15 Part-Time Internships for High School Students
Professional development is a journey that requires both academic curiosity and relevant practical experience. If you’re a high school student looking to apply for competitive undergraduate programs, securing part-time internships for high school students is a great boost for your application profile, resume, and overall employability. Showcasing your internship experience demonstrates that you are motivated, capable of building valuable connections, and driven to gain hands-on experience in a field of your choice, without it being a super expensive option. There are several opportunities offered by top colleges and organizations, which makes them solid options for students wanting to explore professional environments early.
If you think an online/remote internship would be a better fit for you, check out a list of those internships here!
Why should I do a part-time internship in high school?
Participating in a part-time internship provides a distinct competitive advantage for college applications by providing concrete evidence of demonstrated interest. Admissions officers at top-tier universities look for students who have moved beyond the classroom to apply their skills in the real world. Beyond the resume boost, these roles allow you to build a professional network and secure strong letters of recommendation from industry mentors who can speak to your work ethic and maturity. Furthermore, an internship serves as a low-cost "test drive" for your future career, helping you determine if a specific field, such as medicine, law, or tech, actually aligns with your long-term interests before you commit to a major.
In this blog, we’ve specifically covered various roles and narrowed down this list of 15 Part-Time Internships for High School Students that offer high-impact learning with flexible schedules!
Quick Look
15 part-time internships total spanning museum and cultural institutions, municipal government, science research, astronomy, and remote nonprofit work, hosted by organizations including the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Library of Congress, the American Museum of Natural History, and Kaiser Permanente
The strongest disclosed hourly rates are Kaiser Permanente LAUNCH ($24/hour), SFO Airport ($25/hour), and the Library of Congress ($16.79/hour), while several museum and research programs offer flat stipends instead of hourly pay
Several programs are unpaid but academically or professionally structured, including Dickinson College Commentaries, Haus der Astronomie, EnergyMag, and the Borgen Project, all of which are fully remote
Most programs are geographically restricted to specific regions, including the Met Museum and NY Historical Society (NY/NJ/CT tri-state area), SFO Airport and California Academy of Sciences (San Francisco), and Kaiser Permanente (Northern California service area)
The California Academy of Sciences' Careers in Science program stands out as the only multi-year commitment on this list, requiring a 2-3 year involvement throughout high school rather than a single summer or semester
1. The Metropolitan Museum of Art - High School Internship Program
Location: The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York City, NY
Stipend: $1,100
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive (<5%); approximately 36 students per year
Dates: July 7 – August 7
Application Deadline: March 13
Eligibility: Rising juniors and seniors (current 10th and 11th graders) who reside in or attend school in New York, New Jersey, or Connecticut
The Metropolitan Museum of Art High School Internship Program offers students a chance to explore museum careers through departmental placements and professional development workshops. You work alongside curators, educators, or conservators on projects that support the museum's daily operations and long-term exhibitions. The program emphasizes visual communication and storytelling as you help lead tours or assist with public programming. Interns participate in "Career Labs" to meet professionals across various creative and administrative fields within the arts. It is designed to build a professional portfolio while providing a comprehensive look at how a major cultural institution functions. This hands-on experience culminates in a final event where you present your work to peers and museum staff.
2. Ladder Internship Program
Location: Remote
Cost/Stipend: Cost varies depending on the program type; 100 % financial aid is available / No stipend
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 10–25%; 70–100 students per cohort
Dates: Multiple 8–12 week cohorts throughout the year, including summer, winter, spring, and fall
Application Deadline: Varies depending on the cohort; Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), and Winter (November)
Eligibility: High school students able to commit 10–20 hours/week for 8–12 weeks
The Ladder Internship Program places you in a remote, eight-week role with a fast-growing startup in fields such as AI, software engineering, finance, media, health tech, and environmental science. You will work on real-world projects with concrete deliverables, which typically involve defining project goals, analyzing relevant data, crafting presentations, and meeting weekly with your managers for mentorship. Through these activities, you will develop essential skills in professional communication, data analysis, and project management. A unique feature of the program is its dual-mentorship structure, pairing you with both a dedicated Ladder coach and an experienced startup founder or manager. Because the program is virtual and requires only five to ten hours per week, you can easily participate in the internship part-time alongside school. Apply now!
