12 Internships for High School Students in Montana

Internships can be a great way for high school students to apply what they’ve learned in the classroom. Whether you're curious about a specific field or just want to explore your options, these experiences offer an introduction to professional environments, from research labs and hospitals to government offices and creative industries. They also help you build practical skills, gain confidence, and start growing a network of mentors and peers.

While local internship opportunities can be limited for high schoolers in some states, Montana has several internship programs that are designed to be both accessible and impactful. In this blog, we’ve compiled 12 internships that are open to high school students across the state. Some are remote, others are in-person, but all offer a chance to explore future career paths and strengthen your college applications. Let’s get started.

1. Ladder Internship Program

Location: Remote
Cost: Varies based on program type
Application Deadline: Multiple deadlines throughout the year, vary 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 selective virtual program that connects high school students with startups and nonprofits across the globe. Interns can choose from a wide range of fields—like AI, environmental science, business, healthcare, media, and more—based on their interests. The program is designed specifically for high schoolers, blending academic enrichment with hands-on experience.

As an intern, you’ll work on a project that directly supports your host organization and present your work at the end of the program. You’ll be guided by both a startup manager and a Ladder Coach, receiving one-on-one mentorship and joining group sessions focused on building skills like communication, time management, and collaboration.

2. Summer High School Internship at The Historic Clark Chateau Museum & Gallery

Location: The Historic Clark Chateau Museum & Gallery, Butte, Montana
Cost/Stipend: None
Application Deadline: Rolling
Dates: 9 weeks in the summer
Eligibility: All high school students

The Clark Chateau Summer High School Internship is a free, 9-week program that blends creative exploration with hands-on experience. Open to up to 12 local high school students, the internship offers a mix of art and humanities workshops, volunteer opportunities, and independent project work, all within the setting of the historic Clark Chateau. Participants meet weekly on Wednesdays to take part in workshops led by guest artists, educators, and community members. These sessions introduce students to a variety of creative mediums and making techniques, encouraging experimentation and self-expression. Throughout the summer, each intern also develops an independent project, gaining experience in both artistic practice and self-directed learning. It’s a great opportunity for students interested in the arts, culture, or community engagement to explore their interests and build new skills.

3. NIH High School Summer Internship Program (HS-SIP)

Note: Part of the HS-SIP are two programs, High School Scientific Training and Enrichment Program (HiSTEP) and HiSTEP 2.0
Location: Students can choose from NIH campuses across the country, including Hamilton, Montana
Stipend: $2,300-2,530 (for students currently in high school) | $2,570-2,840 (for students who have graduated high school)
Application deadline: February 1
Dates: Minimum 8 weeks in summer; information on exact dates is not available
Eligibility: Students who are high school juniors or seniors at the time of application (or have recently graduated), and are 17 years or older on June 15, may apply. Do look through all the eligibility requirements before applying. There are some additional requirements for HiSTEP and HiSTEP 2.0

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) offers several summer programs for high school students interested in biomedical science and research. The High School Summer Internship Program (HS-SIP) gives students the chance to work alongside NIH scientists, gaining lab experience, learning essential research skills, and contributing to biomedical projects. HiSTEP is a separate track focused on introducing students to STEM-M careers (science, technology, engineering, math, and medicine). Instead of lab work, HiSTEP offers seminars, leadership training, and wellness sessions designed to build both academic and professional skills. HiSTEP 2.0 is a more advanced option for students with prior research experience. Participants design and carry out their own research projects with the support of a mentor, while also attending workshops that support their growth in science and beyond.

4. Montana Technological University—Metallurgical and Materials Engineering Summer Program

Location: Montana Technological University, Butte, Montana
Cost/Stipend: None
Application Deadline: March 31. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis
Dates: June 15 – 20
Eligibility: Montana high school sophomores and juniors

Montana Technological University’s Metallurgical and Materials Engineering Summer Program invites rising high school juniors and seniors to spend a week immersed in the world of materials science and engineering. This residential program offers experience in university labs, giving students the chance to explore how metals, ceramics, polymers, and composites are developed and used in modern industries. Throughout the week, participants work on lab-based activities, such as slip casting, composite fabrication, beadmaking, and forging blades from steel rods, while learning key engineering concepts in a fun, approachable way. The program also includes field trips to local industries, guest lectures from professionals in the field, and a collaborative design challenge that wraps up the week with a bit of friendly competition. It’s an ideal opportunity for students curious about engineering to build practical skills, explore potential career paths, and experience life on a college campus.

