14 Summer Internships for High School Students in Delaware
High school students can benefit from participating in internships, as these experiences provide practical skills in their chosen field and enhance their resumes for college applications. Internships offer exposure to professional environments, helping you build networks and improve your employability. They also allow exploration of career paths, clarifying your future academic or professional goals while you develop key competencies like communication and time management.
Why should high school students in Delaware consider an internship?
Internships in Delaware leverage the state’s economic landscape, particularly through the Delaware Pathways initiative, which aligns school curriculum with high-demand sectors like financial services, biotechnology, and advanced manufacturing. Because Delaware serves as a national hub for the legal and banking industries and is home to many Fortune 500 companies, you can access paid roles at top organizations such as AstraZeneca and Bank of America. These experiences go beyond typical job shadowing and provide structured, work-based learning that allows you to earn industry-recognized certifications and even college credits before graduation.
Below, we have listed 14 summer internships for high school students in Delaware.
1. DSU CIBER STEM Research Camp
Location: Delaware State University Main Campus, Dover, DE
Stipend: $2,000
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; approximately 30–35 students
Dates: 4 weeks in July
Application Deadline: Late April or early May
Eligibility: Rising high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors
The DSU CIBER STEM Research Camp is a four-week immersion program at Delaware State University for high-achieving high school students. You will explore advanced topics like molecular biology, environmental science, and data analysis through intensive laboratory training. You actively conduct DNA analysis using PCR, master high-resolution microscopy, and apply machine learning algorithms to real-world agricultural datasets. At the end, you present original findings at a university symposium. By working alongside faculty mentors, you master technical lab protocols while building professional scientific communication skills.
2. Ladder Internship Program
Location: Virtual (with options for Delaware-based placements)
Cost/Stipend: Cost varies depending on the program type; full financial aid is available / No stipend
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 10–25%; 70–100 students
Dates: Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter cohorts available
Application Deadline: Varies by cohort; Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), Winter (November)
Eligibility: High school students, undergraduates, and gap-year students who can commit 10–20 hours per week for 8–12 weeks
The Ladder Internship Program connects high school students with startups and nonprofits for virtual internships in areas like technology, finance, and marketing. You work on projects such as market research, content creation, and data analysis, developing skills in remote collaboration and project management. The program includes weekly check-ins with mentors for feedback and goal setting. You can contribute to real business initiatives, such as product development or social media strategies. Opportunities for networking with professionals and peers are integrated through virtual sessions. Unique elements include flexibility in scheduling and exposure to global organizations.
3. Bank of America Student Leaders Program
Location: Local nonprofits in Delaware
Stipend: Paid, amount not specified; all expenses towards the Summit at Washington, D.C. are also covered
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive; approximately 300 students nationally
Dates: 8 weeks between June and August; Student Leaders Summit (July 21 – 26)
Application Deadline: January 15
Eligibility: Current high school juniors or seniors who live in an eligible area, are first-time participants, and are legally authorized to work in the U.S.
The Bank of America Student Leaders Program pairs high school juniors and seniors with local nonprofits for an eight-week internship focused on community service and leadership development. You will engage in tasks such as event planning, administrative support, and project coordination, learning about social issues and organizational operations. The program includes a week-long summit in Washington, D.C., where you will collaborate with peers on national topics, such as economic mobility. Mentorship from bank employees and nonprofit staff guides on career preparation and civic engagement. You may also participate in workshops on financial literacy and professional skills. This initiative emphasizes practical experience in community-driven work without special projects beyond the core placement.
4. Future Leaders Internship Initiative (FLii)
Location: New Castle County or Dover, Delaware
Stipend: Paid, amount not specified
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive; cohort size not specified
Dates: 6-week program running from early July to mid-August
Application Deadline: Typically, late spring (April/May)
Eligibility: High school freshmen, sophomores, or juniors; ages 15-17
The Future Leaders Internship Initiative places high school students in Delaware government departments for professional development and hands-on work. You will perform tasks like administrative support, research, and event assistance, gaining insight into public service operations. The program includes training in communication and leadership through workshops and mentorship from state employees. You may engage in community outreach projects or data collection initiatives. Collaboration with professionals in fields like policy or administration is a key component. This internship highlights exposure to governmental processes without overstated unique features.
