12 Math Internships for High School Students

Pursuing internships in high school allows students to experience practical applications of subjects they are interested in! Going for and securing these internships presents a level of drive and intrinsic motivation, and shows that students actively aim to take another step towards their future paths. This is exactly what college admissions officers are looking for! Having these internships in your arsenal can differentiate you from the next person as college admissions officers flip through that endless cycle of applications. Math internships are beneficial, as the skills developed in these internships (critical thinking, analytical reasoning) apply to multiple career paths.

It is also important to note that internships boost your chances in the college admission process and provide you with real-time experience in their respective industries. If you have an interest in being a financial analyst or a statistician, internships would only aid you in developing the hard and soft skills needed for a job in that career!

1. MIT’s Research Science Institute (RSI)

Cost/Stipend: Cost is completely covered with a stipend provided. $40 application fee but offset by a need-based refund.
Location: MIT (Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA)
Deadline: To be announced
Program Dates: 6 weeks in the summer
Eligibility: ONLY High School Juniors (U.S. and International)

The Research Science Institute is a program limited to 100 high school students who have showcased outstanding academic ability in high school. It takes place at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. RSI distinguishes itself as a pioneering, fully-funded summer STEM program that uniquely blends on-campus theoretical coursework with off-campus immersion in science and technology research. Annually, around twelve RSI students are allowed to participate in mathematics research projects. The MIT Mathematics Department Faculty Advisors for RSI carefully match each student with a mathematics graduate student mentor who possesses aligned interests. 

In close collaboration with an MIT faculty advisor, the graduate student mentor works to develop a research project customized to the student's strengths and interests. Throughout the RSI program, these mentors engage in daily meetings with their mentees, offering guidance, feedback, and reinforcement. Prof. David Jerison and Prof. Ankur Moitra oversee mathematical initiatives at RSI, with André Dixon acting as the program assistant. This method guarantees that students involved in mathematical research at RSI benefit from personalized attention and mentorship from seasoned professionals in the field.

2. Ladder Internships (Math Track)

Cost/Stipend: Fee starting from $1,990+ with a potential stipend available. Financial assistance is also available. 
Location: This internship is remote, meaning you can work from anywhere!
Application Deadline: Summer Cohort (Regular Admission 1) - April 14 | Summer Cohort (Regular Admission 2) - May 12
Program Dates: Summer Cohort begins June 3 for 8 - 12 weeks
Eligibility: Students must be able to work 10 - 15 hrs/week. High school students, undergraduates, and gap year students are eligible to apply.

Exclusively tailored for high school students, Ladder Internships offers virtual internship positions with startups and nonprofits globally, covering a wide array of industries, including math. Participants enjoy the freedom to select the industry they are most interested in, attaining hands-on experience in their chosen field. By working on practical projects relevant to the host organization, students immerse themselves in real-world research, applying the knowledge acquired in the classroom to a professional environment.

Interns in the mathematics track may engage in tasks such as gathering, examining, and interpreting datasets, as well as participating in statistical modeling and hypothesis testing. Additionally, they may be responsible for generating visual representations to convey their discoveries effectively. During the internship, students will receive guidance from two mentors: their organization-appointed manager provides direct support, while a dedicated Ladder coach acts as a supplementary mentor, aiding them in navigating the professional realm. This comprehensive method guarantees that students not only make valuable contributions to their projects but also cultivate essential professional skills.

3. Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) Scholars Program

Cost/stipend: Funds are completely covered with a stipend provided. 
Location: Numerous air force bases across the US.
Application Deadline: Dates to be announced. 
Program Dates: To be announced
Eligibility: Ranges from high schoolers to Ph.D.-seeking students with a 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 highly recommended. Also must be a U.S. citizen able to work 40 hours per week for summer positions. 

Ambitious high school students with a passion for aerospace engineering can seize a rewarding summer opportunity through the AFRL program. Once chosen, participants receive mentorship from experienced AFRL scientists and engineers, guiding them through immersive experiences ranging from laboratory tours to hands-on participation in pioneering research and technology. In the program, students may explore aerospace and mechanical design, with a particular emphasis on innovative technologies such as morphing aircraft.

