15 Business Internships for High School Students in Virginia
TL;DR
This article covers business internships for high school students in Virginia, including opportunities in public agencies, nonprofits, local employers, and remote startups. Depending on the placement, experiences include research, report preparation, administrative support, and workplace training. Ladder Internships offers remote startup projects guided by a company manager and a dedicated coach, with assignments shaped by students’ interests and the host company.
How does a business decide who its customers are and what they need? The U.S. Small Business Administration explains how market research helps businesses understand customers and assess demand. A business internship lets you explore how organizations turn information into practical decisions. Working alongside professionals can help you connect interests in marketing, finance, or operations with the everyday work behind them.
These selections focus on stated high school eligibility, business-related responsibilities, and access through Virginia locations or remote participation.
If you’d like to explore more close to home, our guide to high school internships in Virginia spans interests beyond business. For a wider view of the field, browse these summer business internships for high school students.
Why should you do a business internship?
A business internship can help you test your interests by seeing how organizations manage resources, communicate, and respond to practical problems. You can connect classroom ideas with workplace expectations and learn from feedback on your contribution. Explore startup project experience through Ladder Internships.
What skills can you pick up in business internships?
Business internships can develop your ability to interpret information, organize work, and communicate decisions clearly. Financial reasoning helps you understand budgets and trade-offs, while research supports informed decisions about customers or operations. Clear writing, careful recordkeeping, and reliable follow-through help you turn that understanding into useful contributions.
How do you choose the right option?
Consider several factors before applying, including your grade level, location, academic background, schedule, and budget. You should also check requirements related to citizenship, residency, coursework, or GPA, as these can vary significantly!
|
Program type |
Top programs |
Cost / Stipend |
Best For |
|
Virtual Programs |
Ladder Internships (fully remote), Fulton County Schools Gifted Internship Program (in person, hybrid, or remote) |
Cost |
Students interested in remote startup work or business and finance career exploration through a gifted-school placement |
|
School and University Placements |
Fulton County Schools (Career, Technical & Agricultural Education) – Work-Based Learning, Young Dawgs Program (UGA), Internship Forsyth (Work-Based Learning) |
Cost |
Students who want to connect business coursework or career interests with sustained experience at a local employer, university, or community site |
|
Government and Public Transportation |
Gwinnett County Government Internship Program, MARTA Internship Program |
Cost |
Students interested in how business functions support local government, public services, and transportation |
|
Company and Local Employer Summer Placements |
Microsoft Discovery Program, Cherokee Summer Internship Program |
Cost |
Students seeking paid summer experience with interests in technology products, marketing, communications, or employer operations |
1. James City County General Services Internship Program – Budget & Administration Track
Location: James City County, VA
Stipend: $16.89/hr
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; 1 intern per specific position
Dates: Typically 8 weeks; Summer: June 16 – August 14; Spring: February – April; Fall: September – October
Application Deadline: Summer: May 10; Spring: January 9; Fall: July 28
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors; basic budgeting/accounting knowledge and Microsoft Office/Excel skills required
You will complete practical activities such as preparing budget documents, entering administrative data, supporting department-wide coordination, and shadowing seasoned professionals. The program lets you bridge public administration and corporate business principles while receiving one-on-one mentorship from county leadership. Ultimately, you will learn skills in financial planning, efficient workflow management, and professional communication.
Who is it best for: High school seniors interested in accounting, public budgeting, and detailed financial work.
2. Ladder Internship Program
Location: Remote
Cost/Stipend: Cost varies depending on the program type; financial aid is available / No stipend
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 10–25%; 70–100 students
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year, including Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter
Application Deadline: Varies depending on the cohort; Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), and Winter (November)
Eligibility: High school students, undergraduates, and gap year students who can work for 5–10 hours/week for 8 weeks
Your project depends on your interests and host company, with past assignments including strategy development and market analysis; you'll present a final project to the company. It offers startup project experience, with direct CEO collaboration available through its CEO Internship and Executive Fellowship programs. A unique feature of this program is that Harvard entrepreneurs founded it, offering you direct mentorship from executives with experience at firms like McKinsey and Google.
