15 Summer Internships for High School Students in Arizona
If you're a high school student in Arizona, a summer internship can be a practical way to explore your interests and gain early experience in a professional setting. These programs help you move beyond classroom learning by introducing real projects, guided mentorship, and exposure to a range of career paths.
Arizona is an especially good place to explore internships due to its strong network of research universities, hospital systems, public agencies, and cultural organizations. Institutions such as Arizona State University, the University of Arizona, Banner Health, and the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality regularly host programs designed specifically for high school students. Because many of these opportunities are local, you can gain professional experience without needing to travel or pay for summer housing.
To help you get started, we’ve compiled 15 summer internships for high school students in Arizona — including opportunities at universities, hospitals, state agencies, and museums, as well as a few virtual programs open to Arizona students.
1. KEYS Research Internship at the University of Arizona
Location: BIO5 Institute, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona
Cost/Stipend: No cost; financial aid is offered for meal/transport costs
Dates: June 2 - July 18
Application Deadline: January 10
Eligibility: Arizona high school students age 16+ by June 2; U.S. citizens/legal residents with at least one year of Arizona residency
The KEYS Research Internship is a selective seven-week program that offers Arizona high school students research experience in bioscience, data science, biomedical engineering, and more. As an intern, you will start the program with a week of training, learning lab techniques and data analysis before joining a university lab. Under faculty mentorship, they contribute to innovative research projects, gaining practical skills and insights into scientific careers. The internship concludes with a public research showcase where students present their findings. This program is ideal for students with an interest in STEM who want to engage in university-level research.
2. Ladder Internship Program
Location: Remote, you can work from anywhere in the world.
Cost: Varies with the program type
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year, including Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter.
Application Deadline: Deadlines vary depending on the cohort. Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September) and Winter (November).
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 or nonprofit organization in a virtual internship setup. Companies that offer internships range across a variety of industries, from tech/deep tech and AI/ML to health tech, marketing, journalism, consulting, and more. You can explore all the options here on their application form. Ladder’s start-ups are high-growth companies on average raising over a million dollars. In the program, you will work closely with your startup manager and a Ladder Coach on current projects and present your work to the company at the end. This virtual internship also includes professional skills and group training sessions.
3. Mayo Clinic CARES Program
Location: Mayo Clinic College of Medicine & Science, Phoenix/Scottsdale, Arizona | Virtual
Cost/Stipend: No cost; stipend provided
Dates: 4 weeks in June (in-person) | 1 week in July (virtual)
Application Deadline: February
Eligibility: Arizona freshmen, sophomores, and juniors
The Mayo Clinic CARES (Career Advancement, Research, and Education Summer) Program offers students practical experience in hospitals and long-term mentorship. Over the summer, you will get to shadow healthcare professionals, attend workshops on various careers, and complete wellness and leadership activities. The program focuses on helping students discover their strengths, build confidence, and connect with mentors who continue to guide them even after the program ends. Options include in-person and virtual cohorts, making it accessible to students across the state.
4. Cybersecurity Internship at Arizona State University (ASU)
Location: Arizona State University, Phoenix, Arizona
Cost/Stipend: No cost; $1,800 stipend provided upon completion
Dates: May 27-July 30
Application Deadline: February 26
Eligibility: High school students enrolled in Phoenix metro area schools
This eight-week summer internship offers Arizona high schoolers a chance to conduct cybersecurity research with guidance from ASU PhD mentors. You can choose to join ongoing projects or propose and execute your own ideas, exploring topics like code security, social engineering, or bot vulnerabilities. Weekly lab meetings provide feedback and foster collaboration, culminating in a final presentation where you will showcase your findings. The program offers practical experience in cybersecurity and insight into careers in the fields of computer science and information security.
5. Helios Scholars at TGen
Location: Phoenix, Scottsdale, and Flagstaff, Arizona
Cost/Stipend: No cost; students will be paid at $13.85/hour
Dates: June 9-August 1
Application Deadline: February
Eligibility: Arizona high school students age 16+ by June 9 who are U.S. work eligible and Arizona high school graduates by program start
The Helios Scholars program at TGen offers a paid, eight-week biomedical research internship for Arizona high schoolers. As an intern, you work alongside professional scientists on projects in genomics, cancer biology, and infectious diseases, developing skills in data analysis, lab techniques, and scientific inquiry. The program includes mentorship, professional development sessions, and a final presentation of your research findings. Scholars gain exposure to new medical research and opportunities to explore careers in science and medicine.
