12 Internships for High School Students in Kentucky

For high school students, internships are a great way to dive into potential careers and gain experience beyond the classroom. Whether you’re drawn to healthcare, technology, public service, the arts, or something else entirely, there are a number of programs that offer a glimpse into professional life while helping you build useful skills along the way.

Many of these internships are designed specifically with high schoolers in mind, making them flexible, accessible, and geared toward early career exploration. Participating not only helps you strengthen your college applications, but also shows initiative and gives you a head start on building your resume and network.

In this blog, we’ve highlighted 12 internships available to Kentucky high school students, including both in-person and virtual options. From research labs to nonprofit organizations, these opportunities are a great way to explore your interests and take the next step toward your future. Let’s dive in!

1. Ladder Internship Program

Location: Remote
Cost: Varies based on program
Application Deadline: Multiple deadlines throughout the year, varies by 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 is a competitive virtual program that connects high school students with startups and nonprofits around the world. Designed with students in mind, it balances academic growth and practical experience, allowing you to explore industries like tech, business, healthcare, sustainability, and more through hands-on projects. As an intern, you’ll work on a project that directly supports your host organization while receiving mentorship from both a startup manager and a dedicated Ladder Coach. Alongside one-on-one guidance, you’ll join group training sessions to build professional skills such as communication and time management. With flexible placements across diverse fields, this program offers a structured and impactful experience, which is a great way to explore future careers and strengthen your college applications.

2. High School Service Internships at St. Elizabeth Healthcare

Location: Various St. Elizabeth Healthcare centers in Northern Kentucky and Greater Cincinnati
Cost/Stipend: None
Application deadline: February 28
Dates: Runs throughout the academic year
Eligibility: Students who are high school juniors at the time of application are eligible to apply 

The High School Service Internship Program at St. Elizabeth Healthcare offers students a behind-the-scenes look at how a healthcare system operates. Through a mix of observation and service, you will explore how different departments, both clinical and non-clinical, work together to shape the patient experience. The program helps you gain insight into decision-making, workplace dynamics, and the wide range of skills needed in today’s healthcare careers. With over 10,000 employees across the system, St. Elizabeth offers five internship tracks: Patient Care, Engineering/Facilities, Information Technology, Business, and Culinary. Each track immerses students in a specific area, from shadowing medical staff to supporting administrative operations or working with hospital kitchen teams. Ideal for students interested in healthcare or organizational systems, this program provides an introduction to career pathways while building professional experience.

3. Brown Cancer Center High School Summer Research Internship Program (BCC HSSRIP)

Location: Louisville, Kentucky
Cost/Stipend: No cost; Stipends may be provided
Application deadline: Applications typically close in March
Dates: June 10 - August 2
Eligibility: High school juniors/seniors who will be 16+ by June 10. For more details, check this brochure.

If you’re a high school student interested in cancer research, the BCC High School Summer Research Internship Program (HSSRIP) offers an excellent opportunity for you to explore the field in depth. This 8-week program places you in a translational research lab, where you’ll work alongside BCC faculty and gain experience with lab techniques, tools, and processes. In addition to your lab work, you'll attend faculty-led seminars and prepare a final research poster to present your findings at the end of the internship. This is a selective and competitive program—only 15 students are chosen each year—so a demonstrated interest in cancer research is essential. Past interns have continued their research beyond the summer and gone on to pursue degrees at top-tier institutions. If you’re curious about how science translates into real-world impact, this program is a great place to start.

