12 Sociology Internships for High School Students
If you’re a high school student curious about the field of sociology, this blog is for you. The field of sociology is broad, covering subjects like social behavior, institutions, relationships, and more.
Beyond theoretical concepts, sociology offers practical applications that can be explored through internships during high school. A sociology internship can help you explore your interests while gaining hands-on experience. Participating in these internships can help deepen your understanding of societal dynamics and enhance your analytical skills.
The wide range of subjects within sociology offers a number of career possibilities. Based on your interests, you can look for an internship that aligns with your goals, hones your skills, builds your knowledge, and enhances your college applications. To help you get started, we've curated a list of 12 sociology internships for high school students.
Cost: Starts at $2,490. Financial aid is offered.
Location: Online.
Application Deadline: Multiple deadlines throughout the year. The upcoming Spring cohort deadline is in February.
Program Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year, including winter, spring, summer, and fall.
Eligibility: Open to all high school students who can commit to working 10-20 hours per week for 8-12 weeks. These internships are also available to undergraduates and gap-year students!
Ladder Internships, a selective program founded by Harvard alumni, connects high school students with startups and nonprofits across the world for virtual internships. You can choose from various industries, including mental health, consulting, nonprofit work, AI, finance, sustainability, marketing, healthcare, and more. A number of these would be integral to a field like sociology!
As an intern, you'll work on meaningful projects that contribute to the organization's mission and present your work at the end of the program. The program offers one-on-one training in communication and time management, along with group training sessions with fellow interns. You will be paired with a manager at the startup and a Ladder coach who serves as a second mentor.
2. Smithsonian Institution Internship Program
Cost/Stipend: Free cost. The amount varies based on position.
Location: Washington, D.C. (remote options available).
Application Deadline: March.
Program Dates: June - August.
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents.
The Smithsonian Institution is the world's largest museum, education, and research complex, encompassing 19 museums, 21 libraries, nine research centers, and a zoo. Smithsonian Internships are workplace-based guided learning opportunities that offer participants hands-on experience across various fields. Whether you’re interested in history, science, art, culture, or technology, these internships provide the chance to work alongside experts and contribute to projects that enhance public understanding and appreciation of your heritage.
Interns at the Smithsonian have the opportunity to engage in meaningful work, such as curating exhibits, conducting research, assisting with educational programs, and supporting conservation efforts. These internships not only offer practical experience but also allow participants to develop professional skills, network with professionals in their field of interest, and gain valuable insights into potential career paths.
3. UC Santa Barbara’s Research Mentorship Program, Sociology Track
Cost/Stipend: Commuter: Around $5,000. Residential: Around $12,000
Location: UC Santa Barbara.
Application Deadline: March 2024.
Program Dates: June – August 2024
Eligibility:Students all over the world who are in 10th and 11th Grade with a minimum GPA of 3.8.
Outcomes: Development of analytical and research skills, networking opportunities.
Preparation: Interest in sociology.
Drawbacks: Competitive summer program with high program fee.
Website: UC Santa Barbara’s Research Mentorship Program, Sociology Track
UC Santa Barbara Summer Sessions provide pre-college students with opportunities to expand their horizons, fuel their curiosity, and cultivate independence. The research programs offer high school students the chance to earn college credit while engaging in university-level studies. These programs are meticulously designed to support academic, professional, personal, and social development, challenging students with UC Santa Barbara's renowned academic excellence and immersive social environment. Programs such as the Research Mentorship Program and the Summer Research Academies are conducted where participants engage in interdisciplinary research and acquire new knowledge. For those less inclined towards research, open enrollment in Summer Sessions allows students to enroll in UC Santa Barbara courses alongside undergraduates. These transformative summer experiences enable students to advance academically while honing the skills necessary for success in higher education. The various courses in sociology are listed on the website.
5.Harvard University Secondary School Program - Sociology Track
Cost/Stipend: All applicants pay a non-refundable $75 application fee. Financial aid available.
7-Week Online or Commuting: $3,900 (4-credits) or $7,600 (8-credits)
7-Week Residential: $14,250 (8-credits)
4-Week Residential: $7,700 (4-credits)
Location: Harvard University and online
Application Deadline: April 10, 2024
Program Dates: 4-Week: July 14 - August 9 (Residential Only), 7-Week: June 22 - August 10
(Residential, Online, or Commuting)
Eligibility: Will graduate from high school and enter college in 2024, 2025, or 2026. Are at least 16 years old by June 22, 2024, and will not turn 19 years old before July 31, 2024.
Outcomes: College-level experience, credit opportunities.
Preparation: Strong academic record.
Drawbacks: High cost.
Website: Harvard University Secondary School Program
Harvard Summer School’s Secondary School Program (SSP) is a prestigious 4- or 7-week academic program designed for motivated high school students who are prepared to excel in rigorous college courses and earn college credit. Within the SSP, students have the option to choose between two formats. The 4-week option allows students to immerse themselves in a single course while living on campus, providing a concentrated and intensive academic experience. Alternatively, the more flexible 7-week option offers residential, online, or commuting formats, giving students the opportunity to take one or two courses and tailor their summer experience to their needs and preferences. Throughout the program, students will not only engage in advanced coursework but also participate in a range of extracurricular activities that complement their academic endeavors. This holistic approach ensures that students develop a well-rounded skill set, including time management, critical thinking, and collaboration.
