14 Summer Internships for High School Students in West Virginia

If you are a high school student, participating in a summer internship is one of the most effective ways to strengthen your resume, build professional skills, and gain exposure to different careers. Internships help you apply classroom learning to workplace settings, explore potential college majors, and develop transferable skills such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. If you are planning to apply to college soon, internships can demonstrate initiative and interest in your field to admissions committees.

What internships are available for high school students in West Virginia?

Summer internships for high school students in West Virginia range across industries from aerospace research to rural healthcare. West Virginia’s internships are supported by state-led initiatives like the Governor's Internship Program and organizations like The Education Alliance, offering structured opportunities for high schoolers. These experiences allow you to explore the diverse career paths within the Mountain State, such as cybersecurity in Fairmont or performing arts in Lewisburg, helping you decide whether you want to pursue a career within or outside the state.

To simplify the search, we’ve narrowed down a list of 14 summer internships for high school students in West Virginia that are in-person and during the summer months.

1. Appalachian Headwaters Summer High School Internship Program

Location: Lewisburg, West Virginia
Stipend: $4,000
Dates: June 8 – August 14
Application Deadline: Rolling basis
Eligibility: Rising 10th, 11th, and 12th-grade high school students who are able to commit to 40 hours per week and participate in outdoor, field-based work

The Appalachian Headwaters Summer High School Internship Program provides students with immersive, hands-on experience in ecology, habitat restoration, and environmental education. You will work with professional ecologists, habitat restoration specialists, and experiential educators at a regional environmental research and education facility. The program emphasizes field-based scientific research skills, ecological restoration techniques, and collaborative teamwork. As a participant, you will contribute to biodiversity research, assist with habitat restoration projects focused on native plants and pollinators, and support operations at Waldo Day Camp by engaging and mentoring younger students. You will work under a dedicated field supervisor, complete weekly check-ins, and may design an independent project aligned with your supervisor’s workplan. 

2. Ladder Internship Program

Location: Remote
Cost/Stipend: Varies depending on the program type; full financial aid is available / No stipend
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year, including Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter
Application Deadline: Varies as per cohort; Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), and 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 is a selective, remote internship initiative that places students with high-growth startups across a range of industries, including technology, AI/ML, health tech, marketing, journalism, consulting, and business operations. You will work directly with startup managers on real-world projects that contribute to active company goals. The program emphasizes practical skill development, professional communication, and exposure to startup workflows and decision-making processes. Participating startups are typically early-stage companies with strong growth trajectories and venture backing. As a participant, you will take ownership of defined projects and apply academic knowledge in professional settings. You will conclude the program by presenting your work to the startup team, gaining experience in professional presentation and project ownership.

3. WV Ready Summer Internships

Location: Various partner businesses across West Virginia
Stipend: Paid, amount varies by placement
Dates: Four-week summer program
Application Deadline: Spring
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors in West Virginia

WV Ready Summer Internships is a paid, four-week program that connects high school students with local businesses across West Virginia. You will gain hands-on work experience while learning directly from professionals in real workplace settings. The program pairs you with a host business, and you complete a capstone project that highlights the skills and knowledge developed during the internship. The program emphasizes mentorship, career exploration, and workforce readiness. You gain exposure to professional expectations and industry-specific skills. This internship is well-suited for students looking to explore career options and build foundational workplace experience.

4. AEOP High School Internships at West Virginia State University (WVSU)

Location: West Virginia State University, Institute, West Virginia
Stipend: Paid, amount not specified
Dates: 8–9 weeks between June and July
Application Deadline: Early March
Eligibility: High school students who are U.S. citizens or permanent legal residents

The AEOP High School Internships at West Virginia State University provide a full-time, research-focused summer experience for students interested in STEM fields. You will work with faculty mentors on research projects in areas such as genetics, biotechnology, plant breeding, ecology, artificial intelligence, engineering, chemistry, and physics. The program emphasizes applied research skills, scientific inquiry, and professional development through structured lab work and training sessions. You will participate in Lunch and Learn seminars and receive guidance on research communication. As part of the program, you will prepare a midterm progress report, write a final research abstract, and present your work at a culminating Summer Symposium.

