14 STEM Internships for High School Students in Idaho
If you’re a high school student looking to experience STEM fields beyond the classroom, internships can be a practical way to build skills, try career paths, and make professional connections. These programs combine projects with mentorship, helping you practice technical tasks, workplace communication, problem-solving, and project presentation.
What STEM internships are available for high school students in Idaho?
Idaho’s economy offers a mix of STEM internship options for high schoolers, ranging from environmental and natural-resource work to ag-tech, energy, applied engineering, and growing tech-sector roles in the Boise area. You’ll find internships that let you work outdoors on conservation and water-resource projects, join lab or data teams in agricultural research, or support engineering and IT projects at local companies.
To help you compare deadlines and what you’ll do, below is a curated list of 14 STEM internships for high school students in Idaho.
1. Hutton Junior Fisheries Biology Program
Location: Nationwide placement (mentored with fisheries or aquatic science professionals near your home)
Cost/Stipend: Paid — you receive a US $3,000 stipend spread across the internship
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive selection — a limited cohort of students is chosen each year
Dates: Eight-week summer internship (June–August; exact dates flexible between you and your mentor)
Application Deadline: January 25 (applications reviewed and finalist matches happen by spring)
Eligibility: High school students who will be rising seniors and are at least 16 years old by the start of the internship.
If you’re selected as a Hutton Scholar, you’ll take part in an eight-week paid summer internship in fisheries and aquatic science, working one-on-one with a professional mentor in your region. You’ll engage in hands-on field and lab work that can include water-quality testing, fish population surveys, habitat restoration, electrofishing, and data analysis, giving you direct experience in environmental research and aquatic ecosystems. As part of your internship, you’ll complete regular reports and time tracking, learn workplace habits, and may even participate in multi-day field excursions depending on your project. The program also includes connections to a nationwide network of fisheries professionals and culminates with opportunities to reflect on your work and discuss future academic and career pathways.
2. Ladder Internship Program
Cost: Varies depending on program type. Full financial aid available.
Location: Remote! You can work from anywhere in the world.
Application Deadline: Deadlines vary depending on the cohort. Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), and Winter (November).
Program Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year, including Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter.
Eligibility: Students who can work for 10-20 hours/week for 8-12 weeks. Open to high school students, undergraduates, and gap year students!
Ladder Internships is a selective start-up internship program for ambitious high school students! In the program, you work with a high-growth start-up on an internship. Start-ups that offer internships range across a variety of industries, from tech/deep tech and AI/ML to health tech, marketing, journalism, consulting, and more. Ladder’s start-ups are high-growth companies on average, raising over a million dollars. Interns work closely with their manager at the startup on real-world projects and present their work to the company. The virtual internship is usually 8 weeks long.
3. Idaho National Laboratory (INL) High School Internships
Location: Idaho National Laboratory, Idaho Falls, ID
Cost/Stipend: Paid summer internship (hourly wage; varies by position)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not publicly disclosed; the internship is competitive and accepts a limited number of high school students
Dates: 10-16 weeks (exact dates vary)
Application Deadline: Varies for different postings
Eligibility: High school students or recent graduates who are at least 16 years old, U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents, with a minimum 3.0 GPA; must be enrolled as a rising junior, rising senior, or recent graduate, and able to pass pre-employment screenings
If you join the INL High School Internships program, you’ll spend your summer working alongside scientists, engineers, and technical experts at a leading Department of Energy national laboratory. You’ll contribute to real, hands-on STEM projects in fields such as nuclear science, cybersecurity, environmental science, and applied engineering, giving you experience with research methods, data analysis, and technology applications. You will typically work full-time for 10-16 weeks, learning how to apply classroom knowledge to solve real challenges while building workplace skills like collaboration, technical communication, and problem-solving. You’ll receive mentorship from professionals, participate in seminars or discussions about energy and national security careers, and finish the program with a clearer sense of your STEM goals beyond high school.
