12 Business Internships for High School Students in Texas
TL;DR
This list covers 12 business internships for high school students in Texas, most of which are run through city and county governments, corporations, and school district partnerships. Many options are paid, with hourly wages or stipends ranging from about $13/hour to $2,000 for the program, though a few are unpaid or fully funded. Programs typically run 4 to 8 weeks in the summer, though a couple involve a longer prep phase with workshops spanning several months beforehand. Eligibility is often tied to a specific city, county, or school district, so where you live matters for several of these options, though one is fully remote and open to students anywhere.
Considering a future in business? An internship in the field can be a great place to get started. Depending on the internship, you might learn about entrepreneurship, marketing, finance, sales, management, consulting, or startup operations. Internships let you work on real business projects, conduct market research, create content, analyze information, or contribute to an organization’s decision-making. Internships can also give you a chance to see how businesses operate in different industries. If you’re interested in business but are still figuring out which area you want to pursue, an internship can help you start narrowing down your interests.
Why should you do a business internship in Texas?
Texas has a large and varied business community, so high school students can find opportunities to explore different sides of the field. Depending on the opportunity, you might learn how a company attracts customers, manages its finances, develops new ideas, or organizes its day-to-day operations. Texas also has businesses across industries such as energy, technology, healthcare, retail, finance, and transportation, so your experience may look very different depending on the organization. Spending time in one of these environments can help you understand the kind of business work that appeals to you.
How do you apply for a business internship?
Start by deciding what type of business experience you want and then look at the eligibility requirements for each opportunity. Some internships may be offered by individual companies, while others may be connected to the government, universities, nonprofit organizations, entrepreneurship programs, or local business groups. Check whether the program is open to students from across Texas or only to students in a particular city or area. Applications may ask for a resume, transcript, essays, recommendations, or information about your interests and previous activities. If the internship is in person, also consider the location, schedule, and transportation before applying. If this is your first-ever business internship, start with our guide to applying for an internship without any experience!
To help you explore your options, we have put together a list of 12 business internships for high school students in Texas. We have prioritized options that offer rigorous business exposure, mentorship, and networking opportunities.
If you are looking for options beyond Texas, you can explore our selection of business internships and business programs.
Quick program overview
|
Program type |
Top programs |
Cost/Stipend |
Best for |
|
Government and public sector internships |
NSA HSWS, City of Austin Youth Initiatives, City of Houston Summer Jobs Program, Dallas Works, Travis County Internships |
Free; hourly pay or stipends from ~$13/hour to $18/hour available (some unpaid options are also available) |
Students who want local work experience within a city, county, or federal government office; eligibility is often limited to residents of that area. |
|
Corporate and industry-specific internships |
CLA High School Internship Program, Dominium Resident Internships, DPR Construction Build Up |
Free; stipend or hourly wage available |
Students who want a paid introduction to a specific industry, such as accounting, property management, or construction, through a private company |
|
School district, community partnership, and university-led programs |
Austin ISD Summer Internship Program, Emma Bowen Foundation Fellows Program, UT Austin McCombs Summer Programs |
Free; stipends available (up to $2,000) |
Students who want a free or stipend-based program that combines hands-on experience with structured coaching, mentorship, or course credit |
|
Remote program |
Cost varies with aid available |
Students who want a fully virtual internship with a startup |
1. NSA High School Work Study (HSWS)
Location: NSA field site, San Antonio, TX, or other NSA sites in the U.S.
Cost/Stipend: No cost; stipend available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not officially disclosed
Dates: September – August during the senior year
Application deadline: Varies by role; applications open on September 1
Eligibility: High school juniors who plan to participate in a school-sponsored work experience program during their senior year; applicants must live close to the assigned NSA site.
The National Security Agency offers various paid internships to students, with the HSWS open to 11th-graders seeking part-time work experience. As a participant, you can take up a part-time role in areas like office administration or business-adjacent fields at the NSA field office to explore the inner workings of a government agency. You will get to work closely with NSA staff and build early connections while learning how organizational work is carried out by various teams. The experience can also offer exposure to career pathways in government agencies.
Who it’s best for: Students looking for a paid, part-time opportunity and interested in working for a government agency.
2. Ladder Internships
Location: Remote! You can participate from anywhere in the world.
