13 Summer Internships for High School Students in Kentucky
Summer internships offer high school students an opportunity to gain work experience and develop skills that will be useful in college and beyond. By participating in summer internships, you can strengthen your resume, demonstrate commitment to your field to college admissions officers, and explore career paths that interest you. These programs allow you to apply academic knowledge to workplace scenarios, giving you a competitive edge in the future job market. Beyond increasing your employability, internships provide mentorship from industry professionals who can offer guidance and insights into their fields.
What summer internships are available for high school students in Kentucky?
Kentucky offers a range of internships for high schoolers across fields like software engineering, healthcare, research, and more. By interning with organizations like the University of Kentucky, Norton Healthcare, or the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, you can learn how the state’s infrastructure and healthcare systems operate. Many local businesses and government agencies also offer high school internships. These roles help you understand the unique needs of the state, from urban development in Louisville to rural health initiatives. A local internship can make you much more competitive for state scholarships and future employment in Kentucky.
We've carefully curated a comprehensive list of 13 summer internships for high school students in Kentucky, evaluating each program based on accessibility, educational value, location, and professional experience.
1. Summer Research Training Fellowship for High School Students – University of Kentucky College of Medicine
Location: University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky (Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics)
Stipend: Paid fellowship; specific stipend amount varies
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; typically 6–10 fellows
Dates: Typically June–July
Application Deadline: April 6
Eligibility: High school students at least 16 years of age by June 1, who have taken advanced classes in both Biology and Chemistry.
This fellowship places you in a research laboratory at the University of Kentucky College of Medicine, where you will work with a graduate student, post-doctoral fellow, or research scientist on projects in microbiology and molecular genetics. You will receive training in experimental techniques, read scientific literature to build background knowledge in your research area, and progress from observation to performing independent experiments by the end of the summer. You will participate in departmental seminars and gain exposure to the research culture of a major academic medical center, interacting with researchers at various career stages. At the end of the fellowship, you will present your research findings.
2. Ladder Internship Program
Location: Remote (work from anywhere in the world)
Cost/Stipend: Cost varies depending on the program type; full financial aid available / No stipend
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 10–25% acceptance; 70–100 students per session
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year, including Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter
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
Ladder Internship Program connects you with high-growth startups across diverse industries including, technology, healthcare, artificial intelligence, marketing, journalism, and consulting. You will work closely with your manager and a Ladder Coach on actual projects, contributing meaningfully to the company's goals while learning how startups operate at scale. The program includes intensive mentorship, professional development sessions, and opportunities to network with other interns and startup founders. Your work will culminate in a presentation to the company leadership, allowing you to showcase your contributions and receive direct feedback from executives. Participating startups have typically raised over a million dollars. Apply now!
3. Brown Cancer Center High School Summer Research Program
Location: University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky (Brown Cancer Center facilities)
Stipend: $4,000
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; up to 20 students
Dates: June 9 – August 1
Application Deadline: March 14
Eligibility: High school sophomores, juniors, and seniors in Louisville and the Jefferson County Metro area who will be 16 years old by June 9
This research internship combines a two-week laboratory tutorial with 6 weeks of mentored research under the guidance of Brown Cancer Center faculty members. You will work a minimum of 30 hours per week in an actual research laboratory, gaining deep engagement with how cancer research operates and contributing meaningfully to current scientific investigations. The program also includes a weekly seminar series featuring University of Louisville research faculty and leading cancer researchers who discuss cutting-edge research projects and current topics in cancer research, broadening your understanding of the field.
