15 Education Internships for High School Students in Arizona
Exploring education internships in high school can give you a clearer understanding of how learning environments are designed, delivered, and evaluated. Whether you’re assisting in a museum, supporting camp programs, or contributing to STEM outreach, these roles introduce you to the practical side of education beyond the classroom. Arizona is a great spot for high school students to do an education internship because local schools really value the extra help and want to train future teachers. Many school districts in the state are growing and actively invite high schoolers into their classrooms to get real, hands-on experience.
Why should I do an education internship in high school?
Education internships allow you to apply what you’ve learned in school to real-world contexts, especially in roles that involve teaching, mentoring, or community engagement. You gain early exposure to professional environments, which can make it easier to understand workplace expectations and responsibilities. These experiences also help you develop communication skills, particularly when working with younger students or engaging with the public. In many cases, you’ll take on responsibilities that require planning, problem-solving, and adapting to different situations. For high school students in Arizona, these internships also offer insight into how educational programs are structured across different settings, from informal learning spaces to community initiatives.
We’ve compiled 15 education internships for high school students in Arizona below to help you get started.
For those looking for free education-based internships, look at our blog here, and for those interested in general education interenships, check out our blog here.
1. Pima County Summer Youth Employment Program
Location: Pima County, Tucson, AZ
Stipend: $16.54/hour
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive; approximately 700 to 900+ youth placed each summer
Dates: Session 1: June 1–26; Session 2: July 6–31
Application Deadline: February 27
Eligibility: Youth who are 14–21 years old who are permanent residents of Pima County, Arizona
The Pima County Summer Youth Employment Program introduces high school students to a range of internships that combine work experience with structured skill-building. You engage in intern roles across different departments, including education, while also participating in sessions focused on career planning and goal setting. The program incorporates guidance on navigating post-secondary pathways, including planning for college and understanding financial options. Alongside workplace exposure, you develop practical skills such as communication, time management, and decision-making. Support systems and mentorship are built into the experience, helping you reflect on your progress and next steps.
2. Ladder Internships
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: Cost varies depending on the program type; financial aid is available / No stipend
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 10–25%; 70–100 students per cohort
Dates: Several cohorts year-round, including summer, fall, winter, and spring
Application Deadline: Varies by cohort
Eligibility: High school students who can work 10–20 hours per week for 8–12 weeks
Ladder Internships connects high school students with remote, project-based opportunities across a range of academic fields, including education. You work in small groups under the guidance of a mentor, where you might contribute to research, curriculum development, or content creation projects. The structure emphasizes independent work alongside regular feedback, helping you build skills in analysis, communication, and project management. You also engage with tools commonly used in academic or professional settings, depending on your assigned project. The experience is designed to simulate real-world workflows, giving you insight into how education-related projects are developed and executed. Apply now!
3. Arizona Science Center CAMP INNOVATION Counselor in Training (CIT)
Location: Arizona Science Center, 600 E. Washington St., downtown Phoenix, AZ
Cost/Stipend: $295/week (members); $325/week (non-members); scholarships available through donors and community partners / No stipend
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Open enrollment; small teen leadership cohort within the broader program
Dates: 1-Week: June 1–5 or June 29–July 3; 2-Week: June 1–5 and June 29–July 3
Application Deadline: Rolling registration
Eligibility: Grades 7–12; teens who will be 16 years old by the start of the next camp session and who complete both weeks are eligible to interview for paid CAMP INNOVATION team positions
In this program, you assist camp instructors with hands-on science activities, support younger campers in grades 1–6 throughout the day, and attend daily workshops focused on building teamwork, communication, and responsibility skills. During the optional second week, you shift deeper into professional preparation, drafting a resume, completing mock interviews, and spending additional supervised time with instructors to grow comfortable facilitating learning activities independently. Participants who complete the full two-week session and are 16 by the start of the next session gain direct access to the camp leadership team to explore open counselor roles during school breaks and future summers.
4. Arizona Humane Society Junior Camp Counselors
Location: Arizona Humane Society, Phoenix, AZ
Cost/Stipend: $35 cost / No stipend
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive; up to 3 Junior Camp Counselors
Dates: 2 weeks in the summer
Application Deadline: May 15
Eligibility: Teenagers who are 14–17 years old
As a Junior Camp Counselor, you take on a leadership role that centers on guiding younger participants through structured activities. You work closely with instructors to support lesson delivery, manage group dynamics, and contribute to day-to-day camp operations. The program emphasizes communication skills, especially in working with both children and adults in a collaborative environment. You also gain experience in planning and organizing activities. Personal development is a key component, with a focus on identifying strengths and improving social interaction.
