15 Summer Internships for High School Students in Oklahoma

Internships during high school can make a measurable difference by strengthening your résumé, improving future employability, and giving you a view of how your chosen field functions. They allow you to test academic interests in practical settings, develop workplace skills early, and gain a clearer sense of what you may want to pursue in college and beyond. Summer provides the flexibility to commit to longer projects and consistent schedules without academic overlap. 

Why should I do a summer internship in high school?

A high school internship lets you try out real work and see what you enjoy before committing to a major or career path. It helps you build skills like communicating professionally, managing your time, and taking responsibility. Just as importantly, it gives you concrete experiences they can talk about in your college applications and interviews. 

Across Oklahoma, internship opportunities span areas such as research, healthcare, public service, conservation, and policy. To simplify the search, we have narrowed our focus to a carefully selected list of the 15 best summer internships for high school students in Oklahoma.

1. Fleming Scholars Program

Location: Oklahoma City University, Oklahoma City
Stipend: Minimum $5,000
Acceptance rate/cohort size: No information specified
Dates: June 1–July 24
Application deadline: February 1
Eligibility: High school seniors who are Oklahoma residents and are at least 16 years old

The Sir Alexander Fleming Scholars Program is an eight-week summer research experience for high school and college students interested in biomedical science. During the program, you will work one-on-one with senior scientists in active research laboratories while contributing to an individual research project. You’ll participate in bench research, weekly seminars, and professional development workshops that introduce scientific communication and career pathways. You will also be expected to write a research abstract with mentor guidance and deliver a formal presentation summarizing your findings. Participants receive practical benefits such as weekday breakfast, gym access, parking, and housing for students who live more than 40 miles from OMRF.

2. Ladder Internship Program

Location: Remote
Cost/Stipend: Varies depending on the program type; financial aid is available, no stipend
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 10%–25%; 70–100 students
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year, including summer, winter, spring, and fall
Application Deadline: Varies by cohort; Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), and Winter (November)
Eligibility: High school undergraduate and gap year students who can work for 10–20 hours/week, for 8–12 weeks

Ladder Internships is an eight-week, fully remote program that connects high school students with startups and nonprofit organizations across a range of industries. You’ll be matched with a host organization and assigned a project that aligns with the company’s operational needs, which may involve research, analysis, content development, or strategic support. Throughout the internship, you receive mentorship from both a startup manager and a dedicated Ladder Coach who provides detailed feedback. The program includes regular group sessions focused on skills such as communication, time management, and professional collaboration. The experience concludes with a final presentation where you share your completed work with the host organization.

3. Hutton Junior Fisheries Biology Program 

Location: All 50 U.S. states plus  Puerto Rico, Canada, Mexico, and the Pacific Islands
Stipend: $3,000
Acceptance rate/cohort size: About 3% | 27-33 students make it to the final cohort each year
Dates: 8 weeks from June to August
Application deadline: January (tentative)
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors aged 16+ years

The Hutton Junior Fisheries Biology Program is an eight-week paid internship that introduces you to fisheries science through mentorship with a professional scientist. Your day-to-day work depends on the placement and may include fish population surveys, habitat assessments, water quality testing, specimen analysis, or data management. You can divide your time between outdoor fieldwork and office or laboratory tasks, depending on the project’s focus. Some placements involve extended field trips, offering a closer look at applied aquatic research. You’ll be required to track hours and complete written reflections documenting your learning. The program concludes with a Scholars Summit that covers college preparation, career exploration, and professional development in fisheries and aquatic science.

4. OKStars Summer Research Program

Location: OSU Center for Health Sciences, Tulsa
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: No information available
Dates: June 2 – July 11
Application deadline: April 30
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors who can cover their own transport

The OKStars Summer Research Program is a six-week experience that places high school juniors and seniors in biomedical research labs at the OSU Center for Health Sciences. You will be paired with a faculty mentor and work as part of a research team on ongoing projects in areas such as biomedical science, forensic science, or data-driven research. The program requires a time commitment of up to 20 hours per week, similar to a part-time job, with schedules determined by your assigned lab. You’ll complete lab safety training and attend weekly lunch-and-learn sessions covering topics such as research presentation, résumé writing, and college preparation. At the end of the program, you will present your work at a symposium and may have opportunities to present at broader research events.