3. Library of Congress – High School Work Study Program
Location: Washington, D.C. and Hyattsville, Maryland
Stipend: $16.79 per hour
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; exact cohort size varies by year and worksite
Dates: Part-time during the school year
Application Deadline: April 23
Eligibility: US citizens and at least 16 years old; enrolled in junior or senior year at a local high school within a 45-minute commute of the worksite
In this program, you spend the school year working part-time inside the Library of Congress, gaining a firsthand look at how the world's largest library operates day-to-day. Under staff supervision, you rotate through areas such as copyright services, preservation, reference support, access standards, and information management, building practical office and customer-service skills. Your schedule runs after afternoon classes and is coordinated closely with your high school's work-based learning coordinator, who monitors your progress and vouches for your readiness. Alongside the daily work, the program builds in structured career development and mentorship.
4. San Francisco International Airport / City & County of San Francisco – Summer High School Internship - SFO
Location: San Francisco International Airport (SFO), San Francisco, California
Stipend: $25 per hour
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive; cohort size determined by available host office placements each cycle
Dates: June 22 – August 14
Application Deadline: Rolling basis
Eligibility: Enrolled in high school or a graduating senior; at least 16 years of age by June 1; possession of a Social Security card, valid picture identification, and documents establishing identity and employment eligibility; obtain a work permit through their school or school district
In this program, you'll join SFO's Summer High School Internship as a Public Service Trainee, working under a Talent Mobility Program Manager and mentors within a host office assigned across the airport. You gain hands-on exposure to careers in safety and security, customer service, administration, facilities, or operations, performing job-related tasks that mirror entry-level airport roles. Activities include learning how your host office fits into SFO's broader operations, attending required orientation, workshops, and training sessions, and maintaining basic records of completed work. Along the way, you build communication, teamwork, and attention-to-detail skills while following established procedures. This paid, part-time internship offers a rare inside look at how a major international airport runs day-to-day.
5. New York Historical Society – Student Historian Internship Program
Location: New York Historical Society, New York, NY
Stipend: $1,200
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive; 25 students per cohort
Dates: Academic Year Cohort: October 28 – June 16; Summer Cohort: July 7 – August 13
Application Deadline: August 23
Eligibility: Students entering grades 10, 11, or 12 who live and attend school in the New York City metro area, including parts of New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut; valid employment certificate (working papers) required
The Student Historian Internship Program at the New York Historical Society focuses on using primary sources to create digital media and museum resources. You conduct deep-dive research into specific historical eras and translate your findings into blog posts, podcasts, or gallery materials. This role emphasizes creative direction and visual design as you find ways to make history accessible to a modern audience. Collaborative sessions with historians and museum educators provide a supportive environment for developing critical thinking and communication skills. The program culminates in a final project that showcases your ability to interpret and present complex historical narratives. You also participate in workshops that explore different career paths within the humanities and heritage sectors.
6. Adler Planetarium – Far Horizon Teens Internship Program
Location: Adler Planetarium, Chicago, IL
Stipend: Paid, amount not disclosed
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; approximately 13 students per cohort
Dates: Year-round with distinct cohorts (Spring runs March–May, Summer runs June–August)
Application Deadline: Varies by season (late January for Spring, late February/March for Summer)
Eligibility: Current high school students (ages 14–18) living in the Chicagoland area
The Far Horizon Teens Internship at the Adler Planetarium involves high-altitude ballooning and space exploration projects. You join a team of students to design, build, and launch scientific payloads into the stratosphere to collect atmospheric data. The program emphasizes technical skills in engineering and data analysis, alongside creative problem-solving during the hardware design phase. Mentors from the Adler’s research staff guide you through the scientific method and the technical challenges of space-focused equipment. This hands-on experience allows you to contribute to real-world scientific inquiries while building a technical and collaborative portfolio. You also gain experience in communicating your scientific findings to the museum’s public visitors.
7. Haus der Astronomie - International Summer Internship Program
Location: Haus der Astronomie, Heidelberg, Germany
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; cohort size not specified
Dates: July 20 – August 7
Application Deadline: March 15
Eligibility: Students in their final year of high school or those in a gap year who have not yet started university
The International Summer Internship Program at Haus der Astronomie allows students to engage in astronomical research at a premier center for astronomy education. You work on computational or observational projects under the guidance of professional astronomers and PhD students. The internship involves processing astronomical data and learning how to use software tools relevant to modern astrophysics. You gain exposure to an international research environment, fostering collaboration with peers from different academic backgrounds. The program includes workshops on scientific communication and the presentation of technical data. This experience is ideal for students looking to develop technical proficiency in physics and data science within a specialized research setting.
