15 Paid Internships for High School Students in MN (Minnesota)
If you’re a high school student looking to explore your interests and gain real-world experience, a paid internship is one of the best ways to start. These programs give you a chance to step outside the classroom and see what it’s like to work in professional environments – whether that’s a research lab, a government office, or out in the community. Along the way, you’ll develop practical skills in communication, teamwork, and problem-solving, while connecting with mentors who can guide your college and career goals.
Why should you do a paid internship in high school?
What makes these opportunities even more appealing is that they allow you to earn a stipend or wage while gaining meaningful experience. You get to contribute to real projects, build your resume, and discover what kind of work truly excites you – all without having to spend on expensive summer programs.
To help you get started, we’ve rounded up 15 paid internships for high school students in Minnesota that will be running in 2025 – each designed to help you learn, grow, and make the most of your summer.
If you’re looking for other programs in Minnesota available to high-school students, find a list of Summer Internships here, & a list of consulting ones here.
1. Step Up Youth Employment Program
Location: Minneapolis, MN
Cost/Stipend: Paid; wages provided by the City of Minneapolis (Level 1) or by employers (Level 2)
Acceptance rate/cohort: Not specified; open to Minneapolis youth within age ranges
Dates: Seasonal; exact internship periods vary by placement
Eligibility: Ages 14–21; must reside in Minneapolis
Step Up connects Minneapolis youth with paid internships, matching you with local employers and mentors who support your career and college goals. If you are 14–15 years old, Level 1 introduces you to the working world through placements in parks, nonprofits, public agencies, and community organizations, and provides mentorship to prepare you for future professional roles. If you are 16–21 years old, Level 2 offers resume-building placements across private businesses, public agencies, and nonprofits in more than 15 industries, helping you explore different career paths and gain real-world experience. No matter your level, Step Up helps you gain practical work experience, learn professional skills, and build connections that can guide you towards college and career success.
2. Go4Brains High-School Summer Program
Location: University of Minnesota, Twin Cities, MN
Cost/Stipend: Free for selected students; $400 stipend; meals and travel covered
Acceptance rate/cohort: 10 - 12 students per year; selection based on teacher, organization, or pastor recommendation
Dates: July 21–25
Eligibility: High school students in grades 9-11 from the Twin Cities region; particularly students who have faced barriers to science and medicine-related opportunities
Go4Brains is a week-long summer paid internship for high school students in Minnesota to explore the world of neuroscience through hands-on learning and mentorship. You’ll explore how the brain works through EEG demonstrations, lab tours, and your own experiments, while discovering exciting career paths in neuroscience. You will be paired with mentors - including undergraduates, graduate students, and faculty - who will guide you and help you build long-term support connections in the field. By the end of the week, you will have gained practical skills, professional insights, and a strong sense of scientific curiosity to carry forward your future studies in neuroscience.
3. LHI-AHA Summer Research Scholars Program
Location: Minneapolis, MN
Cost/Stipend: Research scholarship (covers participation costs; specific stipend amount not listed)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive (exact cohort size not specified)
Dates: Summer, typically 6–8 weeks (exact dates vary)
Application Deadline: Contact program for current cycle
Eligibility: Highly qualified high school or undergraduate students interested in cardiovascular research
LHI–AHA Summer Research Scholars Program gives high school students an opportunity to dive into cardiovascular research under the mentorship of faculty at the Lillehei Heart Institute. Each scholar is assigned to a research laboratory, where you’ll gain hands-on experience in cardiovascular disease research, learning both scientific techniques and research processes. Beyond the lab, the program provides exposure to clinical, industrial, and academic aspects of medicine through seminars, field trips, and workshops. You will also attend weekly sessions led by faculty and industry leaders to understand career opportunities in cardiovascular science and medicine. Throughout the program, you’ll collaborate with mentors, participate in discussions, and strengthen your professional and research skills. The program emphasizes mentorship, practical research experience, and opportunities to explore the many paths within cardiovascular medicine.
4. Hennepin County Internships
Location: Minneapolis, MN
Cost/Stipend: Paid, minimum wage $22/hour
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: Year-round and summer internships available
Application Deadline: Rolling; check website for updates
Eligibility: Students aged 14–24 currently enrolled in high school, GED, college, or vocational programs (recent graduates within six months may also apply). International students with CPT/OPT eligibility can apply.
Hennepin County Internships give high school students an opportunity to gain practical work experience across over 50 county departments. You will participate in skill-building workshops, career coaching, and networking opportunities with Hennepin County employees. You’ll also attend diversity and inclusion workshops, and career exploration programs that prepare you for future opportunities. Moreover, you’ll connect with mentors, conduct informational interviews to learn about department functions and local government operations. Hennepin County internships aim to foster both personal and professional growth, helping you strengthen your employability, workplace skills, confidence and understanding of government operations.
