Session: 16 weeks, typically from late August or early September to mid-December
Eligibility: High school students with a minimum GPA of 3.0 who are U.S. citizens and at least 16 years old by the time they apply.
The NASA OSTEM Internship gives high school students hands-on experience in aerospace, robotics, and scientific research. As an intern, you will work with NASA professionals on real projects like analyzing satellite data and supporting engineering design. With flexible full-time and part-time options, the program helps students build technical skills and explore STEM careers through mentorship and real-world problem-solving.
Cost: $2,490 (Financial aid is available)
Location: Virtual
Application Deadline: Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), and Winter (November).
Program Dates: Multiple 8-week cohorts throughout the year, including Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter.
Eligibility: High school students who have prior experience with AI/ML or have completed a Veritas AI program.
The Veritas AI Internship Program, led by Harvard graduate students, offers an 8-week experience working on real AI/ML projects with VC-backed startups. Designed for students with prior AI/ML knowledge, it provides mentorship from experts at Harvard, Google, Microsoft, and more. You will gain hands-on experience, collaborate with industry leaders, and receive a letter of completion, strengthening your college applications and career prospects. You can learn more about the program here and apply here.
3. Science and Engineering Apprenticeship Program (SEAP)
Stipend: $4,000 will be provided as a stipend for new participants and $4,500 for returning participants.
Location: Multiple locations across the United States. You can check all labs here.
Application Deadline: November 1
Program Dates: 8 weeks in the summer. The exact dates will vary depending on the lab you choose.
Eligibility: High school students who have completed at least Grade 9. They must be US citizens and be at least 16 years old by the start of the program.
The Science and Engineering Apprenticeship Program (SEAP) provides high school students with an eight-week paid internship at the Department of Navy laboratories. You will work alongside Navy scientists and engineers on real-world research in fields like robotics, cybersecurity, and aerospace. As an intern, you will gain hands-on experience, develop technical skills, and explore potential careers in naval science and technology. With around 300 placements across 38+ labs nationwide, SEAP is a competitive program that helps students build valuable industry connections.
Cost: Starting at $2,490 (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 offers high school students the opportunity to work with high-growth startups across industries like AI, health tech, marketing, and consulting. You will gain hands-on experience by collaborating with startup managers on real-world projects while receiving mentorship from a dedicated Ladder Coach. The program provides exposure to fast-paced startup environments, helping students develop industry-specific skills and build a professional network. Interns also present their work to company leaders, gaining valuable experience in problem-solving and innovation. Here is the application form.
Stipend: Stipends are paid based on the education level. Check the exact amount here.
Location: Several locations across the United States. Check the detailed information here. Application Deadline: January 10 for the summer cohort
Program Dates: Start dates may vary based on the AFRL sites and/or projects to which you are applying.
Eligibility: Upper-level high schoolers with a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale, who are US citizens. You must also be eligible to work 40 hours a week for summer internship positions.
The AFRL Scholars Program offers stipend-paid summer internships for upper-level high school students interested in STEM research. You will work alongside AFRL scientists and engineers on advanced projects, gaining hands-on experience with cutting-edge technology. The program focuses on technical skill development and professional growth, with some locations also offering opportunities for those interested in education-related fields.
6. Idaho National Laboratory (INL) Internship Program
Stipend: The exact amount is not mentioned, but the INL pays a competitive wage.
Location: Idaho National Laboratory, Idaho Falls, ID
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Program Dates: INL employs interns year-round, but the largest numbers occur during the summer months. INL’s internship terms are designed to match a typical university term, lasting from 10 to 16 weeks.
Eligibility: High school students over 16 who hold U.S. citizenship or permanent resident status.
The Idaho National Laboratory (INL) Internship Program provides high school students in Idaho with hands-on research experience in STEM fields. You will collaborate with scientists and engineers to tackle real-world challenges while gaining exposure to advanced technologies.
The program begins with goal-setting and resource planning alongside a mentor, followed by guided research and project development. You will also attend seminars and career-focused events. At the end of the internship, you will present your work through posters, digital presentations, or videos.
7. NIST Summer High School Intern Program
Cost: Free; stipend provided
Location: NIST Campuses in Boulder, CO and Gaithersburg, MD.
Application Deadline: February 6
Program Dates: June 16 – August 8
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors with a minimum GPA of 3.0.
The NIST Summer High School Intern Program (SHIP) is an eight-week, unpaid internship for students interested in STEM research. Held at NIST’s campuses in Boulder, CO, and Gaithersburg, MD, interns work alongside scientists on research projects in areas like measurement science, engineering, and technology.
Participants gain hands-on experience in specialized labs such as the Communications Technology Laboratory (CTL) and Physical Measurement Laboratory (PML). Applicants must live near NIST and arrange their own housing and transportation.
8. Careers in Science (CiS) Intern Program
Stipend: Students will receive a stipend above minimum wage.
Location: California Academy of Sciences, San Francisco, CA
Application Deadline: April 1
Program Dates: After school and on weekends, year-round participation. Interns enter the program in June as rising sophomores or juniors and continue through high school graduation.
Eligibility: Must be a full-time 9th or 10th-grade student in an SFUSD school with a GPA of 2.5 or higher and a grade of C or above in science and math.
The Careers in Science (CiS) Intern Program is a multi-year, paid STEM internship at the California Academy of Sciences for San Francisco high school students from underrepresented communities. You will conduct fieldwork, engage in science communication, and contribute to research projects. The program offers training, mentorship, leadership opportunities, and college preparation, helping students gain real-world STEM experience.
