13 Internships for High School Students in Mississippi
High school is a great time to start gaining experience in a field outside the classroom, and internships offer a great chance to do that. They help you build practical skills, explore different career options, and deepen your understanding of areas you're curious about, whether that's learning how a particular industry works, getting hands-on with new technology, or meeting professionals in the field.
An internship can also show colleges that you're proactive and serious about your interests. Admissions officers value students who take initiative and seek out opportunities to grow beyond the classroom.
If you're a high school student based in Mississippi, you’re in the right place. We’ve rounded up 13 internship opportunities across a range of fields, including STEM, healthcare, media, and sustainability, that you can apply to.
1. Ladder Internships
Location: Virtual.
Cost: Varies based on program type
Application Deadline: Multiple deadlines throughout the year, varies 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. The internships are also open to undergraduates and gap-year students!
Ladder Internships connect high school students with startups and nonprofits across the world, for virtual internship opportunities in fields like business, technology, AI, sustainability, and marketing. You can choose to intern in an industry you’re keen to explore! During this internship, you will receive guidance from your startup manager and a Ladder coach. Under this mentorship, you will collaborate on projects, engage in workshops, attend skill-training sessions and develop industry-relevant skills. By the end of the internship, students will have a portfolio of work to showcase to colleges and employers.
2. Tougaloo College Summer Science & Engineering Program
Location: Tougaloo College, Tougaloo, MS
Stipend: $400. Room & board will be provided to students who will attend Tougaloo College in the fall
Application Deadline: May 15 (tentative)
Dates: June 2 – 28 (tentative)
Eligibility: High school seniors with a GPA of 2.75 or higher and a composite ACT score of 18
The program offers two distinct tracks: the Physical Science & Pre-Engineering Track and the Biological Science Track. Both tracks are designed to give students early exposure to college-level coursework, campus life, and career pathways, helping ease the transition into higher education. The Physical Science & Pre-Engineering Track covers subjects like Physics, Mathematics, and various Engineering fields (including Aerospace, Biomedical, Chemical, Civil, Computer, Electrical, and Mechanical). Students engage in projects such as developing Self-Driven Cars and working with Drone Technology & Remote Sensing. The track also includes reading and presenting scientific literature and offers career insights through visits to NASA and the UMMC Simulation Center. The Biological Science Track focuses on Biology, Chemistry, and Mathematics. Projects include investigating DNA fingerprints in forensic science and assessing water quality in Mississippi lakes.
3. AEOP High School Internship
Location: Various U.S. Army Research Labs and university research centers nationwide, including the U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center at Vicksburg, Mississippi
Stipend: Paid; the amount depends on the location and the length of your internship.
Application Deadline: Rolling
Dates: Varies by location, typically June–August
Eligibility: Current high school students who are U.S. citizens or permanent legal residents; grade and coursework requirements vary by site
The AEOP High School Internship places you in a university laboratory or a Department of Defense research facility, where you collaborate with scientists and engineers on STEM projects. Under the guidance of a mentor, you’ll contribute to research in areas such as advanced materials, biomedical technology, and other fields of national importance. You’ll gain experience with daily lab operations, use cutting-edge tools, and develop a deeper understanding of research culture. The program also offers mentorship, peer group sessions, and workshops to support your college and career preparation. Additionally, you become part of a national network of interns through virtual office hours and collaborative group activities.
4. The Mississippi Museum of Art Teen Council
Location: Jackson, Mississippi
Cost/Stipend: None
Application Deadline: August 30
Dates: Every Tuesday throughout the academic year
Eligibility: All high school students in the Jackson-Metro Area can apply
The Mississippi Museum of Art invites high schoolers in the area to be a part of their Teen Council, a group of motivated teens who work together to create a positive space in the museum. The Teen Council offers young people a platform to actively participate and be heard within both the Museum and the wider community. Designed by teens, for teens, the Council develops youth-focused programs and is dedicated to expanding the Museum’s connection with younger audiences. Throughout the academic year, you will collaborate with MMA staff to influence how the Museum connects with teen audiences. You will also dive into the Museum’s collection, visit local arts-centered events and spaces, engage with artists and creative professionals, and take the lead in planning every aspect of the Museum’s teen-focused programming. Along the way, you'll build lasting connections with other creative teens from the Jackson-Metro Area. This is an opportunity for you if you’re passionate about art, history, and culture to develop leadership and project management skills while working alongside Museum professionals.
