15 Summer Internships for High School Students in Washington, D.C.
As a high school student, doing a summer internship can improve your academic profile, strengthen your resume, and set you up for future opportunities during and after your undergraduate degree. Internships can give you experience in a field you’re curious about, helping you explore potential career paths before choosing a college major or long-term direction. You’ll build professional skills, connect with industry experts, and gain work experience that bridges the gap between what you learn in class and how things work in a job.
If you’re based in Washington, D.C., you’re in an ideal location, surrounded by government institutions, museums, research labs, and global organizations. You have access to a range of internships across nearly every field. Here’s a list of 15 summer internships made for high school students in Washington, D.C., including both in-person and virtual options that can help you grow academically and professionally.
1. Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History High School Internship Program
Location: Washington, D.C.
Cost: $3,600 stipend ($600/week)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective
Dates: June 24 - August 5 (6 weeks)
Application Deadline: February 28
Eligibility: Current high school students ages 14-18, fluent in English
The NMNH Summer High School Internship provides students with experience working in museum departments. You will engage in projects involving classifying specimens for museum collections, exploring the acquisition and preservation of collections, and exhibit development processes. You will also learn techniques to engage the public at large and develop skills for college preparation through field trips and “behind-the-scenes” tours. The program creates mentorship opportunities for professional development, allowing you to gain exposure to museum operations while working alongside experienced professionals. The program culminates with participants presenting their work and experiences to museum staff and peers.
2. Ladder Internships Program
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies based on program
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Approximately 100 spots available annually (Selective)
Dates: Multiple 8-week programs
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: High school students who can commit to 10-20 hours per week for 8 weeks
Ladder Internships connects high school students with venture capital-backed startups and nonprofits worldwide for project-based work. You will be matched with organizations based on your interests in areas like software engineering, deep-tech, and machine learning, allowing you to work directly with your startup manager on projects that address actual business needs, presenting your completed work to the company at the program's conclusion. The program features dual mentorship through both the startup manager and a dedicated Ladder Coach who provides additional guidance throughout the internship experience. Students participate in skill-building sessions, individual training, and group workshops with fellow interns. Notable aspects include working with high-growth companies that have raised significant funding and founders with backgrounds at major tech companies like Google, Microsoft, and Facebook.
3. Library of Congress High School Summer Internship
Location: Washington, DC
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 12 students selected annually
Dates: June 23 - July 17 (4 weeks)
Application Deadline: April 14
Eligibility: Current high school students 16 or older
In this program, you’ll get the chance to serve as a student voice for Library of Congress initiatives while exploring the inner workings of the world’s largest library, home to over 160 million items. You’ll take part in research, writing, exhibition development, and public programming while gaining insight into how a major cultural institution operates. The hybrid format means you can join virtually from anywhere in the country, or attend weekly in-person sessions if you’re local to D.C. Throughout the program, you’ll participate in workshops, seminars, and collaborative projects that help you build academic and professional skills. Past interns have created videos, written blog posts, and even contributed to high-profile events like the National Book Festival. If you’re interested in history, culture, or public engagement, this is an opportunity you won’t want to miss.
4. Urban Alliance High School Internship Program
Location: Various throughout Washington, DC
Cost/Stipend: Stipend available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Over 200 students accepted annually
Dates: Throughout the year
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: High school seniors, authorized for off-campus schedule, minimum 2.0 GPA
With Urban Alliance, you’ll have the chance to complete a paid internship during your senior year of high school while gaining experience in a professional setting. The program partners with businesses across the DC region to place students in roles where they’ll work on projects, build essential workplace skills, and receive one-on-one support. In addition to your internship, you’ll participate in professional development training and receive mentorship from both industry professionals and program staff. One highlight is the Andrew Plepler Internship Program, created in partnership with the Smithsonian Institution and Bank of America, which focuses on increasing representation in arts and culture careers. You’ll also explore topics like financial literacy, entrepreneurship, and college prep.
5. Marion Barry Summer Youth Employment Program (MBSYEP)
Location: Various employers throughout Washington, DC
Cost/Stipend: Paid employment at minimum wage
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Large-scale program accommodating thousands of DC youth
Dates: June 23 - August 1, 2025 (6 weeks, 29 working days)
Application Deadline: N.A.
