12 STEM Internships for High School Students in Dallas, TX

Internships are a great way to explore a career or subject field you’re interested in. They open up opportunities for employment, help build a network, and provide field-specific skills to ensure that you keep up with the industry. Internships also offer ways to apply what you learn in the classroom learning, while strengthening your resume and college applications.

Dallas is home to a strong network of universities, hospitals, and Fortune 500 companies, making it an ideal place to find a range of internship opportunities. You might find research roles at UT Southwestern Medical Center, business internships through local startups or corporations, or creative programs at places like the Dallas Museum of Art or local design studios. The city’s strengths in finance, healthcare, engineering, and media also mean that many internships are backed by established institutions and offer access to experienced mentors and real project work.

There are a number of internship opportunities in STEM fields that you can consider as a high school student. Whether you’re interested in exploring research-focused work or want to get involved, there is something for everyone. 

Here are a few STEM internships high school students in Dallas, Texas, can apply for.

1. Ladder Internships

Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies depending 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, founded by Harvard alumni, connects high school students with global startups and nonprofits for remote internships. The program is selective and offers placements based on your interests in fields like technology, engineering, AI, health tech, business, finance, and more. Opportunities span across regions including the U.S., Asia, Europe, and the UK, with a full list available through the application. Interns typically commit 5–15 hours per week, working on projects that align with the host organization’s goals. Each student receives support from both a startup mentor and a Ladder coach, with a mix of one-on-one mentoring and group training focused on developing professional and soft skills. Interns wrap up their experience by presenting their work at the end of the program.

2. AEOP High School Internship

Location: Various U.S. Army Research Labs and university research centers nationwide, including two in Texas: Austin and Corpus Christi
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 allows students to work in a university lab or a Department of Defense research center, collaborating with scientists and engineers on STEM projects. Guided by a mentor, you'll participate in research across key areas like biomedical innovation, advanced materials, and other nationally significant topics. Throughout the program, you'll gain lab experience, learn to use advanced scientific tools, and get an inside look at the daily workings of a research environment. In addition to lab work, the program includes mentorship, skill-building workshops, and peer sessions to help you prepare for college and future careers. You'll also connect with a broader community of interns through virtual meetings and group activities.

3. 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 run by the American Fisheries Society, designed to encourage interest in fisheries and aquatic sciences, particularly among students from underrepresented backgrounds. As a Hutton Scholar, you'll be paired with a local fisheries professional who will serve as your mentor. Through the experience in freshwater or marine environments, you’ll take part in both lab and field research, exploring topics in fisheries biology, conservation, and aquatic ecology. Interns may assist with projects such as electrofishing, data analysis, species identification, habitat restoration, and more. 

4. Health Professionals Recruitment and Exposure Program (HPREP)

Location: UT Southwestern Medical School, Dallas, Texas
Cost/Stipend: No information on fees is provided
Application Deadline: Late November based on current cycle dates
Dates: Saturday, January 6, January 13, January 20 (Dates to be determined for next year).
Eligibility: High school students in 10th through 12th grade interested in medicine or science are encouraged to apply 

This summer program is designed for students interested in exploring careers in medicine or science. HPREP offers an opportunity to engage with the fields of medicine, biomedical research, and healthcare through activities, workshops, and mentorship. Participants explore topics such as human anatomy, medical ethics, community health, and clinical skills, gaining an understanding of the healthcare landscape. Through interactive sessions and demonstrations, students build practical knowledge in areas like medicine, nursing, pharmacology, and biomedical science. The program also provides exposure to UT Southwestern Medical School’s campus and state-of-the-art facilities, giving participants a glimpse into life in a professional healthcare environment.

5. STARS Summer Science Camps 

Location: UT Southwestern
Cost/Stipend: None
Application Deadline: Will be updated, but between December 1 and February 1
Dates: July 9 - July 19 or June 18 - 28, depending on the camp
Eligibility: High school students, but grade requirements depend on which camp you intend to attend

The STARS Summer Science Camps were launched in 2008 through a grant from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Pre-College Education Division. These camps are designed to provide high school science teachers with lab experience to build confidence in their teaching, while also giving students a strong foundation before they begin related science courses. Each camp includes two lead instructors, along with 10 teachers and 30 students, and is carefully planned and supervised by the Science Teacher Access to Resources at Southwestern (STARS) Program. The Biology, Chemistry, and Physics Camps are open to students currently in 8th through 10th grade who will be taking these subjects in the upcoming school year. The Anatomy and Physiology Camp is intended for 10th and 11th-grade students who have not yet taken a course in that subject. Together, these camps offer an early, guided introduction to core scientific concepts and lab work.

