15 Summer Employment Opportunities for High School Students
Summer employment opportunities can help you build professional skills, strengthen your college applications, and explore potential career paths while still in high school. Whether you’re interested in STEM, business, healthcare, education, or customer-facing roles, working during the summer gives you hands-on experience that classrooms often cannot provide. These opportunities can also improve your communication, teamwork, leadership, and time-management skills, all of which are valuable for both college and future careers.
If you want to check out other summer programs, here’s a list of free leadership programs & here’s a list of some STEM-specific internships!
Why should I look at summer employment opportunities as a high school student?
Many summer programs and internships are offered by established organizations, universities, nonprofits, and companies, making them accessible ways to gain meaningful exposure without committing to long-term employment. In addition to earning money or receiving stipends, you can also expand your professional network and develop stronger confidence in workplace settings. Since there are hundreds of programs available, finding high-quality opportunities can be overwhelming. To make your search easier, we narrowed this list down based on factors like selectivity, career exposure, mentorship opportunities, flexibility, and overall value for high school students.
Below are 15 summer employment opportunities for high school students.
Key takeaways
This list gathers 15 summer employment opportunities for high school students spanning major tech companies, museums, national laboratories, and city government programs, with standout hosts including Microsoft, Fidelity, Johns Hopkins, and Fred Hutch Cancer Center.
Nearly all of these are paid, with hourly rates commonly ranging from $13 to $15 and several offering flat stipends of $1,100 to $2,000, making this one of the more accessible categories for students prioritizing paid work experience.
A few of these come with additional eligibility layers, like requiring prior participation in a partner organization or attending a specific public school system, so it's worth reading the fine print closely before assuming a listing is open to any local student.
Nearly every program here requires being local to a specific city, including Austin, Boston, Baltimore, Milwaukee, and Seattle, while Ladder remains the only fully virtual, location-independent option on the list.
The earliest deadline falls in early February for a couple of the most established city-run programs, so it's worth starting applications well before spring.
1. Microsoft High School Discovery Program
Location: Atlanta, GA (Microsoft office)
Stipend: Paid, amount not specified
Dates: Atlanta: July 6–31; Redmond: July 13 – August 7
Application Deadline: Rolling (applications open early February; interviews begin March)
Eligibility: Graduating high school seniors who live within 50 miles and participate in a Microsoft-sponsored organization; Atlanta applicants must attend specific local public school districts; must have completed pre-calculus
The Microsoft High School Discovery Program gives you early exposure to the fast-paced world of software development and technology careers. During the program, you will work in a structured, project-based environment where you’ll complete hands-on technical assignments connected to real software engineering workflows. You may participate in coding exercises, debugging activities, and introductory system design projects while collaborating closely with peers and Microsoft mentors. The program also introduces you to core engineering concepts such as version control, collaborative development cycles, and problem-solving strategies commonly used in the tech industry. In addition to technical training, you’ll attend professional development sessions focused on communication, teamwork, and career readiness.
2. Ladder Internship Program
Location: Remote
Cost: Varies depending on the program type; full financial aid available / No stipend
Dates: Multiple cohorts offered throughout the year, including spring, summer, fall, and winter
Application Deadline: Deadlines vary by cohort — Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), and Winter (November)
Eligibility: High school students, undergraduates, and gap year students who can commit 10–20 hours per week for 8–12 weeks
The Ladder Internship Program connects you with high-growth startups across industries such as artificial intelligence, health tech, consulting, journalism, marketing, and software development. During the internship, you will work directly with startup managers on real-world projects that contribute to active business goals, giving you practical experience that extends beyond traditional classroom learning. Because the program is highly selective, participating can also strengthen your resume and demonstrate initiative on college applications. Ladder’s partner startups are often rapidly growing companies with strong funding histories, giving you exposure to entrepreneurial environments and emerging industries. Throughout the internship, you will collaborate remotely with professionals, develop technical and communication skills, and present your final work to company leadership. The flexible remote format also makes the program accessible regardless of your location. Apply now!