5. U.S. District Court of Delaware High School Fellowship Program
Location: U.S. District Court, Wilmington, Delaware
Stipend: $400 per week
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive; typically 10–15 students per summer
Dates: July 6 – 31
Application Deadline: April 1
Eligibility: Current sophomores or juniors in New Castle County high schools who are U.S. citizens or Green Card holders
The U.S. District Court of Delaware High School Fellowship Program assigns high school students to work in judicial chambers, where they observe court proceedings and assist with legal tasks. You handle activities such as research, document preparation, and administrative duties under the judge’s supervision. You receive mentorship from legal professionals and exposure to the federal court system. You may also attend hearings or trials as part of your experience, and engage in discussions on law and ethics. This fellowship focuses on practical involvement in judicial operations.
6. Delaware Law Related Education Center Summer Internship
Location: Wilmington, Delaware
Stipend: Paid, amount not specified
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; 2 interns
Dates: 8 weeks between June and August
Application Deadline: Typically, late March/early April
Eligibility: High school students; first in family to become a lawyer
The Delaware Law Related Education Center Summer Internship rotates high school students through legal nonprofit organizations for exposure to law-related work. You will spend significant time observing client interviews and court proceedings for social justice issues. You will assist with program coordination, research, and educational materials preparation, and receive mentorship from attorneys and staff covering topics like civic education and legal processes. You may also contribute to workshops or community events. The program emphasizes hands-on tasks in a professional setting and focuses on first-generation potential lawyers.
7. Delaware State Parks Internship Program
Location: Various Delaware State Parks
Stipend: $100 per week for 30+ hours
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive; approximately 17–20 interns statewide
Dates: May – August
Application Deadline: Typically, mid-January
Eligibility: Qualified high school students who are U.S. citizens or eligible to work in the U.S.
The Delaware State Parks Internship Program involves students in park management tasks, including maintenance, visitor services, and environmental monitoring. You learn skills in resource conservation and public interaction through on-site work. Mentorship from park staff includes training in safety and operations. You may also conduct "roving interpretation,” walking through campgrounds or trails to answer visitor questions, and helping lead public programs like crabbing, guided hikes, or historical tours. Collaboration with professionals in natural resources is part of the experience. The program offers housing options for extended stays.
8. Delaware State Parks Youth Conservation Corps
Location: Various Delaware State Parks
Stipend: $15/hour
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive; approximately 60–70 members per summer
Dates: June 16 – 25
Application Deadline: April 10
Eligibility: Students aged 14 – 21
The Delaware State Parks Youth Conservation Corps engages participants in outdoor projects like trail maintenance, habitat restoration, and park beautification. Working in "Field Teams," you perform essential conservation tasks such as invasive species removal (identifying and clearing plants like multiflora rose or autumn olive) and trail restoration. You participate in Statewide Career Days, where you meet professionals in forestry, wildlife biology, and law enforcement. You also engage in high-adventure outdoor learning, such as Go-Ape Zip Lining, water quality testing in local watersheds, or "beach days" that focus on coastal ecology and dune preservation.
9. Delaware Health Career Collaborative
Location: ChristianaCare facilities, Delaware
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive; approximately 20–30 students per session
Dates: 2 weeks in July
Application Deadline: March 31
Eligibility: Rising 10th, 11th, or 12th grade high school students
The Delaware Health Career Collaborative offers high school students rotations in healthcare departments, including observation and basic tasks. You explore areas like patient care, administration, and clinical support. You will engage in hands-on medical scenarios using high-fidelity mannequins that breathe, have pulses, and react to treatment. This includes practicing lifesaving skills such as CPR, airway management, and wound care, as well as observing advanced technologies like the da Vinci Robotic Surgery System. A unique part of the DHCC involves Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) research, where you also learn how factors like housing and food security impact a patient's recovery.