4. Kentucky State Government Team Kentucky Internship Program (TKIP)

Location: Commonwealth of Kentucky Personnel Cabinet, Frankfort, Kentucky
Cost/Stipend: Some positions offer a stipend
Application deadline: Applications will open in the Fall
Dates: Summer; exact dates and duration vary with position
Eligibility: Varies with position; There are a number of opportunities open to high school students

The Team Kentucky Internship Program is a selective opportunity for students interested in exploring careers in public service. This paid internship places you in a state government office, where you'll gain experience in your area of interest while developing a deeper understanding of how state government operates. Interns are paired with a professional supervisor who offers guidance, performance feedback, and mentorship throughout the program. In addition to your day-to-day work, you’ll attend professional development sessions and networking events with state officials and fellow interns. Perks include compensation for scheduled work hours on state holidays, a professional headshot, a letter of recommendation, and potential interview preference for future opportunities. Whether you're looking to explore a career in policy, communications, administration, or another field, this program is designed to help you build your resume, grow your network, and take meaningful steps toward a career in public service.

5. Brown-Forman Inspire Summer Enrichment Program

Location: University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky
Cost/Stipend: None
Application Deadline: Not specified
Dates: July 14-21
Eligibility: Kentucky high school students who have completed at least one year of high school, including students from both public and private high schools 

The Brown-Forman INSPIRE Summer Enrichment Program offers a fully residential experience for high school students from historically underrepresented backgrounds who are interested in exploring engineering. Hosted on a university campus, the program is designed to introduce you to college life while building a foundation in engineering concepts, career pathways, and academic preparation. Over the course of the program, you’ll take part in workshops led by university faculty, collaborate with peers on a design challenge, and attend site visits to local engineering firms. Along the way, you’ll receive mentorship from college students and connect with professionals in the field. The experience wraps up with a final presentation and celebration, making INSPIRE a meaningful step toward your future in STEM.

6. Norton Healthcare’s High School Academy Program

Location: Various Norton Healthcare centers across Kentucky
Cost/Stipend: None
Application deadline: This information is not available at the moment
Dates: This information is not available at the moment
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors who are at least 17 years old

The Norton Healthcare High School Academy Program offers high school juniors and seniors the chance to explore healthcare careers through paid internships. Open to students aged 17 and up, the program begins with orientation and training before interns step into roles such as patient care associate, pharmacy tech, or Norton Medical Group staff member. Interns gain experience through responsibilities like charting in electronic medical records, assisting with patient care, and engaging with healthcare teams and families. Alongside this, students receive mentorship and career coaching, with opportunities for job shadowing, clinical symposiums, and career development. Seniors may also access tuition assistance and transition into long-term healthcare roles.

7. Summer Engineering Exploration Camp (SEEK) at the University of Kentucky

Location: Department of Civil Engineering, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky
Cost: $50
Application deadline: Registrations open in February
Dates: June 15-21 | July 13-19 | July 27 - August 2
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors

The University of Kentucky’s Department of Civil Engineering hosts the Summer Engineering Exploration Kamp (SEEK), a one-week residential program for rising high school seniors interested in exploring civil engineering. Blending classroom exploration with learning, this camp introduces students to engineering through workshops, guest lectures, and field trips. Campers will live on the UK campus, stay in dorms, eat in the dining hall, and be mentored by current civil engineering students. You’ll take part in interactive projects like building model bridges, testing new materials, and experimenting with water treatment. Field trips include visits to construction sites, treatment plants, and the university’s Materials Test Lab. A standout feature of the week is a trip to Kentucky Kingdom, where you'll learn about the civil engineering behind theme park operations, followed by a chance to experience the rides.

8. Wright Implement Intern Program - Kentucky Agriculture Works

Location: Varies with position and department
Stipend: Paid; exact amount varies with position
Application deadline: This information is not available at the moment. You can request further info here
Dates: This information is not available at the moment. You can request further info here
Eligibility: High school students who are at least 16 years old

The Wright Implement Intern Program, part of the Kentucky Agriculture Works initiative, gives high school students the chance to explore careers in agriculture through experience. Open to students interested in sales, parts, service, or administration, this internship helps build practical skills while offering insight into Kentucky’s evolving agricultural industry. Those interested in diesel technology or working in the setup shop must be at least 16 years old. Interns are placed across Wright Implement’s departments and work alongside experienced professionals. Whether you’re learning the ropes in service or gaining business knowledge in admin and sales, this opportunity is all about helping develop the next generation of agricultural leaders. It’s part of a broader mission to equip young people with the tools, knowledge, and experience to help drive Kentucky’s farming future forward.

