12 Fall STEM Internships for High School Students
As the fall semester and break approach, it's the perfect time for high school students to explore STEM internships that offer hands-on experience and mentorship. Fall sessions tend to have fewer applicants, making it an ideal time to apply. With many fall STEM internships for high school students offered by top colleges and organizations, you’ll be able to explore career interests, gain hands-on experience, and build a professional network.
From hands-on projects to mentoring sessions, STEM internships for high school students provide enriching experiences that go beyond the classroom. You’ll be able to work on real-world projects in fields like artificial intelligence, software development, engineering, data science, and more. You'll also have the chance to develop key skills such as coding, data analysis, problem-solving, and working in collaborative teams. If you're interested in STEM, we’ve narrowed down a list of the 12 best fall STEM internships for high school students!
1. Harvard-Smithsonian Science Research Mentoring Program (SRMP)
Location: Harvard Campus, Cambridge, MA (in-person + virtual available)
Cohort Size: 10-16 CRLS students annually
Program Dates: September to May
Application Deadline: May 1 – 10
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors from Cambridge Rindge and Latin School (CRLS) with an interest in scientific research
Cost/Stipend: Free; paid
The Harvard-Smithsonian Science Research Mentoring Program (SRMP) provides a year-long opportunity for high school students to engage in astrophysics research. Through this selective program, you'll be mentored by experts from the Harvard College Observatory and the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory (CfA).
Over the course of the year, you'll develop technical skills in areas such as data analysis, computational modeling, academic writing, and scientific communication while working on independent research projects. The program runs from September to May and includes twice-weekly meetings, monthly advisory sessions, and concludes with a final research symposium. A stipend is provided by the City of Cambridge, ensuring accessibility for all participants.
Location: Remote
Acceptance Rate: Selective
Program Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year, including Fall
Application Deadline: Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), Winter (November)
Eligibility: High school students, undergraduates, and gap year students
Cost: Starting at $2,490 (financial aid available)
The Ladder Internship Program offers high school students an opportunity to intern with high-growth start-ups across various industries, including tech, AI/ML, health tech, marketing, journalism, consulting, and more. You will work on real-world projects with your managers and a Ladder Coach.
Throughout the 8-week virtual internship, you will gain hands-on experience and hone your professional skills. You will present your work to company leadership at the end of your internship. Start-ups in the program are typically raising over a million dollars, providing you with valuable exposure to high-impact environments. The program is selective, ensuring a challenging yet rewarding experience for ambitious students.
3. California Academy of Sciences Careers in Science (CiS) Intern Program
Location: California Academy of Sciences, San Francisco, CA
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective, small groups are taken for personalized mentoring
Program Dates: Year-round
Application Deadline: April 1
Eligibility: Full-time 9th or 10th-grade students in the San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD) with a GPA of 2.5 or higher and at least a grade C in science and math
Cost/Stipend: Free; paid above minimum wage
The Careers in Science (CiS) Intern Program at the California Academy of Sciences is one of the best STEM internships for high school students. It offers you the opportunity to engage in hands-on fieldwork, science education, and sustainability projects. You will develop valuable skills in science communication, public speaking, data collection, and financial literacy, with college application support also provided. As an intern, you will have the chance to present research at STEM conferences and work on environmental initiatives. You will also work with Academy researchers and STEM professionals.
Location: Virtual
Acceptance Rate: Selective
Program Dates: Multiple 8-week cohorts throughout the year, inclduing Fall
Application Deadline: Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), Winter (November)
Eligibility: High school students with prior experience in AI/ML or those who have completed a Veritas AI program
Cost: $2,490
The Veritas AI Internship provides high school students with the chance to work on real-world AI/ML projects in collaboration with VC-backed startups. Throughout this 8-week internship, you will gain hands-on experience while being mentored by industry professionals from Harvard, Wharton, Google, Microsoft, McKinsey & Company, and more.
This program is ideal for students with prior experience in AI/ML who want to deepen their understanding of the field. You will network with industry leaders and work directly with company executives. On successful completion of the internship, you will receive a letter of completion. It’s an excellent opportunity for students looking to pursue a career in AI and machine learning.
Location: Virtual & on-site options at NASA centers across the U.S.
Acceptance Rate: Selective
Program Dates: Late August – Mid-December (Fall)
Application Deadline: May 26 (Fall)
Eligibility: U.S. citizens with a minimum GPA of 3.0
Stipend: Paid (amount unspecified)
The NASA OSTEM Internship Program offers high school students the chance to work on cutting-edge research and technology projects with NASA engineers and scientists. You will develop technical skills in fields such as artificial intelligence for air traffic management, machine learning, robotics, and augmented and virtual reality applications.
As one of the best STEM internships for high school students, this program offers both virtual and on-site internships and provides hands-on experience and mentorship. Depending on your project, you could engage in tasks like data modeling, software development, prototype testing, or aerospace systems analysis. For more details and a list of available positions, visit the NASA OSTEM internship page.
6. Smithsonian Science Education Center Internship
Location: Virtual or Hybrid (Washington, DC)
Acceptance Rate: Selective
Program Dates: 8-10 weeks of August – October for the fall cohort
Application Deadline: June 27 for the fall cohort
Eligibility: High school students (16+)
Stipend: Paid (amount unspecified)
The Smithsonian Science Education Center (SSEC) Internship offers students the chance to contribute to STEM education and science communication. It’s ideal for those interested in digital media, marketing, and outreach. You will work with professionals to develop educational content for digital platforms, assist in managing social media channels.
