15 Summer Internships for High School Graduates
If you are a high school graduate, summer internships can be a worthwhile way to explore a specific field in great detail. Summer internships offer high school graduates a valuable interface between classroom learning and professional experience. Summer internships for high school graduates allow you to explore professional environments, build transferable skills, and gain clarity about potential career paths before starting college or full-time work.
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 do a summer internship in high school?
Internships also provide opportunities to collaborate with mentors, network with professionals, and contribute to meaningful projects. Such experiences can be especially valuable for recent graduates looking to stand out in a competitive college admissions and job market. Whether you’re interested in science, business, healthcare, or technology, a summer internship can strengthen your resume, enhance your college applications, and boost your confidence in professional settings.
To help you get started, we’ve compiled a list of the 15 summer internships for high school graduates — each offering mentorship, real-world exposure, and, most importantly, paid opportunities.
Quick Look
15 summer internships total spanning entrepreneurship, media, city government, corporate business, museum science, healthcare administration, and physics research, hosted by organizations including SC Johnson, Stanford Health Care, SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory, and the Field Museum
The strongest disclosed hourly rates are SF YouthWorks ($19.18–$19.93/hour) and the Chicago Transit Authority ($16.20/hour plus free transit), while several corporate programs like SC Johnson and OneAmerica Financial are paid but don't disclose a specific figure
Chicago appears three times through distinct programs: the Green Ambassadors Program focuses on environmental stewardship, the Field Museum's High School Science program centers on research and digital media, and the CTA internship offers exposure to public transit operations
Several programs are restricted to specific regions or residents, including SF YouthWorks (San Francisco), Charleston County SYIP (Charleston County residents), and OneSpartanburg (South Carolina partner schools)
The earliest deadline is Bank of America's Student Leaders Program (January 15), with most other deadlines falling between February and May, so students interested in the most selective programs should start preparing materials early
1. GEB Silicon Valley Exchange Program
Location: Silicon Valley, California
Cost/Stipend: $2,000 registration fee (partial scholarships available)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; limited seats available
Dates: May 11 – 14
Application Deadline: Rolling until spots are filled
Eligibility: Open to high school and university students, gap-year students, and early-stage entrepreneurs with strong proficiency in English
The GEB Silicon Valley Exchange Program is a 4-day immersive experience designed to introduce students to entrepreneurship, leadership, and innovation in the world’s leading tech hub. You’ll participate in hands-on workshops on design thinking, ideation, and business modeling, guided by mentors from top universities such as Stanford, Harvard, and MIT. The program also includes exclusive visits to major tech companies like Google, Apple, and Netflix, providing insight into how major tech organizations drive creativity and innovation. You’ll collaborate with peers from around the world, develop a startup idea, and pitch it to investors and entrepreneurs. Upon completion, you’ll receive a Diploma Certificate in Entrepreneurship Education, recognizing your participation in this globally acclaimed innovation program.
2. Ladder Internship Program
Location: Remote
Cost/Stipend: Varies depending on the program; stipend depends on the host company
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; small cohorts accepted year-round
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year (8–12 weeks)
Application Deadline: Rolling; varies depending on the cohort
Eligibility: Open to high school students, undergraduates, and gap-year students able to commit 10–20 hours per week
Ladder Internships offers highly selective, paid, project-based placements for students seeking experience in fields such as finance, consulting, technology, and marketing. You’ll work directly with startup founders and company managers on real business challenges—like conducting market research, creating financial models, or designing new products. Each intern is guided by two mentors: a company mentor who oversees project execution and a Ladder coach, an experienced professional from organizations like Google, Microsoft, or Y Combinator-backed startups, who supports your growth and learning by providing personalized guidance. The program also features group workshops and career development sessions, designed to strengthen leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills. With its fully remote format, Ladder Internships offers a flexible and impactful way for high school graduates to explore professional fields while building a strong, experience-based portfolio.
3. Emma Bowen Foundation Summer Internship Program
Location: Various partner sites across the U.S., including Silicon Valley
Cost/Stipend: Paid internship
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; national cohort across 50+ partner companies
Dates: May – August
Application Deadline: Rolling; applications reviewed from September – April
Eligibility: High school graduates and undergraduate students with a minimum GPA of 3.0 and authorized to work in the U.S.