5. Montana Conservation Corps—Youth Expedition Program

Location: Kalispell and Bozeman, Montana
Cost/Stipend: No cost; participants receive a stipend of $100 for the 2-week expedition and $200 for the 4-week expedition
Application Deadline: TBA. You can sign up here to get notified
Program Dates: Typically between June and August
Eligibility: Montana high school students aged 14 to 18

The Montana Conservation Corps Youth Expedition Program gives high school students the chance to explore Montana’s wild landscapes while making a meaningful impact on the environment. This conservation-based experience combines outdoor adventure with service work, helping participants develop leadership skills, teamwork, and a deeper understanding of ecological stewardship. Expeditions last either 2 or 4 weeks and include immersive 11-day trips across the state. During these trips, you’ll camp outdoors and take on conservation projects such as trail building, invasive species removal, and habitat restoration. Crews operate out of the program’s North Branch in Kalispell and South Branch in Bozeman, offering opportunities to explore different regions of Montana. It’s a great fit for students who love the outdoors, care about the environment, and want to spend their summer building confidence, friendships, and practical skills—all while giving back to the land.

6. Hutton Junior Fisheries Biology Program

Location: Depends on where you live. Thanks to its network of mentors, Hutton can place students within a 45-minute commute of the intern’s home
Stipend: $3,000 and an all-expenses paid trip to the Hutton Scholars Summit conducted at the University of Arkansas
Application Deadline: January 16
Dates: June-August (8 weeks)
Eligibility: Current high school students who are at least 16 and live and are residents of the US, Puerto Rico, Canada, and Mexico

The Hutton Junior Fisheries Biology Program is an 8-week paid summer internship offered by the American Fisheries Society, designed to encourage high school students, especially those from underrepresented backgrounds, to explore careers in fisheries and aquatic science. As a Hutton Scholar, you’ll be paired with a professional mentor in your local area and take part in hands-on research in freshwater or marine environments. Whether you’re collecting data in the field, identifying species in the lab, or assisting with conservation and habitat restoration efforts, you’ll gain experience in the science behind aquatic ecosystems. The program also provides insight into environmental science careers and offers support as you begin to chart your academic and professional path.

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 offer high school students a chance to explore career paths within the federal government by gaining experience in offices such as the Environmental Protection Agency, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, the Office of the General Counsel, and more. Through these placements, students are introduced to fields like foreign affairs, public policy, and international relations while learning how government agencies operate. There are two tracks within the program: the Internship Experience Program (IEP) and the Internship Temporary Program (ITEP). IEP interns may be eligible for non-competitive promotions and federal employee benefits during their term. ITEP interns are hired on a temporary basis—lasting up to one year or until their projected graduation date—with the possibility of annual extensions. Both tracks offer a way to build skills, explore interests, and gain insight into public service careers.

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. 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 is a free, virtual program that gives high school students a window into the intersection of artificial intelligence and medicine. Through a combination of expert-led lectures, collaborative group projects, and personalized mentorship from Stanford researchers, participants explore how AI and machine learning are transforming healthcare. During the program, students work in teams to design real-world AI solutions, engage with cutting-edge topics, and learn directly from leaders in the field. With only about 20 students selected each year, this competitive internship offers a foundation for those interested in tech, healthcare, or both, and makes a strong addition to any college application.

9. 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 allows high school students to engage in research while collaborating with Stanford faculty and professionals from a range of industries. Over the course of the program, participants commit 30–40 hours a week to projects that span science, technology, humanities, and design. The program’s interdisciplinary approach encourages students to think across subjects, while also developing key soft skills like communication, teamwork, and creative problem-solving. With direct mentorship and access to Stanford’s academic community, you will walk away with practical experience, stronger college applications, and a clearer sense of future career paths.

10. 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 to high school and college students at NASA centers across the country, with some remote opportunities available. These internships provide students with a chance to contribute to NASA missions and gain experience in fields like science, technology, aeronautics, and space exploration. As a NASA intern, you might help design experiments, analyze mission data, or support the development of new technologies while working alongside experts in engineering, space science, ecology, communications, and more. High school students can find opportunities tailored to them by using the filter tool on NASA’s internship portal.

11. 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 8-week, fully funded summer program gives high school students from underrepresented backgrounds the opportunity to explore neuroscience through research at Johns Hopkins University. Working closely with leading scientists, participants engage in lab work, attend seminars, and join weekly sessions focused on building both academic and professional skills. You will also connect with top researchers in the field and present your findings at the end of the program. A virtual format is available for students who are unable to attend in person. Each year, 5–6 students are selected to participate, receiving an hourly stipend and transportation support.

12. Internships at the Foreign Policy Research Institute (FPRI)

Location: Virtual | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Subject Areas: Foreign policy, international relations, research, communications, and more
Cost/Stipend: Stipend awards are determined by financial need after interns are selected for their program
Eligibility: High school students who have the right to work in the US can apply
Application deadline: The applications typically close in July (Fall Session), November (Spring Session), and March (Summer Session)
Program dates: These internships are offered in 3 sessions – Fall (September to December) | Spring (February to May) | Summer (June to August)

 Foreign Policy Research Institute is a prestigious think tank that offers high school students an opportunity to connect with foreign relations community members. Interns are paired with professionals or scholars from the field who provide support for building industry-specific skills and general skills, including communication, collaboration, critical thinking, and time management. You will attend weekly foreign policy and career-focused seminars with guest speakers. You also have the opportunity to work on a research paper that will be considered 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.