15 Social Impact Internships for High School Students

Internships are a good choice for high school students because they help you develop new skills, explore different career paths, and connect with mentors in your field. They also strengthen your resume and college applications by showing initiative beyond the classroom and an investment in community issues. 

Why should I do a social impact internship in high school?

Social impact internships typically involve working with nonprofits or volunteer organizations, where you gain experience solving problems and helping local communities. These internships are especially worth considering if you want to learn more about a specific issue, like food insecurity, environmental protection, or community health. An internship is a good way to figure out early on whether a social impact career is the right fit for you. 

With that in mind, we narrowed it down to the top 15 social impact internships for high school students!

1. Bank of America Student Leaders

Location: Nationwide (the Leadership Summit is held in Washington, D.C.)

Stipend: Paid, amount not disclosed; all expenses for Summit in Washington, D.C. are also covered

Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; roughly 300 students nationwide

Dates: June – August; Summit in July

Application Deadline: January 15

Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors living in an eligible area for the program; not participated in the program before; authorization to work in the U.S.

In this program, you will explore the world of social change by bridging the gap between the private sector and community needs. You’ll work at a local non-profit, where you might manage community outreach, assist with program development, or support daily operations. A major highlight is the all-expenses-paid National Leadership Summit in Washington, D.C., where you’ll join 300 peers to discuss civic engagement and meet with national leaders. Beyond the internship, you'll sharpen your professional communication, project management, and financial literacy skills through specialized "Better Money Habits" coaching.

2. Ladder Internships – Non-Profit Track

Location: Remote

Cost/Stipend: Cost varies depending on the program type; financial aid is available / No stipend

Acceptance rate/cohort size: 10–25%; 70–100 students per session

Dates: Various cohorts throughout the year, including Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter. Apply now!

Application Deadline: Varies as per cohort; Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), and Winter (November)

Eligibility: High school students, undergraduates, and gap year students who can work for 10–20 hours/week for 8–12 weeks

Ladder’s Internship program offers a Non-Profit track for high school students, where you will spend eight weeks working remotely with a mission-driven organization on real projects. You will support non-profit teams by assisting with research, content development, outreach, or operations, depending on the host organization’s needs. Throughout the program, you will receive structured mentorship and regular feedback from professionals who guide your work and help you build workplace skills. You will collaborate with other interns during group sessions and workshops focused on communication and professionalism. The internship concludes with a final presentation, where you will share your project outcomes. This experience helps you understand how non-profits operate while contributing to meaningful, real-world initiatives.

3. Teens In Public Service (TIPS) Summer Internships 

Location: Throughout the Greater Seattle Area

Stipend: $21.30/hour

Acceptance rate/cohort size: Less than 5%; typically 50–100 students per summer

Dates: Orientation: May 20; Internship: June 15/29 – August 21

Application Deadline: March 2

Eligibility: Students must be 15 years of age or older by May 20 and may not exceed the age of 19 years; must be enrolled in a high school and reside in Washington

In this social impact internship for high school students, you will spend the summer working with government agencies, nonprofits, or community organizations across the DC region. You will support day-to-day projects that focus on civic engagement, education, public policy, or community services. You will complete structured work assignments while building skills in communication, teamwork, and professional conduct. Throughout the program, you will receive guidance from supervisors and program staff who support your growth. You will also take part in group sessions and workshops with other interns. 

4. Smithsonian Earth Optimism Internship

Location: Washington, D.C. (National Museum of Natural History)

Stipend: $5,600 

Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive; approximately 20–25 interns

Dates: June 23 – August 14

Application Deadline: March 20

Eligibility: Current high schoolers, ages 15–18, US citizens/Permanent Residents

In this program, you will focus on real-world sustainability solutions. You’ll spend your summer at the National Museum of Natural History, working directly with mentors on projects that cover environmental justice, biodiversity, and science communication. Your days will be a mix of research and enrichment activities, such as creating a video documenting climate action or visiting labs to see how scientists protect the planet. The program emphasizes "Earth Optimism," teaching you how to use storytelling and digital media to inspire civic action in your own community. By the end, you’ll have sharpened your skills in public speaking, professional networking, and data organization.