Since opportunities are available for more than just high schoolers, make sure you filter when researching to hone in on high school opportunities. If you're interested in mathematics, you could be involved in developing innovative data frameworks for cutting-edge satellite navigation signals. You may also participate in experimental simulations and testing of navigation satellite signals.

4. NASA and UT Austin’s SEES High School Summer Intern Program 

Cost/stipend: Cost is completely covered! 
Location: Hybrid (on-site experience at the University of Austin at Texas)
Application Deadline: To be reopened
Program Dates: May 1 to late July for 11th graders, and May 1 to early August for 10th graders.
Eligibility: High school students in their sophomore or junior years who have U.S. citizenship.

For high school students passionate about mathematics, the SEES competition represents a prestigious and highly competitive opportunity. Co-hosted by UT Austin and NASA, this internship program operates at a national level and offers collaboration with NASA subject matter experts, focusing on Earth and space research. As a participant in SEES with an interest in mathematics, individuals play a vital role in data analysis and visualization. These skills are crucial for project progression and form the fundamental knowledge base sought in aerospace engineering. The program includes a virtual learning component, providing a unique chance to enhance mathematical skills within the realm of real-world research.

After completing the virtual phase, participants have the opportunity to engage in an on-site experience at the University of Texas, Austin. Here, they can experience the collaborative environment of a renowned research institution. A notable aspect of this experience is the opportunity to present research findings at the Virtual SEES Science Symposium, highlighting contributions to Earth and space research.

5. MIT Lincoln Laboratory Radar Introduction for Student Engineers (LLRISE)

Cost/stipend: Free, but students will have to pay for their transportation to MIT. Transportation to the Lincoln Laboratory is provided.
Location: Cambridge and Lexington, MA
Application Deadline: Dates to be announced. 
Program Dates: Mid-July to late July.
Eligibility: Rising seniors who are interested in STEM subjects and are U.S. citizens. 

MIT's LLRISE program offers an internship opportunity ideal for those interested in mathematics and radar systems. Held throughout July, this program emphasizes skill development in constructing small radar systems, encompassing both Doppler and range radar. Participants have the opportunity to collaborate with skilled scientists and engineers, exploring the mathematical principles fundamental to radar technology.

As a participant, you'll have the opportunity to gain practical experience in constructing radar systems and receive expert guidance to deepen your understanding of the mathematical complexities involved. The workshop is conducted at two esteemed locations—the MIT campus in Cambridge, MA, and Lincoln Laboratory in Lexington, MA—offering a unique combination of theoretical learning and hands-on application.

6. NASA Office of STEM Engagements (OSTEM) Internships 

Cost/stipend: Application is free, and stipends are provided.
Location: Varies by internship.
Application Deadline: Varies by internship. 
Program Dates: 10-week summer internships, 16-week fall and spring internships
Eligibility: High school students in grades 10-12 with a GPA of 3.0 or higher and U.S. citizenship. 

The Office of STEM Engagements at NASA offers paid internships at its multiple locations across the country, providing an exceptional opportunity for high school students interested in mathematics. Participants collaborate on existing projects within the agency, under the guidance of a NASA mentor. Internships cover various math-related subjects and disciplines, exposing students to areas such as applied mathematics, data analysis, and mathematical modeling.

This NASA internship is perfect for students keen on math, especially data visualization, modeling, and analysis. Responsibilities include checking data from snow seasons between 2017 and 2020, fixing any mistakes, and helping format and analyze data for archival purposes. It's great if you're skilled in data analysis and scripting since you'll be crafting metadata, making charts, and prepping presentations to share the data with the wider snow research community.

