Top 12 Federal Government Internships for High School Students
If you are a high school student interested in the workings of government or fields like law, public policy, or even STEM, federal internships can be a great way to get real-world experience without the high cost of summer programs. Many internships affiliated with or offered by the government are free or come with stipends, making them accessible and worthwhile options.
Government internships typically offer structured learning experiences and opportunities to build practical skills, explore career paths, and connect with professionals in your field of interest. As an intern, you will also get to learn from experienced researchers and professionals. These internships also offer opportunities to work on hands-on projects and/or research.
Federal government programs are also pretty credible opportunities that can boost your profile, and open up opportunities to work with top organizations in the country after you graduate!
To help you get started, we have compiled a list of the top 12 federal government internships for high school students.
1. Washington State House of Representatives Page Program
Location: Capitol building in Olympia, WA Remote options may be available
Cost/Stipend: Free; stipend of $65/day offered
Application deadline: Applications are accepted up to one month before the scheduled paging week
Program dates: One week (40 hours of work) between January and March/April; exact dates vary
Eligibility: High school students in Washington State who are 14 – 16 years old
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive; cohort size not specified
The Washington State House of Representatives Page Program offers high school students opportunities to learn how state government works. As a page, you will help House members, participate in ceremonies, and join civic education programs to better understand how laws are made. You will work with lawmakers, staff, and officials and take on tasks like handing out materials, working on the chamber floor, carrying flags at the start of each session, and delivering messages. During the program, you will also attend Page School, which will help you learn how to be a page and develop a clearer understanding of the government and the legislative process. The program can help you build leadership, communication, and civic engagement skills.
Location: Remote, hybrid, and in-person internships offered at various locations in the U.S.
Cost/Stipend: No cost; most interns get stipends
Application deadline: Summer: February 27 | Spring: September 12 | Fall: May 22
Program dates: Internships are offered each year in the fall, spring, and summer; the exact start and end dates vary for each internship.
Eligibility: High school students who are 16 or older and have a GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
Acceptance rate/Cohort size: Selective; exact details not specified
NASA is an independent government agency that offers multiple internship programs to high schoolers and college students. As a NASA intern, you will gain real-world experience in areas like engineering, science, business, communications, IT, math, and more. You will also support meaningful projects, collaborate with experts, and develop skills in your chosen field. You may get to assist researchers and scientists with tasks like research, data analysis, and the development of new tools and technologies. These opportunities can offer insights into how a major government agency operates. Internships are available across various NASA centers nationwide, with roles posted shortly before applications open. You can find opportunities here.
3. Army Educational Outreach Program High School Internships
Location: Multiple locations in the U.S.
Cost/Stipend: No cost. A stipend is provided, but it varies depending on the program site.
Application deadline: Rolling
Program dates: Varies based on the internship availability
Eligibility: High schoolers who are U.S. citizens/permanent legal residents; additional eligibility requirements vary by location
Acceptance rate/Cohort size: Selective; exact details not specified
The AEOP High School Internship offers high school students a chance to work in university labs or U.S. Army research centers. Each student is paired one-on-one with a professional mentor for hands-on science and engineering research. You’ll gain training with cutting-edge technology and learn directly from experts.
This program helps explore STEM, boost college applications, and build a future in the field. AEOP began in 2006 to inspire the next generation of STEM talent and now has over 100 active sites nationwide. As an apprentice, you work on real projects using advanced facilities under expert guidance. The experience helps students immerse themselves in STEM culture. Research topics vary widely, including neuroscience, nanotechnology, and chemical defense.
4. Science and Engineering Apprenticeship Program (SEAP) by the Department of the Navy
Location: Various locations across the U.S.