5. Phoenix Student Worker Program
Location: Minnesota Department of Transportation (various MnDOT locations across Minnesota)
Cost/Stipend: Paid; $19.00–$22.23/hour depending on role
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: Year-round or Summer only; Summer 2026 applications open in February
Application Deadline: Check MnDOT website for February 2026 posting
Eligibility: High school students entering senior year, enrolled in Project Lead the Way (PLTW) or advanced STEM courses, with a minimum 3.0 GPA. Students participating in Achieve Twin Cities Step Up or Right Track programs also qualify
Phoenix Student Worker Program is a period internship for high school students in Minnesota that provides an opportunity to work on real projects alongside professionals at the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT). You can choose between two tracks: a year-round option, where you work full-time in the summer and part-time during the school year, or a summer-only track with full-time hours. Either way, you will develop professional skills such as teamwork, project management, and technical problem solving. You will start with a cohort orientation and participate in a structured work experience at your assigned MnDOT location. This program also gives you exposure to career pathways in STEM and networking opportunities with professionals in the field.
6. Mississippi River Fellowship
Location: Mississippi National River and Recreation Area, Minnesota
Cost/Stipend: Paid; $18.49/hour
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: 10 weeks, approximately 32 hours per week; may include weekend or evening hours
Application Deadline: Mid-April
Eligibility: Young adults aged 18–25 from diverse or underrepresented backgrounds
The Mississippi River Fellowship gives high school students an opportunity to work directly with National Park Service Rangers, Mississippi Park Connection staff, and other park partners on real environmental projects. During this 10-week program, you’ll help lead educational activities, assist with habitat restoration, and wildlife monitoring. The program gives you opportunities to develop skills in interpretation, natural and cultural resource management, and volunteer coordination. You will also take part in professional development sessions, fieldwork, and non-motorized boat training, and complete CPR/First Aid certification. Local participants may even continue part-time during the school year to earn a Public Lands Corps (PLC) certificate, which gives you hiring preference for federal positions. By the end of the program, you will have hands-on experience in environmental work, professional skills and strong connections within your community and National Park Service networks.
7. BME High School Internship Program
Location: Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN
Cost/Stipend: Paid; stipend provided, plus bus transportation
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: Six-week program, typically in summer
Application Deadline: Not Specified
Eligibility: High school students entering their senior year
BME High School Internship Program at the University of Minnesota gives high school students an opportunity to explore the world of biomedical engineering. Under the guidance of graduate student mentors, you will gain practical lab experience, tour cutting-edge research labs such as the Visible Heart Lab and explore how biology and engineering come together to solve real-world health challenges. The program provides opportunities to develop practical skills such as scientific writing, communication, and poster presentation. You will also connect with faculty and graduate students to build your network and receive guidance for future studies or careers in engineering. The program concludes with a poster session, where you’ll showcase your research to family and peers. Along the way, you’ll get a feel for campus life and research culture at the University of Minnesota.
8. Three Rivers Park District Pathways Internship Program
Location: Various park locations across the Twin Cities, MN
Cost/Stipend: Paid; minimum $15/hour, transportation scholarships available for eligible interns
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: June through August
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: Youth, generally ages 14–18+, particularly those facing barriers to employment
Three Rivers Park District Pathways Internship Program gives high school students an opportunity to gain real-world experience in parks and recreation while exploring career areas within the Park District. You might work in education, recreation, park maintenance, natural resources, community events, or other fields, depending on your placement. The internship provides career readiness training, mentorship from professionals, and opportunities to develop skills in communication, teamwork, and leadership. You might even assist with summer camps, nature education programs, or organizational development projects. By the end of the program, you’ll understand the operations of a large park system, and how your work contributes to enhancing such public spaces.
9. Source MN Teen Internship
Location: Minneapolis, MN
Cost/Stipend: Paid; details not specified
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: June 24 – August 15
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: Teens interested in community service and outreach; able to work 20 hours/week
Source MN Teen Internship gives high school students the opportunity to serve their community while developing real-world job skills. As an intern, you’ll help with community service and outreach programs, including food distribution, grocery delivery, landscaping, and facility upkeep – working alongside Source MN staff and other community leaders. You’ll build important workplace skills such as teamwork, communication and customer service, while also learning the value of punctuality, communication, and responsibility. Weekly reflection sessions provide time to process your experiences and connect with mentors. The internship is a great way to gain work experience and give back to your community.
10. Environmental Stewardship Institute (ESI)
Location: St. Paul/Minneapolis, MN
Cost/Stipend: Paid; details not specified
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: Summer intensive is 2 months; school-year Youth Council runs during the academic year
Application Deadline: Applications open in spring; school-year council applications open in August
Eligibility: High school students interested in environmental issues and leadership
Environmental Stewardship Institute (ESI) lets high school students explore environmental issues along the Mississippi River. During the summer intensive, you will attend discussions led by environmental experts, take field trips to labs and habitat restoration sites, and complete your own capstone project addressing an environmental concern in your community. You will also develop valuable career skills such as resume writing, networking, and conducting informational interviews. Throughout the school year, the Youth Council offers an opportunity to take on leadership roles, collaborate with peers, and shape future youth programs. Along the way, you will connect with professionals, contribute to environmental projects, and deepen your understanding of advocacy, environmental justice, and community engagement.
