15 Summer Internships for High School Students in Atlanta
If you’re a high school student looking to get a headstart on your future, a summer internship is one of the best ways to do it. Internships help you build practical skills, explore career interests, and understand how classroom concepts apply in different industries. Whether you’re drawn to technology, science, business, or public service, these experiences give you a preview of professional life and a chance to see what kind of work interests you the most. Beyond technical know-how, internships also teach you to collaborate, communicate, and manage responsibilities in a workplace, skills that will help you in any career you pursue.
What summer internships are available for high school students in Atlanta?
For high school students who want to learn and grow professionally, Atlanta is full of opportunities. The city’s mix of research institutions, corporations, and community organizations makes it a great place to gain experience and expand your network. Summer internships for high schoolers in Atlanta span fields such as law, technology, engineering, botanical science, and more. Each internship offers a chance to develop your skills, connect with professionals, and discover new career paths, giving you a clearer sense of direction for the future.
To help you get started, we’ve rounded up a list of the 15 best summer internships for high school students in Atlanta.
1. Microsoft High School Discovery Program
Location: Atlanta, GA
Stipend: $20/hour
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: July 7 – August 1
Application Deadline: Applications typically open in early February
Eligibility: Graduating seniors who are at least 16 years old who attend schools in the Atlanta Public Schools, DeKalb, Fulton, Cobb, and Gwinnett County School Districts
The Microsoft Discovery Program is a summer internship for high school students in Atlanta that gives you a behind-the-scenes look at how technology shapes everyday life. Over four weeks, you’ll work in a small group to complete a project that mirrors the early stages of product development: researching user needs, designing solutions, and understanding the roles of software engineering, product management, and UX design. You’ll also join discussions and workshops with Microsoft professionals to learn how large-scale products move from concept to creation. No prior technical experience is needed – just curiosity and a willingness to learn. By the end of the internship, you’ll gain practical exposure to tech disciplines while building key skills in collaboration and creative problem-solving.
2. Ladder Internships
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: Varies by program
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: Several cohorts year-round
Application Deadline: Varies by cohort
Eligibility: High school students who can work for 10–20 hours/week, for 8–12 weeks
The Ladder Internships program connects high school students with startups and nonprofits across industries such as technology, sustainability, media, and healthcare. Through this virtual internship, you’ll take ownership of a real-world project that addresses an actual business need – whether it’s building a data dashboard, developing a marketing strategy, or supporting product research. You’ll be paired with both a startup mentor and a Ladder Coach who guide you through the process, helping you build communication and time management skills. In addition to individual mentoring, group sessions with your cohort help you strengthen your collaboration and presentation skills.
3. Atlanta Bar Association Summer Law Internship Program (SLIP)
Location: Atlanta, GA
Stipend: $2,000
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 36 students
Dates: May 27 – July 17
Application Deadline: March 19
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors
If you’re curious about law and public service, this six-week internship offers an inside look at how the legal world works in Atlanta. You’ll be placed in law firms, corporations, or government offices, where you’ll observe how attorneys handle cases, conduct research, and reason. Each week, you’ll join “All Intern Meetings” featuring guest speakers and short activities that help you build professionalism and deepen your understanding of legal principles. You’ll also complete short analyses of current legal issues and craft a research essay on a Supreme Court decision, giving you a taste of how legal writing and reasoning work in practice. This program emphasizes accountability, mentorship, and real-world experience, giving you the chance to see what it's like to work in the legal field.
4. STEM @GTRI
Location: Georgia Tech Research Institute, Atlanta, GA
Stipend: Provided
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 60–70 students
Dates: June 9 – July 18
Application Deadline: January 19
Eligibility: Students attending high school in Georgia who are at least 16 years old by April 1
The Georgia Tech Research Institute (GTRI) high school summer internship program gives students an opportunity to step into the exciting world of science, technology, and engineering. Over the course of five weeks, you’ll work with Georgia Tech researchers on projects in areas such as robotics, cybersecurity, app development, and rapid prototyping. You’ll take part in hands-on lab work, attend technical training sessions, and join regular discussions with Georgia Tech researchers and students. In addition to developing research and technical skills, you’ll also gain insights into how STEM innovations move from concept to application. The internship concludes with a team presentation, where you’ll showcase your research results to mentors and peers.