4. EcosySTEM Student Ambassador Program
Location: Statewide (activities and projects across Idaho; connected with the Idaho STEM Ecosystem network)
Cost/Stipend: Free — there is no cost to participate; some small grants may support student projects
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive; less than 100 students
Dates: Year-long engagement
Application Deadline: Varies by year and hub region — check Idaho STEM Ecosystem announcements in late summer/early fall for the current cycle
Eligibility: Middle and high school students in grades 6–12 with an interest in STEM leadership, advocacy, or project work
The EcosySTEM Student Ambassador Program empowers Idaho students to be advocates for STEM in their schools and communities by combining leadership development with engagement. As an ambassador, you’ll design and complete a meaningful STEM project that positively impacts your classroom, school, or community, building skills in critical thinking, problem-solving, and project management along the way. You’ll also conduct interviews with local STEM leaders or professionals to learn about career pathways and leadership styles, expanding your network and understanding of the related fields. There will be industry tours that give you a behind-the-scenes look at STEM workplaces in Idaho, helping you connect what you learn in school with real jobs and technologies. Throughout the year, you’ll connect with other ambassadors via events and virtual sessions, which offer community, collaboration, and opportunities to share your work.
5. Idaho Science & Engineering Fairs (IDSEF)
Location: Regional fairs across Idaho Northern (NISEF), Western (WISEF), and Eastern (EISEF) regions
Cost/Stipend: Free to participate; travel reimbursement and classroom support grants may be available for students and educators
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not publicly disclosed
Dates: Regional fairs are held February–March (dates vary by region)
Application Deadline: Project materials typically due January 26
Eligibility: Idaho high school students (grades 9–12) with original STEM research projects
If you participate in the Idaho Science & Engineering Fairs (IDSEF), you’ll conduct your own original STEM research over the school year and present it at a regional fair judged by professionals. You’ll develop a project in fields such as biology, engineering, computer science, environmental science, and physics, and create a research poster or display to communicate your methods and findings to judges. Presenting your work helps you build critical thinking, experimental design, data analysis, and communication skills. Top projects from each regional fair can earn an all-expense-paid trip to compete at the Regeneron International Science & Engineering Fair (ISEF), one of the most prestigious pre-college STEM competitions in the world. Along the way, you’ll meet other student researchers, get feedback from judges with expertise in your field, and may qualify for awards or scholarships that recognize outstanding work. You should consider participating in IDSEF if you’re interested in independent research, STEM problem-solving, and presenting scientific work skills that transfer directly to internships and future STEM opportunities.
6. North Idaho STEM Charter Academy
Location: North Idaho STEM Charter Academy, Rathdrum, ID
Cost/Stipend: Free (tuition-free public charter school)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 30 students
Dates: September 2 - June 4
Application Deadline: TBA
Eligibility: Students entering grades 9–12 interested in rigorous STEM coursework
North Idaho STEM Charter Academy is a tuition-free public high school focused on science, technology, engineering, and math education, where students build STEM skills through integrated coursework and project-based learning. Students take classes ranging from biology and forensic science to robotics, 3D design, and applied STEM electives, often culminating in portfolio projects that reflect real problem-solving and technical communication. Through partnerships with dual-credit providers, students can earn college credits in STEM subjects while still in high school, giving them a head start academically. You’ll work closely with mentors and peers on long-term projects, develop critical thinking and engineering skills, and sometimes present outputs to local stakeholders, giving you practical exposure that can strengthen applications to internships or STEM research programs later. For high schoolers in northern Idaho, the academy provides a foundational environment to grow your STEM portfolio and connect with broader Idaho STEM networks.