Who is it best for: High school students who want a guided remote startup project with guidance from a company manager and a dedicated Ladder Coach.
3. Urban Alliance High School Internship Program
Location: Northern Virginia (workplace placements)
Stipend: Paid, amount not disclosed
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; cohort size varies per region
Dates: Fall through Summer of senior year
Application Deadline: Typically, early September of senior year
Eligibility: High school seniors on track to graduate with a minimum 2.0 GPA; generally able to work 8–12 hours weekly during the school year, with early release preferred and limited after-school placements available
You will cover key workplace topics like professional communication, digital literacy, financial management, and office etiquette. As an intern, you will manage daily administrative tasks, attend weekly professional development workshops, collaborate closely with a workplace mentor, and deliver a final presentation to your team. The internship targets mid-achieving students to level the playing field, while also offering alumni support long after you graduate.
Who is it best for: Northern Virginia seniors seeking sustained workplace experience, mentoring, and school-year scheduling support.
4. EO Ignite Student Internship
Location: Southwest Virginia (In-person at various local employers)
Stipend: Paid; amount varies by employer
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive; cohort size varies based on local employer availability
Dates: June and July
Application Deadline: No single deadline; applications are submitted through individual EO internship postings
Eligibility: Students 16+ years old by June 1, eligible to work in the US, reliable transportation, available to complete 82 hours, and selected a Career Path in MajorClarity; individual employers may add requirements.
During the summer, you will perform real job duties, participate in direct on-site mentoring, build your professional resume, and network with established industry contacts. The program offers a highly flexible 82-hour summer schedule, plus one-on-one guidance from a dedicated workplace mentor. Through these experiences, you will learn critical soft skills, professional communication, and practical, industry-specific operational abilities.
Who is it best for: Southwest Virginia students who want a short, mentored introduction to a local workplace.
5. JSSA High School Internship
Location: In person in Fairfax, VA, or Rockville, MD; applicants must be able to commute to a JSSA office
Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; cohort size not disclosed
Dates: Flexible scheduling; typically 12–16 hours per week
Application Deadline: March
Eligibility: Local high school students residing in VA, MD, or DC
Depending on your placement, you may assist with administrative tasks, data analysis, training coordination, reports, outreach, or community presentations. The program also lets you earn Student Service-Learning (SSL) hours while tailoring your department collaborations to your specific career goals. By the end of the summer, you will have developed skills in cross-cultural communication, project management, empathetic leadership, and practical business administration.
Who is it best for: Local high school students interested in nonprofit administration who prefer flexible scheduling and can commute to Fairfax or Rockville.
6. VITA Junior Associate Program
Location: Richmond / North Chesterfield, VA
Stipend: Paid hourly, rate not disclosed
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; approximately 8 students per cohort
Dates: Fall: Typically January – June; Summer: Typically June – August
Application Deadline: Fall: Typically, September; Summer: Typically, late February
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors
During your time there, you will shadow experienced business professionals, attend cross-functional administrative meetings, and collaborate on real-world projects that support state operations. The program integrates high school students into high-level state executive meet-and-greets and cross-agency initiatives. By the end, you will develop workplace skills such as complex problem-solving, professional communication, and collaborative teamwork.
Who is it best for: Juniors and seniors interested in how business functions support a state technology agency.
7. IALR Summer Internship Program
Location: Danville, VA
Stipend: $15 per hour; up to $3,360 total for 224 hours
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive; ~15 interns
Dates: June – August (8 weeks)
Application Deadline: March 20
Eligibility: Graduating high school seniors entering college in the fall, current college students, or recent college graduates
Your placement covers core corporate topics like public relations, human resources, research and data analysis, and conferencing services. Throughout the summer, you will collaborate on community development initiatives, manage program logistics, draft professional communications, and tackle real-world project tasks. The program features a structured 224-hour framework that pairs you with a dedicated mentor to support Southern Virginia's economic transformation.