6. Ohio State University Sociology Summer Camp
Cost/Stipend: $350
Location: Online
Application Deadline: April 30, 2024
Program Dates: June 10 - July 25, 2024
Eligibility: High school students (ages 15-18)
Outcomes: Research presentation experience, enhanced understanding of sociological concepts.
Preparation: need to enroll in SOC 3191, “Sociology Internship & Professional Practice Program” by filling out an SOC 3191 enrollment form.pdf.
Drawbacks: Protocol not defined properly
Website:Ohio State University Sociology Summer Camp
The goal of the Sociology Internship Program is to enhance the undergraduate experience by providing opportunities for hands-on, career-related experiences in diverse work environments. This program aims to bridge the gap between academic knowledge and practical application, allowing students to gain invaluable insights and skills relevant to their future careers. However, it is important to note that students are responsible for finding their own internships. Through this program, students will have the chance to apply their sociological knowledge in real-world settings, gaining practical experience and developing a deeper understanding of the field. Whether working in non-profits, research institutions, governmental agencies, or private sector companies, students will encounter diverse perspectives and challenges that will enhance their academic and professional growth.
7. University of Chicago - Sociology Pre-College Program
Cost/Stipend: $6,350
Location: Chicago, IL (two weeks remote, one week residential)
Application Deadline: April 30, 2024
Program Dates: Remote Course Dates: July 15 - July 26 2024, Residential Course Dates: July 29 – August 1 2024.
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors
Outcomes: Advanced research skills, exposure to university-level coursework.
Preparation: Interest in social sciences.
Drawbacks: High cost without scholarship.
Website: Ohio State University Sociology Summer Camp
The University of Chicago's Summer Session offers a unique opportunity for high school students to join a global community of inquisitive thinkers eager to explore intriguing questions and engage with new ideas. The diverse program opportunities are designed to challenge and captivate curious students across a wide range of subject areas and disciplines. In a supportive and stimulating environment, pre-college students can take intellectual risks, delve deeper into subjects, and explore questions that extend beyond their high school curriculum. The summer session provides an ideal setting for students to experience the vibrant academic atmosphere of our campus, located in the scenic Hyde Park neighborhood of Chicago, during the most delightful season of the year. Students will have the chance to immerse themselves in rigorous academic coursework while enjoying the cultural and social vibrancy of Chicago. This dynamic summer experience allows them to engage with peers from around the world, fostering both personal and intellectual growth in an inspiring setting. Use course finder for listing.
8. New-York Historical Society Student Historian Internship Program
Cost/Stipend: Interns receive a $700 stipend upon successful completion of the internship.
Location: New York City.
Application Deadline: September 22, 2024
Program Dates: October 23, 2024 – June 11, 2025, every Wednesday from 4:30-7 pm
Eligibility: Open to high school students entering grades 10, 11, or 12 who live in the New York City metro area.
Outcomes: Advanced research skills, exposure to university-level coursework.
Preparation: A passion for learning and a willingness to engage in research and digital projects are important.
Drawbacks: Limited area.
Website: New-York Historical Society Student Historian Internship
The New-York Historical Society offers a Student Historian Internship Program for high school students entering grades 10, 11, or 12. This program allows students to conduct in-depth research using the Society’s resources and share their findings through creative digital projects. Interns work with professional staff and collaborate with fellow students to develop their historical thinking, communication, and digital media skills.
10. Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Youth Advocacy Internship
Cost/Stipend: Unpaid
Location: Washington, D.C.
Application Deadline: April 1, 2024
Program Dates: Summer 2024.
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors.
Outcomes: Interns work on advocacy projects, research, and event planning related to LGBTQ+ rights.
Preparation: High school students interested in LGBTQ+ advocacy
Drawbacks: Unpaid
Website: Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Youth Advocacy Internship
HRC is primarily known as a political organization, they offer internships across nearly all of our departments and programs, each providing valuable training to help start your career in the non-profit sector. Please review the available departments and teams before submitting your general application. They strongly encourage people of color, transgender, and non-binary individuals to apply. HRC is an equal-opportunity employer and welcomes everyone, including non-LGBTQ+ individuals. The Policy & Government teams are the most competitive and popular internship placements.
12. Pew Research Center Social Research Internship
Cost/Stipend: $17/hour. Interns are not eligible for benefits, including paid time off, but a relocation stipend is available to those who need them.
Location: Washington, D.C. and remote.
Application Deadline: April 15, 2024.
Program Dates: 12 weeks, from June through August 2024
Eligibility: High school students with a strong interest in social research.
Outcomes: Interns assist with data analysis, research design, and report preparation.
Preparation: High school students interested in sociology.
Drawbacks: Competitive application process.
Website: Pew Research Center Social Research Internship
Summer interns will join a cohort and attend programs that allow them to meet staff from across the Center and explore a variety of careers, such as public opinion research, polling, methodology, computational social science/data science, economics, sociology, political science, communications, non-profit management, and data journalism. Candidates who are interested in the Center’s mission and values and eager to learn more about these career fields are encouraged to apply, regardless of their traditional experience. Interns can expect substantial and challenging work.
Looking for a hands-on 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, with a large number of them in tech. 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. In addition to working closely with their manager from the startup, each intern will also work with a Ladder Coach throughout their internship. Apply now!
Stephen is one of the founders of Ladder Internships and a Harvard College graduate.