12 Free Online Internships for High School Students
Looking for a productive way to spend your summer or explore a potential career path? Online internships for high school students offer an excellent opportunity to gain real-world experience, build your skills, and make valuable connections. From STEM research and business innovation to healthcare and social impact, there are numerous virtual programs designed to provide immersive learning experiences.
What makes these internships even better? Many are 100% free and offer financial aid for students who qualify. Virtual internships eliminate geographical barriers, allowing you to collaborate with professionals from around the world, all from the comfort of your home. If you're considering a particular field of study or want to build a competitive college application, these experiences are an excellent way to get started.
To help you find the right fit, we’ve narrowed down a list of 12 free online internships for high school students. From prestigious university-led initiatives to renowned research programs, here are some of the best options to explore!
1. Johns Hopkins Internship in Brain Sciences (JHIBS)
Location: In-person at Johns Hopkins University or Virtual
Acceptance Rate: Highly selective, 5-6 students per cohort
Cost/Stipend: Free; In-person participants receive hourly wages and transportation support. Virtual interns receive a $500 stipend.
Program Dates:
In-person: June – August (8 weeks)
Virtual: July – August (5 weeks)
Application Deadline: March 1
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors; in-person applicants must attend a Baltimore-area high school
The Johns Hopkins Internship in Brain Sciences (JHIBS) provides an exceptional summer research experience for high school students interested in neuroscience and medical research. Designed to promote diversity in the field of brain sciences, JHIBS offers mentorship from leading neuroscientists and hands-on experience in laboratory research.
During the program, you will participate in guided research projects, attend educational seminars, and engage in scientific discussions focused on neurological sciences. Both the in-person and virtual formats offer a rigorous research environment where you can develop essential laboratory and analytical skills. At the end of the program, you will present your findings through oral or poster presentations.
Location: Virtual
Acceptance Rate: Small cohorts with one-on-one mentoring
Cost: $2,490
Program Dates: Multiple 8-week cohorts throughout the year (Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter)
Application Deadline: Varies by cohort
Eligibility: High school students with prior experience in AI/ML or completion of a Veritas AI program.
The Veritas AI Internship is a research-focused program for high school students passionate about artificial intelligence and machine learning. Developed by Harvard graduate students, this competitive internship provides you with the opportunity to work on AI-driven projects for VC-backed startups. Through personalized, one-on-one mentorship, you will solve real-world AI challenges across various sectors.
Projects may include applications in fields like healthcare AI, financial modeling, and natural language processing (NLP). You will receive guidance from professionals affiliated with organizations like Harvard, Google, Microsoft, and McKinsey & Company. At the end of the program, you will present your projects and receive a letter of completion, providing valuable credentials for future academic and career opportunities.
Location: Virtual and NASA centers across the country
Stipend: Varies based on opportunity
Program Dates:
Spring Session: Mid-January to Early May
Summer Session: Late May to August
Fall Session: Late August to Mid-December
Application Deadline:
Fall: May 16
Spring: September 12
Summer: February 27
Eligibility: U.S. citizens, high school students with a minimum GPA of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale); specific requirements vary by internship.
The NASA Office of STEM Engagement (OSTEM) Internship Program provides high school students with the incredible opportunity to participate in cutting-edge research and projects related to space exploration and technology innovation. You will work with NASA scientists and engineers on research topics such as artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML) for Air Traffic Management, robotics, and augmented and virtual reality (AR/VR).
The program offers both virtual and on-site opportunities at NASA centers, providing hands-on experience in a world-class research environment. You will receive mentorship and can contribute to real-world challenges. Some positions may offer a stipend, depending on the project and your time commitment. For a comprehensive list of available positions, visit the NASA OSTEM Internship page.
Location: Remote
Cost: Starting at $2,490 (financial aid available)
Program Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year, with the summer cohort starting on June 2
Application Deadline: Varies by cohort. The deadline for the summer cohort is April 13.
Eligibility: High school students, undergraduates, and gap year students (able to commit 10-20 hours per week for 8-12 weeks).