7. University of Maryland MathQuantum Summer Research Program

Cost/stipend: No cost. Summer stipend is $5,200 for 8 weeks, $1,000 for conference/workshop attendance, and fellows outside of MD receive $500 for transportation costs. Fall and spring stipend is $2,500 plus $1,000 for conference/workshop attendance.
Location: University of Maryland
Application Deadline: To be announced 
Program Dates: Unspecified dates but the lengths are 8 weeks (Summer) and 6 weeks (Spring & Fall). 
Eligibility: High school students who are interested in Mathematics, Science, or Physics concerning quantum with U.S. citizenship (citizenship required for stipend, but not to do the program). If you are interested in Fall or Spring terms, you must be able to compute to campus locally. Summer interns can be from anywhere.

While the MathQuantum Summer Research Program operates as a fellowship, it provides candidates with an internship stipend, intensive research opportunities, and personalized mentorship, all without any application fees. This program accommodates two main groups: current mathematics students looking to explore quantum information science (QIS) and individuals with differing levels of experience in QIS seeking to bolster their skills with a stronger mathematical foundation. 

The program acts as an entry point for those with a basic math background but little exposure to quantum information science, offering an opportunity to delve into this fascinating field of research. Emphasizing professional growth and networking, it concentrates on broader impacts and proposal writing, along with individualized career mentoring and guidance to enhance participants' skills and connections.

8. Texas Tech University’s Anson L. Clark Scholars Program

Cost/Stipend: Cost is completely covered with a $750 stipend allocated. Dorming and food are covered as well as programming/weekend activities. There is no coverage for transportation or personal or medical expenses. 
Location: Texas Tech University (Lubbock, Texas)
Application Deadline: To be announced
Program Dates: Seven weeks long between mid-June and early August. 
Eligibility: High school students aged 17+ set to graduate this year or the next

The Anson L. Clark Scholar Program at Texas Tech University offers an outstanding chance for 12 exceptionally qualified high school juniors and seniors, including those deeply interested in mathematics. This distinctive program consists of a focused 7-week summer research internship, enabling students to select a topic of their choice, which may include mathematics.

For participants with a keen interest in mathematics, the program offers an avenue to explore their preferred research field by working closely alongside seasoned faculty members. With mentorship and support, scholars have the opportunity to customize their research projects to integrate mathematical principles and methodologies. Whether delving into mathematical modeling, data analysis, or any other math-centric approach, students are afforded the flexibility to apply their passion for mathematics to their chosen subject area.

9. Stanford University’s SHTEM Summer Internships for High School Students

Cost/Stipend: $50 application fee with no stipend provided.
Location: Virtual
Application Deadline: Applications are currently closed
Program Dates: Mid-June to early August
Eligibility: Applicants must be current high school juniors or seniors in the current school year (11th or 12th graders when applying) and must be at least 14 by June 17.

SHTEM (Science, Humanities, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) offers a prestigious virtual internship opportunity for motivated high school and community college students, merging the conventional boundaries between STEM and Humanities subjects. Participants will join varied projects tailored to leverage their existing interests and strengths, introducing them to new areas of inquiry. Guided by mentors from the Stanford Compression Forum and associated organizations, these projects provide a distinctive chance to investigate the utilization of mathematics across a range of disciplines.

Guidance for these projects will be provided by mentors, encompassing students, faculty, and staff associated with the Stanford Compression Forum and its partner organizations. Those interested in mathematics can anticipate involvement in mathematical modeling, data analysis, and algorithm development within the realm of information and communication sciences. The interdisciplinary nature of these projects will also entail mathematical contributions to engineering, linguistics, psychology, biology, neuroscience, computer science, technology, philosophy, and design. 

10. Boston University RISE Internship in Mathematics and Statistics

Cost/Stipend: $5,350 tuition, $50 application fee, $470 service fees. For room and board, if opting for 14 meals per week, it is $3,120. If opting for 19/week, it is $3,426. Financial aid is available for those who demonstrate financial need. 
Location: Boston University, MA
Application Deadline: Applications are closed
Program Dates: Late June to early August. 
Eligibility: Applicants must be rising seniors the same year they attend the program. 

