12 Event Planning Internships for High School Students

Event planning can be a dynamic, fast-paced field that brings together creativity, coordination, and problem-solving. Whether it’s a small gathering or a major festival, event planners are responsible for managing everything from logistics and budgeting to marketing, vendor coordination, and on-the-ground execution. Behind every successful event is a team of professionals who’ve planned for every detail, often weeks or months in advance, to create a seamless experience.

In a field like this, experience is key. While classroom learning can offer helpful context, exposure is where you truly learn how to adapt to last-minute changes, manage teams, juggle deadlines, and communicate effectively with clients and vendors. Internships are one of the best ways to gain these skills early. They allow students to observe professionals in action, contribute to projects, and build the soft skills, such as organization, leadership, and time management, that are essential to succeeding in this industry.

Below, you’ll find 12 internship opportunities in event planning and related fields such as project management, marketing, PR, logistics, and financial planning, which are ideal for high school students looking to explore what it really takes to bring an event to life.


1. Ladder Internship Program

Location: Remote; participants can join from anywhere in the world
Cost: Varies based on program type
Application Deadline: Multiple deadlines throughout the year, vary with the cohort
Dates: Multiple 8-12 week cohorts throughout the year, including Summer, Fall, Winter, and Spring
Eligibility: Open to all high school students who can work 10–20 hours per week, for 8–12 weeks

Ladder Internships, founded by Harvard alumni, is a selective virtual program that connects students with startups and nonprofits worldwide. Interns can choose from a variety of fields, including business, marketing, finance, technology, healthcare, media, journalism, and more. Those interested in event planning and related fields can choose business, management, marketing, and so on. During the program, you'll work on a  project that addresses an actual need of the startup and present your work at the end of the internship. You'll be mentored by both your startup manager and a Ladder coach, who will offer additional guidance and support.


2. Metropolitan Museum of Art Summer High School Internships 

Location: The Met Fifth Avenue, New York City, New York
Stipend: $1,100. See details here.
Application deadline: March 8
Dates: July 8 - August 9. Note, students will be expected to attend a few training and orientation sessions towards the end of June as well
Eligibility: High school sophomores and juniors from New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut

The Metropolitan Museum of Art’s High School Internship Program invites students to explore the inner workings of one of the world’s most iconic cultural institutions. While it’s a great fit for those interested in art and museums, the program goes far beyond the galleries. You will gain experience in fields like marketing, editorial work, education, conservation, social media, scientific research, and event planning, making it an opportunity for students interested in a wide range of professional careers. The Met also runs a school-year internship program that runs from January to June, which you can consider.


3. The Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History Internship

Location: New York City
Stipend: $16/hour
Application Deadline: March 29
Dates: The program offers both summer and academic year internships and varies depending on the type of internship you apply to, summer internships are typically between June and August 2024
Eligibility: High school, undergraduates, and graduate students

The Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History Internship offers high school students an opportunity to explore and promote the study of American history. Interns work alongside historians, educators, and researchers on projects that bring historical narratives to life through archival research, content creation, educational programming, and event planning. Whether you're interested in history, education, writing, or organizing events, this internship offers experience in a professional nonprofit setting. Students not only gain exposure to historical resources and academic research but also develop skills in communication, collaboration, and project management, making it an opportunity for those curious about history-related fields, public outreach, and event coordination.


4. Bank of America Student Leaders Program

Location: Local + Washington, D.C.
Stipend: Hourly stipend provided
Application Deadline: October 14 – January 15
Dates: 8 weeks (June – August); Summit will be held in Washington, DC, July 21 – 26
Eligibility: Current high school juniors and seniors

The Bank of America Student Leaders Program is a highly regarded, 8-week paid internship for high school juniors and seniors interested in finance, business, and community leadership. Through projects with local nonprofit organizations, you’ll explore topics like budgeting, financial analysis, and strategic planning while building critical skills in communication, collaboration, and problem-solving. These skills are essential when it comes to event planning! Beyond the technical experience, the program emphasizes leadership development and civic engagement. You’ll connect with professionals across the nonprofit and financial sectors, attend guest lectures and workshops, and participate in a fully funded, week-long Student Leaders Summit in Washington, DC. Interns also gain experience in areas such as event planning, outreach, and public speaking—key skills that translate across business, nonprofit, and project-based careers. Competitive and impactful, this program is ideal for students looking to make a difference in their communities while preparing for future academic and professional success.



5. Building-U Marketing Internship

Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: None
Application deadline: Rolling deadlines, it is recommended that you apply as soon as possible
Dates: Usually 3 months from June to August. If the intern is keen, the internship can be extended!
Eligibility: All high school students can apply. 

Building-U is a fully remote nonprofit internship for high school students interested in gaining experience while supporting a mission-driven organization. Focused on curating free student resources, such as scholarships, internships, and educational programs, Building-U offers interns the chance to contribute across various teams. This three-month virtual internship allows you to choose from 10 specialized teams in areas like marketing, business development, outreach, and event planning. You'll work on projects that build skills in communication, coordination, and strategy, which are ideal for students exploring event planning or related fields.Team options include: Marketing – Manage Google Ads and analyze data; Business & Development – Build partnerships and funding strategies; Social Media – Create and schedule content; Animation – Design branding visuals; Data Privacy – Improve internal privacy practices; Plus roles in Events, Admin, Student Ambassadors, and more.