The Ladder Internship Program is a selective, remote internship that connects students with high-growth startups across industries like technology, artificial intelligence, health tech, marketing, journalism, and consulting. As an intern, you’ll collaborate on real-world projects, gaining firsthand experience in the fast-paced world of startups.
With guidance from experienced startup managers and dedicated Ladder Coaches, you’ll contribute meaningfully to company operations. Many of the participating startups are well-funded, with investments exceeding $1 million, offering you exposure to industry practices. The program concludes with a final project presentation to company executives, allowing you to demonstrate your achievements and receive constructive feedback. 100% financial aid is available for eligible applicants, ensuring greater accessibility.
5. Spark Summer Mentorship Program (SPARK SMP)
Location: Virtual, with additional opportunities in Greater Seattle, WA
Acceptance Rate: 3-5% (highly selective)
Cost/Stipend: No cost; some projects offer stipends
Program Dates: May to August (8-12 weeks, depending on project)
Application Deadline: TBD (Applications for summer typically open in March or April)
Eligibility: High school students who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents.
The Spark Summer Mentorship Program (SPARK SMP) is a prestigious, virtual internship for high school students passionate about AI, machine learning (ML), and data science. The program connects you with mentors, including industry leaders, university professors, and STEM professionals, providing unparalleled opportunities to tackle real-world projects.
You will work on 1 to 5 projects aligned with your interests. Past projects have focused on fields like predictive analytics, disease detection, extreme weather modeling, and even quantum computing. With its highly competitive selection process, SPARK SMP is ideal for students looking to expand their technical and analytical skills while gaining insights into various applications of AI and ML. Some projects offer stipends to participating students, making this both an educational and financially rewarding experience.
6. NASA’s GeneLab for High Schools (GL4HS) Program
Location: Virtual
Acceptance Rate: approx. 30 students per cohort
Cost/Stipend: Free; participants receive a small stipend
Program Dates: June 2 – August 29
Application Deadline: May 15 (or earlier if max capacity is reached)
Eligibility: Must be at least 16 years old by December 31, entering junior or senior year in the fall, with a GPA of 3.0 or higher, and have completed at least one high school biology course.
The NASA GeneLab for High Schools (GL4HS) is an esteemed bioinformatics research internship where high school students apply computational biology and machine learning techniques to analyze biological data from spaceflight experiments. Sponsored by NASA’s Ames Research Center, this four-week program offers a rare opportunity to study how space environments affect biological systems using the GeneLab Data System.
During the program, you will attend courses like "Molecular Biology and the Omics Revolution," gaining hands-on experience in analyzing large-scale biological datasets. The curriculum also includes virtual field trips, guest lectures by NASA scientists, and mentorship sessions. One of the most exciting elements is a team-based research competition, where the top teams win an all-expense-paid trip to present their research at the American Society for Gravitational and Space Research Conference.
7. EDIT ML Summer Internship Program
Location: Virtual
Cost: Free
Program Dates: June 13 - August 31
Application Deadline: April 15
Eligibility: High school students with a background in computer science
The EDIT ML Summer Internship Program at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center is an exciting opportunity for high school students to explore how artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming the healthcare industry. You will work on hands-on projects focused on developing and validating machine learning (ML) models to improve clinical efficiency and patient outcomes.
Throughout the internship, you will gain experience in analyzing large-scale medical images using gigapixel imaging technology, applying natural language processing (NLP) to extract insights from clinical data, and programming with languages like Python and R. Additionally, you will work with healthcare professionals and present your research findings to a scientific audience. This immersive experience is ideal for students interested in the intersection of AI, healthcare, and computer science.
Location: Virtual
Cost: Free
Program Dates: June to August (3-month internship; extensions available)
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Eligibility: All high school students
The Building-U Internship offers a flexible, virtual opportunity for high school students to build valuable skills while contributing to a comprehensive online resource database. You will work on gathering and organizing information about scholarships, competitions, internships, and educational programs. The program is highly flexible, allowing students to choose from over 10 specialized teams that reflect a wide range of interests — from research and communications to tech and design.