For those passionate about hands-on research in Mathematics and Statistics, the Research in Science & Engineering (RISE) Internship Track at Boston University provides an immersive chance to explore various aspects of university laboratory research. Take the opportunity to navigate through departmental websites and faculty profiles available on the page to discover the dynamic research environment at BU. This exploration will not only acquaint you with ongoing research at the university but also assist in identifying professors whose research aligns with your mathematical interests. 

As a RISE Internship student specializing in Mathematics and Statistics, you'll be immersed in a research project, refining essential technical and analytical skills throughout the program. You will get to present your final project at the Poster Symposium. In some cases, research interns may also have opportunities to submit their work to esteemed national competitions like the Regeneron Science Talent Search.

11. Wolfram High School Summer Research Program

Cost/Stipend: $4,200. The application process is need-blind with students who require financial assistance encouraged to apply 
Location: Bentley University, Boston, MA (online for June 25 and 26)
Application Deadline: No deadline posted, but applications are still being considered. 
Program Dates: June 25 - July 13
Eligibility: Motivated high school students with a background in any STEM subject who will be under 18 at the end of the program. 

For students with a keen interest in mathematics, the Wolfram High School Summer Research Program provides them with an immersive opportunity to engage in cutting-edge research projects spanning various disciplines such as mathematics, computer science, physics, and more. Under the guidance of experienced mentors, students delve into real-world problems, utilizing advanced computational tools and techniques offered by Wolfram technologies. Throughout the program, participants gain valuable research experience, refine their analytical skills, and contribute to the advancement of knowledge in their chosen field. The program culminates in a showcase where students present their findings, fostering collaboration and academic growth within a supportive community of peers and mentors.

Additionally, The Wolfram Summer Research Program offers an intensive, two-day virtual workshop tailored for younger or less experienced students to build confidence and proficiency in the Wolfram Language. Led by Wolfram instructors, the workshop provides hands-on training, peer collaboration, and individual exploration, focusing on preparing students for the rigor of the main program. It's designed for motivated students seeking extra support to quickly develop Wolfram Language skills and ensure readiness for the research program. Applicants confident in other programming languages or with prior computer science experience may not benefit from the workshop.

12. Rutgers Young Scholars Program in Discrete Mathematics

Cost/Stipend: $4,500. There are a limited number of scholarships available for students in need - this does not apply to international students. 
Location: Rutgers University, Busch Campus, Piscataway, NJ. Students are housed for the week and are sent back home each weekend (if you live at a distance it may be optimal to contact relatives or make arrangements for weekend hospitality for 3 weekends/9 nights).
Application Deadline: Applications for the 2024 period are closed. Check the website back in December for updated 2025 dates. The hard application deadline was April 17, 2024, but applications are reviewed on a first-come first-serve basis until the program is full, so it is optimal to start your application early!
Program Dates: Based on 2024 dates, early July to early August. 
Eligibility: High school students with a passionate interest in mathematics. 

The Rutgers Young Scholars Program in Discrete Mathematics is a summer initiative catering to high school students with a knack for mathematics. It provides an environment rich in mathematical exploration, aimed at nurturing an interest in mathematical sciences careers. Selected participants engage in a rigorous four-week residential academic program focused on discrete mathematics, an area of math with broad applications in contemporary research. Throughout the program, students tackle various problems, honing their problem-solving skills and applying mathematical concepts across diverse scenarios.

Students also have the opportunity to interact with distinguished professionals in discrete mathematics, serving as mentors and offering insights into potential career paths. Additionally, teaching assistants beginning their mathematical careers provide further academic support. The program takes place on the Busch campus of Rutgers University, with students accommodated in modern, air-conditioned residence halls conveniently located near classroom buildings, computer labs, student centers, and recreational facilities. Residence life staff oversee the residential program and organize recreational activities. Having been held annually (with only two exceptions) since 1990, the program consistently receives high ratings from its participants.