5. West Virginia Department of Transportation (WVDOT) Summer Employment Program

Location: Various WVDOT offices and worksites across West Virginia
Stipend: $10/hour (WVDOT program); $11–$12/hour through Governor’s Internship Program
Dates: May 19 – August 22
Application Deadline: April 19
Eligibility: High school graduates aged 18 or older with a valid driver’s license

The WVDOT Summer Employment Program provides seasonal employment opportunities for students and young adults seeking experience in transportation and public works. It may place you in field-based roles such as maintenance and operations or, in limited cases, clerical and administrative positions. You will gain exposure to the daily operations of state transportation agencies while developing practical workplace skills. You may apply for positions in up to three counties and can indicate interest in field roles, clerical roles, or both. Some participants may also apply through the Governor’s Internship Program, which offers higher hourly pay and preference for specific administrative placements. 

6. West Virginia Governor’s Internship Program (GIP)

Location: Various state agencies, private businesses, and non-profits across West Virginia
Stipend: Minimum wage
Dates: Summer term; internships typically last 9 to 13 weeks
Application Deadline: June 15
Eligibility: Graduating high school seniors who have completed at least 12 college credit hours and maintain a cumulative 3.0 GPA in those college courses

This program covers diverse topics ranging from public policy and environmental protection to business administration and community outreach, depending on your specific placement. During the summer, you will conduct research projects, assist with agency workshops, track legislative materials, and participate in enrichment events like touring the State Capitol or meeting with state leaders. What makes this experience truly unique is the rare opportunity for high school seniors to work alongside seasoned professionals in high-level state agencies and non-profits while earning a competitive wage. By the end of the term, you will have sharpened your communication and leadership skills. 

7. Coal River Group Summer Internship

Location: Coal River, West Virginia
Stipend: Paid, amount not specified
Dates: Ten-weeks between June and August
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Eligibility: High school graduates who are strong swimmers and able to lift at least 40 lbs

The Coal River Group Summer Internship provides hands-on experience with outdoor recreation and watershed-based programming through Coal River Kayak and Canoe Rental. You will spend the summer assisting with boat rentals, managing equipment, and teaching basic paddling techniques and water safety. You will also develop a specialized project tailored to their academic background and personal interests. The program emphasizes practical skills, customer engagement, and outdoor operations within a conservation-focused organization. This internship offers exposure to environmental stewardship and recreation management. 

8. Youth Conservation Corps (YCC)

Location: National parks, forests, wildlife refuges, and federal lands across the United States (including West Virginia sites)
Stipend: State or federal minimum wage
Dates: 8–10 week summer program
Application Deadline: Varies as per site (Some have March, others have mid-April)
Eligibility: Youth ages 15–18 who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents and are able to commute daily to the work site

The Youth Conservation Corps is a federal summer employment program that provides paid, hands-on work experiences on public lands. You will work outdoors on projects such as trail construction and maintenance, campground upkeep, habitat restoration, historic preservation, and place-based STEM activities. You will gain exposure to conservation practices while developing teamwork, responsibility, and basic job skills. The program also includes educational field trips that introduce participants to natural and cultural resources at federal sites. Most YCC programs are non-residential, requiring you to arrange your own transportation to and from the site each day.

9. National Park Service (NPS) Pathways Program

Location: National Park Service sites across the United States (including West Virginia locations)
Stipend: Paid (compensation varies by position and grade level)
Dates: Varies by role; opportunities may be in summer or year-round
Application Deadline: Varies by position; applications are posted on USAJOBS
Eligibility: Currently enrolled high school students who are 16+, U.S. citizens, and have a minimum 2.0 GPA

The National Park Service Pathways Program provides paid internships and early-career opportunities for students and recent graduates interested in federal service careers. Through this program, you can work with the National Park Service while continuing your education, gaining experience in areas such as conservation, public lands management, administration, and visitor services. Positions are mentor-supported and designed to introduce participants to federal workplace structures and career pathways. Internships are posted on USAJOBS and vary in duration, schedule, and responsibilities depending on the role. The broader Pathways framework also includes programs for recent graduates and advanced-degree holders, offering streamlined hiring into federal positions. 