5. Phoenix Zoo ZooTeens
Location: Phoenix Zoo, Phoenix, AZ
Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive; 15 students
Dates: August – May
Application Deadline: Late May
Eligibility: Rising high school students
ZooTeens serve as junior educators and conservation ambassadors, interacting directly with the public to share wildlife knowledge. You will staff educational stations at Harmony Farm and Thunderbird Charities Equine Facilities to teach guests about animal biology and conservation. Interns receive specialized training in public speaking, animal handling, and knowledge of the zoo’s history and conservation efforts to facilitate safe guest interactions. The program requires one six-hour shift per month plus attendance at monthly educational meetings. Overall, it allows high school students in Arizona to educate guests in engaging ways while developing professional skills.
6. Reid Park Zoo Zoo Crew
Location: Reid Park Zoo, Tucson, AZ
Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; cohort size not publicly specified
Dates: Year-round commitment (average of 4 hours/month on Zoo grounds); The mandatory 2026 training takes place over four days during the last weekend in May
Application Deadline: Early to mid-Spring
Eligibility: Rising high school students
Reid Park Zoo’s Zoo Crew program allows high school students in Arizona to take part in an education-focused volunteer role centered on public engagement. You interact with visitors on zoo grounds, sharing information about animals, conservation efforts, and environmental topics. This requires you to translate complex ideas into accessible explanations, strengthening your communication skills. The program also places responsibility on you to manage your schedule and commitments independently. Over time, you build subject knowledge related to wildlife and conservation while gaining experience in informal education settings.
7. Sharlot Hall Museum High School Internship Program
Location: Prescott, Arizona
Cost/Stipend: Financial arrangements vary based on calendar year funding
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; variable cohort size
Dates: Multiple cohorts operate throughout the calendar year
Application Deadline: Rolling basis
Eligibility: Local high school juniors and seniors; enrolled in an Arizona high school
At the Sharlot Hall Museum, you engage directly with public history by working on projects focused on museum education and community outreach. You will research and design educational programming to help visitors understand the history of Arizona and the Central Highlands. Throughout your workplace experience, you might also develop hands-on interactive features for museum exhibits or conduct historical research intended for public presentations. The internship provides practical exposure to museum operations, allowing you to practice critical thinking, problem-solving, and creative skills in a professional cultural institution. You are mentored by museum staff to ensure your final products effectively educate the public while aligning with your academic studies.
8. Arizona Science Center Volunteer Opportunities
Location: Arizona Science Center, Phoenix, AZ
Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; no fixed cohorts
Dates: Ongoing / Year-round (Flexible shifts available during normal business hours, evenings, and weekends)
Application Deadline: Rolling basis
Eligibility: Students who are 15+; able to commit to a minimum of 24 hours of total service
Arizona Science Center offers a range of education internships and volunteer roles for high school students, where you engage directly with STEM learning environments. You may assist with live demonstrations, facilitate hands-on activities, or support exhibit areas that require interaction with visitors. Some roles involve working with specialized tools like 3D printers or leading themed activities such as amateur radio demonstrations. You also contribute to preparing materials and coordinating event logistics, which builds organizational and planning skills. These opportunities require you to communicate scientific concepts clearly to a broad audience, so you gain exposure to both informal education and public-facing STEM engagement.
9. Humane Society of Southern Arizona (HSSA) – Hand in Paw Youth Internship Program
Location: Tucson, Arizona
Cost/Stipend: $100 program fee; scholarships available / No stipend
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; small youth cohort
Dates: One-year commitment starting in the spring, with active camp duties in June and July
Application Deadline: January 31
Eligibility: Youth aged 13–18 with a serious interest in animal welfare; able to volunteer a minimum of three events or shifts per semester; possess basic organizational, reading, and math skills
In this program, you develop a deep understanding of animal welfare and public engagement by interning directly with the HSSA Education Department. In this workplace role, you lead younger children through educational crafts, assist staff with shelter tours, and facilitate interactive presentations during summer camps and community events. Your day-to-day responsibilities focus on the operational workflows of setting up events, sorting instructional supplies, and caring for designated Education Ambassador Animals. Through these tasks, you acquire valuable professional skills in instructional leadership, public speaking, team collaboration, and basic office administration. Additionally, the program features an advanced track for experienced older youth to shadow diverse shelter departments and serve as peer mentors.
10. AZYouthforce – High School Internships
Location: Arizona
Stipend: Paid hourly depending on placement
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; up to 30 participants per academy cohort
Dates: 8–18 weeks depending on placement with cycles offered during summer and the school year
Application Deadline: Rolling basis
Eligibility: Enrolled in school; between 14–21 years old; able to complete 30 hours of essential skills training
AZYouthforce connects you to professional career experiences by combining workforce education with hands-on training. Before starting your internship, you complete 30 hours of instruction at the AZYouthforce Academy to study financial literacy and communication workflows. If you choose education-focused tracks like the Emerging Leaders Program, you support academic programming and facilitate learning activities within local Boys & Girls Clubs. Throughout your placement, you implement youth development programs, deliver interactive activities, and provide peer or youth mentoring. This experience allows you to build professional skills and earn a workforce credential from Northern Arizona University.