5. Youth Mentoring Collaborative – Summer Social Justice Academy 

Location: Hybrid with in-person at Durham, North Carolina

Stipend: $250

Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; 25 students

Dates: July 7–24

Application Deadline: May 2

Eligibility: Rising 9th –12th-grade students; able to travel to Durham, North Carolina, for the in-person program

In this summer social impact internship for high school students, you will take part in workshops and group activities focused on equity, identity, and community change. You will explore topics such as racial justice, youth leadership, and civic engagement through guided discussions and interactive sessions. You will work alongside peers to reflect on lived experiences and examine social systems that affect their communities. The program emphasizes youth voice and encourages collaboration through small-group work and shared projects. You will learn communication, critical thinking, and leadership skills while connecting with mentors and facilitators. 

6. Student Leadership & Intern Program by Charleston County 

Location: County Departments, Charleston County, South Carolina

Stipend: $16.30/hour

Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; approximately 20–25 students

Dates: 2-year program; select weekends during those years 

Application Deadline: Typically, late February

Eligibility: Residents of Charleston County currently enrolled as a junior at a Charleston County public high school and must have a signed approval from a parent/guardian

In this county government social impact internship for high school students, you will spend the summer working within a Charleston County department. You will support daily operations by assisting staff with administrative tasks, research, data entry, and project support. You will gain exposure to how local government functions while building professional skills such as communication, time management, and workplace conduct. You will work under the guidance of county supervisors who provide structure and feedback throughout the program. The experience helps you understand public service careers and civic responsibility. 

7. EnergyMag Internships

Location: Virtual

Stipend: None

Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; cohort size not disclosed

Dates: Flexible terms; half-time from 2–8 weeks or quarter-time from 1–9 months

Application Deadline: Rolling applications 

Eligibility: High school sophomores, juniors, and seniors only, with a GPA of over 3.25

In this program, you will explore sectors of renewable energy and energy storage, focusing on how these technologies can solve global climate issues. You will research green-tech companies, perform technology analyses, conduct literature reviews, and reach out to industry experts for professional insights. By working closely with a mentor, you will learn how to synthesize complex data into professional research reports, a few of which may even be published on the official site. This experience essentially transforms your interest in sustainability into a tangible contribution toward a cleaner, more energy-efficient world. 

8. The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights - High School Internship 

Location: Washington, D.C. (work may be in-office or hybrid)

Stipend: None

Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive; cohort size not disclosed

Dates: Minimum of two weeks up to two months

Application Deadline: Rolling basis

Eligibility: High school seniors on track to graduate

Through this civil rights internship, you will work with The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights to support efforts in advocacy, policy, communications, and grassroots coordination. You will attend meetings, assist with historical records, help update information lists, and conduct research to support staff work. You may help coordinate events and provide administrative support while gaining insight into how advocacy coalitions operate. You will also collaborate with undergraduate interns to explore civil and human rights issues and build teamwork and communication skills. 

9. Annenberg Youth Academy for Media and Civic Engagement 

Location: Annenberg Youth Academy, Los Angeles, California 

Stipend: None

Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; roughly 26 students

Dates: June 16 – July 3

Application Deadline: April 14

Eligibility: High school students residing and attending high school in Los Angeles County

In this social impact summer academic program for high school students, you will spend several weeks on the USC campus exploring media, communication, and civic engagement. You will take part in classes, workshops, and group projects focused on journalism, storytelling, and the role of media in society. You will work closely with faculty, graduate students, and staff who will guide discussions and activities. You will collaborate with peers on research and media-based assignments and share your work through presentations. The program also includes campus experiences and community-building activities. 

10. Community Engagement Intern at Changing The Present 

Location: Hybrid 

Stipend: None

Acceptance rate/cohort size: High acceptance; 10–50 interns per college campus

Dates: Flexible; Summer, the school year, or year-round

Application Deadline: Rolling admissions

Eligibility: All high school students

Through this social impact internship for high school students, you will work with the Changing The Present team to support youth-driven service and philanthropy programs. You will help with outreach, program coordination, and content creation tied to community partnerships. You will organize resources, support youth leadership initiatives, and communicate with partner organizations. You will build skills in teamwork, communication, and nonprofit operations through real responsibilities. The role includes regular guidance from staff and opportunities to reflect on your work. 