5. Oklahoma City Zoo Volunteering 

Location: Oklahoma City
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not selective
Dates: 50 hours per year
Application deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Students aged 14-17; Individual volunteers must be at least 16 years old

The volunteer program at the Oklahoma City Zoo allows you to contribute to daily operations while learning about wildlife conservation and public engagement. Volunteer roles vary and may include guest interaction as a Zoo Host, assisting with educational programs as a WILD Guide, or supporting animal care teams as a Husbandry Aide. Other opportunities involve helping with diet preparation, horticulture projects, zoo beautification, photography, or conservation data collection. You may also choose to volunteer at one-time special events such as fundraisers or seasonal programs. Your responsibilities will depend on the role and training completed, with some positions requiring additional preparation.

6. Junior Curator Program

Location: Oklahoma City Zoo, Oklahoma City
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: No information available
Dates: 100 hours of service in specific areas from October through to August of the following year
Application deadline: To be announced
Eligibility: Students aged 14-17

The Junior Curator Program is a structured volunteer role designed for teens interested in learning about zoo- and garden-related careers through hands-on experience. As a participant, you’ll assist zoo staff with daily operations by engaging guests, providing directions, and sharing animal-related information using biofacts and activities. You will also support animal care teams with tasks such as diet preparation, cleaning, and enrichment activities. Additional responsibilities may include gardening, plant care, housekeeping support, and assisting with special events. The program requires completion of orientation and training, a minimum of 100 service hours, attendance at monthly meetings, and participation in conservation activities.

7. VOLUME Summer Program – Bethany Children’s Health Center

Location: Bethany Children’s Health Center, Bethany
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: No information available
Dates: June 1–18
Application deadline: March 23
Eligibility: High school students studying in 11th and 12th grade with up-to-date vaccination records

The VOLUME Summer Program is a three-week, service-based experience at Bethany Children’s Health Center focused on pediatric healthcare exposure. During the program, you’ll interact with pediatric patients through bedside engagement, playroom activities, classroom support, and hospital events. Your mornings typically include workshops and educational sessions led by hospital staff, followed by hands-on volunteer work in the afternoons. You’ll also have opportunities to shadow professionals across allied health fields such as nursing, therapy, pharmacy, and healthcare administration. Volunteer responsibilities are assigned based on interests, abilities, and hospital needs.

8. Internships at EMILYs List

Location: Remote (hybrid options available)
Cost/Stipend: $17.95/hour
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive 
Dates: Spring, summer, and fall semesters
Application deadline: Varies depending on the semester
Eligibility: Graduated high school seniors

EMILYs List offers internships during the spring, summer, and fall for students interested in political campaigns, advocacy, and public policy. As an intern, you will be placed in a department such as campaigns, communications, research, or state and local initiatives. Your tasks may include tracking legislation, preparing research memos, drafting outreach or press materials, and supporting ongoing projects. The internship includes regular brown-bag sessions where staff discuss campaign strategy and career pathways. You will also participate in the Change the World training, which introduces core concepts of campaign operations and organizing.

9. Smithsonian Center for Folklife and Cultural Heritage Internships

Location: Remote
Stipend: Paid
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: Internships are offered all year round, from six weeks to one year, full- or part-time
Application deadline: March 1 (for summer internships)
Eligibility: Open to all high school students (both U.S. citizens and non-U.S. citizens)

The Smithsonian Center for Folklife and Cultural Heritage offers internships focused on cultural research, documentation, and public engagement. Depending on placement, you may work on projects related to the Smithsonian Folklife Festival, Folkways Recordings, or the Ralph Rinzler Folklife Archives. You will typically engage in activities such as research, digital archiving, content development, or support for educational initiatives. You will work under the supervision of Smithsonian professionals in fields such as anthropology, folklore, ethnomusicology, or museum studies. Many internships are conducted remotely, allowing participation from different locations. The experience emphasizes how cultural traditions are preserved, interpreted, and shared with public audiences. 