6. NIH High School Summer Internship Program (HS-SIP)
Location: NIH campuses and labs across the country, including the one in Phoenix, Arizona
Cost/Stipend: Fully funded; stipend provided
Dates: 8 weeks, May-September
Application Deadline: February 16
Eligibility: U.S. high school juniors/seniors at least 17 years old by June 15; must live within 40 miles of the NIH campus applied to
The National Institute of Health (NIH) offers HS-SIP, a program that gives high school juniors and seniors the chance to work in state-of-the-art biomedical research labs, including NIH facilities in Phoenix, Arizona. As an NIH intern, you will gain experience in research design, data collection, and analysis under mentorship from leading scientists. The eight-week program also provides professional development workshops, academic advising, and wellbeing support. Interns receive a stipend and contribute to current projects in biomedical and behavioral sciences, strengthening their college prep and research careers.
7. Sharlot Hall Museum High School Internship Program
Location: Sharlot Hall Museum, Prescott, Arizona
Cost/Stipend: Not specified
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year
Application Deadline: Rolling applications
Eligibility: Arizona high school juniors and seniors
The Sharlot Hall Museum’s High School Internship Program offers students the opportunity to explore local and state history while developing critical thinking, research, and creative skills. During this program, you will receive mentorship to design and work on projects that align with your interests, such as creating educational materials, developing interactive exhibits, or conducting historical research for publications or presentations. By working on projects that enhance the public’s understanding of Arizona’s heritage, students get practical experience in museum studies, history, and education. This internship is a good option for those considering careers in the humanities or museum studies.
8. Arizona Department of Transportation High School Intern Program
Location: Arizona Department of Transportation, Phoenix, Arizona
Cost/Stipend: No cost; students will be paid. Pay varies based on completed college credits
Dates: Starts late-May
Application Deadline: Internship positions are typically posted here, in spring
Eligibility: High school graduates accepted to a college, university, or technical school with a declared major in transportation or a related field
The Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) offers an internship program for students interested in careers in transportation, engineering, and related fields. As an intern, you will participate in an orientation session, receive mentorship from ADOT professionals, and gain exposure to the day-to-day work involved in transportation planning, construction, and maintenance. The program provides practical experience that helps students build workplace skills and explore career options within Arizona’s transportation industry. Interns can also learn about public service careers and contribute to projects that impact communities statewide.
9. Barrow Neurological Institute Summer High School Internship Program
Location: Barrow Neurological Institute, Phoenix, Arizona
Cost/Stipend: Free
Dates: May 30 - July 3
Application Deadline: February 14
Eligibility: High school students aged 16 and older by program start
The Barrow Neurological Institute offers Arizona high schoolers an opportunity to engage in advanced research at one of the top neurological centers. During the internship, you will work in professional labs with state-of-the-art equipment, guided by experienced mentors as you learn to evaluate scientific literature, communicate findings, and develop your own projects. The program covers topics like biological principles, disease mechanisms, and potential treatments, helping students gain insight into neuroscience and research careers. Interns may also present their projects at competitions or contribute to scientific publications, providing experience that could be useful in college and beyond.
10. The University of Arizona’s Summer Institute on Medical Ignorance
Location: The University of Arizona College of Medicine, Tucson Campus, Tucson, Arizona
Stipend: Students will be paid, but information on the amount is not available
Dates: June 2 - July 18
Application Deadline: January 17
Eligibility: While all high school students can apply, maximum consideration will be given to juniors and seniors from disadvantaged backgrounds with a 3.0 (or better) GPA an a demonstrated interest in science
The Summer Institute on Medical Ignorance (SIMI) offers high school students, particularly from underrepresented backgrounds, a full-time, paid summer research experience at The University of Arizona Health Sciences Center. Over seven weeks, you will work in medical laboratories and clinics, exploring areas such as cardiovascular disease, genetics, cancer, neuroscience, and preventive medicine. Each student is paired with a faculty mentor and medical students, contributing to ongoing research while building skills in problem-solving, scientific communication, and critical thinking. The program includes bi-weekly seminars with physicians and scientists, and concludes with both a formal presentation and a written research report.