11. DOROT Summer Teen Internship 

Location: DOROT (Manhattan)

Stipend: None 

Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; typically 20–25 interns per session

Dates: July 21 – August 13

Application Deadline: Rolling basis until April

Eligibility: Rising high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors

In this summer internship for high school students, you will spend several weeks working with DOROT to support older adults in the community. You will take part in structured service projects that focus on reducing social isolation and building intergenerational connections. You will assist with program activities, help prepare materials, and engage with older adults through supervised interactions. You will also join group sessions that focus on empathy, communication, and aging awareness. Staff members will guide your work and lead reflections on social responsibility. 

12. Internship Program at CAIR-Chicago

Location: CAIR-Chicago, Chicago, Illinois

Stipend: None

Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; typically 15 interns

Dates: Winter-Spring: January 1 – May 15; Summer: May 15 – August 31; Fall: September 1 – December 31

Application Deadline: Winter-Spring: December 1; Summer: April 15; Fall: August 1

Eligibility: High school students 

Through this internship program, you will work with CAIR-Chicago to support civil rights, advocacy, and community outreach efforts. You will assist staff with research, event planning, administrative tasks, and community programs tied to social justice and civic engagement. You will help prepare educational materials, support workshops, and assist with public-facing initiatives. You will gain experience in professional communication, teamwork, and nonprofit operations. Staff members will guide your work and provide regular feedback. The program connects you with community members and advocates while helping you understand how civil rights organizations operate at the local level and serve diverse communities.

13. JSSA Nonprofit Social Work Internship

Location: National Capital Region (MD, DC, and Northern Virginia)

Stipend: None

Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; cohort size varies by department and season

Dates: Summer, between June and August

Application Deadline: Typically, March 

Eligibility: Local high school students (16+) able to commute to JSSA sites

In this program, you experience community-based social work by supporting a wide range of topics, including mental health, disability services, and hospice care. Your role will involve observing professional case consultations, assisting with youth summer camps, and researching data for program reports. You will also help create community presentations that educate the public on vital mental health issues. A unique feature of this internship is its "choose your own adventure" structure, which gives you the flexibility to collaborate across different multidisciplinary teams. This experience provides a clear, real-world understanding of how social impact is delivered to neighbors across all stages of life.

14. American Red Cross High School Internship

Location: Varies by chapter (e.g., Los Angeles, Northern California, New Jersey, or DC)

Stipend: None

Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive; typically 10–50 students per chapter

Dates: Mid-June to mid-August (approximately 8–10 weeks)

Application Deadline: Mid-March

Eligibility: Rising high school seniors or recently graduated seniors (typically age 16+)

As a Red Cross intern, you will directly support humanitarian missions across areas like disaster preparedness, blood services, and international law. You’ll organize local blood drives, teach life-saving first aid to younger students, and assemble comfort kits for families displaced by home fires. You will also participate in a capstone project, where you will design your own initiative, such as a sustainability guide or a disaster-tracking toolkit. Through these tasks, you develop essential leadership, public speaking, and community mobilization skills. This hands-on role allows you to bridge the gap between classroom theory and real-world crisis response.

15. Habitat for Humanity Youth Programs

Location: Nationwide (via local Habitat for Humanity affiliates)

Stipend: None

Acceptance rate/cohort size: Open enrollment; small local crews of 5–10 students

Dates: Year-round (Fall, Spring, and Summer sessions)

Application Deadline: Rolling basis

Eligibility: Students ages 14–18 (16+ for active construction sites)

In this program, you will help provide affordable housing to address the systemic crisis of homelessness and substandard living conditions. The internship covers critical topics like urban development, housing equity, and community sustainability through active, hands-on participation. You will spend your time framing walls on active construction sites, pricing donated goods in the ReStore, and organizing local advocacy campaigns to support new building projects. By the end of your term, you will have gained practical construction trades skills, improved your collaborative leadership, and understood grassroots community organizing.