Cost: Varies by program type; full financial assistance available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: Multiple cohorts every year, including Fall, Summer, Spring, and Winter
Application deadline: Varies by cohort; Fall (September), Spring (January), Summer (May), and Winter (November)
Eligibility: Students who can work 10 – 20 hours/week for 8 – 12 weeks; open to high school, undergraduate, and gap year students!
Ladder Internships is a selective startup internship program for ambitious high school students! Through the program, you will work with a high-growth startup on an internship. Startups that offer internships range across a variety of industries, from AI/ML and tech/deep tech to journalism, health tech, marketing, consulting, and more. Ladder’s startups are high-growth companies that, on average, raise more than $1 million. You will work closely with a manager on real-world projects and present your work to the company. The virtual internship is usually eight weeks long. Apply now!
Who it’s best for: Students looking for opportunities to work with startups on real projects in a fully remote format.
3. CliftonLarsonAllen (CLA) High School Internship Program
Location: Multiple CLA office locations nationwide
Cost/Stipend: No cost; stipend paid (amount not specified)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not officially disclosed
Dates: June 15 – July 16
Application deadline: TBA for the next cohort
Eligibility: Students who are at least 16 at the start of the program and are authorized to work in the U.S. without requiring an employment-based visa; selected interns under 18 must submit the required work authorization papers.
CLA’s four-week high school internship lets you explore real-world operations within the accounting and professional services industry through a combination of instruction and hands-on experience. You will work on a case study that serves a wide range of clients and industries, shadow professionals at CLA, and contribute to team projects that help you understand CLA's workplace dynamics. Throughout the summer program, you will collaborate closely with CLA staff. This program can also be an opportunity to learn about various roles and pathways in accounting.
Who it's best for: Students who want a paid, hands-on introduction to accounting over the summer.
4. Emma Bowen Foundation Fellows Program
Location: Various sites across the U.S., including in Texas
Cost/Stipend: No cost; stipend available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 150 students/year (Texas-specific numbers not available)
Dates: Eight weeks (minimum) in the summer, starting in May/June; dates vary based on the hiring organization.
Application deadline: Application window: September – April; recommend submission period is January, as applications are reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis.
Eligibility: 12th graders who are planning to attend four-year accredited U.S. colleges or universities, have a cumulative GPA of 3.0+, are at least 18, and are authorized to work in the U.S. without sponsorship
The Emma Bowen Foundation Fellows Program connects high school students to paid work experiences in various fields, including business. If selected, you will spend the summer working at an organization near you. You may take up a role in marketing, human resources, sales, public relations, or other business-related areas while also receiving on-the-job training and opportunities to interact with peers and mentors. You will work 35 to 40 hours each week throughout the internship. The program will additionally offer professional development sessions and one-on-one coaching.
Who it’s best for: Students looking for a combination of paid internship and professional development within one program.
5. City of Austin Youth Initiatives High School Internship Opportunities
Location: Sites in Austin, TX (placements vary by program and host)
Cost/Stipend: No cost; $13/hour stipend
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: June 1 – July 10
Application deadline: February 28 (one application covers all five programs); application window opens on January 28.
Eligibility: Rising sophomores through current seniors, ages 15 – 18 at the time of application, who are Austin residents attending Austin-area high schools
The City of Austin Youth Initiatives can place you in one of five paid internship tracks for six weeks in summer. The Automotive/Entrepreneurial Internship Program, run with five Austin-area car dealerships, lets you explore the business aspect of the automotive industry while taking on a role in areas like sales, management, finance, customer service, or mechanics. The Get Ready! Summer Internship Program offers STEAM-based placements, letting you build work experience in a professional setting tied to science, technology, engineering, art, or math. The Aviation Department Summer Internship Program will place you within a division at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, such as Ground Transportation, Security, Finance, or Planning & Engineering. The Emerging Leaders Summer Internship Program (ELSIP), run in partnership with Bank of America and the Quality of Life Foundation, will place you in a career field that matches your interests and allow you to participate in educational field trips. The fifth track, the Austin Convention Center Internship Program, will let you explore real-world work within the center’s divisions, such as accounting, marketing, and event services. All tracks offer workplace exposure, guidance, and skill-building opportunities.
Who it’s best for: Austin students looking for paid government-led internships that align with their interests.
6. City of Houston Summer Jobs Program
Location: Sites in Houston, TX
Cost/Stipend: No cost; stipend available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not officially disclosed
Dates: Eight-week internships starting on June 8 or June 15
Application deadline: Not specified; application window opens in February.