10. HEIDE STEPS (Summer Training in Equity Program for Secondary Students)
Location: Delaware Health Sciences Alliance, Wilmington
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive; typically designed for a small group
Dates: 4 weeks between July and August
Application Deadline: Rolling basis
Eligibility: High school students entering grades 9–12 in the fall
The HEIDE STEPS program trains high school students on social determinants of health through workshops and projects. You conduct research and community assessments, learning data analysis skills. You will tour water treatment plants to learn about water safety, visit local restaurants to observe food safety inspections, and explore other Division of Public Health (DPH) sites. You work with local nonprofits on projects like neighborhood cleanups, assisting at food pantries, or organizing school supply drives. At the end, you synthesize your field experiences and service work into a capstone presentation, where you pitch community-based solutions for health equity gaps to an audience of peers and DPH experts.
11. Leading Youth Through Empowerment (LYTE) Career Pipeline Internship
Location: Delaware-based organizations
Stipend: Paid, amount not specified
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Non-selective; cohort size not specified
Dates: 6–8 weeks between June and August
Application Deadline: No specific deadline mentioned
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors who are LYTE Scholars (students who joined the program in middle school)
The LYTE Career Pipeline Internship offers a professional launchpad for high school students across fields like healthcare, law, and engineering. You will shadow experts, conduct lab workshops, and complete rigorous capstone projects for government agencies. What makes LYTE special is its "near-peer" mentoring and the ability for students to earn industry certifications alongside their paid work. Beyond just a paycheck, you’ll build essential professional acumen, sharpen your public speaking, and master financial literacy. These sessions turn classroom knowledge into career-ready confidence.
12. Center for Composite Materials Internship
Location: University of Delaware, Newark
Stipend: Some roles pay a stipend
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; approximately 25–30 students across all educational levels
Dates: June – August
Application Deadline: March 1
Eligibility: All high school students
The University of Delaware’s Center for Composite Materials offers a high-level research immersion where you will explore the lifecycle of advanced materials used in aerospace and defense. This program covers topics including additive manufacturing, mechanics of design, and material characterization through hands-on lab work. You will actively assist in fabricating carbon-fiber parts, testing material stress tolerances using precision instruments, and collaborating on multidisciplinary teams. At the end, you present your findings at a professional research symposium alongside graduate scholars, master technical software, and gain the critical analytical skills required for engineering careers.
13. Nemours Children's Health High School Volunteer Program
Location: Nemours Children's Hospital, Wilmington, Delaware
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive (lottery-based); approximately 50–75 students
Dates: 8 weeks between mid-June and early August
Application Deadline: Late February
Eligibility: High school students who have completed their sophomore year and will be at least 16 years old by the program’s start
The Nemours Summer VolunTeen Program offers high school students an immersion into pediatric healthcare through service-oriented roles in Wilmington. You will explore clinical and administrative topics while assisting with guest wayfinding, rounding with hospitality carts, and supporting the Child Life department’s play-based healing initiatives. The program features a selective lottery system, which ensures a diverse cohort of dedicated students. By engaging in these hands-on activities, you develop vital soft skills like professional communication, empathy, and crisis management. Ultimately, the experience provides a realistic glimpse into medical careers while fostering a deep commitment to community service.
14. Hutton Junior Fisheries Biology Program
Location: Local mentor sites in Delaware
Stipend: $3,000
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; approximately 50 students nationally
Dates: 8 weeks between June and August (flexible dates)
Application Deadline: January 25
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors; age 16+ by start of the program
The Hutton Junior Fisheries Biology Program is an eight-week paid internship focused on aquatic science and conservation. This initiative prioritizes diversity, specifically inviting underrepresented students to collaborate with professional mentors on vital habitat restoration and electrofishing field surveys. You will gain technical proficiency in microscopy, water quality analysis, and data management while conducting snorkeling expeditions and laboratory research. Beyond the field, you attend a dedicated summit and master the art of public outreach. It’s an immersive experience that builds professional communication skills and provides a rare, realistic gateway into the fisheries profession.
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