6. Emma Bowen Foundation Internship Program

Location: Varies with placement and partner company
Cost/Stipend: None
Application Deadline: Varies 
Dates: Typically starts in May or June (exact dates determined by partner company). Minimum 8 weeks (full-time, 35-40 hours/week)
Eligibility: Open to students of color (Asian, American Indian/Alaskan Native, Black, Hawaiian/Pacific Islander, Hispanic/Latino, or Multi-Racial); must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, 18 years of age by the start date, and a high school senior or undergraduate with a minimum GPA of 3.0. Students must be enrolled in or transferring to a four-year accredited college/university

For over three decades, the Emma Bowen Foundation has helped students of color break into media, entertainment, and technology by offering paid internships with leading partner organizations. Each summer, around 150 high school seniors and college students are selected as EBF Fellows, gaining experience in roles that span journalism, web development, engineering, PR, business, sales, and more. Interns work full-time (35–40 hours per week) for a minimum of eight weeks, with the potential for extended placements based on partner needs.  


7. Benjamin Lawless Internship

Location: Washington, D.C.
Stipend: $3,200 ($400/week)
Application deadline: March (tentatively, based on previous years)
Dates: The program runs 8 weeks in the summer. Students can plan the exact dates via discussions with their mentors
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors can apply

The Benjamin Lawless Internship offers high school and college students an opportunity to explore careers in art, design, and museum-related fields. Named after the celebrated exhibition planner, designer, Emmy-winning filmmaker, and writer Benjamin Lawless, this program introduces you to a wide range of focus areas, including art history, cataloging, collections management, education, exhibits, public affairs, social media, and research. Over 36–40 hours a week, you will gain experience in audience engagement, exhibition planning, and artifact research, while learning how to present your work through a curated academic lens. The program culminates in a final project presentation in a format of your choice. 


8. Bloomberg Arts Internship

Location: Baltimore, Boston, Detroit, New Orleans, New York City, Philadelphia, and Washington, D.C.
Cost: Unspecified; paid internships
Program Duration: Varies according to internship
Eligibility: Rising public high school seniors 

The Bloomberg Arts Internship program provides high school students with work experience at select cultural institutions, along with work readiness and college preparation training. You will receive a paid summer internship that includes supplementary activities designed to develop workforce readiness skills and prepare you for college applications and attendance. Internship sites can include places like museums, performing arts organizations, historical sites, and music venues. Previous internships, such as the one at Carpenters Hall in Philadelphia, have involved event planning. 

9. Summer in the City Interns: Knoxville Community Safety and Empowerment

Location: Knoxville, TN 
Cost: Interns are paid $15/hour
Application Deadline: March 31
Program Dates: June 3 – July 26
Eligibility: High school students and anyone between 16 and 22 years of age

The African American Equity Restoration Task Force, part of the City of Knoxville’s Community Safety and Empowerment initiatives, has previously offered internships focused on research, data analysis, and event planning. While future internship listings haven’t yet been released, students interested in event coordination, civic engagement, and equity work should keep an eye out; event planning is expected to remain a key component. Past interns have helped organize community events aimed at raising awareness and fostering participation around equity initiatives. Future responsibilities may include managing logistics for meetings and public events, such as securing venues, coordinating schedules, arranging catering, and preparing materials. This internship is a great fit for students who are passionate about social justice and want to build practical experience in community outreach, public affairs, and event-related roles. 

10. The MET Museum Summer High School Internships

Location: The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Cost: Free; participants are paid New York State minimum wage
Application Deadline: March 8
Program Dates: June 22 – August 9
Eligibility: Open to current 10th and 11th grade students living in New York, New Jersey, or Connecticut

The Metropolitan Museum of Art offers a paid summer internship program for high school students interested in art, museums, and digital communication. Interns are matched with mentors who guide them through projects aligned with their interests—such as marketing, social media, branding, and content creation. During the internship, students collaborate with museum professionals to design creative campaigns, produce content for various digital platforms, and explore tools like SEO and user experience research. Interns also participate in workshops and team projects, ultimately working together to organize a final event that highlights their achievements. This experience provides exposure to creative careers and strengthens digital skills.

11. Opportunities for Teens at the Art Institute of Chicago

Location: Art Institute of Chicago, Chicago, IL
Cost: Paid internship (exact stipend not specified)
Application Deadline: To be announced
Program Dates: June – August
Eligibility: Open to high school students in Chicago who are at least 16 years old by the start of the program

The Art Institute of Chicago offers a paid summer internship that allows teens to explore museum careers while contributing to events, workshops, and gallery experiences. You will work alongside museum staff and local artists to help design and lead creative programming for visitors. Throughout the internship, you will gain experience in a professional setting, develop communication and leadership skills, and build an understanding of the arts and cultural institutions. Applications are submitted through After School Matters, a nonprofit that connects teens with enriching out-of-school opportunities.

12. Teen Interns—Milwaukee Public Library

Location: Milwaukee Public Library, Mitchell Street Branch, Good Hope Branch, or Washington Park Branch. In the event that a Teen Outreach Intern is asked to report to another location in Milwaukee, a bus pass will be provided 
Cost: The starting salary is $15.92/hour, with a resident incentive salary of $16.40/hour for City of Milwaukee residents
Application Deadline: Year-round
Program Dates: Year-round
Eligibility: High school students aged 16-18

The Milwaukee Public Library (MPL) offers an internship opportunity for high school juniors and seniors.You'll be involved in developing and implementing new programs, consulting on space design, mentoring peers, and hosting engaging events. You'll have the opportunity to lead projects, facilitate daily operations in MPL Makerspaces, promote library events through social media, and collaborate with MPL staff and community members. 

Dhruva Bhat

Dhruva Bhat is one of the co-founders of Ladder, and a Harvard College graduate. Dhruva founded Ladder Internships as a DPhil candidate and Rhodes Scholar at Oxford University, with a vision to bridge the gap between ambitious students and real-world startup experiences.

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