5. DPR Construction Build Up Internship
Location: Several locations, including Atlanta, GA
Stipend: Provided
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: 8 weeks
Application Deadline: April 18
Eligibility: Rising juniors, seniors, or recent graduates from families with an income below the HUD Median Family Income (MFI) in their county
If you’re curious about engineering, architecture, or project management, this eight-week summer internship puts you right in the middle of a real commercial construction site in Atlanta. You’ll work alongside engineers, architects, and project managers, learning how large-scale building projects are planned, tracked, and executed. You’ll get hands-on experience with professional tools such as BIM 360, CMiC, and Primavera – essential for managing design, schedule, and operations in the construction industry. You’ll observe the coordination that goes into safety management, design, and scheduling while developing confidence in communicating within professional teams. The program wraps up with a final presentation, where you’ll share what they’ve learned, giving you a chance to refine your public speaking and project management skills.
6. Emory University Winship Summer Scholars Research Program
Location: Emory Winship Cancer Institute, Atlanta, GA
Stipend: $2,400
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 10–12 students
Dates: June 9 – July 18
Application Deadline: February 11
Eligibility: Rising or graduating high school seniors who are at least 16 years old by the start of the program
The Winship Cancer Institute Summer Internship at Emory University gives high school students in Atlanta an opportunity to explore the frontlines of cancer research and medicine. You’ll spend six weeks working with physicians and researchers studying cancer biology and treatment while contributing to laboratory experiments and clinical projects. You’ll attend lectures and workshops led by oncology professionals, and take part in field visits to major health and research institutions. Throughout the program, you’ll also explore topics in epidemiology, genetics, and biomedical innovation, gaining a deeper understanding of how medical research drives patient care. Mentorship is central to the experience – your faculty mentor will guide you through the process of forming research questions, collecting data, and presenting your results at a final symposium. For students passionate about science or medicine, this summer internship offers a grounded, research-driven introduction to the world of medical discovery.
7. Atlanta Botanical Garden Summer High School Internship
Location: Atlanta Botanical Garden, Atlanta, GA
Stipend: $11/hour
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: June 3 – July 17
Application Deadline: March 23
Eligibility: Rising sophomores, juniors, or seniors in a Metro Atlanta Title I school, who are at least 16 years old and able to work outdoors and perform physically demanding tasks
The Atlanta Botanical Garden Summer Internship gives high school students the chance to explore plant science, ecology, and conservation in a real-world environment. Over the summer, you’ll work alongside horticultural experts in greenhouses, research labs, and outdoor gardens, helping to cultivate and study rare and endangered plant species. You’ll gain experience in fieldwork, data collection, and public education while developing professional skills such as teamwork and documentation through journaling and project presentations. Each intern also completes a personal project that highlights their learning in ecology and sustainability.
8. American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) Georgia Internships
Location: ACLU, Atlanta, GA
Cost/Stipend: None; academic credit is provided
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: 10–12 weeks
Application Deadline: Typically in April
Eligibility: High school students
The ACLU of Georgia Internship Program gives high school students a behind-the-scenes look at how advocacy, law, and communication come together to protect civil liberties. Depending on your placement, you might research public policy, draft social media content, support event planning, and assist with voter rights initiatives. You’ll learn to analyze legislation, organize outreach campaigns, and develop strong writing and communication skills. Interns on the voter rights and policy teams gain firsthand experience by attending state hearings and analyzing and reviewing laws, while communications interns help translate complex civil liberties work into engaging messaging for the public. This Atlanta summer internship program is a strong fit if you want to explore the intersection of civic engagement, social justice, and public communication.
9. Hutton Junior Fisheries Biology Program
Location: Students are placed within a 45-minute commute of their home
Stipend: $3,000
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 15%
Dates: 8 weeks
Application Deadline: January 19
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors or college freshmen who are at least 16 years old by the start of the internship
Hutton Junior Fisheries Biology Program is a national eight-week internship that gives high school students the chance to explore the world of fisheries and aquatic science. As a Hutton intern, you’ll work alongside professional scientists who are helping to conserve aquatic ecosystems across the country. Your experience might include collecting environmental data and conducting fish population surveys, analyzing water samples, and assisting with habitat restoration. You’ll work under the guidance of a professional mentor and gain a first-hand look at what careers in fisheries and aquatic science are really like. The program is designed to expand access to environmental research opportunities while offering a meaningful way to explore biology, ecology, and field science.