8. Dickinson College Commentaries – High School Online Internship Program
Location: Online
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; ~75 students
Dates: June 22 – July 31
Application Deadline: March 15
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors who have completed Latin 3; graduating seniors may also apply
In this program, you'll work online with Dickinson College Commentaries, a digital humanities platform for Latin and Greek texts, under the guidance of professional classicists. Over roughly ten hours a week, you'll edit and enhance notes and vocabulary for texts such as Catullus, Vergil's Aeneid, or Caesar's Gallic War. Depending on your project, you might add hyperlinks and multimedia enhancements, create vocabulary artwork, or use AI tools to reformat older commentary notes. You'll also join weekly Zoom meetings with your project team and a faculty supervisor to read and edit texts together. The flexible, unpaid program welcomes intermediate through advanced Latin students with artistic, technical, or research strengths.
9. DeSoto Mayor’s Internship Program - Spring/Summer 2026 High School Session
Location: DeSoto, Texas
Stipend: $15 per hour
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; 5–10 interns
Dates: April 20 – July 3
Application Deadline: February 28
Eligibility: Currently enrolled in a DeSoto high school, resides in DeSoto, or is related to a DeSoto ISD or City of DeSoto employee; 16 years of age or older; completion of 20 volunteer hours required before the internship begins for new interns
In this program, you gain hands-on, paid work experience within a City of DeSoto department, with a minimum commitment of 10 hours per week. Before starting, you complete 20 volunteer hours and attend orientation at City Hall, then get placed with a department supervisor who assigns real projects tailored to your interests. Placements span the City's departments, exposing you to municipal workflows, teamwork, and workplace technology used in day-to-day government operations. You build professional skills such as time management, workplace communication, and career readiness through direct supervision and mentorship from City staff. Selection is competitive and multi-round.
10. The Intern Group - High School Virtual Internship
Location: Virtual
Cost: $1,990–$2,490; financial aid is available / No stipend
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; over 150 nationalities and more than 15,000 alumni
Dates: Flexible; programs start every two weeks year-round and last between 4 and 24 weeks
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Eligibility: High school students aged 16 or older for the virtual program
The Intern Group's High School Virtual Internship connects students with international companies for remote, project-based work. You are placed in a professional role aligned with your career interests, such as graphic design, business, or technology, where you complete tasks for a real-world client. The program includes professional development workshops and one-on-one coaching to help you navigate the remote work environment. You learn how to use collaborative software and develop time-management skills essential for modern career paths. This experience allows you to build a global professional network and add a diverse range of projects to your professional resume. Mentorship from industry professionals ensures that your work contributes meaningfully to the host organization.
11. American Museum of Natural History – Science Research Mentoring Program
Location: American Museum of Natural History, New York City, NY
Stipend: $2,500
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; ~40 students
Dates: August (Summer Institute) and September – June (Academic Year research).
Application Deadline: March 1
Eligibility: NYC 10th or 11th graders who have participated in specific AMNH programs or attend a partner high school
The Science Research Mentoring Program at the American Museum of Natural History pairs students with museum scientists for year-long research projects. You work in small teams to conduct original scientific research, which may involve laboratory work, field collections, or advanced data modeling. The program provides extensive training in research methodology and the use of specialized scientific equipment. Mentorship is a central pillar, with regular meetings to discuss progress and prepare for a final presentation of your findings to the scientific community. It is a rigorous opportunity to experience the full lifecycle of a scientific study within a world-class institution. You also gain exposure to the collaborative nature of academic science and professional peer review.
12. EnergyMag - High School Virtual Internship
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; highly limited pool of spots
Dates: Summer (2–8 weeks, ~20 hours/week) or Year-round (1–9 months, ~8 hours/week)
Application Deadline: Rolling basis
Eligibility: Sophomores, juniors, and seniors with a minimum 3.25 GPA and at least one honors science or English course
The EnergyMag High School Virtual Internship focuses on the renewable energy sector through research and content creation. You analyze trends in clean energy technologies and write reports or articles that contribute to the organization’s educational mission. The internship helps you develop skills in technical writing, market analysis, and environmental policy research. You work independently with guidance from mentors, allowing for a flexible schedule that accommodates your academic commitments. This program is particularly beneficial for students interested in the intersection of business, technology, and environmental sustainability. It provides a platform to develop a portfolio of published work related to the global energy transition.