Eligibility: DC residents ages 14-21, enrolled in high school, eligible to work in the US
The Marion Barry Summer Youth Employment Program (MBSYEP) gives you the chance to gain work experience in both the private and government sectors. As a participant, you’ll explore different career paths, build skills, and strengthen your career readiness through projects. The program focuses on work-readiness training, leadership development, and personal growth while also helping you prepare for the transition from high school to college. You’ll attend professional development workshops, connect with mentors, and receive guidance from experienced professionals on workplace expectations and professional behavior. MBSYEP is a great stepping stone if you're looking to build confidence, skills, and a solid foundation for your future career.
6. Georgetown University School of Medicine Gateway Exploration Program
Location: Washington, DC
Cost/Stipend: Stipend available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Limited, selective program
Dates: Summer
Application Deadline: March 6
Eligibility: Rising sophomores, juniors, and seniors; DC residents attending DCPS; US citizens
This program is perfect if you’re a high school student interested in exploring medical careers and gaining exposure to the healthcare field. You’ll be placed in medical departments that align with your academic interests and extracurriculars, giving you the chance to experience clinical settings and research environments firsthand. During the internship, you’ll take part in a range of activities like office support, clinical shadowing, medical simulations, and research projects, all while working closely with healthcare professionals. You’ll also attend professional development workshops and learn about health disparities that impact local communities. Along the way, you’ll build research and presentation skills, engage in community service, and by the end of the program, present your findings and reflections to staff and fellow interns. It’s an opportunity to see what a future in healthcare could look like.
7. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Student Trainee Program
Location: EPA Offices in Washington, DC
Cost/Stipend: Paid internship
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Varied based on program needs
Dates: 6 months minimum
Application Deadline: April 21
Eligibility: US citizens, age 16 or older, enrolled at least half-time in an educational institution, in good academic standing
As a student trainee at the EPA, you’ll gain experience in environmental protection and management while working under the Office of Land and Emergency Management (OLEM). Your work will focus on protecting human health and the environment from hazardous waste and emergency situations. You’ll have the opportunity to assist with lab testing, conduct fieldwork, and help maintain laboratory equipment. You’ll also support projects by organizing research files, collecting literature references, and engaging in data-related tasks. This program allows you to explore different areas of environmental science, including policy development and regulatory work. You'll collaborate with experienced environmental professionals and scientists while learning about environmental monitoring and assessment methods. Along the way, you'll develop research, data collection, and analysis skills—all while contributing to initiatives that support public health and environmental safety.
8. NASA Office of STEM Engagement (OSTEM) Internship Program
Location: Virtual and NASA facilities across the United States (Virtual option available)
Cost/Stipend: Most interns receive a paid stipend based on academic level and session duration
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Over 2,000 students participate annually
Dates: Spring (16 weeks, mid-January to early May), Summer (10 weeks, late May/early June to August), Fall (16 weeks, late August/early September to mid-December)
Application Deadline: Spring: September 12; Summer: February 27; Fall: May 22
Eligibility: High school students who are at least 16 years old, U.S. citizens, and have a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
NASA’s OSTEM internship program gives you the chance to contribute to space exploration, science, and technology projects. As a high school intern, you’ll work alongside NASA mentors, including research scientists and engineers, on projects across areas like space science, engineering, and aeronautics. You’ll gain experience designing experiments, analyzing mission data, and even helping develop new technologies. The program also gives you access to advanced tools and equipment while supporting NASA’s exploration goals. Even in its virtual format, you’ll still receive mentorship and take part in project work. What makes this internship unique is how closely you'll be connected to space missions and the opportunity to collaborate with some of the world’s top aerospace professionals.
9. Architect of the Capitol Internship
Location: US Capitol, Washington, DC
Cost/Stipend: $14.26 per hour
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Limited space available
Dates: 12-week summer program
Application Deadline: N.A.
Eligibility: Current high school students, minimum age 16, proficiency in Microsoft Office
This government internship gives you the opportunity to explore the inner workings of the Architect of the Capitol. You’ll gain experience in areas like architecture, engineering, communications, legal services, and IT, all while working inside one of the most iconic government buildings in the country. Your tasks may involve administrative support, document creation, and communication using Microsoft Office tools like Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. As an intern, you’ll collaborate with Capitol staff and get a behind-the-scenes look at how this historic institution is maintained and managed. Along the way, you’ll build professional communication skills, deepen your understanding of government operations, and explore potential careers in public service.
