15 Summer Internships for High School Students in Indiana
Summer break is a good opportunity to get an internship, and participating in one can be an effective way for high schoolers to gain early professional experience. A summer internship moves you beyond theoretical knowledge by placing you in a professional environment where you can apply your skills, clarify career interests, and build your professional network. These experiences are highly valued by college admissions committees and future employers, positioning you as a dedicated candidate.
Why should you participate in a summer internship in Indiana?
For high school students in Indiana, there are many great internships available across fields. State initiatives incentivize local businesses to offer summer internships for high school students. You’ll find several opportunities in high-demand sectors like life sciences, IT, and advanced manufacturing. The skills you develop through these internships, such as communication, time management, and teamwork, will be useful in college and beyond.
With that, here are 15 summer internships for high school students in Indiana for you to check out.
15 Summer Internships for High School Students in Indiana
1. SEED/STEM Summer Program
Location: Indiana University School of Medicine (Indianapolis), Indiana University Indianapolis, and Indiana Bioscience Research Institute
Stipend: Up to $4,000 (for students whose family income does not exceed 300% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines)
Cohort Size: >26 students
Dates: June 8 – July 30
Application Deadline: March 1
Eligibility: Indiana high school students who have completed at least one chemistry course and have a demonstrated interest in science and research
The SEED/STEM program is a summer internship aimed at inspiring the next generation of STEM professionals. If accepted, you’ll be matched with a leading research faculty mentor at a prestigious institution. You’ll spend approximately 40 hours per week working in a research lab, contributing to projects in fields like medicine, computer science, and life sciences. The experience culminates with you preparing and presenting a research poster to showcase your scientific findings and acquired skills.
2. Ladder Internships
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies by program (financial aid available)
Acceptance Rate: Selective
Dates: Several cohorts year-round
Application Deadline: Varies by cohort
Eligibility: High school students
Ladder Internships is a selective internship program that places high school students in eight-week internships with rapidly growing startups worldwide. You’ll receive professional training and work directly on a tangible, real-world project, often under the mentorship of a CEO or founder. You’re also assigned a Ladder Coach who acts as a second mentor, guiding you through the startup environment and project execution. The experience aims to bridge the gap between academic learning and professional skills by providing structured mentorship and a significant project for their portfolio, covering fields like health tech, finance, engineering, and non-profits.
3. EARN Indiana High School Program
Location: Various approved employers across Indiana
Stipend: Paid
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Dates: Year-round
Application Deadline: Varies by posting
Eligibility: Indiana residents enrolled at an accredited secondary school and working with a school or career center counselor
EARN Indiana is the state's work-study program providing resume-building, experiential, and paid internships for Hoosier students, including high school students. This internship connects you with employers across the state in high-demand industries for at least eight weeks. The core objective is to ensure the internship provides substantial experiential learning, moving beyond clerical tasks, and offering meaningful professional development. You’ll apply directly to positions posted by employers who have registered with the program.
4. Future Scientist Program
Location: IU Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center, Indianapolis, IN
Stipend: Provided
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Dates: 8 weeks in the summer
Application Deadline: February 28
Eligibility: High school juniors at Indianapolis and all Marion County public schools with a minimum 3.0 GPA
This is a focused summer internship for high school students in Indiana with an interest in biomedical research and science careers. You’ll be provided with the unique opportunity to spend an entire eight-week period dedicated to a single, focused research project. You’ll be placed under the mentorship of a university researcher within the Cancer Center to guide your lab work and project development. The program aims to provide real-world, hands-on laboratory skills and foster a deeper understanding of the processes involved in academic biomedical research. The curriculum is specifically designed to expose you to cancer biology and related health science fields.