4. Kentucky State Parks Internships
Location: Various Kentucky State Parks throughout the state
Stipend: Paid; varies by position and park
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive; ~10-20 per season
Dates: Summer; typically May – August
Application Deadline: December 31
Eligibility: Full-time high school students in grades 11–12 with a 2.5 GPA who can receive academic credit from their school
Kentucky State Parks offer internship opportunities throughout the state, allowing you to gain work experience in parks and recreation management, environmental education, visitor services, and facility maintenance. You work in various roles supporting park operations, from leading educational programs to maintaining facilities, giving you exposure to multiple aspects of park management. You will work alongside full-time park professionals and gain an understanding of how natural areas are managed, protected, and made accessible to the public. The variety of park locations and available positions allows you to choose internships aligned with your interests, whether in education, maintenance, administration, or environmental science.
5. SummerWorks Program – Louisville
Location: Greater Louisville area, Kentucky
Stipend: Paid, amount not specified
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Non-selective; large number of students placed
Dates: 7 weeks from early June through early August
Application Deadline: Rolling basis
Eligibility: Students who are Louisville residents aged 16–21
SummerWorks is the Mayor's summer jobs program designed to help students in Greater Louisville secure paid summer internships to develop professional skills and build career networks. The program connects you with employers offering diverse positions across sectors, including business, nonprofit organizations, government agencies, and schools, giving you a choice in your internship placement. You will receive professional development through SummerWorks programming, including soft skills training, career exploration workshops, and networking opportunities with other interns and employers. The program emphasizes developing essential workplace competencies such as communication, time management, teamwork, and professionalism that employers consistently demand.
6. Lexington Summer Youth Job Training Program
Location: Lexington, Kentucky
Stipend: $15/hour
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive; approximately 300 youth
Dates: June 15 – July 25
Application Deadline: Early March
Eligibility: High school students in 10th, 11th, and 12th grades who are Lexington residents
The Lexington Summer Youth Job Training Program (SYJTP) provides workforce training opportunities and paid summer employment for approximately 300 Lexington high school students. You can work in positions across various employers and sectors in Lexington, gaining exposure to different work environments and exploring your career interests before making college and career decisions. SYJTP emphasizes developing soft skills and professional competencies alongside your paid work, including communication, problem-solving, and teamwork, to gain skills that directly transfer to college and beyond. You will interact with experienced supervisors and mentors who provide guidance and support, creating genuine professional development opportunities.
7. Gaylor Electric High School Internship
Location: Louisville, KY
Stipend: Paid, amount not specified
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; 200+ students accepted nationwide
Dates: 8–10 weeks between early June and late July
Application Deadline: Rolling basis
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors
In this electrical internship, you will learn about core topics like safety protocols, blueprint reading, and basic electrical theory. You will participate in hands-on activities such as wiring circuits, bending conduit, and assisting on active construction projects alongside experienced mentors. This program stands out because it offers a paid learning experience that serves as a direct pipeline into a full-time professional apprenticeship. By participating, you develop essential technical skills, a strong work ethic, and the ability to solve complex problems in a fast-paced environment. Ultimately, you gain the professional foundation and confidence needed to launch a successful career in the skilled trades immediately after graduation.
8. EKCEP Summer Youth Internship (Eastern Kentucky)
Location: 23 Eastern Kentucky counties
Stipend: Paid, varies by role
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Rate not specified; large regional reach
Dates: Typically, 8–10 weeks between June and August
Application Deadline: Generally, April or early May
Eligibility: Students aged 16–24 who are residents of EKCEP’s 23-county service area; must meet WIOA income/need guidelines
You can jumpstart your career this summer through the EKCEP Summer Youth Internship, which provides paid work experience for Eastern Kentucky high school students. You’ll explore essential topics, including career pathways, financial literacy, professional etiquette, and job search preparation. You’ll work at a local business site after using virtual reality for career discovery and attend resume-building workshops. This program stands out for its 23-county reach and the opportunity to earn industry-recognized credentials through one-on-one coaching. By participating, you will develop communication, time management, and technical skills specific to your placement. This offers a perfect way to build a local network and earn a paycheck before graduation.
9. Appalachian Regional Healthcare Student Summer Employment Program
Location: Various hospital sites across Eastern Kentucky (Hazard, Middlesboro, Harlan, Whitesburg, etc.)