9. Center for Excellence in Education’s Research Science Institute (RSI)
Cost: Free
Location: Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Cambridge, MA
Application Deadline: December 11
Program Dates: June 22 – August 2
Eligibility: High school juniors. Applicants are encouraged to have PSAT Math scores of 740+ and Evidence-Based Reading and Writing scores of 700+. For the ACT, Math scores should be at least 33 and Verbal scores at least 34. You can see more details here.
The Research Science Institute (RSI) is a prestigious, cost-free summer program at MIT that blends advanced STEM coursework with a five-week mentored research internship. You will engage in independent research projects, analyze current scientific literature, and present your findings through conference-level papers and presentations. The program also includes field trips to cultural and science institutions in the Boston area, offering a well-rounded academic experience.
10. George Mason University’s Aspiring Scientists Summer Internship Program (ASSIP)
Cost: No cost
Location: Remote and in-person at George Mason University, Fairfax, VA
Application Deadline: Mid-February (tentative)
Program Dates: June 18 - August 8
Eligibility: High school students aged 15 years or older
George Mason University’s Aspiring Scientists Summer Internship Program (ASSIP) offers hands-on research experience in neuroscience, bioengineering, environmental science, and more. You will work alongside faculty on real projects, gaining skills in lab techniques like PCR, microscopy, and gel electrophoresis, as well as data analysis with Python and R. The program emphasizes experiment design, statistical modeling, and scientific writing, helping students develop key research and presentation skills.
11. Army Educational Outreach Program (AEOP) High School Internships
Stipend: Stipends vary based on the projects.
Location: There are AEOP locations in almost every state. Students may select their preferred location.
Application Deadline: Rolling basis
Program Dates: Summer Internships are generally 6-10 weeks in May-August.
Eligibility: Current high school students who are U.S. citizens or permanent legal residents.
The AEOP High School Internships offer paid STEM research opportunities at U.S. Army Research Laboratories and university research centers. You’ll work with scientists and engineers on projects in robotics, AI, and military innovations. This full-time, commuter-based program runs up to 40 hours per week, so you’ll need to apply to a lab near you. At the end of the internship, you’ll submit a research abstract for publication in the AEOP Research Journal. Along with hands-on lab work, you’ll receive mentorship from STEM professionals and connect with peers through virtual sessions.
12. Johns Hopkins Internship in Brain Sciences (JHIBS)
Stipend: In-person interns will receive $15/hr as a stipend. Virtual interns do not receive a stipend but receive a certificate of completion.
Location: Virtual and in-person options. The in-person program will be held at the Johns Hopkins Department of Neurology.
Application Deadline: March 1
Program Dates: 8 weeks, June – August (in-person); 5 weeks, July – August (virtual)
Eligibility:
In-person: High school juniors and seniors from Baltimore City public schools
Virtual: High school juniors and seniors from across the United States
The Johns Hopkins Internship in Brain Sciences (JHIBS) introduces high school students, especially those from underrepresented communities, to neurological science and medical research. The program offers both in-person and virtual options, where participants engage in research projects, seminars, and professional mentorship. In-person interns gain hands-on lab and clinical experience at Johns Hopkins, while virtual participants still work on research and skill-building. With a strong focus on early STEM exposure, JHIBS helps students develop key academic and career skills for research or clinical science.
13. Boyce Thompson Institute (BTI) High School Internships
Stipend: $4,200
Location: Cornell University, Ithaca, NY
Application Deadline: Application typically closes in March
Program Dates: June 30 – August 7
Eligibility: High school students over the age of 16
The Boyce Thompson Institute (BTI) High School Research Internship gives students hands-on experience in plant science and sustainability research at Cornell University’s BTI campus. Under the guidance of expert mentors, you'll conduct research, attend seminars, and participate in professional development workshops alongside industry professionals and graduate students. No prior lab experience is required, but a strong academic record in science and math is important. This six-week paid internship culminates in a scientific symposium, where you'll present your research findings.
14. The JSA/Jefferson Lab High School Summer Honors Program
Stipend: The estimated total pay range for an Intern is $20–$36 per hour
Location: Jefferson Lab on Jefferson Avenue, Newport News, VA
Application Deadline: March 15
Program Dates: June 23 - August 1
Eligibility: Students of local high schools within 60 miles of Jefferson Lab with at least a 3.5 GPA. Students must be at least 16 years old at the start of the program.
The JSA/Jefferson Lab High School Summer Honors Program offers high school students a six-week, full-time research experience in physics, engineering, and computer science. Working alongside Jefferson Lab staff, you’ll engage in scientific and technical projects that build practical skills and expand your understanding of STEM careers.
Selection is competitive, based on academic performance and demonstrated interest in STEM. The program concludes with a presentation of your research, highlighting your contributions to ongoing projects at Jefferson Lab.
15. The Princeton Laboratory Learning Program (LLP)
Cost: Free
Location: Princeton University, Princeton, NJ
Application Deadline: March 15
Program Dates: 5-6 weeks during the summer; specific dates to be announced.
Eligibility: Participants must be U.S. citizens or residents who are at least 16 years old and in a US high school. Check more details here.
The Princeton Laboratory Learning Program (LLP) is a competitive STEM summer internship where high school students collaborate with Princeton University scientists on cutting-edge research. As an intern, you will engage in projects related to biofuel oxidation, AI in power systems, and environmental sustainability, gaining hands-on experience with advanced scientific techniques. The program helps students develop critical thinking and research skills while working alongside experts in engineering and natural sciences.