7. HOIST (Helping Orient Indian Students and Teachers) Program
Location: University of Idaho Moscow Campus & McCall Outdoor Science School (MOSS), ID
Cost/Stipend: Free participation; stipend awarded upon successful completion
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive selection for students from the 11 U of I MOU Tribal Reservations (varies by year)
Dates: July 6 – 18
Application Deadline: Varies each year (check the official HOIST program page)
Eligibility: High school students who have completed at least 9th grade from the 11 Tribal Reservations affiliated with the University of Idaho; graduated seniors planning to attend U of I are also eligible
HOIST is a two-week summer program that blends STEM exploration, academic enrichment, and cultural experiences for Native American high school students. You’ll take engaging courses in math, science, and English while participating in hands-on STEM internships with University of Idaho researchers and local professionals. Field trips, interactive workshops, and guest lectures deepen your understanding of STEM careers and college pathways. The program also incorporates cultural and recreational activities to create a supportive and enriching community experience. By the end, you’ll gain practical skills, a stronger sense of readiness for college, and a stipend for completing the program.
8. INL STEM Future Corps
Location: Idaho National Laboratory, Idaho Falls, ID (work‑based learning across INL facilities)
Cost/Stipend: Paid internship (compensation provided for full participation)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: Mid‑June through early August (six‑week period)
Application Deadline: Varies each year (typically early spring; check INL site for current cycle)
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors enrolled in partner schools; participants meet CTE (Career Technical Education) criteria and have an interest in STEM/trades pathways
At INL STEM Future Corps, you’ll take part in a six‑week paid internship that bridges classroom learning with STEM applications in technical fields. You’ll rotate through hands‑on experiences in machining, welding, computer‑aided drafting, fabrication, and other technical operations, working alongside INL staff and mentors on practical tasks. The program begins with orientation and employability skill development before immersing you in facility‑based projects that align with your interests and educational pathway. Along the way, you’ll complete a culminating project and presentation that highlights your learning and technical growth. By the end, you’ll leave with industry exposure, technical skills, and professional experience that strengthen your academic and career prospects in STEM and related careers.
9. Idaho Science and Aerospace Scholars (ISAS)
Location: University of Idaho and online through Idaho Digital Learning Alliance (course) throughout Idaho
Cost/Stipend: Free for Idaho students (may earn optional college credit for a fee)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive; offered to a limited number of students
Dates: TBA
Application Deadline: October 26 (tentative)
Eligibility: Idaho high school juniors with an interest in STEM and space sciences
Idaho Science and Aerospace Scholars (ISAS) lets you experience NASA-developed STEM learning through an interactive online space exploration course. Based on how you perform in the online coursework and projects, you may earn an invitation to the residential summer academy, where you’ll work with STEM mentors and peers on a simulated human mission to Mars and other hands-on aerospace challenges. The program also offers opportunities to earn high school and optional college credits while collaborating on real-world problem-solving tasks and exploring aerospace career pathways. The summer academy experiences include teamwork, engineering activities, and exposure to Idaho State University STEM resources. Through ISAS, you’ll gain deeper STEM knowledge, build technical and teamwork skills, and connect with like-minded students ahead of college and career decisions.
10. Idaho National Laboratory (INL) STEM Scholars
Location: Idaho Falls, ID (University Place and INL-hosted sites)
Cost/Stipend: Free participation (materials provided)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Varies by session; open summer STEM camp format with sessions by grade level
Dates: Summer sessions in June & July (multiple week-long camps by age/grade)
Application Deadline: Registration opens in early April (lottery/registration period; varies each year)
Eligibility: Idaho students entering grades 9–12
At INL STEM Scholars, you’ll join a free week-long STEM summer camp series that blends practical learning with an exploration of science and engineering topics. The camps use a place-based approach where you’ll work on age-appropriate scientific questions, participate in field work, collect and analyze data, and tackle project-based challenges alongside peers and facilitators. High school sessions may include coding, engineering concepts, environmental investigations, and exposure to STEM careers through partnerships with INL experts and local organizations. The program often includes field trips, interactive activities, and opportunities to present what you’ve learned. Whether you’re interested in technology, physics, or problem-solving, STEM Scholars helps deepen your curiosity and skills in STEM areas while connecting you with resources and mentors in the Idaho STEM community.