The Emma Bowen Foundation (EBF) Summer Internship Program offers paid placements for students interested in media, technology, and business innovation. You’ll be matched with EBF partner companies to work on meaningful projects in areas such as journalism, data analytics, marketing, engineering, or public relations. You will work full-time, gaining hands-on experience while contributing directly to real organizational initiatives. The program also includes structured mentorship, professional development sessions, and networking opportunities through EBF’s nationwide alumni network. With a strong focus on diversity, leadership, and entrepreneurial growth, this internship prepares students with the skills and experience for success in the fast-evolving media and technology industries.
4. SF YouthWorks Internship Program
Location: San Francisco, California
Cost/Stipend: Paid ($19.18–$19.93 per hour)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; several hundred interns are placed annually across city departments
Dates: Summer and School Year Sessions
Application Deadline: Spring
Eligibility: Rising juniors, seniors, and graduating seniors who reside or attend school in San Francisco
The SF YouthWorks Internship Program offers paid internships for high school students to gain real-world experience in San Francisco’s city government. You’ll work in departments such as the Public Utilities Commission, SF International Airport, or the Department of Technology, contributing to projects in administration, operations, and community engagement. Each intern is paired with a city employee mentor and participates in professional development workshops focused on leadership, communication, and financial literacy. Field trips and site visits offer additional insight into public service and civic innovation. Returning participants may join the Youth Leadership Team, where they mentor new interns and help organize future workshops.
5. SC Johnson Summer Internship Program
Location: U.S. business hubs; remote access available for some roles
Cost/Stipend: Paid; benefits may include subsidized housing and flexible scheduling
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive; placements available across multiple U.S. offices
Dates: Summer (10–12 weeks)
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Selected opportunities open for high school seniors entering college
The SC Johnson Summer Internship Program offers paid, project-based experience across key business areas such as marketing, finance, supply chain, sales, and human resources. You’ll work on assignments that reflect the responsibilities of full-time employees — analyzing data, conducting market research, and improving business operations. You will receive guidance from experienced mentors, attend professional development sessions, and gain valuable insight into how a global company operates. The program emphasizes collaboration, leadership, and business innovation, making it ideal for students who want to explore corporate careers and enhance their professional skills.
6. Bank of America Student Leaders Program
Location: Local nonprofit organizations across participating U.S. communities
Cost/Stipend: Paid; compensation details provided upon acceptance
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; approximately 300 students selected nationwide each year
Dates: June – August (8 weeks)
Application Deadline: January 15
Eligibility: Open to high school juniors, seniors, and recent graduates from participating communities with an interest in leadership and community service
The Bank of America Student Leaders Program offers paid internships focused on community leadership and civic engagement. You’ll spend 8 weeks working full-time at a local nonprofit organization, supporting projects that address key social and economic issues in your community. In addition to your placement, you’ll participate in the Student Leaders Summit in Washington, D.C., where you’ll meet peers and explore how business and government can work together to drive meaningful change. You will build valuable skills in teamwork, communication, and project management while making a tangible impact in your communities. This program is an excellent choice for students interested in making careers in public service, nonprofit management, or business leadership.
7. Charleston County Summer Youth Internship Program (SYIP)
Location: Charleston County, South Carolina
Cost/Stipend: Paid; $15 per hour
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; limited placements across county departments
Dates: June 16 – July 24
Application Deadline: May 2
Eligibility: High school or college students ages 16–21 years; must be residents of Charleston County
The Charleston County Summer Youth Internship Program (SYIP) offers paid summer placements that introduce students to public service, government operations, and community development. During the program, you will work around 120 hours in assigned departments such as public works, human resources, or the library system, gaining hands-on work experience while earning hourly pay. You will participate in workshops on professional communication, workplace readiness, and career planning. The program concludes with a recognition ceremony highlighting your contributions. SYIP helps students build skills in teamwork, leadership, and civic engagement, preparing you for success in college and future careers.