5. Gaylor Electric High School Internship
Location: Gaylor Electric locations across Indiana
Stipend: Hourly stipend provided
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Dates: 8 weeks in the summer
Application Deadline: Not provided
Eligibility: High school students
The Gaylor Electric Summer Internship Program offers high school students in Indiana meaningful career growth by providing hands-on experience within the construction and electrical services industry. You’ll work alongside professionals, gaining insight into various aspects of the business, which may include field operations, project management, or administrative support. This internship is structured as a paid work experience to allow you to apply academic knowledge in a real-world setting. It focuses on cultivating potential future talent in technical trades and providing a tangible introduction to the professional working environment.
6. CLIMB High School Summer Internship
Location: South Bend-Elkhart region, IN
Cost: $12/hour
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Dates: May 27 – July 18 (6-8 weeks in the summer)
Application Deadline: Not provided
Eligibility: Rising juniors and seniors who are 16+ years old
The CLIMB High School Summer Internship, facilitated by enFocus, connects you with real-world projects in the Elkhart area. This summer internship for high school students emphasizes practical experience, involving projects related to community development, technology implementation, or process improvement for local organizations. You’ll be placed in roles that allow you to practice critical thinking, collaboration, and problem-solving skills in a professional setting. The program's core objective is to provide meaningful professional exposure and strengthen the pipeline of local talent for future careers in the region.
7. Bank of America Student Leaders Program
Location: Nationwide (National Student Leaders Summit in D.C.)
Stipend: Provided
Cohort Size: Around 300 students
Dates: 8 weeks in the summer plus a week-long summit in July
Application Deadline: October 14 – January 15
Eligibility: High school juniors or seniors in good academic standing who are legally authorized to work in the U.S.
The Bank of America Student Leaders program is a national initiative designed to develop community-minded high school juniors and seniors into future leaders. If selected, you’ll complete an eight-week internship at a local nonprofit or charitable organization, gaining work experience in community service. This practical experience is complemented by an all-expenses-paid week-long Student Leaders Summit in Washington, D.C., where you’ll learn how the business, government, and nonprofit sectors collaborate to address pressing societal issues. The program focuses on providing civic, social, and business leadership training, creating a diverse pipeline of prepared young professionals.
8. Science and Engineering Apprenticeship Program (SEAP)
Location: Department of the Navy labs nationwide
Stipend: $4,000 (new participants); $4,500 (returning participants)
Cohort Size: Around 300 placements
Dates: 8 weeks in the summer
Application Deadline: November 1
Eligibility: Students in grades 10-12 who are 16+ years old and U.S. citizens
SEAP places academically talented high school students in Department of the Navy (DoN) laboratories where they’ll engage in real, hands-on Naval research for eight weeks during the summer. As a participant, you’ll be paired with top scientists and engineers who serve as mentors, guiding you through meaningful STEM research projects. The program is designed to encourage you to pursue science and engineering careers by exposing you to real DoN research and technology efforts. It aims to enhance your education, provide valuable professional experience, and potentially lead to future employment within the DoN community.
9. Jim Holland Research Initiative in STEM Education (RISE)
Location: Indiana University, Bloomington, IN
Cost/Stipend: $125 application fee; $600 stipend
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Dates: June 15 – 27
Application Deadline: April 11
Eligibility: Rising 12th graders with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.2 (non-weighted) who are taking/have taken science and math courses
The Jim Holland Research Initiative in STEM Education (RISE) is a two-week, residential camp designed specifically as a third-year component for students interested in advanced STEM careers and college preparation. You’ll attend research-intensive lectures and participate in activities led by university faculty members, gaining insight into the scientific process, research ethics, and standard methodologies in their respective fields. In addition to scientific exposure, this summer program includes workshops on college planning, covering financial advising, admissions procedures, and academic preparation for credit-bearing STEM coursework.
10. Indianapolis Airport Authority (IAA) Internship Program
Location: Indianapolis International Airport (IND), Indianapolis, IN
Stipend: Provided
Cohort Size: 15+ students
Dates: May 17 – August 7
Application Deadline: Not provided
Eligibility: Students interested in aviation, airport management, or related fields
The IAA summer internship provides a robust, real-world work experience for high school students interested in the aviation industry. You’ll be integrated into various aspects of airport operations, which may include finance, operations, customer service, or public affairs. A key component of the program is cross-departmental learning through a job shadow rotation and one-on-one time with executive leadership. You’ll complete real-world projects to build your resume and portfolio, resulting in valuable exposure to airport management and the civic infrastructure sector.