Eligibility: Students and young adults, ages 16 – 24, who live in the greater Houston area; applicants must be available to work 32 hours/week for 8 weeks and pass a background check.
The City of Houston Summer Jobs Program places you in a paid summer position with one of the city's departments, where you learn what it takes to serve city residents. At your assigned city department, you will assist government staff with administrative or technical tasks. In the process, you will learn about workplace expectations, organizational tasks, teamwork, and professional communication. The experience can help you build connections with professionals and government employees. You will also learn about community engagement and see how city offices work together to tackle community issues.
Who it’s best for: Students in Houston looking for a paid opportunity and interested in exploring working with a city government unit.
7. Dallas Works Summer Internship Program
Location: Sites in Dallas, TX
Cost/Stipend: No cost; minimum stipend of $18/hour
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not officially disclosed
Dates: Career Ready Workshops: October – April (weekday evenings); Internship Orientation: Mid-May; Internship Prep Bootcamp: Late May – early June; Internship: Late June – early August
Application deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Students and young adults, ages 16 – 22, who live in or attend schools in Dallas County; for internships, students must complete the bootcamp, a mock job interview, and workshops and be eligible to work in the U.S.
Dallas Works is a three-phase program that prepares you for a paid summer internship in Dallas. From October to April, you will attend weekly Career Ready Workshops in three areas: professionalism, communication and confidence, and open worldview and inclusion. Topics include resume writing, AI in the workplace, public speaking, and networking, and you can earn digital badges for your resume. Following the workshops, you will complete a weeklong, in-person Internship Prep Bootcamp with training sessions, Microsoft Office practice, and a mock job interview to then move on to an internship. You will be placed with a corporation, nonprofit, or government agency in fields such as administration, IT, human resources, finance, and engineering. Placements will be based on your interests, qualifications, and location. Throughout the internship, an Internship Coach will offer support if you run into problems.
Who it's best for: Dallas County students who want paid, in-person work experience and are able to commit to months of evening workshops and a full summer schedule.
8. Austin ISD Summer Internship Program
Location: Sites in Austin, TX
Cost/Stipend: No cost; $2,000 stipend
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not publicly specified
Dates: June 8 – July 24
Application deadline: February 6 (student interest form deadline)
Eligibility: Austin Independent School District students entering grades 10 – 12
Run by Austin ISD, the Austin Ed Fund, and the Austin Chamber, this program is a paid internship for high schoolers. You will work with an Austin business or community partner, engaging in organizational tasks for 20 hours per week for six weeks. The experience can help you explore what it takes to run a business, work within a team, and contribute to real workplace projects. In the process, you will complete a capstone project, earn high school course credit, and receive a stipend. Certified teachers will provide professional career training and coaching during the program.
Who it's best for: Austin ISD students who want paid, credit-bearing work experience with local employers and mentorship or coaching within the same program.
9. Dominium Resident Internships
Location: Dominium offices in Texas
Cost/Stipend: No cost; stipend available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not publicly disclosed
Dates: Vary by role
Application deadline: Varies by role
Eligibility: High school students, ages 16 and up, who are current residents of Dominium-owned properties
Dominium’s Resident Internship gives high school students living in Dominium-owned properties a chance to explore the property management industry through a hands-on, paid internship. As an intern, you will receive mentorship from local community and maintenance managers and work alongside office and maintenance teams on real-world tasks within housing development and management. The schedule will include a Capstone Project, which will let you present your contributions and learning outcomes. Through this experience, you can explore operations within administration, customer service, and team collaboration. This can also be an opportunity to develop career-ready skills in a structured, supportive environment.
Who it’s best for: Dominium residents interested in a paid internship experience focused on housing development and management.
10. Travis County Internships
Location: Departments in Travis County, TX
Cost/Stipend: No cost; paid and unpaid opportunities available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not publicly disclosed
Dates: Semester-long and summer internships available
Application deadline: Applications are accepted as positions are open
Eligibility: High school and college students
Travis County High School Internship Program offers students placements within county departments to explore real-world public service work. You will work after school or in the summer under the supervision of government professionals. Business-focused placements will let you assist the staff in areas like event coordination, budgeting, data organization, and communications. Through this experience, you will gain exposure to public sector operations, including policy implementation, financial planning, and administrative workflows. You may also get to connect with professionals and peers to build early connections.
