13 Summer Internships for High School Students in Cleveland, OH
Internships are a good way for high school students to build practical skills, strengthen their resumes, and get a clearer sense of what different career paths look like. You'll develop transferable skills like communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. You’ll add to your college applications by demonstrating interest and concrete skills in your field.
What summer internships are available for high school students in Cleveland, OH?
Cleveland has a solid range of opportunities across healthcare, technology, nonprofit work, and the public sector. The city's medical centers and research institutions offer exposure to clinical and technical fields, while nonprofit and civic organizations give you a chance to work on community challenges. Cleveland also has a strong focus on workforce readiness, so many programs are structured to help you build professional networks and develop skills that translate to college and career pathways.
We narrowed it down to the 13 best summer internships for high school students in Cleveland that offer meaningful learning and development.
1. CYCE High School Summer Internship
Location: Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio
Stipend: $15/hour
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive; cohort size not specified
Dates: Seven weeks, June 9 – July 25
Application Deadline: February 2
Eligibility: High school students at the time of application who are U.S. citizens and at least 15 years old by June 1; region-specific requirements may apply for some internships
The CYCE High School Summer Internship at Cleveland Clinic offers students a hands-on introduction to healthcare careers through mentorship and direct involvement in hospital operations. You will select from three main tracks: clinical care, healthcare operations, or advanced technology, allowing you to tailor the experience to your interests. In the clinical track, you observe patient interactions and support medical teams, while operations roles involve administrative tasks in departments like communications or IT. The advanced technology track explores innovations such as AI, robotics, and biomedical engineering. You engage in workshops, collaborate on group projects, and receive ongoing feedback from healthcare experts.
2. Ladder Internships
Location: Remote
Cost/Stipend: Cost varies according to the program type; full financial aid is available / No stipend
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 10–25% acceptance; 70–100 students
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year, including Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter
Application Deadline: Varies by cohort; Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), and Winter (November)
Eligibility: High school students, undergraduates, and gap year students who can work for 10–20 hours/week, for 8–12 weeks
Ladder Internships connects high school students with startups worldwide in areas like AI, finance, health tech, environmental science, and media. You collaborate with a startup manager and a Ladder Coach on projects such as market analysis, content creation, or business development. Regular meetings provide feedback and mentorship to guide progress and skill-building. The program emphasizes structure with defined goals, weekly check-ins, and a final presentation to the startup team. Opportunities span technical and non-technical roles, matching student interests with company needs. This selective program supports flexible scheduling to fit summer commitments. Apply now!
3. NASA SCaN Internship Project (SIP)
Location: NASA Glenn Research Center, Cleveland, Ohio
Stipend: Paid, amount not specified
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive; typically 15–25 students per summer
Dates: 10 weeks from early June to August
Application Deadline: February 27
Eligibility: High school students who are U.S. citizens, at least 16 years old. having a GPA of 3.0 or higher
The NASA SCaN Internship Project at Glenn Research Center immerses students in space communications and navigation work alongside engineers. You will take on technical tasks, collaborate across teams, and contribute to projects supporting NASA missions. Mentorship sessions and professional development activities build technical skills and confidence. Returning interns may handle more advanced responsibilities in subsequent summers. The program ends with a presentation of work to NASA staff and industry leaders. One intern is selected per year for a sponsored international space technology conference.
4. Cleveland Museum of Natural History – Science for Success Teen Internship
Location: Cleveland Museum of Natural History, Cleveland, Ohio
Stipend: Starts at $11/hour
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; typically, small, competitive cohorts
Dates: Two to three days per week during the summer
Application Deadline: Typically, late March
Eligibility: Rising high school freshmen or sophomores at the time of application, living within 15 miles of the museum
The Science for Success Teen Internship at the Cleveland Museum of Natural History involves students in project-based tasks with education and community engagement teams. You will assist in planning and executing public programs, events, and outreach initiatives to promote science accessibility and engagement. Mentors from the museum guide you in developing science communication, leadership, and teamwork abilities. Opportunities include leading youth activities and contributing to sustainability-focused projects. The program operates year-round, but features increased hours during the summer for deeper involvement. It emphasizes preparing teens for STEM, museum, or related careers through practical experiences.