11. Career Immersion Program (Minnesota)
Location: Rochester, MN
Cost/Stipend: Covered by scholarships (no cost to students)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: Residential: June 21–25; Non-Residential: July (exact dates TBD)
Application Deadline: March 15
Eligibility: Current Minnesota high school sophomores and juniors for Residential; sophomores, juniors, seniors, current college students, or adult learners for Non-Residential. Minimum 2.5 GPA. U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident
The Career Immersion Program invites high school students to explore many exciting careers in healthcare, beyond traditional roles such as doctors and nurses. You’ll participate in interactive, hands-on sessions in classrooms and labs, connect with Mayo Clinic students, faculty, and staff, and gain insights on college and career pathways in allied health. Depending on your preference, you can join the Residential program, which includes student housing, meals, and social activities, or the Non-Residential program, which provides transportation and meals. Both options give you the chance to build professionalism skills, expand your network, and learn about the wide range of careers that contribute to patient care. The program encourages you to reflect on your interests and helps you chart a path toward in-demand healthcare careers.
12. Minnesota Aspirations in Computing (MnAiC) Internship Program
Location: Minnesota (placements at sponsor companies including Minnesota Twins Baseball Club, Land O’Lakes, Datasite, SPS Commerce, General Mills, and Securian Financial)
Cost/Stipend: Paid summer internships (stipend provided by sponsoring companies)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 16 internships across six sponsoring companies (specific acceptance rate not provided)
Dates: June – August
Application Deadline: February 23
Eligibility: High school students (ages 16+), selected as state or national winners or honorable mentions in the MnAiC program. Some internships require applicants to be 18+
This internship program connects high school students with paid tech internships at some of Minnesota’s leading technology and computing companies. As an intern, you’ll work on real-world projects, collaborate with professionals, and develop technical and workplace skills that prepare you for future STEM careers. Internships typically run 20–40 hours per week, with each company setting its own schedule. The program requires a full commitment for the entire summer and is designed specifically for students passionate about computing and technology, providing a pathway to future STEM careers.
13. U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar – Minnesota Office Internship
Location: Minneapolis, MN
Cost/Stipend: Paid internship; housing stipends available for those with financial need
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified; preference given to Minnesota applicants
Dates: Summer (June–August), Fall (September–December), Spring (January–May)
Application Deadline: Summer – March 1; Fall – July 1; Spring – November 1
Eligibility: College students or recent graduates; interns must be able to work at least 15 hours/week; Minnesota applicants preferred
This internship gives high school students a chance to experience what it is like to work in a congressional office and serve the people of Minnesota. As an intern, you’ll collaborate with staff in areas such as constituent services, outreach, communications, and scheduling, taking on tasks such as answering phones, conducting research, drafting letters, planning events, and supporting meetings. The program is tailored to each intern’s skills and interests, providing mentorship, professional guidance, and practical exposure to day-to-day government operations. You may also have the opportunity to earn college credit, if needed. Throughout the experience, you’ll develop skills in communication, problem-solving, organization, and public service, while gaining an inside look into how the U.S. Senate works to address the issues that matter to Minnesotans.
14. MN Trades Academy – Paid Summer Construction Internship
Location: Minnesota (Metro Area)
Cost/Stipend: Paid internship
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified; recruitment done through local youth employment agencies
Dates: Summer, 8-week program
Application Deadline: Varies by partner agency
Eligibility: High school students; must meet partner youth employment agency requirements
The MN Trades Academy (MTA) offers high school students a hands-on introduction to careers in construction and related fields. Over the eight-week program, you’ll explore trades such as carpentry, pipefitting, and electrical work, as well as related paths in architecture, surveying, estimating, project management, and design-build. You’ll visit up to 16 apprenticeship training centers, learning directly from industry professionals while gaining practical skills with hand and power tools. The program focuses on personal growth, skill development, and preparing participants for well-paying careers through union apprenticeship training or college courses. MTA also provides networking opportunities and mentorship to help you chart a successful path and build lasting connections in the construction industry.
15. Hutton Junior Fisheries Biology Program
Location: Available across all 50 U.S. states, Canada, Mexico, and Puerto Rico (within a 45-minute commute from home)
Cost/Stipend: $3,000 paid stipend
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified; 800 scholars since 2001
Dates: June – August (8-week program; flexible scheduling)
Application Deadline: January 25
Eligibility: High school students (ages typically 16+); open to all, with emphasis on underrepresented groups in fisheries and aquatic sciences
The Hutton Junior Fisheries Biology Program, sponsored by the American Fisheries Society, is an eight-week paid summer internship that introduces high school students to the world of fisheries, ecology and aquatic science. As a Hutton Scholar, you’ll work with fisheries biologists and mentors on real-world aquatic conservation and research projects. Internships are available in various locations across North America, allowing you to work close to home while exploring career paths in environmental science and conservation. Beyond fieldwork, the program connects you with experienced mentors and a nationwide network of professionals who can guide your academic and career journey.