8. OneSpartanburg, Inc. – Work-Based Learning & Internship Program
Location: Spartanburg, South Carolina; partnerships across College Town schools (Converse, USC Upstate, Wofford, Spartanburg Community College, and Spartanburg Methodist College)
Cost/Stipend: Varies; many internships are paid, though credit-bearing and project-based options are available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Varies depending on the employer and semester placement
Dates: Fall, Spring, and Summer sessions (year-round opportunities)
Application Deadline: Varies depending on the employer; students are encouraged to apply at least one semester in advance
Eligibility: Open to high school, trade school, and college students; applications are accepted through Handshake or OneSpartanburg partners
The OneSpartanburg, Inc. Work-Based Learning & Internship Program connects students with local employers for internships that help to develop real-world business and professional skills. Opportunities are available in areas such as marketing, finance, human resources, event planning, and project management, and are tailored to your academic goals and career interests. Internships can range from short-term micro-internships to semester-long or summer roles, with some offering academic credit. You’ll also attend networking events and professional workshops hosted by Spartanburg business leaders. The program bridges the gap between school and the workplace, helping students build professional confidence and expand their networks in South Carolina’s growing economy.
9. Chicago Green Ambassadors Program – Roots & Routes Initiative & Youth Conservation Action
Location: Burnham Wildlife Corridor and surrounding neighborhoods, Chicago, Illinois
Cost/Stipend: Paid internship
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; small summer cohort each year
Dates: Summer
Application Deadline: Rolling; announced each spring
Eligibility: High school and college students ages 15–22 years from communities including Chinatown, Bronzeville, Little Village, Pilsen, and nearby areas
The Chicago Green Ambassadors Program offers paid summer internships that combine environmental stewardship with community engagement. You’ll participate in conservation and restoration projects that strengthen connections between neighborhoods and the Burnham Wildlife Corridor, promoting sustainability and local collaboration. You will take part in hands-on fieldwork, public outreach, and ecological monitoring under the guidance of professionals from the Field Museum’s Keller Science Action Center. The program emphasizes ecology, civic leadership, and social impact, helping students develop practical environmental skills, teamwork, and community engagement while contributing to neighbourhood revitalization efforts.
10. High School Science and Digital Learning Program – The Field Museum
Location: Chicago, Illinois
Cost/Stipend: Paid; $16.50 per hour
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; small summer cohort each year
Dates: Late June – early August
Application Deadline: March 10
Eligibility: High school students in the Chicagoland area graduating within the next three years; students from underrepresented and marginalized communities are strongly encouraged to apply
The Field Museum’s High School Science and Digital Learning Program is a 5-week paid internship that introduces students to research, communication, and museum-based science. You’ll collaborate with scientists and educators on active research projects while learning to use digital media and technology tools to share scientific ideas with the public. You will also attend professional development workshops on leadership and career readiness, and work on-site 4 days a week to fully engage with the museum’s research and collections. The program blends STEM learning with creativity, offering a unique opportunity to explore how science and storytelling intersect in a professional setting.
11. Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) One Summer Chicago High School Internship
Location: Chicago, Illinois (hybrid: CTA offices and remote sessions)
Cost/Stipend: Paid; $16.20 per hour with free CTA, Pace, and Metra transportation
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; approximately 250 students accepted annually
Dates: June 23 – August 8
Application Deadline: April 18
Eligibility: High school students ages 16–18 years (rising sophomores through graduated seniors) with a minimum GPA of 2.5; must be eligible to work in the U.S. and submit one letter of recommendation
The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) One Summer Chicago Internship offers paid, hands-on experience for students interested in careers in public service, business operations, or transportation management. You’ll work across different CTA departments and attend hybrid workshops covering financial literacy, career readiness, and professional development. Each intern is paired with a CTA mentor for personalized guidance and provided with the necessary technology for remote learning components. Participants can also earn college credit through Olive-Harvey College, combining academic progress with practical professional experience. With free public transit access and structured mentorship, this internship helps students build leadership and workplace skills in a real-world professional setting.
12. Student Research Internship Program – Scripps Research Translational Institute
Location: La Jolla, California
Cost/Stipend: Varies depending on the program type; funding and academic credit options available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Approximately 40 students are selected annually
Dates: June 2 – August 8 or June 16 – August 22
Application Deadline: March 31
Eligibility: Open to high school, undergraduate, graduate, and professional students; must be at least 16 years old by the start of the program
The Student Research Internship Program at the Scripps Research Translational Institute (SRTI) provides an intensive 10-week experience in genomics, data science, and personalized medicine. You’ll work with a primary mentor on projects in computational biology, precision health, or mobile health technologies. While most positions are in computational or “dry lab” research, limited wet lab placements are available for those interested in bench science. Interns also attend seminars and training sessions on research design, data analysis, and science communication. The program concludes with a presentation of your findings, providing hands-on experience in translational medical research and innovation.
