15 Paid Internships for High School Graduates
If you are a high school graduate, paid internships can be a worthwhile way to explore a specific field in great detail. Internships serve as an important link between high school and higher education, offering high school graduates the opportunity to apply what they’ve learned in real-world environments. Through hands-on projects, you can gain practical experience, explore potential career paths, and build a strong foundation for your college applications or future employment.
If you think online programs would be a better fit for you, then you can check out some science internships here & find economic internships here.
Why should I do a paid internship in high school?
These experiences can also help strengthen your resumes or college portfolios by demonstrating initiative, teamwork, and industry exposure. Whether you’re taking a gap year, preparing for college, or simply exploring new interests, paid internships can help you stand out in today’s competitive job market. Paid internships for high school graduates are especially beneficial — they let you gain valuable work experience while earning an income, building financial independence and responsibility early.
To help you get started, we’ve compiled a list of 15 paid internships for high school graduates across a range of fields, including STEM, business, media, and public service.
Quick Look
15 paid internships total spanning corporate business, civic government, environmental science, healthcare administration, financial services, and scientific research, hosted by organizations including Bank of America, SC Johnson, Stanford Health Care, the Chicago Transit Authority, and SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory
Disclosed hourly rates range from $15 per hour (Greenville-Spartanburg Airport, Charleston County SYIP) to $19.93 per hour (SF YouthWorks), with several programs offering flat stipends or compensation details provided upon acceptance
Several programs are geographically restricted to local residents or students, including SF YouthWorks (San Francisco), Charleston County SYIP (Charleston County residents), and the Chicago Field Museum and CTA programs (Chicagoland area)
Most programs are open to students aged 16 and above, including recent graduates; the Bank of America Student Leaders Program and Emma Bowen Foundation draw from a national applicant pool and are among the more competitive options on this list
The earliest deadlines are OneAmerica Financial Junior Fellows (January) and Bank of America Student Leaders (January 15), so students interested in finance or civic leadership programs should begin preparing materials well before the spring semester
1. GEB Silicon Valley Exchange Program
Location: Silicon Valley, California
Cost/Stipend: $2,000 as registration fee (partial scholarships available)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; limited seats available
Dates: May 11 – 14
Application Deadline: Rolling until spots are filled
Eligibility: Open to high school and university students, gap-year students, and early-stage entrepreneurs with strong proficiency in English
The GEB Silicon Valley Exchange Program is a 4-day immersive experience focused on entrepreneurship and innovation. You’ll participate in hands-on workshops on design thinking, ideation, and business modeling, guided by mentors from leading institutions such as Stanford, Harvard, and MIT. The program also features visits to major tech companies like Google, Apple, and Netflix, offering an inside look into how these organizations foster creativity and drive innovation. You’ll collaborate with peers from around the world, pitch a startup concept to investors and founders, and receive expert feedback from industry professionals in the startup ecosystem. The experience concludes with a Diploma Certificate in Entrepreneurship Education, recognizing your completion of the program.
2. Emma Bowen Foundation Summer Internship Program
Location: Various partner sites across the U.S., including Silicon Valley
Cost/Stipend: Paid internship
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; national cohort across 50+ partner companies
Dates: May – August
Application Deadline: Rolling; applications reviewed from September – April
Eligibility: High school graduates and undergraduate students with a minimum GPA of 3.0 and U.S. work authorization
The Emma Bowen Foundation (EBF) Summer Internship offers paid placements for students in media, technology, and business innovation. You’ll be matched with leading companies where you’ll work on real-world projects in fields such as journalism, marketing, data analytics, engineering, or public relations. You will typically work 35 – 40 hours per week, gaining hands-on experience while directly contributing to company goals. The program also features mentorship, professional development workshops, and networking opportunities through EBF’s nationwide alumni community. With its strong focus on diversity, leadership, and entrepreneurial growth, this internship provides a solid foundation for students pursuing careers in the rapidly evolving media and technology industries.
3. SF YouthWorks Internship Program
Location: San Francisco, California
Cost/Stipend: Paid ($19.18 – $19.93 per hour)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; several hundred interns are placed annually across different city departments
Dates: Summer and school year sessions
Application Deadline: Spring
Eligibility: Rising juniors, seniors, and graduating seniors who reside or attend school in San Francisco
The SF YouthWorks Internship Program offers paid opportunities for high school students to gain hands-on experience in city government and public service. You’ll work in departments such as the Public Utilities Commission, SF International Airport, or the Department of Technology, contributing to real projects in administration, operations, and community engagement. Throughout the program, you will receive mentorship from city employees, participate in professional development workshops, and attend field trips that connect civic work with social innovation. The program emphasizes leadership, communication, and financial literacy, helping you to build transferable skills for both college and career paths. Returning participants can join the Youth Leadership Team, where they assist in leading workshops and mentoring incoming interns.