Who is it best for: Graduating seniors entering college who want substantial summer experience in marketing, communications, or economic development.
8. City of Alexandria Workforce Development Center – Alexandria Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP)
Location: Alexandria, Virginia
Stipend: $12.77 per hour
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; ~196 interns
Dates: June 22 –July 31
Application Deadline: February 14
Eligibility: Ages 14–21; middle or high school students; City of Alexandria residents; U.S. work authorization; household benefits (SNAP, Medicaid, TANF, or qualifying free/reduced-price lunch), income at/below 130% of the federal poverty line, or an Individualized Education Program (IEP)
You combine paid work experience at an Alexandria business, nonprofit, or government agency with support from a Summer Youth Advisor and career-exploration and life-skills workshops. In business placements, you can contribute to short-term workplace projects. These experiences can help you develop communication, teamwork, and professional habits while exploring business careers.
Who is it best for: Students seeking an introduction to business workplaces through paid experience, practical projects, and mentorship.
9. Henrico County High School Internship - Intern I
Location: Henrico, VA
Stipend: $15/hr
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; cohort size varies by department
Dates: Year-round (Spring, Summer, and Fall semesters; Summer is typically 9 weeks)
Application Deadline: Varies by individual department job postings
Eligibility: Currently enrolled high school students
Your experience covers operational topics like public administration, community engagement, and departmental workflows. During your internship, you will shadow experienced public servants, assist with daily administrative or technical projects, connect community members with services, and keep a journal detailing your progress. The program's standout feature is its flexibility, which lets you set customized learning goals that match your specific career interests.
Who is it best for: Henrico-area high school students who want an administrative placement with defined personal learning goals.
10. Fairfax County DFS / Virginia Career Works–Northern Region – Educating Youth through Employment (EYE)
Location: Northern Virginia, Virginia
Cost/Stipend: Paid, amount not disclosed
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; ~133 interns
Dates: Workshops: late June; internship: July 6 – August 13; recognition ceremony on August 14
Application Deadline: Sponsoring-organization referral and selection; no deadline
Eligibility: Ages 16–24; actively receiving services from a referring organization; legally eligible to work in the United States
You attend job-readiness and career-exploration workshops through Educating Youth through Employment (EYE). EYE counselors match you with a six-week paid work experience aligned with your interests and provide support throughout the program. Depending on your placement, you may explore business through administrative or social media assistant roles, which can help you develop workplace communication and organizational skills.
Who is it best for: Students seeking a supported introduction to business workplaces, administrative work, or social media responsibilities through practical summer experience.
11. City of Richmond Youth Engagement Services – Youth Works RVA – In-Person Program
Location: Richmond, Virginia
Stipend: Paid, amount not disclosed
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; cohort size not stated
Dates: 8 weeks in the summer
Application Deadline: March 31
Eligibility: Ages 16–24; City of Richmond resident or enrolled in Richmond Social Services foster care at program start
You complete an onsite internship tailored to your career interests, with professional mentorship through Youth Works RVA’s In-Person Program. You also participate in job-readiness workshops covering communication, time management, and workplace etiquette to build practical professional skills relevant to business careers.
Who is it best for: Students interested in exploring business careers through practical workplace experience and professional mentorship.
12. Virginia Beach – Summer Youth Employment Program
Location: Virginia Beach, VA
Stipend: Paid hourly, rate not disclosed
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; 100+ students
Dates: June 15 – August 5; orientation takes place June 15–18, with work placements beginning June 22
Application Deadline: March 12
Eligibility: Students ages 16–21; Virginia Beach residents
During this eight-week program, you will assist city agencies with daily administrative tasks, participate in professional mentorship sessions, and complete hands-on job readiness training. The program has a robust matching system, which pairs you with one of over thirty distinct city departments or local private businesses based on your specific career goals.
Who is it best for: Virginia Beach high school students seeking local paid work and practical money-management training.