11. Arizona Museum of Natural History Volunteers
Location: Arizona Museum of Natural History, Mesa, AZ
Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; cohort size not publicly disclosed
Dates: Year-round and summer
Application Deadline: Varies (Typically spring for the summer cohort) and rolling for year-round
Eligibility: High school students (typically ages 13–17); must submit an application, pass a City of Mesa background check/fingerprinting, and attend an interview/orientation
At the Arizona Museum of Natural History, you can take on roles that range from public interaction to behind-the-scenes support. You might guide visitors through exhibits, explain concepts related to ancient life and human history, or assist with collections and exhibit preparation. This type of education experience allows high school students to see how museums operate across different departments. You develop research, communication, and organizational skills depending on your assigned role. Working in both visible and support functions gives you a broader understanding of how educational content is curated and presented.
12. 4-H Teen Leadership Retreat Camp Counselors
Location: Tucson Village Farm, Tucson, AZ
Stipend: $250
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; small cohort sizes
Dates: July 11–16
Application Deadline: Rolling basis
Eligibility: Students who are 17–19 years old
In this camp counselor role, you support the delivery of a leadership-focused retreat designed around health, nature, and personal development. You guide younger participants through daily activities, helping maintain structure while encouraging participation and inclusion. The role involves mentoring to build your ability to support others while managing group dynamics. Training is provided at the start, giving you a framework for handling responsibilities throughout the program. This education experience for high school students in Arizona gives you hands-on exposure to leadership in an organized, team-based setting.
13. Tucson Village Farm Day Camp and Adventure Camp Counselors
Location: Tucson Village Farm, Tucson, AZ
Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; cohort size not specified
Dates: June 13–20 (additional training days in April and May)
Application Deadline: March 17 (day camp), March 20 (adventure camp)
Eligibility: Students who are 15–18 years old (age 15 by June 10); familiar with farm procedures or have completed a prior Counselor-in-Training (CIT) rotation
As a camp counselor at Tucson Village Farm, you learn how to manage groups and support structured activities in an outdoor, education-focused setting. Training sessions prepare you to guide participants, coordinate daily schedules, and respond to different group dynamics. You take on responsibilities that include facilitating activities and ensuring a smooth flow of camp operations. The role emphasizes teamwork, adaptability, and clear communication with both peers and younger participants. The combination of training and hands-on involvement helps you understand how youth programs are organized and delivered.
14. Children's Museum of Phoenix – IDEA Fellows Program
Location: Phoenix, Arizona
Stipend: $15/hour
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; 3–6 fellows per semester
Dates: August–November (Fall), January–April (Spring), or May–July (Summer)
Application Deadline: Rolling basis per semester
Eligibility: Exceptional high school seniors; 3.0+ GPA
In this program, you gain hands-on workplace experience in informal arts education and nonprofit administration. Your primary responsibilities include facilitating interactive museum programs across visual arts, performing arts, literacy, and STEAM disciplines. You will actively manage weekly projects in the Art Studio, develop instructional lesson plans, organize classroom environments, and support educational planning for events. Through this daily operation, you build professional skills in student engagement, arts administration, workspace management, and curriculum design. This fellowship also includes a structured business orientation with the chief executive officer, dedicated community connection networking days, and a paid one-year membership to the Young Nonprofit Professional Network.
15. Childsplay Theatre Assistant Teacher
Location: Sybil B. Harrington Campus for Imagination and Wonder in Tempe, Arizona
Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; cohort size determined by seasonal academy enrollment
Dates: Summer session with minimum 20-hour weekly commitments
Application Deadline: Rolling basis
Eligibility: Teens ages 14-18; interest in theater education and classroom instruction; capacity to fulfill weekly morning or afternoon shifts on campus
In this program, you gain hands-on exposure to theater education by assisting professional teaching artists in active classroom and administrative settings. Your primary activities include guiding young students through scenes, encouraging group participation in creative exercises, and helping execute choreography or theatrical games. Operationally, you manage administrative workflows such as preparing scripts, organizing classroom materials, and gathering daily academy supplies. Through regular leadership opportunities and daily training meetings, you develop foundational skills in instructional communication, youth mentorship, and collaborative problem-solving. This volunteer experience uniquely integrates structured peer training with practical educational responsibilities, providing a 50% class discount for every week of service completed.
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