4. SC Johnson Summer Internship Program
Location: U.S. business hubs; remote access for some roles
Cost/Stipend: Paid; benefits may include subsidized housing and flexible scheduling
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive; placements available across multiple U.S. offices
Dates: Summer (10–12 weeks)
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Selected opportunities open to high school seniors entering college
The SC Johnson Summer Internship Program offers paid, project-based experience across key business functions such as finance, marketing, supply chain, sales, and human resources. You’ll work on assignments that tackle real corporate challenges, including market research, data analysis, process optimization and strategic development. You will receive mentorship from senior team members, participate in career development sessions, and gain insights into how a global company operates. With its emphasis on professional growth, collaboration, and business innovation, this internship offers valuable early exposure to corporate leadership and operations.
5. Bank of America Student Leaders Program
Location: Local nonprofit organizations across participating U.S. communities
Cost/Stipend: Paid; compensation details provided upon acceptance
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; approximately 300 students selected nationwide each year
Dates: June – August (8 weeks)
Application Deadline: January 15
Eligibility: Open to high school juniors, seniors, and recent graduates from participating communities with an interest in leadership and community service
The Bank of America Student Leaders Program offers paid internships for students interested in civic engagement and community leadership. You’ll work full-time at a local nonprofit organization, assisting with programs that tackle social and economic challenges within your community. You will also participate in the Student Leaders Summit in Washington, D.C., where you will meet peers nationwide and learn about initiatives driving social impact. Through this combination of work experience, networking, and leadership training, you’ll build practical skills in project management, collaboration, and public service. The program offers an excellent foundation for students exploring careers in business, nonprofit management, or government.
6. Greenville-Spartanburg (GSP) Airport District Internship & Job Shadow Program
Location: Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport, Greer, South Carolina
Cost/Stipend: Paid; $15 per hour (internships)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Varies; placements depend on department availability
Dates: Year-round; based on departmental scheduling
Application Deadline: Rolling; positions posted on the GSP job board
Eligibility: Open to high school students, trade school students, college students, and recent graduates
The Greenville-Spartanburg (GSP) Airport District Internship and Job Shadow Program provides South Carolina students with hands-on exposure to aviation operations and airport management. You’ll work in departments such as finance, human resources, marketing, and operations, contributing to real business functions while earning hourly pay. The program also provides job shadowing opportunities, allowing you to observe professionals in specialized fields such as IT, engineering, and air cargo services. Through these opportunities, you’ll learn how a major airport functions, strengthen your workplace and communication skills, and explore potential career paths in transportation, logistics, and public administration.
7. Charleston County Summer Youth Internship Program (SYIP)
Location: Charleston County, South Carolina
Cost/Stipend: Paid; $15 per hour
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; limited placements across county departments
Dates: June 16 – 24
Application Deadline: May 2
Eligibility: High school or college students aged 16 – 21 years; must be residents of Charleston County
The Charleston County Summer Youth Internship Program (SYIP) offers paid summer placements for local students interested in public service and community development. You’ll be assigned to a county department such as public works, human resources, or the library system, where you’ll complete approximately 120 hours of hands-on work experience while earning hourly pay. Additionally, interns participate in professional development workshops focused on communication, workplace readiness, and career exploration. The program concludes with a recognition ceremony celebrating your contributions and achievements. Through SYIP, you’ll gain valuable early exposure to government operations, project management, and civic leadership.
8. OneSpartanburg, Inc. – Work-Based Learning & Internship Program
Location: Spartanburg, South Carolina; partnerships across College Town schools (Converse, USC Upstate, Wofford, Spartanburg Community College, and Spartanburg Methodist College)
Cost/Stipend: Varies; many internships are paid, though credit-bearing and project-based options are available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Varies depending on the employer and semester placement
Dates: Fall, Spring, and Summer sessions (year-round opportunities)
Application Deadline: Varies depending on the employer; students are encouraged to apply at least one semester in advance
Eligibility: Open to high school, trade school, and college students; applications accepted through Handshake or OneSpartanburg partners
The OneSpartanburg, Inc. Work-Based Learning & Internship Program connects students with employers across Spartanburg County, providing hands-on business and professional experience. You’ll find opportunities in areas such as marketing, finance, event management, human resources, and project coordination, aligned with your academic and career goals. Internships vary from short-term micro-internships to semester-long or full-summer placements, while some offer academic credit. You will also attend networking events and workshops led by local business professionals. By linking classroom learning with real-world application, this program helps students build workplace skills and expand their professional networks within South Carolina’s business community.