5. Youth Opportunities Unlimited – High School Tech Internship Program
Location: Various employer sites in Cleveland and Northeast Ohio
Stipend: $12/hour (at least 120 hours)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive; cohort size not specified
Dates: Six to eight weeks between mid-June and early August
Application Deadline: Typically, early April
Eligibility: High school students currently enrolled in 9th-12th grade or graduating seniors who are 19 years old or younger at the internship’s start
The High School Tech Internship Program places students in technology roles at local businesses to perform entry-level duties in areas like software development, data analysis, cybersecurity, or IT infrastructure. The experience helps build professional skills while addressing employer needs for emerging talent, and guidance from supervisors ensures alignment with career goals in tech fields. The program focuses on Northeast Ohio, providing exposure to in-demand industries and encouraging exploration of advanced mobility and broadband technologies. This program is not merely about job placement; it is a critical workforce development pipeline that exposes the next generation of talent to high-demand industries.
6. Non-Clinical Internship Program at MetroHealth
Location: MetroHealth System, Cleveland, Ohio
Stipend: Paid, amount not specified
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive; not specified
Dates: 9 to 10-weeks, typically between the first week of June and early August
Application Deadline: Selective; 15–25 students across all non-clinical departments
Eligibility: High school students who are 16 years old
The Non-Clinical Internship Program at MetroHealth is a highly structured, professional immersion into the operational side of one of the nation’s leading public health systems. It offers you exposure to hospital administration and support roles in departments like finance, human resources, or marketing. Opportunities may include data entry, event planning, or community outreach initiatives, and mentorship from professionals helps you develop organizational and communication skills. The program emphasizes learning about healthcare operations beyond clinical care and provides a competitive environment for gaining insight into nonprofit healthcare systems.
7. Green Corps at Cleveland Botanical Garden
Location: Cleveland Botanical Garden, Cleveland, Ohio
Stipend: $13/hour
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive; approximately 25 interns per year
Dates: June 29 – August 13
Application Deadline: February 27
Eligibility: All high school students
Green Corps at Cleveland Botanical Garden is a work-study program where teens engage in urban agriculture and environmental education. You will maintain community gardens, grow produce, and participate in farm-to-table activities, while learning skills in horticulture, sustainability, and business through expert mentorship. Opportunities include market sales, community workshops, and site visits to local farms. The program fosters leadership and teamwork while contributing to food access in Cleveland neighborhoods, combining learning with earning to support career exploration in green industries.
8. Bank of America Student Leaders Program
Location: Cuyahoga County, Cleveland, Ohio (with D.C. summit)
Stipend: Paid, amount not specified
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive; approximately 300 students annually
Dates: 8 weeks during summer, inclusive of one week Student Leaders Summit in Washington D.C.
Application Deadline: January 15
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors who are legally authorized to work in the U.S., permanently reside in an eligible location, and have not previously been selected
The Bank of America Student Leaders Program is one of the most prestigious and competitive summer internships for high school students in the United States. In Cleveland, the program focuses on community development and civic leadership, placing you in paid roles at local nonprofits to support projects in community services, youth programs, or outreach. Past placements have included students working at organizations like Habitat for Humanity. A week-long summit in Washington, D.C., connects you with peers to learn about business, government, and nonprofit collaborations. You develop leadership and civic skills, along with a better understanding of social issues and engagement.