10. American Psychological Association (APA): Remote Internship Program

Location: Remote
Cost/Stipend: Paid and unpaid (academic credit) available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive
Dates: Internships are offered all year round
Application deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: High school students eligible to work in the U.S. (as verified by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s eVerify service) and residing in one of the states where APA is a registered employer 

The APA Remote Internship Program helps you understand how psychology is applied across research, education, public policy, and communications. You’ll be assigned to a specific department where you’ll contribute to projects such as data analysis, digital resource development, or public-facing educational materials. Each intern reports to a supervisor who provides guidance, feedback, and oversight throughout the program. There will be optional workshops and networking sessions that highlight different psychology-related career paths. 

11. PHC Group High School Summer Program

Location: Remote
Stipend: Paid
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive
Dates: Varies depending on the  position
Application deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors

The PHC Group High School Summer Program is a paid, fully virtual internship focused on public health communication and leadership. Motivated high schoolers work under the supervision of the Public Health Director and senior leadership on outreach-related projects. You’ll typically work on managing social media content, conducting online research, analyzing engagement trends, and participating in planning meetings. The program provides insight into how public health organizations communicate with communities. Through daily tasks, you’ll gain experience with remote teamwork and health-focused outreach strategies.

12. sci-MI Neuroscience Mentorship Program

Location: Remote
Cost: No cost
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: June 23 – August 8
Application deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Open to all high school students 

The sci-MI Neuroscience Mentorship Program is a free online experience that guides you through the process of independent neuroscience research. You’ll use open-access research papers, public datasets, and open-source software to develop and explore a research question. There will be weekly lectures that introduce you to foundational neuroscience concepts, while journal club sessions focus on reading, presenting, and critically evaluating scientific literature. Students in the synchronous track receive individualized mentor feedback throughout the research process. The program concludes with a 10–15 minute presentation and a written project paper.

13. USC Dornsife Center for the Political Future: High School Summer Internship Program

Location: Remote
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance rate: Selective
Dates: June 1 – August 1
Application deadline: May 19
Eligibility: High school students with at least a 3.0 GPA are eligible (seniors who are about to graduate cannot apply)

The USC Dornsife Center for the Political Future High School Summer Internship is a virtual research program centered on environmental policy and legislative analysis. You select a local, state, or federal environmental bill and complete two major research assignments: a legislative policy memo and a legislative process analysis. The program includes scheduled online check-ins where mentors provide structured feedback on your research and writing. You will also be required to analyze themes from the Climate Forward Conference and connect them to their chosen legislation. Students who complete the internship are formally recognized as research interns. Select projects may be published online, allowing your research to reach a wider audience.

14. Johns Hopkins – ASPIRE

Location: Remote
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: June 23 – August  21
Application deadline: February 15
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors who are 15 or older by June 1 of the application year | Minimum 2.8 GPA | Residents of specific regions of Maryland, Virginia, and the District of Columbia | U.S. Citizens

The ASPIRE program is a six- to nine-week remote research internship hosted by the Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory. You will be expected to commit a minimum of 190 hours to a mentor-guided STEM research project conducted entirely online. The project areas include computer science, engineering, cybersecurity, data analysis, or applied research. The program begins with orientation and continues with regular mentor check-ins and progress reviews. A central component involves documenting your work and learning to communicate technical findings clearly. The internship concludes with the completion and presentation of a digital research poster, and some mentorships may extend beyond the summer.

15. George Mason University’s Aspiring Scientists Summer Internship Program (ASSIP)

Location: Remote
Cost: $25 application fee
Acceptance rate: Selective
Dates: June 18 – August 12
Application deadline: February 15
Eligibility: 15 years or older for the remote internships; 16 years or above for wet-lab in-person/hybrid internships 

The Aspiring Scientists Summer Internship Program (ASSIP) at George Mason University is a research experience for high school students interested in STEM. You will work with faculty or partner laboratories on active research projects in areas such as chemistry, biotechnology, forensic science, neuroscience, or engineering. You’ll be responsible for conducting experiments, analyzing data, and learning research techniques used in professional labs. The program also includes instruction in scientific writing and data presentation. You’ll also prepare a research poster and present your work at a closing symposium. In some cases, student research contributes to conference presentations or future publications.

Image Source - Fleming Scholars Program Logo