9. Chicago Green Ambassadors Program – Roots & Routes Initiative & Youth Conservation Action
Location: Burnham Wildlife Corridor and surrounding neighborhoods, Chicago, Illinois
Cost/Stipend: Paid internship
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; small summer cohort each year
Dates: Summer
Application Deadline: Rolling; announced each spring
Eligibility: High school and college students aged 15–22 years from communities including Chinatown, Bronzeville, Little Village, Pilsen, and nearby areas
The Chicago Green Ambassadors Program offers paid summer internships for students interested in environmental stewardship and community engagement. You’ll work on conservation and revitalization projects that link Chicago neighborhoods to the Burnham Wildlife Corridor, promoting sustainability and local collaboration. You will participate in hands-on fieldwork, public outreach, and ecological restoration under the guidance of mentors from the Field Museum’s Keller Science Action Center. The program emphasizes ecology, civic leadership, and social impact, helping students build both environmental and professional skills while making a positive contribution to the community.
10. High School Science and Digital Learning Program – The Field Museum
Location: Chicago, Illinois
Cost/Stipend: Paid; $16.50 per hour
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; small summer cohort each year
Dates: Late June – early August
Application Deadline: March 10
Eligibility: High school students in the Chicagoland area graduating within the next three years; students from underrepresented and marginalized communities are strongly encouraged to apply
The Field Museum’s High School Science and Digital Learning Program offers a paid 5-week internship for students interested in research, digital media, and museum education. You’ll collaborate with scientists and museum professionals on ongoing research projects while learning to use digital tools to communicate scientific ideas. You will attend workshops focused on leadership, technology, and professional readiness, helping you develop both STEM and communication skills. You will work on-site 4 days a week, engaging directly with the museum’s collections and its research community. This program provides an excellent opportunity to explore the intersection of science and media in professional and educational settings.
11. Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) One Summer Chicago High School Internship
Location: Chicago, Illinois (hybrid: CTA offices and remote sessions)
Cost/Stipend: Paid; $16.20 per hour with free CTA, Pace, and Metra transportation
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; approximately 250 students accepted annually
Dates: June 23 – August 8
Application Deadline: April 18
Eligibility: High school students aged 16 –18 years (rising sophomores through graduated seniors) with a minimum GPA of 2.5; must be eligible to work in the U.S. and submit one letter of recommendation
The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) One Summer Chicago Internship provides paid, hands-on experience for high school students interested in public service and business operations. You will work across various departments while participating in hybrid workshops on financial literacy, professional development, and career planning. You will be paired with a CTA mentor to guide your experience and are provided with the technology needed for remote learning components. The program also offers the option to earn college credit at Olive-Harvey College, combining academic growth with real-world job experience. With free public transit access and structured mentorship, this internship helps students develop essential workplace and leadership skills.
12. Student Research Internship Program
Location: La Jolla, California
Cost/Stipend: Varies depending on the program type; funding and academic credit options are available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Approximately 40 students are selected annually
Dates: June 2 – August 8 or June 16 – August 22
Application Deadline: March 31
Eligibility: Open to high school, undergraduate, graduate, and professional students; must be at least 16 years old by the start of the program
The Student Research Internship Program at the Scripps Research Translational Institute (SRTI) offers a 10-week immersive experience in genomics, data science, and personalized medicine. You’ll work under the guidance of a primary mentor on research projects in areas related to precision health, mobile technology, or computational biology. Most interns conduct research in computational or “dry lab” settings, though some bench-based opportunities are also available. The program also includes seminars, skill-building sessions on study design and data analysis, and opportunities to present your research findings to peers and faculty. Designed for motivated students interested in medical and biological research, this internship provides a strong foundation in translational science and health innovation.
13. Summer Administrative Internship Program – Stanford Health Care
Location: Palo Alto, California
Cost/Stipend: Paid internship
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; limited placements across hospital departments
Dates: 8 to 12 weeks (typically June – August)
Application Deadline: February
Eligibility: Open to high school, undergraduate, and graduate students; high school applicants must be at least 16 years old or eligible for a work permit
The Summer Administrative Internship Program at Stanford Health Care offers paid placements for students interested in healthcare leadership and hospital operations. Over 8 to 12 weeks, you’ll work under a departmental preceptor or mentor in areas such as supply chain management, anesthesia services, emergency operations, finance, or nursing administration. High school students assist clinical and service teams, while older interns contribute to analytical or management projects. The program also includes seminars with SHC executives, professional development workshops, and networking opportunities that provide insights into the complexities of healthcare administration within a leading medical institution.