Stipend: $4,000 stipend for new participants | $4,500 stipend for returning participants
Application deadline: November 1
Program dates: Eight weeks; June – August
Eligibility: High school students who are at least 16, have completed grade 9, and are U.S. citizens
Acceptance rate/Cohort size: Competitive; 300 placements in over 38 laboratories
SEAP is a competitive eight-week summer internship that places high school students in the Department of the Navy laboratories. If selected, you will get to work full-time alongside the department’s scientists and engineers on projects in areas like cybersecurity, software, and robotics. While the exact work requirements can vary based on the site you choose, you can expect to help mentors with their guided research projects. Additionally, you will interact with engineers, shadow professional researchers, and attend technical meetings, conferences, and seminars. Mentoring sessions, team-building workshops, lab tours, and personal and professional development sessions may also be key parts of the internship experience. You will also receive one-on-one mentoring and gain hands-on experience with advanced communication and surveillance technologies.
5. National Institute of Standards and Technology’s Summer High School Intern Program
Location: National Institute of Standards and Technology campuses at Boulder, CO, or Gaithersburg, MD
Cost/Stipend: No cost; unpaid opportunity
Application deadline: February 6
Program dates: June 23 – August 8
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors who live in the U.S. close to either the NIST Boulder or Gaithersburg Campus and have a minimum GPA of 3.0
Acceptance rate/Cohort size: Selective; exact cohort size not specified
NIST’s Summer High School Intern Program is designed for students interested in engaging in research in physical sciences and engineering. As a NIST ntern, you will get hands-on exposure to NIST’s ongoing research work and get to work alongside NIST scientists and engineers on a research problem. NIST research is conducted in six different labs, each focusing on fulfilling the industry’s needs for data, tools, measurement methods, and techn. You can indicate your preference for any NIST lab while applying. For instance, if you opt for the Engineering Laboratory, you will engage in research that contributes to meeting the measurement science requirements of tech-intensive construction, manufacturing, and cyber-physical industries. During the internship, you will also work on your own research project and engage in a poster session, sharing your work with the NIST community.
6. Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) Scholars Program
Location: Various sites in the U.S.
Cost/Stipend: No cost; $501.60 – $805.60 stipends offered
Application deadline: January 10
Program dates: Varies depending on the internship availability; internships typically run between 8 and 12 weeks
Eligibility: High school students who are at least 16 years old, U.S. citizens, and hold a 3.0/4.0 GPA or higher
Acceptance rate/Cohort size: Selective; exact cohort size not specified
The AFRL Scholars Program offers paid summer internships for high school seniors, college STEM students, and K–12 educators at select locations. If selected, you will work alongside AFRL scientists and engineers on real research projects, gaining valuable hands-on experience. The program lasts eight weeks and offers immersive, project-based learning experiences at national research sites. You will also get to tour AFRL labs and learn about cutting-edge aerospace engineering research and technologies during the internship. You will also get insights into career paths.
7. Fermilab’s Program for Research, Innovation, and STEM Mentorship (PRISM)
Location: Fermilab, Batavia, IL
Cost/Stipend: No cost; a stipend of $500/week is offered
Application deadline: March 15
Program dates: July 14 – August 8
Eligibility: High school seniors and recent graduates in Illinois
Acceptance rate/Cohort size: Selective; exact cohort size not specified
Fermilab is a national particle physics and accelerator laboratory. Its PRISM is designed for students interested in engineering design, particle physics, quantum science, and AI. As a PRISM participant, you will get to work with Fermilab professionals and explore STEM careers. You will also attend lectures, participate in hands-on activities, and tour Fermilab’s research facilities. You will primarily work on a research project under the guidance of a mentor during the program. You will get to present your research abstract and a poster at the end of the program. This experience can offer you insights into a national particle physics laboratory’s work as well as topics in engineering and physical sciences. The program also offers various professional development opportunities.
8. National Security Agency High School Work Study
Location: Varies
Cost/Stipend: Not specified
Application deadline: October 31
Program dates: Part-time employment from September to August of your senior year
Eligibility: High school juniors who are at least 16 years old and have an interest in business, engineering, graphic arts, computer science, applied arts, manufacturing, Mandarin Chinese, or Russian
Acceptance rate/Cohort size: Competitive; details not available
The NSA High School Work Study Program can help you develop practical skills in design, engineering, and construction. You will be placed in an area of interest. In the Model Shop, you learn machining, welding, 3D printing, woodworking, and graphic design. The Vo-Tech area involves working with printing and packaging machines, Adobe Creative Suite, and tools like die cutters and soldering equipment. Installation and Logistics covers building system maintenance, working with materials, and eco-friendly waste disposal. These hands-on experiences prepare you for careers in engineering, construction, or design. You may also be assigned administrative and technical duties, involving record keeping, phone answering, and data processing equipment operation or maintenance.