As an intern, you will also create engaging visual materials and organize public resources. The hybrid and virtual options provide flexibility, making this a great opportunity for students looking to gain experience in STEM education and communication.
7. Textron Aviation High School Internship Program
Location: On-site (various Textron Aviation locations)
Acceptance Rate: Selective
Program Dates: Multiple sessions in summer, spring, and fall
Application Deadline: Varies by session. Applications open in April for the Fall session
Eligibility: High school students (16+ years old)
Stipend: Paid
The Textron Aviation High School Internship Program provides students with hands-on experience in the aviation industry, helping them explore potential career paths. Internships are available in multiple fields, including aviation maintenance, engineering, business management, communications, data analytics, finance, flight operations, IT, marketing, sales, and more. Fall and Spring Internships require you to have a flexible school schedule that allows work between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. This paid internship is a great opportunity for students to gain real-world experience in a professional setting.
8. Dolphin Research Center Internship
Location: Florida
Acceptance Rate: Selective
Program Dates: Multiple 16-18 week sessions throughout the year: winter, summer, and fall (September through December)
Application Deadline: Varies based on cohort; June 1 for the fall term
Eligibility: Students who are physically fit, can comfortably read, speak, and understand English, can lift 50 pounds, and can work outside in the Florida heat, sunshine, and humidity
Stipend: Unpaid
The Dolphin Research Center Internship offers hands-on experience in marine mammal care, research, and conservation. Open to students of all backgrounds, this 16 to 18-week internship provides an in-depth look into marine biology and environmental science without requiring college enrollment. You will participate in various activities, including animal care, data collection, research analysis, and public education.
This immersive program enhances understanding of marine ecosystems while contributing to the welfare of dolphins and other marine life. The internship also offers insight into conservation advocacy and the daily operations of a marine research facility. While the position is unpaid, you will gain valuable skills in scientific observation, teamwork, and communication.
9. Alley Pond Field Biology Internship
Location: Queens, NYC
Acceptance Rate: Selective
Program Dates: October 5, 12, 19, 26, November 2 & 9
Application Deadline: August 1 (fall)
Eligibility: High school students (14+)
Cost: $150 (Financial aid available)
The Alley Pond Field Biology Internship is also one of the best STEM internships for high school students that provides hands-on experiences in biology and environmental science. This program allows you to work in ecological research without interfering with your school schedule. You will explore local ecosystems within Alley Pond Park and other locations in Queens, conducting fieldwork and learning scientific observation techniques.
You will gain practical experience in data collection, environmental stewardship, and conservation while working alongside experienced mentors. The program ends in a final research project, where you present your findings, strengthening both your research and public speaking skills. This internship is ideal for students considering careers in biology, environmental science, or sustainability.
10. Ranger Conservation Corps Internship
Location: New York City
Acceptance Rate: Selective
Program Dates: 8 weeks
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: High school students
Stipend: Unpaid; interns receive community service hours
Offered by the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation, the Ranger Conservation Corps Internship provides high school students with hands-on experience in environmental conservation and park management. This eight-week unpaid program focuses on the restoration and preservation of New York City’s natural areas. You will work alongside Urban Park Rangers, participating in projects such as planting trees, restoring habitats, and studying urban wildlife.
The program provides a flexible schedule, requiring participation one afternoon per week, making it an excellent opportunity for students balancing school and extracurricular commitments. As one of the more unique STEM internships for high school students, this internship focuses on environmental science, ecology, or park management, offering valuable field experience while contributing to the sustainability of New York City’s green spaces.
11. EPA Internship Programs in Pollution Prevention
Location: Various locations across the U.S.
Acceptance Rate: Moderately selective
Program Dates: Varies based on location
Application Deadline: Varies based on location
Eligibility: Varies; some programs are open to high school students
Cost/Stipend: Varies
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) offers internship programs focused on pollution prevention and environmental protection across various locations in the U.S. These internships help you contribute to sustainability initiatives while gaining hands-on experience in public health, environmental science, and policy.
You may work on projects related to energy efficiency, waste reduction, and sustainable practices, helping to implement solutions that reduce pollution and protect natural resources. These internships offer a unique chance to engage with a federal agency, develop research and analytical skills, and contribute to real-world environmental initiatives. They are ideal for students interested in environmental science, public policy, or sustainability, providing valuable exposure to the regulatory and policy aspects of environmental protection.
12. Student Research Mentoring Program (SRMP) at Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics
Location: Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics (CfA), Cambridge, MA (In-person and virtual options available)
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Highly selective; 10-16 students per year
Program Dates: September – May (Academic Year)
Application Deadline: May 1 – 10
Eligibility: High school students from Cambridge Rindge & Latin School (CRLS) only
Cost/Stipend: Free. You will receive a stipend
SRMP at the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics (CfA) allows high school students to work alongside scientists on research projects in astrophysics. The program pairs teams of two or three with CfA mentors, allowing you to conduct scientific research and data analysis. You will meet weekly with your mentors and participate in monthly advisory sessions with the SRMP team.
The program concludes with you presenting your research at a symposium. It includes in-person and virtual mentorship, making it accessible in different locations. To learn more about this program, check out our complete guide here.