13. The Borgen Project - High School Internship
Location: Remote
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive; cohort size not specified
Dates: 12 weeks and 12 hours per week; start date is flexible
Application Deadline: Rolling basis
Eligibility: High school students with a strong interest in global poverty advocacy and excellent communication skills
The Borgen Project High School Internship offers a remote role focused on international advocacy and public relations. You engage in tasks such as writing articles for the organization's blog, mobilizing community support, and communicating with congressional offices. The work emphasizes skills in political communication, storytelling, and grassroots organizing to address global poverty issues. You receive training on how to effectively advocate for policy changes and manage public-facing campaigns. This internship provides a platform to understand the legislative process and the role of non-profits in global statecraft. Mentorship from the organization's leadership helps you develop professional communication and networking strategies.
14. California Academy of Sciences - Careers in Science (CiS) Intern Program
Location: California Academy of Sciences, San Francisco, CA
Stipend: Above SF minimum wage
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; 40–50 students
Dates: Multi-year, year-round commitment (after school and weekends) throughout high school.
Application Deadline: Mid-April
Eligibility: 9th or 10th-grade students who attend a school within the San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD); GPA 2.5+; grade C or higher in science and math; must commit 2–3 years; authorized to work in the U.S
The Careers in Science (CiS) Intern Program at the California Academy of Sciences is a multi-year commitment for students from underrepresented backgrounds in STEM. You work alongside Academy scientists and educators on projects ranging from biodiversity research to public science communication. The program includes professional development workshops, field trips, and opportunities to mentor younger students in the community. You gain hands-on experience in laboratory techniques and learn how to present complex scientific ideas to diverse audiences. It is designed to provide a long-term support system and a pathway into professional careers in the sciences. The program emphasizes both academic growth and the development of professional leadership skills.
15. Kaiser Permanente - LAUNCH High School Internship Program
Location: Kaiser Permanente, Various Locations (CA)
Stipend: $24 per hour
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive; 40–50 students
Dates: June 15 – July 31
Application Deadline: January 9
Eligibility: High school students between the ages of 16- 19; have a permanent residence in a Northern California Kaiser Permanente designated service area
The LAUNCH High School Internship Program at Kaiser Permanente introduces students to the administrative and clinical aspects of the healthcare industry. You are placed in various departments where you assist with daily operations and learn about the diverse roles within a large medical organization. The program includes workshops on professional skills, such as resume building and effective communication in a workplace setting. You receive mentorship from healthcare professionals and gain a realistic view of the skills required for success in the medical field. It provides a practical foundation for students considering careers in healthcare management or patient care. This hands-on experience allows you to see how different medical teams collaborate to provide community health services.
Questions Students Often Ask About These Programs
1. Several of these programs are restricted to specific cities or regions, like New York or San Francisco. What if I don't live nearby?
A handful of programs on this list are fully remote and open regardless of location, including Ladder Internships, Dickinson College Commentaries, The Intern Group, EnergyMag, and the Borgen Project. Haus der Astronomie in Germany is also remote-adjacent in terms of collaboration style, though it's based internationally. If you're set on an in-person program, most of the city-specific options, like the Met Museum, NY Historical Society, and SFO Airport, do require residency or school enrollment in that region.
2. I'm not sure if I want a paid position or something more research and portfolio focused. How do I decide?
It depends on your priorities. Paid options like Kaiser Permanente LAUNCH, SFO Airport, DeSoto's Mayor's Internship, and the Library of Congress give you direct income alongside professional exposure. Research and portfolio-focused programs like AMNH's Science Research Mentoring Program, the Adler Planetarium's Far Horizon Teens program, and Haus der Astronomie are unpaid or stipend-based but offer deeper, sustained project work that can be more compelling in a college application if you're pursuing STEM. If you need income, prioritize the paid municipal and corporate options; if you're building a research profile, the museum and science-focused programs offer more depth.
3. The California Academy of Sciences program requires a 2-3 year commitment. Is that unusual, and is it worth it compared to a single summer program?
Yes, it's the only multi-year commitment on this list, and that structure is intentional, since it's designed to build a long-term pathway into STEM careers for students from underrepresented backgrounds rather than a one-time exposure experience. If you're a freshman or sophomore and know you want sustained mentorship and community over multiple years, this kind of program can be more valuable than stacking several unrelated single-summer experiences. If you're a junior or senior with less runway left in high school, a shorter program like AMNH's Science Research Mentoring Program or a summer role at the Met Museum may fit your timeline better.