3. Austin Independent School District – Summer Internship Program
Location: Austin, Texas
Stipend: $2,000
Dates: June 8 – July 24
Application Deadline: February 6
Eligibility: Enrolled Austin ISD students entering grades 10–12
In this paid summer employment opportunity, you work about 20 hours per week for six weeks at a business or community partner matched to your interests. You gain real workplace experience alongside Austin-area professionals in high-demand industries while completing genuine job responsibilities at your host site. You also earn high school course credit and receive ongoing professional career training and coaching from certified teachers, plus two days of workplace-readiness training and a capstone project. Flexible scheduling and a $2,000 living-expense stipend make participation practical for working students. Past hosts have included firms such as JE Dunn, O'Connell Robertson, and iCode Austin, spanning fields from construction and architecture to technology.
4. The Met High School Internship Program
Location: New York City, NY
Stipend: $1,100
Dates: July 7 – August 7
Application Deadline: March 13
Eligibility: High school students in grades 10–11 who live in and attend school in New York, New Jersey, or Connecticut; applicants must not have previously completed a Met internship
The Met High School Internship Program allows you to explore careers in museums, arts administration, media, and cultural institutions while working at one of the world’s most well-known art museums. During the internship, you will collaborate with museum professionals and gain exposure to departments such as curatorial studies, education, social media, imaging, and design. Depending on your placement, you may help support exhibition development, learn how artwork is documented and preserved, or contribute to public engagement and digital storytelling initiatives. The program combines hands-on departmental experience with structured cohort activities, giving you the chance to learn alongside other high school interns with similar interests. You will also participate in mentorship opportunities, professional development workshops, and career-readiness sessions.
5. Fidelity Investments – Asset Management High School Summer Internship
Location: Boston, MA
Stipend: Paid, amount not specified
Dates: Approximately 5 weeks (July–August)
Application Deadline: Early March
Eligibility: High school students aged 16–18 who have completed their sophomore year in a Boston Public School; U.S. citizens or permanent residents
The Asset Management High School Summer Internship at Fidelity Investments introduces you to the fundamentals of investing, portfolio management, and financial analysis through hands-on learning experiences. During the program, you will work with real financial data to understand how investment portfolios are constructed, how analysts evaluate company performance, and how professionals balance risk and return in changing market conditions. You will also build foundational quantitative and analytical skills using tools such as Excel and industry-standard financial research platforms. With guidance from Fidelity mentors, you’ll gain insight into how investment decisions are made and how economic trends, regulations, and market structures influence portfolio strategy. In addition to project-based work, the internship includes various workshops.
6. Emma Bowen Foundation (EBF) Summer Internship
Location: Various locations across the United States
Stipend: Paid, amount not specified
Dates: 8 weeks during the summer (typically May–June)
Application Deadline: Rolling basis until April
Eligibility: High school seniors planning to attend a 4-year accredited U.S. college or university with a minimum GPA of 3.0; authorized to work in the U.S.
The Emma Bowen Foundation Summer Internship allows you to gain professional experience in the media, entertainment, and technology industries while working with major national companies. During the internship, you will be placed into one of three tracks, Business, Content, or Innovation, based on your interests and career goals. Depending on your placement, you may assist with marketing campaigns, communications projects, content production, research assignments, or project coordination tasks that support ongoing company operations. The program allows you to work alongside professionals at prominent organizations such as Paramount, NBCUniversal, and other leading media companies, helping you understand how large corporate teams collaborate and manage fast-paced projects.
7. TAG-Ed High School Summer Internship Program
Location: Georgia (host companies across Metro Atlanta and surrounding areas)
Stipend: Paid and unpaid opportunities available
Dates: June 1 – Late July (8 weeks)
Application Deadline: March
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors who are at least 17 years old by June 1 and eligible to work in the U.S.
The TAG-Ed High School Summer Internship Program allows you to apply STEM concepts in professional workplace settings through project-based internships with industry host companies. During the program, you will work on defined technical projects with measurable deliverables while collaborating in small teams under professional supervision. Depending on your placement, your work may involve coding, engineering design, technical research, data analysis, or other problem-solving activities tied to the company’s focus area. The internship structure emphasizes real-world workflows, including setting project goals, managing tasks, testing solutions, and presenting outcomes at the end of the program. Through this process, you will gain exposure to industry-standard tools, collaborative environments, and professional communication practices commonly used in STEM careers.