9. Manhattan District Attorney’s High School Internship Program
Location: Manhattan District Attorney's Office, Manhattan, NY
Stipend: Minimum wage paid
Application deadline: Typically in March
Program dates: June 30 – August 1
Eligibility: High school sophomores, juniors, and seniors in Manhattan high schools
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; exact details not disclosed
The Manhattan District Attorney’s High School Internship Program is a five-week paid internship that offers an inside look at the criminal justice system. Here, you will engage in workshops and discussions on topics like criminal justice reform, police practices, civic involvement, and leadership. You will also participate in a mock trial, playing different roles to understand how courtrooms and cases operate. You will work in an office setting and get opportunities to build professional skills like teamwork and communication. This program can also offer you insights into law and justice careers.
10. Brooklyn District Attorney's High School Internship Program
Location: Brooklyn District Attorney’s Office, Brooklyn, NY
Stipend: A weekly stipend is offered
Program dates: Summer: July 8 – August 2 (tentative); internships may also be available in spring and winter
Application deadline: March 8
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors residing or attending school in Brooklyn, NY
Acceptance rate: Not specified
The Brooklyn District Attorney’s High School Internship Program gives students a hands-on introduction to the criminal justice system. If hired, you will work in different parts of the DA’s Office, like Homicide, Domestic Violence, Civil Rights, and Victim Services. You will help with tasks like legal research, trial preparation, and organizing court documents. You will also get to watch court cases and learn how the DA’s office helps keep the community safe. The program offers sessions on ethics, resume-building, and public speaking. By working on real cases, you will get firsthand insights into what a career in law looks like.
11. US Youth Conservation Corps
Location: Multiple locations in the U.S.
Cost/Stipend: No cost; a federal minimum wage or the state minimum wage is provided
Application deadline: Rolling basis
Program dates: 4–10 weeks of work spread across one to three months in the summer; dates TBA
Eligibility: High school students who are at least 15 years old
Acceptance rate/Cohort size: Selective; exact details not specified
The United States Youth Conservation Corps is a summer program for high school students interested in exploring careers in national forests and parks, wildlife refuges, and fish hatcheries in the country. The program is conducted by the Department of the Interior, as and the Department of Agriculture (or U.S. Forest Service). If selected, you will engage in activities like preserving and repairing historic buildings, building and repairing trails, removing invasive species, leading environmental education, and helping with wildlife and land research. The goal is to help you develop environmental stewardship and civic responsibility. You can also check the National Park Service and U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service platforms to find YCC opportunities.
12. Project Pull SF Govt Internship
Location: Various government department offices in San Francisco
Stipend: $19.25/hour
Application deadline: February 17
Program dates: June 9 – August 1
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors, as well as college-bound freshmen, who live or attend high school in San Francisco and have a minimum 2.75 GPA
Acceptance rate/Cohort size: Not specified
Project Pull, a program run by the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission (SFPUC), offers summer internships to high school and college students in San Francisco. This program connects you with a mentor in STEM fields to guide your learning. Here, you will develop important skills like leadership, teamwork, and creativity through hands-on work opportunities. You will get to contribute to real projects that make a difference. The program also offers insights into the workings of public sector organizations. You will also get to connect with professionals in fields like architecture, business, and engineering. The experience can help you get some exposure to professional settings and prepare you for college and future careers.
Looking for an immersive internship experience? Check out Ladder Internships!
Ladder Internships is a selective, online internship program where students get to work with startups and nonprofits from around the world! The startups operate in a variety of industries. During the internship, you will get to contribute to a real-world project that is of genuine need to the startup you are working with and present your work at the end of the session. Along with working closely with a manager from the startup, you will work with a Ladder Coach throughout your internship. Apply now!