9. Cuyahoga Community College (Tri-C) Summer Internship Program (SIP)
Location: Various Tri-C campuses (Eastern, Metropolitan, Western, Westshore, Brunswick) and off-campus with local Cleveland-area employers
Stipend: $15.15/hour + $125 stipend for one book for summer course
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive; approximately 200+ students annually
Dates: 10 weeks during the summer semester (Late May – early August)
Application Deadline: February 28
Eligibility: High school students who are currently enrolled at Tri-C, have a declared major, have completed 12+ credit hours (including CCP), and have a minimum 2.75 GPA
The Cuyahoga Community College (Tri-C) Summer Internship Program connects your academic interests to professional environments across fields like business, healthcare, creative arts, and information technology. Throughout the summer, you will assist with project management, perform technical office tasks, and attend professional development workshops. What makes this program truly unique is that Tri-C not only pays you a competitive hourly wage but also provides a scholarship for a summer college course and a stipend for your textbooks. This experience allows you to test-drive a potential career while earning college credit.
10. City of Cleveland Youth and Family Success Fellowships
Location: Cleveland City Hall and various community partner sites across the city
Stipend: Paid, amount not specified
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; approximately 15–25 students per fellowship cycle
Dates: 6-week or 8-week summer schedule (June – July)
Application Deadline: May 1
Eligibility: Cleveland residents, ages 14–19, currently enrolled in high school or recent graduates
The Youth and Family Success Fellowship, integrated through the Mayor’s Office of Youth and Family Success, is designed to help high school students navigate the transition into adulthood while making a real impact in their community. Throughout the program, you’ll participate in resume-building workshops, lead community service projects, and engage in "fireside chats" with local leaders to discuss issues like social justice. What makes this fellowship unique is its "youth voice" approach, which treats you as a partner in city policy rather than just a participant. By the end of the term, you will have sharpened your public speaking and professional networking skills.
11. University Hospitals Health Services Research Summer Scholar Program
Location: University Hospitals, Cleveland, Ohio
Stipend: $1,500
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive; up to 10 scholars per year
Dates: June 9 – July 18
Application Deadline: April
Eligibility: High school students who are 16 years or older by June 1 and have a 3.0 GPA
The University Hospitals (UH) Health Services Research Summer Scholar Program is a competitive, mentored experience designed to expose students to medical research and health-related careers. In this program, you will work on projects in health services, data analysis, or clinical studies with researchers and engage in activities including literature reviews, data collection, and presentation preparation. You also receive mentorship focused on research methods and career guidance in medicine. The program includes seminars and team collaborations and provides insight into biomedical and public health fields.
12. Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District (NEORSD) High School Internship
Location: Various District facilities (e.g., Environmental & Maintenance Center in Cuyahoga Heights, or Wastewater Treatment Plants)
Stipend: Paid, amount not specified
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive; approximately 15–25 interns across all departments
Dates: 10 weeks over the summer (early June through mid-August)
Application Deadline: Late February to Early March
Eligibility: High school students who are 17+ years old (18+ for certain roles) and live in the service area
The Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District (NEORSD) internships offer you a hands-on deep dive into the world of environmental science and public utility management. You will explore critical topics such as wastewater treatment, watershed protection, and sustainable infrastructure, gaining a first-hand look at how our regional water cycle is managed. During the program, you will participate in activities like performing water quality lab tests, shadowing skilled maintenance crews at massive treatment plants, and assisting with community outreach events to educate the public. By working in this professional environment, you will develop essential technical skills in data analysis and lab safety while sharpening your professional communication and problem-solving abilities.
13. Greater Cleveland Film Commission Internship
Location: Greater Cleveland Film Commission, Cleveland, Ohio
Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive; 1–3 interns per summer
Dates: June – August
Application Deadline: Rolling basis
Eligibility: High school seniors
The City of Cleveland Youth and Family Success Fellowship (often associated with the Mayor’s Office of Prevention, Intervention, and Opportunity) is a leadership development program designed for high school students to engage directly with local government and community advocacy. They involve you in film industry support and production coordination, where you assist with location scouting, event planning, or tasks related to workforce development. The program gives opportunities to collaborate with filmmakers and learn about media careers. The program highlights Cleveland's role in film and provides practical exposure and encourages exploration of creative industries.
Image Source - Cleveland Clinic logo