Stipend: Paid, amount not specified
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Rate not specified; approximately 50–70 students across the entire healthcare system
Dates: 8 weeks between June and July
Application Deadline: Mid-March
Eligibility: High school juniors or seniors at least 16 years old who reside in an ARH service area
In this program, you will learn about the healthcare industry by rotating through various departments, including nursing, radiology, pharmacy, and laboratory services. You’ll actively participate in hands-on activities such as shadowing medical professionals during patient rounds, assisting with administrative tasks, and observing clinical procedures firsthand. The program focuses on providing rural youth with paid career exploration, bridging the gap between classroom learning and real-world medical practice. By the end of the summer, you will have developed essential professional skills like effective communication, teamwork, and critical problem-solving in a fast-paced environment.
10. Kentucky Horse Park Seasonal Internships
Location: Lexington, KY
Stipend: $14 – $14.75/hour
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Non-selective; 50+ seasonal staff hired for summer events
Dates: May – September
Application Deadline: February 26
Eligibility: High school students aged 16+
Seasonal jobs at the Kentucky Horse Park provide high school students with a hands-on introduction to both equine management and park operations. Exploring topics like hospitality and animal care, you will assist with event setup, manage barn duties, and conduct public equine demonstrations. One of the best features is getting to work during major international events like Breyerfest while being right in the middle of a world-class equestrian environment. Through this experience, you will develop vital professional skills in customer service, teamwork, and personal responsibility. These roles help you build a strong work ethic and communication abilities that are valuable for any future career path.
11. University of Kentucky Careers in HealthCare Internship Program (UKCHIP)
Location: University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky (UK HealthCare facilities)
Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; approximately 10–15 students per summer
Dates: 4 weeks from late June through July
Application Deadline: Early to mid-March
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors who are residents of Kentucky
In the University of Kentucky Careers in HealthCare Internship Program, you will learn about anesthesiology and modern medicine. Throughout the four-week session, you cover topics like patient ethics, surgical procedures, and the path to medical school. You will spend your days shadowing physicians in the operating room, practicing life-saving techniques in high-tech simulation labs, and attending professional development workshops. This program is unique because it pairs you directly with medical student mentors who provide honest guidance on your career journey. By the end, you will have sharpened your clinical observation skills, professional networking abilities, and medical literacy.
12. Louisville Zoo Volunteen Program / Zoo Crew
Location: Louisville Zoo, Louisville, Kentucky
Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive; limited cohort sizes
Dates: June – August (flexible scheduling options)
Application Deadline: March 1
Eligibility: Students aged 13 and above
As a Zoo Crew volunteer, you will contribute to the Louisville Zoo's mission by engaging visitors, assisting with educational programs, and learning about animal care and conservation efforts. You will interact directly with the public, helping them understand the animals and their habitats through interpretive activities and guided tours. The program offers valuable experience in public speaking, environmental education, and customer service. You will work alongside zoo educators and staff, gaining mentorship and behind-the-scenes insights into zoo operations. The experience is hands-on, allowing you to participate in activities like preparing educational materials, assisting with camp programs, and supporting special events.
13. Norton Healthcare Summer Teen Volunteers
Location: Multiple Louisville sites: Norton Children's, Norton Audubon, Norton Brownsboro, Norton Women's & Children's, and Downtown
Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive; approximately 15–20 students per hospital
Dates: June 1 – August 1
Application Deadline: April 15
Eligibility: High school students at least 14 years old by May 31
The Norton Healthcare Summer Teen Volunteers program enables high school students to gain direct experience in a professional medical environment. Throughout the summer, you will explore topics like hospital operations, patient care, and various healthcare career pathways. You will guide visitors at information desks, organize clinical supplies, and deliver comfort items like blankets or flowers to patients. This program allows you to provide vital support to a major health system while earning the required community service hours. It is an ideal way for you to build character while exploring a potential future in medicine.
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