6. Dallas Independent School District Internship Program 

Location: Locations vary by partner companies.
Cost/Stipend: Paid, but varies by partner company
Application Deadline: April 12 / April 19 (In-person and virtual internship expos for students to meet partner companies)
Dates: Summer
Eligibility: Applicants must be in 11th or 12th grade and currently enrolled in one of the following programs: CTE, PTech, NAF, and OTI

This program is designed to help high school students build key employability skills through work-based learning. It gives students the chance to apply what they've learned in the classroom by participating in a real-world summer internship experience. Over the course of 4 to 8 weeks, rising juniors take part in paid internships, working alongside professionals in their field of interest. Interns contribute to business projects and tasks, gaining insight into workplace environments while strengthening both technical and professional skills.

7. Dallas County Health and Human Services Internship/Fellowship Program 

Location: Various locations across the state of Texas, including Dallas
Cost/Stipend: Internships are unpaid, but they are willing to aid you in negotiations for class credit
Application Deadline: There is no deadline listed on the website
Dates: Available dates throughout the year
Eligibility: Participants must be over the age of 15 or have completed their freshman year of high school and must be able to commit part-time or full-time

Dallas County Health and Human Services offers internship opportunities for high school, undergraduate, and graduate students interested in exploring careers in public health. These internships are designed to provide exposure to the field, regardless of prior experience level. Participants gain insight into the day-to-day operations of public health departments and see how academic knowledge translates into impact. By contributing to ongoing projects, students apply classroom concepts in practical settings while learning more about public health systems and career paths.

8. Student Summer Volunteer Program

Location: Children’s Medical Center of Dallas
Cost/Stipend: None
Application Deadline: Currently not accepting applications. Will be updated for the 2025 period
Dates: Various dates during the summer
Eligibility: Current high school students

Children's Health invites high school students to apply for the summer VolunTEEN Program, a volunteer opportunity designed for those interested in contributing to a hospital setting. This program offers a way to give back to the community while gaining insight into healthcare environments. As a VolunTEEN, you'll take on customer service-focused roles that support and enhance the patient experience. Along the way, you'll develop interpersonal skills, grow personally and professionally, and gain exposure to a hospital atmosphere—all while making a positive impact.

9. 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 introduces high school students to the intersection of artificial intelligence and healthcare. This virtual program combines lectures, group projects, and mentorship from Stanford researchers to help students understand how AI and machine learning are driving innovation in medicine. Participants attend expert-led sessions, collaborate on projects, and work in teams to develop practical AI solutions. The program wraps up with a certificate of completion and offers a competitive, no-cost opportunity for around 20 selected students each year. It’s a strong starting point for those interested in tech, medicine, or both, and a valuable addition to any college application.

10. 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

This internship, hosted by one of the world’s leading universities, offers high school students the chance to engage in research and projects under the guidance of Stanford faculty and professionals from various industries. Participants typically commit 30–40 hours a week, working on topics across science, technology, design, and the humanities.The program encourages interdisciplinary thinking and application, helping students strengthen both technical expertise and soft skills like communication and adaptability. With access to Stanford’s academic and professional community, the experience serves as a stepping stone toward college and future careers.

11. 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 each year to high school and college students at NASA centers across the U.S., with some virtual options available. These internships give students the chance to gain experience while contributing to NASA’s work in science, technology, aeronautics, and space exploration. As an intern, you may assist with designing experiments, analyzing data from missions, or working on new technologies alongside NASA scientists, engineers, and professionals from a variety of fields. Opportunities span many disciplines, including engineering, space science, microbiology, ecology, and even communications and outreach. You can explore high school-specific opportunities by using the filter tool on NASA’s internship portal.

12. 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
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. Interns also connect with top researchers in the field and present their 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.