5. STEM Engagement at NASA’s Stennis Space Center
Location: NASA offers internship opportunities at its facilities across the country. Students may select roles based in cities they are in. Those in Mississippi can choose options at the Stennis Space Center in Hancock County, Mississippi
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: Internships are available for full-time high school students who meet a minimum 3.0 GPA requirement
The NASA Office of STEM Engagement (OSTEM) offers paid internships at various NASA centers across the country. These internships provide high school students with an opportunity to contribute to ongoing projects alongside a NASA mentor. In addition to hands-on work, the program includes training, mentorship, and professional development, allowing students to learn from leading experts in science, engineering, business, IT, and more. Internships are available across a wide range of fields, including space science, engineering, aeronautics, technology, space microbiology, ecology, and communications. As an intern, you might design experiments, analyze mission data, or help develop new technologies—gaining experience and insight into NASA’s groundbreaking work. For students interested in engineering, astrophysics, or related fields, a NASA internship is a prestigious and impactful addition to your academic and career journey.
You can check out a complete list of positions here: you may have to use the “Filter” option to see opportunities only open to high school students.
6. Internships at the Foreign Policy Research Institute (FPRI)
Location: Virtual | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Cost/Stipend: Stipend awards are determined by financial need after interns are selected for their program
Application deadline: The applications typically close in July (Fall Session), November (Spring Session), and March (Summer Session)
Dates: These internships are offered in 3 sessions – Fall (September to December) | Spring (February to May) | Summer (June to August)
Eligibility: High school students who have the right to work in the US can apply
The Foreign Policy Research Institute is a prestigious think tank that offers high school students an opportunity to engage with members of the foreign relations community. As an intern, you will be paired with experienced professionals or scholars who mentor you in developing both industry-specific skills and broader competencies like communication, collaboration, critical thinking, and time management. You’ll participate in weekly seminars focused on foreign policy and career development, featuring guest speakers from the field. Additionally, you’ll have the chance to work on a research paper, which may be selected for publication in the organization’s Intern Corner. Internships are available in research, special events/development, communications, and operations. You can check out the details of each of the internships here.
7. Pathways Internship Programs at the U.S. Department of State
Location: This will vary; students can opt for programs close to their location. Check available options here.
Stipend: This varies from post to post
Application Deadline: Varies from location to location
Dates: While the dates of the internship will vary from post to post, those under the Internship Experience Program (IEP) are expected to last the length of the academic program for which the intern is enrolled, and those under the Internship Temporary Program (ITEP) will run during seasonal and holiday breaks as well as year-round
Eligibility: Students applying must be at least 16 years old by the closing date of the post they’re applying to; Students must also have a cumulative GPA of 2.0 at the time of application and throughout the internship appointment
These internships give students the opportunity to explore careers within various branches of the federal government. Interns gain experience in fields such as foreign affairs, public policy, and international relations by working in offices like the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, Office of Structured Finance and Insurance, Office of the General Counsel, and the Environmental Protection Agency, among others. The program includes two types of internships: the Internship Experience Program (IEP) and the Internship Temporary Program (ITEP). IEP interns are eligible for non-competitive promotions and may receive federal employee benefits during their internship. ITEP interns are placed on temporary appointments that last no longer than one year or until their expected graduation date, whichever comes first, with possible extensions in one-year increments.
Note: All vacancies part of this internship program are posted on USAJobs.gov. So details such as the application deadline, internship dates will vary from role to role, and will be available on each specific posting. Check out current vacancies here.
8. 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 leading academic institutions, this internship provides high school students with experience through research projects, collaborative assignments, and mentorship from Stanford faculty and industry professionals. Participants typically work 30–40 hours per week, engaging deeply with a wide range of subjects including technology, science, design, and the humanities. The program places a strong emphasis on interdisciplinary learning and collaboration, reflecting the dynamic nature of real-world tech and research environments. You will not only develop technical knowledge but also build essential soft skills such as adaptability, communication, and problem-solving. In addition to gaining practical experience, you will benefit from exposure to Stanford’s vast academic and professional network, making this internship a meaningful stepping stone for future academic and career pursuits.