11. Governor's Youth Commission (GYC)
Location: Various county offices and locations across the state of Arizona
Cost/Stipend: There is no information available on this at the moment
Dates: Appointments to the GYC typically last one term. Students may apply to serve up to three terms with the GYC, as long as they’re still in high school
Application Deadline: Mid-May
Eligibility: High school sophomores, juniors and seniors can apply
The GYC brings together high schoolers from Arizona counties to address pressing community issues through volunteerism, service learning, civic engagement, and mentorship. Established in 1989, the GYC selects 40–55 students annually based on their leadership, communication skills, and commitment to their schools and communities. Commissioners meet quarterly, collaborate in workgroups, and partner with state leaders to develop initiatives that promote healthier, more engaged communities. Past focus areas have included public health, substance abuse prevention, and highway safety.
12. SCENE High School Program at ASU
Location: Various campus labs and facilities at Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona
Cost: Not specified; contact the program for details on fees and financial aid availability.
Dates: Typically runs during the school year; contact the program for specific details.
Application Deadline: Applications for 2025 are yet to open. Contact Scene@asu.edu for updates on future deadlines.
Eligibility: Students in grades 10–12. Strong interest in science or engineering. Open to students from Valley high schools
The SCENE High School Program at Arizona State University offers students the opportunity to design and carry out original research projects under the guidance of experienced mentors. Aimed at those with a strong interest in science or engineering, the program allows you to explore the work of professional researchers, fostering skills in critical thinking and problem-solving. You will gain experience in research design, project planning, and scientific communication, while exploring topics of your own interest. By the program’s conclusion, each participant will have completed a research project that not only deepens their understanding of science and engineering, but also builds a strong foundation in the field.
13. The Mobile Oncology Training, Education, and Recruitment (MOTER) Program
Location: University of Arizona Cancer Center, Tucson, Arizona
Cost/Stipend: None
Dates: Typically one week; specific dates may vary (contact the Cancer Research Education and Training Coordination team at uacc-crtec@arizona.edu for details)
Application Deadline: Not specified (contact the program for details)
Eligibility: High school students
The Mobile Oncology Training, Education, and Recruitment (MOTER) Program gives high school students a chance to explore cancer biology and laboratory science. Through interactive lessons and practical experiments, you will explore topics such as DNA replication, transcription, translation, gene regulation, mutations, and tumor suppression. You will also gain exposure to research tools like PCR, DNA sequencing, and enzyme restriction analysis. Small-group projects and modeling activities bring complex molecular processes to life, helping students see how these concepts apply to cancer research.
14. AZ Youth Force Internships
Location: Various locations in and around Phoenix, Arizona. See all open opportunities here
Cost/Stipend: All internships will be paid, the amount may vary
Dates: 8-18 weeks, dates and duration vary with the internship placement. See all open opportunities here
Application Deadline: Varies with the internship
Eligibility: High school students who are at least 14 years old can apply
AZYouthforce, a program of the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Valley, aims to equip students with the skills, experience, and connections essential for a successful career. After completing 30 hours of professional development through the AZYouthforce Academy, participants are matched with paid internships at local and national companies across diverse industries. Each intern is paired with both a workplace mentor and an Internship Manager for guidance, coaching, and support throughout the placement. Internships typically last 8–18 weeks and offer opportunities to build professional skills, explore career paths, and strengthen resumes for college or job applications.
15. AZ Cyber Initiative Internship Program
Note: These internships are offered to students who complete the Cyber Bootcamp. Detailed information about specific internship opportunities will be provided to participants as they approach their Cyber Bootcamp session.
Location: Various locations in Arizona, varies with the internship placement
Cost/Stipend: All internships are paid
Dates: Varies with the internship placement
Application Deadline: This information is not available at the moment
Eligibility: All high scool students can apply
The AZ Cyber Initiative connects high school and post-secondary students with paid internships in cybersecurity and related fields through partnerships with local businesses. After completing the Cyber Bootcamp, high school students may work alongside industry professionals or serve as Cyber Consultants for small businesses seeking to strengthen their digital operations. Interns receive a stipend from AZ Cyber and gain practical experience while contributing to current projects. These placements offer an early start in cyber education, portfolio-building opportunities, and networking with local entrepreneurs and employers.
Bonus! Here are a few other summer programs in Arizona you can consider:
Summer Scrubs at College of Medicine-Phoenix, University of Arizona
Midwestern University’s Health Careers Institute for High School Students
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