13. Summer Administrative Internship Program – Stanford Health Care
Location: Palo Alto, California
Cost/Stipend: Paid internship
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; limited placements across hospital departments
Dates: 8–12 weeks (typically June – August)
Application Deadline: February
Eligibility: Open to high school, undergraduate, and graduate students; high school applicants must be at least 16 years old or eligible for a work permit
The Summer Administrative Internship Program at Stanford Health Care offers paid placements for students interested in healthcare administration and leadership. Over the course of 8–12 weeks, you’ll work under a preceptor or mentor in departments such as finance, nursing administration, emergency operations, or supply chain management. High school students assist clinical and service teams, while older interns take on more specialized analytical or management projects. The program features seminars with Stanford Health Care executives, professional workshops, and networking sessions that provide insight into the operations of a major medical institution. This internship offers a valuable introduction to the organizational and strategic aspects of healthcare.
14. Summer Internship Program – SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory
Location: Menlo Park, California
Cost/Stipend: Paid internship
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive; varies depending on the department and role
Dates: May – September (up to 12 weeks, depending on the department schedule)
Application Deadline: Typically opens in winter; deadlines vary depending on the position
Eligibility: Open to high school students aged 18 and older, undergraduates, and graduate students; must be authorized to work in the U.S. and pass a background check
The SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory Summer Internship Program offers paid opportunities to work at a world-renowned research facility operated by Stanford University and the U.S. Department of Energy. Depending on your background and interests, you may contribute to departments in physics, engineering, computing, or operations. Interns work full-time alongside scientists and engineers, supporting research in particle physics, materials science, and clean energy. The program also provides mentorship and professional development sessions, giving students insight into how large-scale scientific collaborations turn discoveries from concept to experiment.
15. Pathways: Junior Fellows Program – OneAmerica Financial®
Location: OneAmerica Financial offices (varies by department)
Cost/Stipend: Fully paid
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; limited summer placements
Dates: Summer
Application Deadline: January
Eligibility: High school students and recent graduates interested in making careers in financial services
The Pathways: Junior Fellows Program at OneAmerica Financial® is a full-time, paid summer internship introducing students to the finance and insurance industries. As a Junior Fellow, you’ll rotate through departments such as investment management, client relations, and business operations, gaining a strong understanding of how a financial institution operates. Interns work on real projects that strengthen analytical and communication skills while participating in leadership and professional development workshops. You’ll also have the opportunity to network with experienced professionals and mentors who provide guidance on career growth. This program offers a structured pathway into corporate finance and business leadership.
Questions Students Often Ask About Environmental Internships
1. Chicago shows up three times on this list. How do these three programs differ, and can I apply to more than one?
Each Chicago program has a distinct focus. The Green Ambassadors Program centers on environmental stewardship and community engagement around the Burnham Wildlife Corridor. The Field Museum's High School Science and Digital Learning Program is research and media-focused, pairing you with scientists while teaching you digital storytelling. The CTA internship is centered on public transit operations and business functions. Since they're run by different organizations with different eligibility windows, applying to more than one is possible, though you'll want to check each program's specific schedule to avoid conflicts.
2. I'm not interested in a corporate internship like SC Johnson or OneAmerica. Are there public service or nonprofit options here?
Yes, several programs are centered on public service and community impact rather than corporate business functions. SF YouthWorks and the Chicago Transit Authority both place you within city government and public agencies. Bank of America's Student Leaders Program places you directly with a local nonprofit for the summer. Charleston County's SYIP and OneSpartanburg similarly connect you with public sector and community-based placements rather than private companies.
3. A few of these programs, like SLAC and Scripps, are research-focused rather than business-focused. Are they open to students without a strong science background?
SLAC and Scripps are both genuinely research-intensive and tend to favor students with some prior coursework in physics, biology, or computational fields, since the work involves contributing to active scientific projects. If you don't have that background yet, the Field Museum's High School Science and Digital Learning Program is a more accessible entry point, since it combines research exposure with science communication and doesn't require the same technical foundation. Stanford Health Care's Administrative Internship is another option if you're interested in healthcare but prefer an operations and business angle over lab work.