11. Turnstone High School Internships
Location: Turnstone, Fort Wayne, IN
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Dates: Multiple cohorts in a year, including summer
Application Deadline: February 1
Eligibility: High school students interested in working with people with disabilities
Turnstone provides summer internships that give you an overview of the various career opportunities within a non-profit organization serving people with disabilities. As a participant, you will gain experience in a wide range of areas, including Adult Day Services (activities, groups), Kimbrough Early Learning Center (childcare/special education), and various therapeutic services like Physical, Occupational, and Speech Therapy (completing tasks for services with a Therapy Aide and observing sessions). Other areas available include Adaptive Sports & Recreation, Health & Wellness, Nursing (RN/LPN), and Support/Admin Services like Accounting and Marketing.
12. Indy Modern Apprenticeship Program (MAP)
Location: Sites across Marion County, IN
Stipend: $13/hour
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Dates: Year-round for 3 years
Application Deadline: Varies by cohort
Eligibility: High school students
The Indy Modern Apprenticeship Program (MAP) is an apprenticeship model designed to prepare you for careers in high-demand industries such as Advanced Manufacturing, Technology, and Business Services. The program is designed to provide work-based learning experiences that pair academic instruction with on-the-job training at local businesses. You’ll earn a wage while learning, gaining critical employability skills, and earning industry credentials. The goal is to create a direct path from high school into competitive, high-growth, local careers.
13. CLD Internship and Career Readiness Program
Location: Central Indiana
Cost/Stipend: Free; Stipend may be provided
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Dates: Year-round
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: High school students who are CLD Alums (must have completed the Self Discovery/Career Exploration project)
The Center for Leadership Development strives to provide you with career opportunities, including internships with partner businesses. You’ll have to complete the Internship and Career Readiness Program, a workshop series focused on professional development topics like cover letter writing, interviewing skills, and professional branding, to become eligible for an internship. Career interests span diverse fields, including engineering, law, IT, and accounting and finance. The program aims to equip students with the necessary skills and network to become professional, business, and community leaders in Central Indiana.
14. Project SEARCH Indiana
Location: Multiple sites in Indiana
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Dates: One-year program
Application Deadline: Varies by school corporation and site
Eligibility: Students with disabilities who are transitioning out of school and are eligible for Indiana Vocational Rehabilitation services
Project SEARCH is an intensive, one-year school-to-work program that provides work experience for young people with disabilities. The high school transition sites offer three different ten-week internships throughout the year, focusing on skills needed for competitive employment. Internships are hosted within a business, such as a hospital or government center, and cover various areas like clerical, materials management, and customer service. The program's goal is for you to develop comprehensive resume portfolios and gain the skills necessary to transition directly into employment after high school graduation.
15. Future Deaf Scientist Program
Location: IU Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center, Indianapolis, IN
Stipend: $1,500
Cohort Size: 5 interns
Dates: 4 weeks in the summer
Application Deadline: Not provided
Eligibility: High school students attending the Indiana School for the Deaf
The Future Deaf Scientist Program is an intensive summer internship for high school students in Indiana. The core objective is to expose deaf and hard-of-hearing high school students to careers in medicine and science, specifically focusing on cancer research and related clinical careers. As a participant, you’ll engage in clinical shadowing alongside accomplished physicians and clinicians, and participate in hands-on activities, including pathology lab work and surgical simulations. The curriculum is linguistically and culturally tailored, featuring dedicated ASL interpreters and daily "fireside chats" where you can connect virtually with deaf physicians and scientists nationwide. This program is part of a national initiative to increase the representation of deaf individuals in STEM and healthcare professions by providing a supportive, accessible, and high-quality educational pathway.
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