10. Department of the Treasury Internship
Location: Department of Treasury offices in Washington, DC
Cost/Stipend: Unpaid
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Limited size
Dates: Summer program dates vary
Application Deadline: Varies by Treasury office
Eligibility: High school students age 16 or older, strong grades, and ability to pass a background check
An internship at the U.S. Department of the Treasury gives you the chance to experience how public policy is developed and implemented at the federal level. You’ll attend hearings, conduct research, and assist with administrative tasks while gaining a deeper understanding of financial and economic policies. During the application process, you can indicate your preferred office, allowing you to focus on areas that match your interests—whether that's finance, public policy, or economics. You’ll work alongside policy professionals and contribute to government initiatives. As an intern, you’ll sharpen your research and analytical skills while exploring what a future career in government, economics, or public service might look like.
11. Smithsonian Institution General Internship Program
Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center (APAC) Internships
Location: APAC Office, Washington, DC
Application Deadlines: Summer: March 10; Fall: June 9; Spring: November 10
Program Duration: 10 weeks (Part-time, ~20 hours/week; flexible start/end dates and schedule)
Eligibility: Open to high school students and recent graduates
Stipend: Modest financial support provided
The Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center (APAC) offers enriching internship opportunities for students interested in exploring and representing the diverse histories, cultures, and voices of Asian-Pacific American communities. APAC aims to reshape the museum experience by transforming it into a platform for civic dialogue, inclusion, and social change. As an intern, you'll gain firsthand experience in museum-related work, including curatorial projects, educational programming, community engagement, and research. You'll also contribute to initiatives that celebrate the artistic, cultural, and historical contributions of the Asian-Pacific American community.
12. National Zoo Internship
Location: National Zoo, Washington, DC
Cost/Stipend: Stipend available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive selection process
Dates: 8-12 week programs
Application Deadline: Varies
Eligibility: All high school students
The National Zoo provides internship opportunities in various fields related to animal care, veterinary medicine, and wildlife conservation. You will gain experience working with a wide range of species and contribute to animal conservation and related public education missions. The program includes opportunities in other functions, like Information Technology. You will also have the chance to work alongside experienced zookeepers, veterinarians, and research professionals while developing skills related to the well-being of animals. The program places conservation education and environmental stewardship at its core for those looking to develop careers in these and related areas.
13. EnergyMag Internships for High School Students
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Limited slots available
Dates: Part-time: 2-8 weeks (summer only); Quarter-time: 1-9 months (year-round)
Application Deadline: Rolling applications
Eligibility: Students in grades 10-12; minimum 3.25 GPA; at least one Honors science or English course
With EnergyMag’s online internship, you can explore renewable energy and energy storage. As a participant, you’ll research scientific and business topics, analyze key information, and communicate directly with industry experts. You’ll stay connected with your mentor, giving you the flexibility of a remote internship while still getting strong guidance and feedback. You’ll learn how to synthesize data from multiple sources, sharpen your writing and communication skills, and produce professional research reports. If your work meets publication standards, you may even get your report published. Plus, you’ll receive a detailed completion letter and certificate, great additions to your college applications and resume.
14. Bank of America Student Leaders Program
Location: Nonprofit Organizations throughout Washington, DC
Cost/Stipend: Stipend available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective
Dates: 8 weeks
Application Deadline: Typically February
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors with the ability to work 35 hours a week
In this business leadership program, you’ll gain nonprofit experience while developing key leadership skills. It ends with a week-long summit where you’ll explore how government, business, and nonprofit sectors work together to drive social impact. You’ll be placed in a leading nonprofit organization in Washington, DC, where you'll work full-time on community projects. Throughout the program, you’ll receive mentorship from business and nonprofit leaders, build your professional network, and strengthen skills in project management, communication, and strategic thinking. This experience is especially valuable if you’re interested in pursuing a business career that includes social impact or public service elements.
15. U.S. Senate Page Program
Location: United States Senate, Washington, DC
Application Deadlines: Vary by Senator – check your state Senator’s official website or contact their office directly for details.
Program Dates: Fall Session: Early September – Late January; Spring Session: Late January – Early June; Summer Session I: June (3–4 weeks); Summer Session II: July (3–4 weeks)
Eligibility: High school juniors who are 16 or 17 years old by the start of the program and have at least a 3.0 GPA (B average)
The U.S. Senate Page Program offers high school juniors a unique opportunity to experience the American government in action. As a Senate Page, you'll work closely with Senate staff and legislators, gaining firsthand exposure to the legislative process and the operations of the U.S. Senate. Responsibilities include delivering correspondence and legislative documents throughout the Capitol, setting up the Senate Chamber before sessions, assisting during roll call votes, and handling bills and amendments. Pages also attend school in the early morning at the U.S. Senate Page School.