9. The Johns Hopkins Internship in Brain Science Program (JHIBS): Project Pipeline Baltimore
Location: Virtual and in-person options. The in-person program will be held at the Johns Hopkins Department of Neurology on the East Baltimore campus
Stipend: In-person participants receive an hourly stipend (amount varies), while virtual interns receive a stipend of $500
Application Deadline: March 1, every year
Dates: 8 weeks, June - August (in-person); 5 weeks, July - August (virtual)
Eligibility: Juniors and seniors from around the country are eligible to apply to the 5-week, virtual program; Juniors and seniors residing in Baltimore City and the metro area, who have a strong passion and interest in science and medicine, are from underrepresented groups, and have an academically strong background are eligible for the in-person program.
This is an 8-week, fully funded summer research opportunity designed to make the field of neurological sciences more inclusive and representative. It is specifically aimed at high-achieving high school students from underrepresented backgrounds who are interested in exploring neuroscience. Throughout the program, you will engage in research under the mentorship of a leading scientist at Johns Hopkins University. Interns participate in projects, attend scientific seminars, join discussions, and take part in weekly sessions focused on personal and professional growth. You will also have the chance to connect and interact with renowned neuroscientists at JHU. For students unable to attend in person, the program also offers a virtual option. Each year, 5–6 students are selected to participate, receiving an hourly stipend along with coverage for transportation costs. At the conclusion of the program, you will present your research in the form of an oral or poster presentation. You can explore examples of past projects to get a sense of the work involved.
10. Smithsonian Science Education Center (SSEC) Internship Program
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: No cost; paid (amount not specified)
Application deadline: March 31
Dates: May-August (8-10 weeks in the summer)
Eligibility: High school students who are at least 16 years old
The Smithsonian Science Education Center offers high school students internships in its Curriculum, Digital Media, and Communications division through two roles: Communications and Marketing, and Global Goals. As a Communications and Marketing intern, you’ll help develop marketing materials, manage digital content, and support communication strategies. This role is ideal for students with an interest in photography, video, writing, or social media, and a passion for science and education. The Global Goals intern assists in creating educational materials focused on sustainability. You’ll work with curriculum developers, gaining experience in research, writing, and content creation, while learning how to integrate science with global education goals.
11. EnergyMag Research Internship
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: None
Application Deadline: Applications are open all year-round, you can apply here
Dates: Flexible. Students may request lengthening an internship by a week or two because of conflicting time pressure from school
Eligibility: Sophomores, juniors and seniors who have taken at least one honors science or honors English class, with a minimum GPA of 3.25, can apply
Note: Students can expect a competitive selection process as this program is open to college students as well!
Open to high school and college students, EnergyMag offers virtual research internships to students looking to gain experience working in the renewable energy sector. Students gain research and analytical skills, alongside work experience, by researching companies, analyzing technologies, and conducting market research. Internships can be half-time (2-8 weeks, 20 hours per week) or quarter-time (1-9 months, 8 hours per week). This program is aimed at equipping students with skills in both science and business that will be useful in the future, across different industries. Students will work from home and be in regular contact via Skype and email with EnergyMag and their mentor. Internship tasks will be based on your education level, academic record, and experience – you may have to research and analyze a specific company, a specific technology, a specific (narrow) market, or other similar activities. You will be assigned a mentor, who will brief you, guide you, and supervise your work. You will need to research your topic, get in touch with people who have the relevant information, analyze and synthesize the information you gather, and produce a draft analysis report, which will reference your name and be published on the EnergyMag site.
12. Internships at the American Psychological Association (APA)
Location: Remote or Washington, D.C.
Cost/Stipend: No cost. Some internships are paid
Application Deadline: Rolling, see the application portal for open opportunities
Dates: Year-Round
Eligibility: High school student, specific details vary based on the internship
The American Psychological Association, known informally as APA, is the largest scientific and professional organization of psychologists in the United States. Internships at APA are intended for students passionate about applying psychological knowledge for societal benefit, with roles in policy, communications, operations research, IT and financial services. As an intern, you will have a variety of responsibilities, depending on the needs of the office you’re assigned to and your particular interests and skills. You may participate in research, writing and web-based projects, and assist staff with administrative tasks and special projects. Interns will have an opportunity to engage in different activities in their office, applying theoretical knowledge to practice and foster a better understanding of a workplace environment in professional psychology. Interns will report directly to their supervisor for daily tasks and support for overall learning objectives. Interns may also attend workshops, discussions, participate in group projects, or other various tasks. An internship with APA is a great opportunity to foster a greater understanding of professional psychology at a prestigious and nationally recognized organization.