9. Dow Jones News Fund Workshops

Location: Workshops available in Arizona, California, DC, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota
Cost: Varies based on the program
Application Deadline: Between February and June, depending on the program
Dates: June - August (exact dates vary based on the program)
Eligibility: All high school students

The Dow Jones News Fund offers a series of summer journalism workshops hosted at eight locations across the country. Each site features one or more specialized programs, such as the Cronkite Summer Journalism Institute in Phoenix, which focuses on broadcast and digital media, or the Journalism Jumpstart program in Miami, which builds skills in reporting and writing.

These workshops are designed primarily for high school students from underrepresented backgrounds who are interested in pursuing careers in journalism. Many of the programs center around reporting on health and wellness, giving you the chance to explore timely issues while building a strong foundation in journalistic storytelling.

10. The Stanford Center for Artificial Intelligence in Medicine and Imaging (AIMI): Summer Research Internship

Location: Virtual
Stipend/Cost: None
Application Deadline: March 
Dates: June 18 – 30 (tentative)
Eligibility: High school students aged 14 and older

The Stanford AIMI Summer Research Internship gives high school students a chance to explore the intersection of artificial intelligence and medicine. This free, virtual program combines lectures, collaborative projects, and one-on-one mentorship from Stanford researchers to highlight the growing role of AI and machine learning in healthcare. Throughout the program, participants work in teams to build AI tools, engage with expert speakers, and gain insight into tech-driven healthcare solutions. Open to about 20 students annually, this competitive internship offers experience for anyone curious about the future of medicine and technology, and makes a strong addition to any college application.

11. SHTEM: Summer Internships for High Schoolers at Stanford University

Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: None
Application Deadline: Applications typically close in January
Dates: June 17 - August 9
Eligibility: Students who will be in grades 11-12 at the time of application, OR full-time community college students (within the first 3 years of community college), are eligible to apply

Hosted by one of the world’s top universities, this internship invites high school students to engage in research and team-based projects in areas such as science, technology, design, and the humanities. Students typically commit 30–40 hours a week, working closely with Stanford faculty and professionals from various industries. The program blends academic learning with real-world application, helping students develop not just technical knowledge but also key soft skills like collaboration, communication, and critical thinking. With access to Stanford’s academic community and personalized mentorship, you will gain experience that supports both college preparation and future career growth.

12. NASA Office of STEM Engagement (OSTEM) Internships

Location: These internships are offered across NASA facilities; Students may select roles based on the cities they are in. Some virtual options are also offered
Cost/Stipend: Interns may receive a stipend based on academic level and session length
Application deadline: January (Fall session) | August (Spring session) | October (Summer session)
Dates: These internships are offered in 3 sessions – Fall (16-week program, from late August or early September to mid-December) | Spring (16-week program, from mid-January to early May) | Summer (10-week program, from late May or early June to August)
Eligibility: Be a U.S. citizen; Have a cumulative 3.0 GPA (on a 4.0 scale); Be a full-time student (high school through graduate level) or a part-time college-level student enrolled in a minimum of 6 semester hours; Be a minimum of 16 years of age at the time of application (no exceptions)

NASA’s Office of STEM Engagement (OSTEM) offers paid internships for both high school and college students, with placements available at NASA centers nationwide and select remote options. These internships give students the opportunity to get involved in active NASA missions and explore career paths in science, engineering, technology, and space exploration. Interns may contribute to projects ranging from data analysis and experiment design to communications and ecological research, while working alongside NASA scientists, engineers, and other professionals. High school students can browse and filter opportunities suited to their grade level through NASA’s official internship portal.