For students interested in tech and creativity, options include:
Coding Team: Develop coding skills by working on the platform’s design and functionality using programming languages of your choice. Gain experience in web development and database management.
Animation Team: Apply your creativity to design visual content for Building-U, creating engaging animations and graphics using animation software.
With no cost, flexible hours, and minimal selectivity, the Building-U Internship is an accessible way to gain experience, build skills, and make a real contribution to an educational nonprofit.
9. The Intern Project (TIP) Summer Program
Location: Various companies across Los Angeles, CA | Virtual options available
Stipend: Provided (amount varies based on the internship)
Program Dates: June 17 – August 9
Application Deadline: March 15
Eligibility: High school students in LA County, including DACA/Undocumented Youth and Foster Youth in grades 10-12
The Intern Project (TIP) provides paid internship opportunities for high school students across Los Angeles County. TIP connects you with leading organizations in sectors like engineering, technology, business, healthcare, and government. TIP offers specialized roles in areas such as:
Software Development: Build apps, develop software solutions, and collaborate on coding projects.
Data Analytics: Analyze datasets to provide actionable insights using tools like Python and Excel.
Web Design: Design and manage company websites using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.
Machine Learning Projects: Work on AI-driven initiatives under the mentorship of industry professionals.
In addition to gaining practical, hands-on experience, you will receive a stipend based on your position.
10. Smithsonian Science Education Center Internships
Location: Virtual or Hybrid at the Smithsonian Science Education Center, Washington, DC
Stipend: Available (amount unspecified)
Program Dates: ~8-10 weeks; specific dates vary depending on opportunity
Application Deadline: March 17
Eligibility: High school students (16+ years old), undergraduates, or graduate students
The Smithsonian Science Education Center (SSEC) Internship offers high school students a unique opportunity to contribute to the world of STEM education. Designed for those passionate about science communication, digital media, and marketing, this internship allows you to participate in projects that further the Smithsonian’s mission to promote learning and scientific curiosity.
As an intern, you will collaborate with professionals to develop educational materials for digital platforms, assist in planning and managing content for the Smithsonian’s social media channels, and create visual content to engage diverse audiences. You will also help organize and manage educational resources for public access. The hybrid and virtual formats ensure flexibility, making this a fantastic opportunity for students looking to explore a career in STEM outreach and science communication.
11. Girls Who Code: Summer Immersion Program
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: Free; a need-based $300 stipend is available
Program Dates:
Session 1: July 1 – July 18
Session 2: July 28 – August 8
Application Deadline: April 11
Eligibility: Female and non-binary high school students in grades 9-11
The Girls Who Code Summer Immersion Program is a free, two-week virtual internship designed to empower female and non-binary students by introducing them to coding concepts and fostering their interest in STEM careers. Supported by leading tech companies like MetLife and Logitech, this program provides a dynamic learning environment through live virtual classes, mentorship sessions with industry professionals, and networking opportunities.
You will explore subjects such as game development, UI/UX design, and web design, gaining practical technical experience while developing confidence in your abilities. Whether you are new to coding or have prior knowledge, the program offers personalized support to help you succeed. Additionally, eligible students may receive a $300 need-based stipend.
12. Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) High School Business Internship
Location: Varies based on position; Virtual options available
Stipend: Paid; amount unspecified
Program Dates: August – May (school-year internship)
Application Deadline: Varies depending on opportunity
Eligibility: High school students
The Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) High School Business Internship offers a prestigious opportunity for high school students to gain real-world business experience at one of the nation’s leading research laboratories. You will attend classes for half the day and work up to four hours per day at PNNL, where you will collaborate with laboratory staff, participate in business-related research, and contribute to projects in areas such as finance, business services, operations, and communications.
The program also includes field trips, networking opportunities, and mentorship from industry professionals. Whether you aspire to explore corporate finance, project management, or strategic communications, the PNNL internship offers practical exposure and professional development.