8. Austin Economic Development – Emerging Leaders Summer Internship Program
Location: Austin, Texas (placements at City of Austin departments and local partner organizations)
Stipend: $13/hour
Dates: June 1 – July 10
Application Deadline: February 28
Eligibility: Residents of Austin, Texas attending an Austin-area high school; rising sophomore, junior, senior, or current senior; between 15 and 18 years old at the time of application
As an Emerging Leaders intern, you spend six paid weeks working inside a City of Austin department or a local partner organization matched to your career interests. The program is built around developing leadership skills alongside real workplace experience. You work 20 hours per week in a professional environment, handling day-to-day responsibilities within your placement site while practicing workplace communication, accountability, and professional conduct. You also participate in two educational field trips that extend your exposure beyond your assigned site. Because placements span a variety of career fields and depend on your stated interests and availability, your summer is shaped around the professional path you want to explore.
9. CLA High School Internship Program
Location: Select CLA office locations across the United States
Stipend: Paid, amount not disclosed
Dates: 4–5 weeks from mid-June to mid-July
Application Deadline: Typically, early spring
Eligibility: Current high school juniors or seniors; aged 16–18 years old; authorized to work in the U.S.; able to commute to the local office
The CLA High School Internship Program gives you early exposure to the professional services industry through hands-on experience at a national accounting and consulting firm. During the internship, you will work alongside CLA professionals while contributing to real projects and learning how client-focused business environments operate. The program is designed for students interested in accounting, finance, business operations, and professional services, helping you better understand potential career pathways before college. Through day-to-day responsibilities, you may assist with administrative tasks, project coordination, client-related work, and other operational activities that introduce you to workplace expectations and professional communication.
10. Milwaukee Art Museum – ArtXpress Internship Program
Location: Milwaukee, WI (Milwaukee Art Museum and nearby studio locations)
Stipend: Paid, amount not disclosed
Dates: July 7–31
Application Deadline: May 22
Eligibility: Students ages 16–18 in grades 11–12 or recent graduates attending a Milwaukee-area high school; authorized to work in the U.S.
The ArtXpress Internship Program at the Milwaukee Art Museum allows you to explore public art, community engagement, and collaborative design while working with professional artists. During the program, you will study works from the museum’s exhibitions and permanent collection to develop creative concepts connected to social or community issues relevant to Milwaukee. Working alongside local artists and fellow interns, you will participate in brainstorming sessions, design development, and the hands-on creation of a large-scale public mural. One of the most distinctive aspects of the program is that the final mural is displayed on a Milwaukee County bus, allowing your work to become part of a city-wide public art initiative.
11. Johns Hopkins University and Health System – Johns Hopkins Summer Jobs Program
Location: Baltimore, Maryland, with additional sites in the Washington, D.C. region and St. Petersburg, Florida
Stipend: $15 per hour
Dates: June 22 – August 7 for Maryland and D.C. sites; June 8 – July 24 for Johns Hopkins All Children's Hospital in Florida
Application Deadline: February 15
Eligibility: High school students and young adults ages 16 or older by the program start date; residency in the geographic area around the hosting Johns Hopkins entity, such as Baltimore City or Baltimore County for Baltimore-area placements
In this program, you spend seven weeks as a paid intern at Johns Hopkins, placed within one of many health care, research, academic, or administrative departments across the university and health system. You are matched with a supervisor and take on real workplace responsibilities, which in past cohorts have included lab support, patient transport assistance, and clerical or communications work. You attend professional development sessions covering essential career skills such as resume writing, interviewing, and networking. You build lasting professional network connections and learn Johns Hopkins culture and values. Many past participants have continued their education and later returned to Hopkins as employees.
12. Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) High School Internship Program
Location: Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (various departments and laboratory spaces)
Stipend: Paid, amount not disclosed
Dates: Academic year internships run from August–May; summer internships run 10 weeks from June to August
Application Deadline: Academic year: typically in June; summer: typically in March
Eligibility: Must be at least 16 years old by the start date (18 for certain lab/field settings) and a sophomore, junior, or senior at the time of application; cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher; be enrolled in a public or private high school; able to commute to the laboratory regularly
The Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) High School Internship Program allows you to gain hands-on experience in STEM research, engineering, and business operations within a national laboratory environment. Depending on your interests and placement, you may work alongside scientists, engineers, or business professionals on projects connected to real-world research and organizational initiatives. Academic year interns typically work part-time during the school year, while summer interns may work up to full-time hours, allowing for more immersive project involvement. Throughout the internship, you will receive mentorship from experienced professionals while developing technical, analytical, and workplace communication skills. The program also includes leadership development activities, laboratory tours, and career awareness workshops.
13. NYC Ladders for Leaders
Location: New York City, NY
Stipend: New York State minimum wage or higher, depending on the employer
Dates: Summer internships following pre-employment training
Application Deadline: January 16 (extended deadline)
Eligibility: Students ages 16–24 enrolled in high school or college, residents of one of New York City’s five boroughs, with prior paid or volunteer work experience; authorization to work in the U.S.
Ladders for Leaders is a nationally recognized internship program that connects high school and college students with paid summer positions at corporations, nonprofits, and government agencies across New York City. Before beginning their internships, participants complete 30 hours of pre-employment training focused on resume development, interviewing, workplace communication, and professional etiquette. Once placed, you will gain hands-on experience in professional environments while exploring industries aligned with your academic and career interests. Internship opportunities span a wide range of sectors, allowing you to develop transferable skills and better understand workplace expectations in corporate, nonprofit, and public service settings.
14. Fred Hutch Cancer Center – High School Internship Program
Location: Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA
Stipend: Paid, amount not disclosed
Dates: June 22 – August 14
Application Deadline: March 13
Eligibility: Students entering their senior year; 16 + by the start; live in the greater Seattle area
In this program, you will immerse yourself in biomedical science and cancer research during a full-time, eight-week paid experience. You will explore topics including laboratory safety protocols, fundamental biological techniques, and advanced biomedical concepts. During the summer, you will undergo hands-on instruction in training labs, conduct mentored research within an active scientific group, participate in career workshops, and present your findings to the research community. A unique feature of this internship is its specific design for students without prior laboratory exposure, providing comprehensive mentorship and free local transit. Ultimately, you will develop practical laboratory techniques, scientific communication abilities, and essential professional career skills.
15. Bloomberg Arts Internship (BAI)
Location: Baltimore, Boston, Detroit, New Orleans, New York, Philadelphia, Washington, D.C., and Los Angeles
Stipend: Paid hourly, rate not disclosed
Dates: Summer: 6–8 weeks from mid-June to August; School Year: Either February to June or September to May
Application Deadline: Varies by city and partner program
Eligibility: Rising public high school seniors in participating cities; at least 16 years old
The Bloomberg Arts Internship (BAI) program allows you to gain paid professional experience within museums, galleries, performing arts organizations, and other cultural institutions. Through the program, you are placed at a partner organization where you may contribute to projects involving education programming, exhibitions, communications, community outreach, or digital media initiatives. The internship is designed to help you explore careers in the arts and cultural sector while building transferable workplace skills in professional settings. In addition to your placement, you will participate in structured professional development activities focused on career exploration, college readiness, and workplace communication.
Questions students often ask about these opportunities
1. Do I need prior work experience to apply to these summer employment opportunities?
No, most of these are designed as entry points and don't expect prior work history. A strong application and genuine interest in the field matter more than a resume packed with prior roles.
2. A few of these programs have extra eligibility requirements beyond just living in the city. How do I know if I actually qualify?
Read the eligibility section closely for each listing, since a few require attending a specific school system or having prior involvement with a partner organization. Reach out directly to the program if anything is unclear before applying.
3. Are any of these summer jobs open to students outside a specific city or region?
Ladder is the one fully remote option that doesn't require being in a specific city. Most others on this list are tied to local government, museum, or company partnerships in one particular metro area.