9 Paid Remote Internships for High School Students

For high school students interested in gaining professional experience without needing to relocate, remote internships offer an accessible and flexible option. These programs allow you to explore fields like research, business, technology, or public policy while working on projects, building new skills, and earning a stipend for your time.

Remote internships are especially valuable if you're balancing school commitments or live far from major cities. Many are hosted by universities, labs, or nonprofit organizations and include mentorship, team collaboration, and skill-building workshops. They’re a practical way to test out your career interests, strengthen your resume, and connect with professionals.

Below are 9 paid remote internships for high school students, selected for their quality of experience, accessibility, and focus on project-based learning.

1. Johns Hopkins Internship in Brain Science (JHIBS)

Location: Virtual
Acceptance rate: Around 5–7%
Dates: July – August (Virtual)
Application deadline: March 1
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors
Stipend: Virtual interns are provided a $500 stipend

JHIBS offers high school students an immersive research experience in neuroscience. Under the guidance of faculty mentors, you’ll participate in seminars, conduct lab‑based investigations (virtually), and collaborate on original research. The program culminates in a poster or oral presentation of your work. It’s designed for students interested in life sciences and early exposure to academic research.

2. American Psychological Association (APA) Internships

Location: Virtual
Acceptance rate: Selective (varies by department)
Dates: Year-round (flexible start and end dates)
Application deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: High school students with a strong interest in psychology, policy, or communications
Stipend: Some positions paid; others unpaid

Within the APA internship program, you may join departments focused on psychology research, policy, or communications. Interns assist in writing projects, attend professional workshops, and support initiatives related to behavior science or public advocacy. Paid placements offer early experience in how psychology intersects with public policy, media, and research.

3. NASA OSTEM Internships

Location: NASA facilities across the U.S. (some virtual or hybrid roles)
Acceptance rate: Below 10%
Dates: Fall (August – December) | Spring (January – May) | Summer (May – August)
Application deadline: Fall: January | Spring: August | Summer: October
Eligibility: Full-time high school students with a 3.0 GPA or higher
Stipend: Paid; amount varies by academic level and term length

The OSTEM program at NASA offers high school students the chance to contribute to real engineering and space research. Participants collaborate with scientists and engineers, analyse data, engage in mission‑support roles, and attend professional development workshops. With strong mentorship and project‑based work, this internship is ideal for students dedicated to STEM careers in aerospace, robotics, or space systems. Interns receive a stipend and direct mentorship from NASA professionals.

4. Smithsonian’s National Zoo Internships

Location: Washington, D.C. | Front Royal, VA | Herndon, VA (in-person, hybrid, and virtual formats)
Acceptance rate: Highly selective (varies by department)
Dates: Varies based on position
Application deadline: Rolling (check website for updates)
Eligibility: High school students (criteria can vary slightly depending on the position)
Stipend: Paid; amount varies

The Smithsonian’s National Zoo internship places students alongside animal‑care and conservation scientists, supporting research on wildlife, habitat restoration, or outreach and education. Virtual or hybrid tracks allow remote participation in data analysis, digital outreach, and research documentation. Each internship combines theoretical understanding with practical training, giving students an inside look at zoology and environmental research. It’s especially suitable for students interested in biology, environmental science, and conservation policy.

5. Smithsonian Science Education Center (SSEC) Internships

Location: Smithsonian Science Education Center, Washington, D.C. (virtual and in-person options)
Acceptance rate: Moderate
Dates: May – August (around 10 weeks, flexible schedule for virtual interns)
Application deadline: Late March
Eligibility: High school students aged 16 or older
Stipend: Modest stipend provided

The SSEC internship focuses on STEM education, science communication, and public engagement. Interns assist with developing curriculum materials, managing outreach projects, and contributing to science equity initiatives. You'll work alongside Smithsonian educators to help improve how science is taught and accessed globally. Remote participants have flexible schedules and engage primarily in digital content creation. This program suits students interested in education, science policy, or communication. Prior experience in writing or outreach is helpful but not required.

6. The Mary Miller Summer Program (PHC Group)

Location: Virtual (PHC Group)
Acceptance rate: Selective
Dates: Summer (typically June – August)
Application deadline: Rolling (apply early)
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors with strong digital and organisational skills
Stipend: Paid; amount not disclosed

This marketing-focused internship offers remote experience in media, communications, and online research. Interns collaborate on digital projects, assist with social media strategies, and support community outreach. You’ll learn practical skills in content creation, data organization, and virtual teamwork. PHC Group provides mentorship and structured feedback throughout the program. The internship is a strong option for students considering careers in business, digital media, or marketing.

7. Google — Computer Science Summer Institute (CSSI)

Location: Google (online cohorts; some in-person options)
Acceptance rate: No information available
Dates: Cohorts run in summer (multi-week)
Application deadline: Opens late winter; closes spring (check cohort page)
Eligibility: High-school seniors entering college (rising freshmen)
Stipend: Funded; stipend/expense coverage in many cohorts

CSSI is a highly regarded pre-college program that introduces students to computer science through project-based learning. You’ll participate in coding workshops, collaborate on tech challenges, and gain mentorship from Google engineers. The curriculum includes foundational programming, problem-solving, and professional development. Designed to support historically underrepresented groups in tech, CSSI builds both technical skills and a peer community. It’s a strong launchpad for college-bound students pursuing CS. Participants leave with a completed capstone project and connections in the tech world.

8. City Limits Accountability Reporting Initiative for Youth (CLARIFY)

Location: Virtual with some optional on-site field trips in NYC
Acceptance rate: Selective (10–15 students per cohort)
Dates: 8 Weeks (Fall)
Application deadline: Varies by session
Eligibility: NYC-based juniors, seniors, and graduating high-school students
Stipend: Fall Session: $500 stipend

CLARIFY is a journalism internship that trains students in civic reporting, storytelling, and media literacy. Interns learn how to pitch, investigate, and publish stories on topics affecting their local communities. You’ll conduct interviews, work with editors, and produce articles that reflect real-world journalistic standards. Most of the program is remote, but some optional field reporting may be included. It’s a strong fit for students interested in writing, activism, or journalism.

9. Camp Zon by Zon Lab

Location: Virtual
Acceptance rate: No information available
Dates: July 15 – July 26
Application deadline: April 14
Eligibility: Massachusetts-based high-school students or rising college freshmen aged 16+
Stipend: Paid (amount not specified)

Camp Zon, hosted by Zon Lab at Boston Children’s Hospital, is a unique two-week virtual program focused on hands-on biomedical research using zebrafish as a model organism. Students form teams to design and propose experiments on anemia, while lab scientists conduct the experiments live over video. You’ll analyse data, learn coding for data visualisation, and discuss results with professional researchers. Daily sessions include lectures, literature discussions, and feedback from Boston Children’s Hospital scientists. The program ends with a final team presentation and optional lab tours for local students.

Looking for an immersive internship experience?

Check out Ladder Internships!

Ladder Internships is a selective, virtual internship program where students work with startups and nonprofits from around the world! The startups range across a variety of industries. As part of their internship, each student will work on a real-world project that is of genuine need to the startup they are working with, and present their work at the end of their internship. Apply now!

Image Source - Johns Hopkins Medicine Logo