11. NASA GeneLab for High Schools (GL4HS) — Virtual STEM Internship
Location: Online/remote (via NASA Ames Research Center)
Cost/Stipend: Free (unpaid educational internship)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive selection (varies by year)
Dates: Summer session (typically June – August)
Application Deadline: Varies annually (check NASA STEM Gateway for updates)
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors
In the NASA GeneLab for High Schools (GL4HS) virtual internship, you’ll work with NASA scientists on research in space life sciences and bioinformatics, focusing on analyzing complex biological data such as genetic codes. As an online intern, you’ll participate in a structured, 12-week summer training experience that blends self-paced learning with mentor-guided projects, all supported through the NASA STEM Engagement platform. You’ll gain hands-on exposure to computational biology tools and workflows used by NASA researchers, develop skills in data analysis, and learn about how life sciences intersect with space exploration missions. This remote STEM opportunity helps you build both scientific and analytical experience while contributing to real research questions in collaboration with professionals at NASA.
12. EnergyMag Virtual Internship
Location: Fully online/remote (EnergyMag)
Cost/Stipend: Free (unpaid)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Rolling/varies by session
Dates: Flexible; multiple sessions available throughout the year (2–8 weeks half-time or 1–9 months quarter-time)
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions (no fixed deadline)
Eligibility: High school sophomores, juniors, and seniors (GPA ~3.25+ recommended)
At the EnergyMag Virtual Internship, you’ll work remotely on research and analysis projects in renewable energy and energy storage technologies. Over the course of your internship, you’ll investigate topics such as lithium-ion and sodium-ion batteries, grid-scale storage systems, and emerging clean-energy solutions while conducting meaningful research under the mentorship of industry experts. You’ll analyze scientific literature, interview professionals, compile and interpret data, and produce a final report that demonstrates your findings and communication skills. This internship helps you deepen your understanding of clean-energy science and sustainability while building research, writing, and critical-thinking experience, all completed from your home computer.
13. STEM·E Youth Career Development Virtual Internships
Location: Fully online/remote (virtual positions you can do from anywhere)
Cost/Stipend: Free (unpaid; volunteer internship)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Varies by opportunity and season
Dates: Year-round (applications open throughout the year)
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions (apply anytime)
Eligibility: High school students (middle school students also eligible for some roles)
In the STEM·E Youth Career Development Program, you’ll engage in virtual internships and volunteer roles that you can complete from home. Online opportunities include roles such as blog writer, magazine editor, social media marketer, STEM ambassador, graphic designer, and virtual tutor, letting you gain real experience in communication, outreach, and technical content creation. You’ll work with mentors and a national nonprofit focused on building STEM pathways for students while developing professional skills such as research, teamwork, and digital communication. As this is an online, flexible internship setup, you can tailor your involvement to your interests and schedule, whether you’re writing articles about STEM topics, designing educational materials, or leading virtual initiatives that support other students in science and engineering.
14. University of Idaho Extension 4-H STEM Programs
Location: Statewide across
Cost/Stipend: Low cost or free participation through 4-H membership (fees vary by county)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Open participation; program offerings depend on county 4-H clubs and project availability
Dates: Year-round STEM activities with camps, workshops, competitions, and club sessions (dates vary by event)
Application Deadline: Varies by local 4-H office and specific event or project; check county extension calendar
Eligibility: Idaho youth and high school students (typically ages 8–18) enrolled in 4-H and interested in STEM topics
The University of Idaho Extension 4-H STEM programs give you learning opportunities in science, technology, engineering, and math through a statewide network of clubs, workshops, and activities designed for youth of all experience levels. The programs include mobile makerspace labs, robotics challenges, and coding and electronics projects that bring real-world STEM concepts such as water quality, animal health, and drones into interactive learning. As a 4-H participant, you’ll work with mentors and peers in your community to build technical skills, problem-solving ability, and leadership while exploring how STEM topics connect to career paths and everyday life. As activities vary by region and project, you can find short-term events, ongoing clubs, and competitive opportunities throughout the year, giving you flexibility to participate alongside school and other commitments.