13. High School Career Exploration Internship – Lynchburg Beacon of Hope
Location: Lynchburg, VA
Stipend: Paid, amount not disclosed
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive; approximately 75 students
Dates: 4 weeks in June
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors attending Lynchburg public high schools
You’ll begin with a required job readiness module covering resume writing, interview practice, networking, workplace communication, and basic financial literacy, completed as a cohort before internships begin. The core of the program is a multi-week, on-site internship with a local employer, where you gain firsthand experience in a real work environment aligned with your interests and availability. Alongside the internship, you’ll meet weekly with Beacon of Hope staff and near-peer mentors to reflect on what you’re learning and connect your experiences to long-term career goals.
Who is it best for: Lynchburg public-school juniors and seniors who want guided career exploration before choosing a college or employment path.
14. Norfolk Emerging Leaders (NEL) Program
Location: Norfolk, VA
Stipend: $15/hr
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive; approximately 140 students per summer
Dates: June 1 – July 24
Application Deadline: February 8
Eligibility: Students ages 16–21, residents of Norfolk, currently enrolled in high school (or a vocational/trade school); U.S. citizen or legally authorized to work in the U.S.
You gain paid work experience through an assignment in a city department, alongside job-readiness training and financial-literacy education. Your responsibilities depend on the placement, allowing you to explore public-service careers through hands-on work. The program offers a real municipal desk job while teaching you how to manage your earnings. By the end of this program, you will have developed office etiquette, cross-departmental communication, and basic financial management.
Who is it best for: Norfolk high school students interested in municipal operations who can commit to the full summer schedule.
15. Fairfax County Public Schools – FCPS Business and Community Partnerships Internship
Location: Falls Church, Virginia
Stipend: $16.67/hour for current FCPS high school students; $18.77/hour for FCPS graduates enrolled in postsecondary education
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; cohort size not stated
Dates: July 6 – August 14
Application Deadline: April 10
Eligibility: Age 16+ by July 6; FCPS high school enrollment in current year or FCPS graduate enrolled in postsecondary education; legally authorized to work in the United States
You provide project and administrative support to FCPS Community Relations, assisting initiatives that connect the school division with local businesses, nonprofits, and community stakeholders. Under the Business and Community Partnerships Administrator’s supervision, you gain experience in partnership development, community engagement, and communications. Weekly workshops cover personal finance, communication, résumé writing, and networking to help you build practical workplace skills.
Who is it best for: Students interested in business relationships, community engagement, and communications who want practical experience supporting partnerships in public education.
Can a business internship help with your college applications?
Business internship experiences can give you concrete examples of how your academic interests translate into practical work. Discussing a budget task, workplace research, or community partnership can show what you learned about organizations and responsibility. Explain your contribution and how the experience shaped your interest in business, economics, or a related subject.
How do you apply for a business internship?
Start with each program’s official instructions for eligibility, deadlines, and requested application materials. Prepare examples that show your interest in business, such as relevant coursework, a club project, or responsibility for organizing an event. Allow time to complete the requested steps, since documents, interviews, and referral processes vary between programs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Do I need budgeting or accounting knowledge for the business-focused roles?
For the dedicated budget placement, yes: the entry requires basic budgeting or accounting knowledge and Microsoft Office or Excel skills. The nonprofit administration and community-partnership entries list different eligibility conditions, giving you other business settings to explore without an explicitly listed accounting prerequisite.
2. Will I apply for a defined business role or be matched with a workplace?
Both approaches appear in the entries: department-specific internships describe a defined role, while some youth employment programs match participants with worksites. Matched placements can include administrative or social media work, whereas role-specific options focus on areas such as budgeting or community partnerships.
3. Can I fit one of these internships around school rather than only in the summer?
Yes, the entries include school-year and flexible placements alongside summer internships. One option runs from fall through summer of senior year, while another offers placements across spring, summer, and fall. For a shorter commitment, Ladder Internships offers an eight-week remote startup experience with a company manager.
4. Will I need to present my work or take part in reflection sessions?
Requirements vary: some entries include a final project presentation, while others build in weekly reflection meetings. Presentation-focused options ask you to explain your work, while reflection meetings emphasize sharing workplace experiences with staff, near-peer mentors, and other interns.