10. City of Morgantown Summer Internships

Location: Morgantown, West Virginia (City Hall and various municipal departments)
Stipend: Paid, amount not specified
Dates: Typically align with the summer semester
Application Deadline: Rolling/seasonal
Eligibility: All high school students

Participating in the City of Morgantown’s summer internships allows you to trade typical busy work for a genuine role in shaping your local community. The program spans diverse municipal topics like urban landscaping, engineering, and digital communications, ensuring your work aligns with your actual interests. On a typical day, you might manage city social media accounts, assist with landscape design projects, or support human resources with administrative tasks. The internship features a dual-layer support system, where you are paired with both a department manager and a dedicated mentor focused solely on your personal growth. Throughout the summer, you will gain an insider’s perspective on how a city functions.

11. NASA Office of the STEM Engagement Internship Programs

Location: Katherine Johnson Independent Verification and Validation (IV&V) Facility, Fairmount, WV
Stipend: Paid; stipend varies by academic level and internship duration
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive; over 2,000 interns annually
Dates: Summer: Begins mid-May/June
Application Deadline: Summer: February 27
Eligibility: U.S. citizens; must be at least 16 years old; enrolled in a college or university (part-time or full-time) with a 3.0 GPA or higher; all majors welcome

At the NASA Office of STEM Engagement internships in Fairmont, you gain firsthand exposure to the Katherine Johnson Independent Verification and Validation (IV&V) Facility’s mission of ensuring spacecraft software safety. This program dives into technical topics like cybersecurity, robotics, and embedded systems programming, allowing you to work on projects that protect multi-billion-dollar space missions. You will code software simulations, perform data analysis for ongoing research, and assist with the Robotics Alliance Project summer camps. A standout feature of this experience is the pairing with actual NASA engineers who guide your development in a professional laboratory environment. 

12. WVU Medicine – Junior Volunteer Program

Location: J.W. Ruby Memorial Hospital (Morgantown) and other regional sites
Stipend: None
Dates: Summer (typically June – August)
Application Deadline: April 30
Eligibility: High school students aged 16–18 with a minimum 3.0 GPA

The WVU Medicine Junior Volunteer Program enables you to gain a firsthand look into the world of healthcare while serving your local community. The program explores topics such as patient privacy, infection control, and medical ethics, ensuring you understand the responsibilities of a professional hospital setting. Throughout your shifts, you will assist with non-clinical tasks like transporting patients, delivering supplies to nursing stations, and greeting visitors at guest service desks. The program features the "Junior Volunteer Academy" component, which offers participants rare, hands-on exposure to specialized areas like the Heart and Vascular Institute or the Emergency Department.

13. Marshall University "Health Care Pathways" Summer Program

Location: Marshall University Huntington Campus (Huntington, WV)
Stipend: None
Dates: June 1 – 27
Application Deadline: April 25
Eligibility: Students entering grades 8–12 from West Virginia

Marshall University’s Health Care Pathway Initiative immerses you in the medical field while living on campus for four weeks. The program covers a wide range of topics, including medical informatics, pharmaceutical sciences, and college readiness strategies for STEM majors. Throughout the month, you will engage in clinical simulations, conduct laboratory research, and visit various healthcare facilities to see professionals in action. The program also involves SAT/ACT prep workshops, which ensure you are academically prepared for the rigorous path of medical school. By the time you complete the program, you will have gained the confidence to navigate the professional healthcare landscape.

14. Greenbrier Valley Theatre Summer Internship

Location: Lewisburg, West Virginia
Stipend: None
Dates: July – August
Application Deadline: Rolling acceptance
Eligibility: High school students 

In the Greenbrier Valley Theatre Summer Internship, you will transition from a student of the arts to a contributor in a professional regional theatre setting. This program covers topics such as stage management, technical production, and arts administration. You will likely assist with lighting and sound set-ups, manage props for mainstage shows, and serve as a junior mentor for children in the Summer Drama Camp. The program allows you to work alongside Equity actors and professional directors, providing a behind-the-scenes look at the "State Professional Theatre of West Virginia." Through this experience, you will build a foundation for any professional career in the creative or administrative arts.

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