Who it’s best for: Students interested in the public sector who want to work within a county department.
11. DPR Construction Build Up High School Internship
Location: Various DPR Construction locations across the U.S., including in Texas
Cost/Stipend: No cost; hourly wage and transportation stipends available.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: Eight weeks in the summer; specific dates TBA
Application deadline: TBA for the next cycle
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors or students graduating in May with a family income below 80% of the HUD Median Family Income for their counties; students must be legally entitled to work in the U.S.
The Build Up High School Internship is an eight-week program that lets you explore real-world construction management. You will work 35 to 40 hours each week on a construction jobsite under the supervision of mentors, tracking project documents, learning jobsite safety practices, supporting subcontractor coordination, helping update schedules and site plans, and engaging in quality inspections and site walks. You will also complete a Capstone Project and work on building teamwork, communication, and other workplace skills through project-based learning. The experience will introduce you to business activities in construction and engineering, as well as potential pathways in the field, while offering exposure to day-to-day project management.
Who it’s best for: Students looking for a paid, hands-on internship focused on construction management.
12. University of Texas at Austin McCombs Summer High School Programs
Location: University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: McCombs Future Executive Academy (MFEA): June 6 – 11 | Subiendo: The Academy for Rising Leaders: June 13 – 17 | Discover Yourself in Accounting Majors and Careers (DYNAMC): June 20 – 25
Application deadline: February 1
Eligibility: Current Texas high school sophomores and juniors; only juniors at Texas high schools are eligible for Subiendo.
McCombs offers three free, residential summer programs, each focused on a different area of business. The MFEA track introduces you to multiple business fields through hands-on workshops; Subiendo is a five-day leadership development program; and DYNAMC (supported by Ernst & Young) introduces you to accounting as a major and career path. Across all three programs, you will learn from McCombs faculty and keynote speakers, network with industry professionals, and take part in a case competition that puts your skills to the test. You will live on UT Austin's campus for the duration of your program and receive mentorship from current McCombs student leaders and organized time to explore Austin. While not a typical internship, the fully funded programs offer hands-on exposure to business and leadership.
Who it's best for: Texas students who want a free on-campus introduction to business, leadership, or accounting before committing to a college major.
What skills can you pick up in business internships?
Business internships can help you develop skills that are useful across many different roles. You might practice researching competitors, organizing information, preparing presentations, creating marketing materials, working with spreadsheets, or communicating with customers or team members. Some internships may also give you experience with project planning, sales, financial analysis, or entrepreneurship. Just as importantly, you can learn how to meet deadlines, contribute during meetings, and communicate your ideas in a professional setting.
Can a business internship help with your college applications?
A business internship can give you real examples to use when explaining your interest in business or a related college major. Rather than simply saying that you are interested in business, you can use the experience to show how you tested that interest in a real workplace. You can use the internship in the following ways:
Demonstrate your understanding of business beyond the classroom: You can discuss what you learned about how decisions are made, how teams work, or how a company serves its customers.
Give your interests more context: If you are planning to study business, economics, finance, or a related subject, the experience can help explain the origins of that interest.
Use a specific project as an example: A marketing campaign, research task, presentation, or business problem you worked on can give you something concrete to discuss in an essay or interview.
Common questions about these business internships
1. Will you work on actual business tasks like marketing, finance, or operations, or mostly shadow employees?
Most of these internships involve genuine hands-on contribution, such as working on a real project, assisting with day-to-day departmental tasks, or completing a capstone project, rather than just observing. That said, the level of responsibility you are given can vary depending on your specific placement and the organization hosting you.
2. What grade level or age do you need to be to apply?
Eligibility differs quite a bit across these internships. Some are open to students in 10th grade, while others are limited to juniors or seniors, and a few have specific age minimums, such as requiring you to be at least 16 or, in one case, 18 by the time the program begins.
3. How much do these internships pay?
Pay varies across the list, with hourly wages starting around $13/hour and stipends going up to about $2,000. A few options are unpaid or just fund your experience without offering additional monetary awards.
4. Will you work on your own project, or support work that's already underway?
This varies by program. Several internships have you join an existing team and contribute to ongoing organizational work, while others build in a dedicated capstone or final project that you develop and present yourself by the end of the internship. If you want to work on a real, personalized project, Ladder Internships can connect you to startups for a fully remote internship experience.