14. Summer Internship Program – SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory
Location: Menlo Park, California
Cost/Stipend: Paid internship
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive; varies depending on the department and role
Dates: May – September (up to 12 weeks, depending on department schedule)
Application Deadline: Typically opens in winter; deadlines vary depending on the position
Eligibility: Open to high school students aged 18 and older, undergraduates, and graduate students; must be authorized to work in the U.S. and pass a background check
The SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory Summer Internship Program offers paid opportunities to work at one of the nation’s premier research facilities, operated by Stanford University and the U.S. Department of Energy. Depending on your skills and interests, you’ll assist with projects in physics, engineering, computing, or laboratory operations. You will work full-time alongside scientists and engineers, contributing to research in areas such as particle physics, materials science, and clean energy. The program also includes mentorship and professional development activities, offering students firsthand experience of how major scientific collaborations turn theory into experimentation and innovation.
15. Pathways: Junior Fellows Program – OneAmerica Financial®
Location: OneAmerica Financial offices (varies depending on the department)
Cost/Stipend: Fully paid
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; limited summer placements
Dates: Summer
Application Deadline: January
Eligibility: High school students and recent graduates interested in making careers in financial services
The Pathways: Junior Fellows Program at OneAmerica Financial® offers a paid, full-time summer internship designed to introduce young professionals to the financial services industry. As a Junior Fellow, you’ll rotate through departments such as investment management, client relations, and business operations, gaining a comprehensive understanding of how a financial institution operates. You will work on real projects that develop communication, analytical, and problem-solving skills while participating in leadership and professional development workshops. Mentorship from company professionals and networking events provide opportunities to build connections and explore potential careers in finance, insurance, and wealth management.
Bonus Program: Ladder Internship Program
Location: Remote
Cost/Stipend: Varies depending on the program; stipend depends on host company
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; small cohorts accepted year-round
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year (8 to 12 weeks)
Application Deadline: Rolling; varies depending on the cohort
Eligibility: Open to high school students, undergraduates, and gap-year students able to commit 10 – 20 hours per week
Ladder Internships connects students with paid, project-based placements at fast-growing startups across industries such as finance, consulting, technology, and marketing. You’ll collaborate directly with startup founders and managers on impactful projects in areas like market research, product design, or financial modeling. Each intern is paired with both a company mentor and a Ladder coach — experienced professionals from organizations such as Google, Microsoft, and Y Combinator-backed ventures — who provide guidance and feedback throughout the internship. The program also features cohort-based workshops to develop communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills. With a flexible, fully remote structure, Ladder Internships are designed to help you gain hands-on experience in entrepreneurship and innovation while building a strong professional portfolio.
Questions Students Often Ask About These Programs
1. I just graduated from high school and haven't started college yet. Am I actually eligible for these internships, or are most of them designed for current students?
Several programs on this list are explicitly designed with recent graduates and gap-year students in mind. The Emma Bowen Foundation, SC Johnson, SLAC, and the Ladder Internship Program all list high school graduates and gap-year students as eligible applicants. Programs like SF YouthWorks and Charleston County SYIP focus on current high school students but accept graduating seniors, so it's worth checking the specific eligibility language on each program's official page before assuming you don't qualify. When in doubt, applying early and reaching out directly to the program coordinator to confirm your status is always a reasonable approach.
2. These internships cover a wide range of fields, from transit operations to particle physics. How do I figure out which ones are actually worth applying to?
The most practical starting point is thinking about what kind of work environment appeals to you rather than just the subject matter. Programs like the CTA and SF YouthWorks place you inside a government or civic organization working on real operations, which suits students who want to understand how public institutions function. Programs like SLAC and Scripps Research involve working alongside scientists in a research setting, which is a better fit if you're drawn to hands-on technical or analytical work. Corporate programs like SC Johnson and OneAmerica Financial expose you to business functions like finance, marketing, and supply chain. Identifying which of those three environments sounds most engaging is a more useful filter than trying to match your specific school subjects to a program's topic area.
3. Most of these programs say they are selective. What actually makes a strong application for a paid high school internship?
Across most programs on this list, a strong application comes down to three things: a clear and specific reason why you're interested in that particular organization or field, evidence that you can follow through on a commitment, and a well-written personal statement or cover letter that sounds like you rather than a generic template. Recommendation letters matter too, and choosing a recommender who can speak directly to your work ethic and curiosity rather than just your grades tends to make a stronger impression. For programs with rolling admissions like Emma Bowen Foundation and the Ladder Internship Program, applying early in the cycle rather than waiting until the deadline closes also meaningfully improves your chances.