10. C.W. Matthews Contracting High School Summer Internship
Location: Atlanta, GA
Stipend: Provided
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: 8–12 weeks
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: High school students who are 17 years or older
The C.W. Matthews Contracting Summer Internship gives high school students a front-row seat to the world of heavy highway construction, from bridge building to surveying, equipment maintenance, and site management. You can choose to focus on areas such as asphalt manufacturing, traffic control, and concrete installation, gaining exposure to how large infrastructure projects come together. Each day brings something different, whether it’s working on site, observing heavy equipment in action, or learning from seasoned engineers and technicians who bring massive projects to life. For students interested in civil engineering, construction management, or simply learning how cities run, this Atlanta-based summer internship offers practical exposure to construction management and the technical side of civil engineering.
11. Bank of America Student Leaders Program
Location: Several locations nationwide
Stipend: Paid
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: 8 weeks in June – August
Application Deadline: January 15
Eligibility: High school juniors or seniors who are permanent residents of one of the eligible locations and are authorized to work in the U.S.
The Bank of America Student Leaders® Program is an eight-week paid internship that connects high school students with local nonprofits to work on community-based projects. As a student leader, you’ll gain experience in teamwork, communication, and project management while learning how nonprofits collaborate with government and business organizations to make a difference in their communities. A highlight of the program is the National Leadership Summit in Washington, DC, where you'll join with students from across the country to discuss civic engagement and economic mobility. By the end of the program, you’ll leave with a clearer sense of how leadership and community service fit into your long-term career goals.
12. TAG-Ed Summer Internship Program
Location: Various locations in Georgia
Stipend: $1,500
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: 8 weeks
Application Deadline: Typically in March
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors who are at least 17 years old
The TAG-Ed Summer Internship Program connects high school students with Georgia-based companies for an eight-week, project-driven STEM experience. You’ll apply classroom learning to practical problems, working in small teams alongside professionals in fields such as engineering, data analytics, and information technology. Projects come with specific goals and deliverables, helping you strengthen your problem-solving, time management, and collaboration skills. You’ll have regular check-ins with mentors, who will provide insights into different career paths and a realistic view of what it's like to work in a professional STEM environment. For students interested in technology and innovation, the TAG-Ed offers a direct path to exploring the tech industry.
13. High Museum of Art Teen Team
Location: High Museum of Art, Atlanta, GA
Stipend: Provided
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 15 students
Dates: 8-week summer intensive + regular meetings year-round
Application Deadline: March 1
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors
As part of the High Museum of Art’s Teen Team, you’ll join a team of creative high school students who share your passion for art, curation, and community engagement. This high school internship in Atlanta blends creativity, teamwork, and cultural learning, giving you a behind-the-scenes look at how a major museum operates. As an intern, you’ll help plan events such as Teen Nights, contribute ideas for exhibitions, and learn about the many careers within a museum. Along the way, you’ll gain experience in communication, leadership, and community outreach while working alongside museum staff and local artists. Even after the summer, Teen Team members stay connected by supporting year-round programs for youth and families, giving you a sustained connection to Atlanta’s art community.
14. UGA Young Scholars Internship Program (YSP)
Location: University of Georgia, Athens, GA
Stipend: Provided
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: June 1 – July 10
Application Deadline: January 23
Eligibility: Students who have completed their sophomore year and are at least 16 years old by the start of the program
The Young Scholars Program gives high school students a chance to spend five weeks conducting hands-on research in agricultural, food, or environmental science under the guidance of a university mentor. You’ll work in a lab or field sites on one of UGA’s campuses, contributing to research projects that address today’s sustainability challenges. Each day brings something new, from collecting and analyzing data to attending workshops on scientific methods and communication. You’ll also collaborate with other student researchers and peers, and understand how research supports sustainable food systems. The program concludes with a poster presentation at a student research conference, where you’ll present your findings to faculty and fellow interns – just like a real scientist.
15. Georgia Power High School Summer Internship
Location: Georgia Power, Atlanta, GA
Stipend: $15/hour
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: 8 weeks
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: High school graduates who are at least 18 years old with the ability to lift 50 lbs or more
If you’ve ever wondered how massive infrastructure projects keep cities running, the Georgia Power High School Summer Internship gives you a front-row seat to the energy industry in action. Over eight weeks, you’ll work alongside Georgia Power line crews, learning about power line construction, electrical systems, and industry safety standards. The internship emphasizes practical learning; you’ll use tools, take part in fieldwork, and collaborate with crew members while working in outdoor conditions. Along the way, you’ll strengthen teamwork, communication, and problem-solving skills that are valuable in any technical or engineering field.
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