14 Summer Internships for High School Students in Louisiana
If you are a high school student, summer internships can be a worthwhile way to explore fields that interest you. Summer internships for high school students offer an opportunity to gain experience in their fields of interest while enhancing their college applications and career prospects. These experiences help you develop professional skills and explore potential career paths before making long-term educational decisions.
What summer internships are available for high school students in Louisiana?
Louisiana offers learning opportunities across a range of industries, including healthcare, engineering, media, and environmental science. You will work alongside professionals, contribute to projects, and build networks that can shape your future career goals. By engaging in these programs, you gain experience that distinguishes you from other applicants when applying to colleges and future jobs.
To help you get started, we’ve put together 14 summer internships for high school students in Louisiana. Whether you're interested in STEM, business, healthcare, or creative fields, these opportunities can help you take the next step in your educational journey.
1. LSU Health Summer Research Internship
Location: Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, University Medical Center, and Children's Hospital, New Orleans, LA
Cost/Stipend: Free program; $2,645 stipend provided to participants in three installments
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Limited positions available; highly competitive program
Dates: June 1 - July 24
Application Deadline: March 1
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors, ages 16 - 18 years, from the greater New Orleans area
This eight-week paid summer internship immerses high school students in medical and health sciences research alongside internationally recognized scientists and healthcare professionals. You will work in modern laboratory environments on projects spanning chemistry, physics, materials science, engineering, psychology, and mathematics, either leading your own research initiative or contributing to an ongoing team project. Throughout the program, you will attend weekly seminars covering topics such as research ethics, career pathways in medicine, public health, and professional development. You gain hands-on experience with laboratory techniques, data collection methods, and scientific analysis while receiving mentorship from LSU faculty and graduate students. The experience concludes with a poster presentation where you showcase your research findings to peers and faculty members. This paid internship provides both valuable scientific training and financial support for your summer work. By participating in this program, you develop research competencies and gain insight into potential career pathways related to biomedical and health sciences.
2. Ladder Internship Program
Location: Remote (you can work from anywhere in the world)
Cost/Stipend: Varies according to program (financial aid available)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective and competitive
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: High school students, undergraduates, and gap year studentswho can work for 8 - 12 weeks, devoting 10 - 20 hours/week
Ladder Internships is a selective, virtual internship that connects high school students with fast-growing startup companies across diverse industries such as tech, AI/ML, health tech, marketing, journalism, and consulting. You work directly with your startup manager on real-world projects that contribute to company goals, while gaining exposure to actual business operations and problem-solving. The program emphasizes hands-on project work and professional mentorship from industry leaderswho guide your progress throughout the internship. You present your work to company stakeholders, building presentation and communication skills valuable in any career. The selective nature of the program ensures that participants work with ambitious startups that are often raising over a million dollars in funding. You develop competencies in project management, workplace communication, and technical skills relevant to your chosen industry. Upon completion, you receive documentation of your experience and contributions that strengthen your resume for college applications and future employment opportunities. Apply now!
3. YouthForce NOLA Internship
Location: Various internship sites across New Orleans, LA
Cost/Stipend: $2,240 as total stipend for the summer program
Acceptance rate/cohort size: No information available
Dates: YFI training sessions (May 28 - June 18, mornings and early afternoons) and internship (June 23 - July 25)
Application Deadline: March 12
Eligibility: Current high school juniors enrolled in open-enrollment public schools in New Orleans | must reside in Orleans Parish and be available for all training and internship dates
This summer internship combines structured training with professional experience required in high-demand industries such as healthcare, IT, digital media, skilled crafts, and business services. During the initial three-week training phase, you develop essential workplace readiness skills such as resume writing, interview preparation, communication strategies, problem-solving, and professional planning. You then spend five weeks working approximately 20 hours/week at a local business or organization on actual projects while receiving support from a YouthForce coach to help you navigate challenges and meet your career goals. The participants receive consistent pay throughout the program, ensuring financial stability. The program concludes with a capstone presentation where you reflect on your learning and showcase your accomplishments to peers and program staff. This experience provides direct exposure to workplace expectations and professional environments across multiple sectors.
4. Suit Up for the Future: High School Summer Legal Institute and Intern Program
Location: Louisiana State Bar Association, New Orleans, LA
Cost/Stipend: Free program; eligible students receive up to a $250 stipend upon completion
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Open to all qualified applicants interested in legal careers
Dates: June 8 - 26
Application Deadline: May 4
Eligibility: Incoming high school juniors and seniors interested in exploring the legal profession
This two-week summer program offers high school students direct exposure to the legal profession through interactions with practicing lawyers from diverse specialties across Louisiana. You learn from successful attorneys about their career paths, day-to-day responsibilities, and the realities of legal practice, helping you determine if law is the right career path or not. The program combines classroom learning about legal concepts with practical exposure to how the legal system operates in Louisiana. You will understand different legal career options and learn about the educational requirements for becoming a lawyer. Through guest speakers and structured discussions, you will learn about different practice areas and the diverse opportunities available in the legal profession. The program emphasizes career exploration and personal development rather than advanced legal training. Upon successful completion, you receive a modest stipend recognizing your commitment and participation.
5. Outdoor Adventure Club (OAC) Internship Program
Location: Greater New Orleans area with outdoor activities within 1 - 2 hours of the city, LA
Cost/Stipend: Paid based on event participation and type
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Rolling admissions with spots limited by activity capacity
Dates: Semester-long program; fall semester is from September to December, or spring semester is from February to May (summer availability varies)
Application Deadline: Spring cohort opens November 1
Eligibility: Public high school students ages 14 - 20 years from Orleans, Jefferson, St. Charles, St. Bernard, Plaquemines, or St. Tammany Parishes
This semester-long paid internship focuses on outdoor education and leadership development through hands-on activities such as kayaking, rock climbing, hiking, camping, fishing, and wetlands ecology training. You will develop professional and personal skills while exploring Louisiana's natural environments and building your environmental knowledge. You attend weekly after-school meetings and monthly weekend trips, including overnight camping experiences that build outdoor competency. You assist with program facilitation and gain experience leading outdoor education activities for young people. The compensation structure rewards participation, so higher involvement in program activities results in greater pay. To earn program completion credentials and an outdoor adventure certificate, you must attend at least 50% of semester activities. This internship combines environmental education, leadership development, outdoor recreation, and paid work experience in one of the integrated programs. Upon completion, you will have outdoor recreation certifications and demonstrated experience in environmental education and community engagement.
6. AMRI High School Summer Research Program
Location: Advanced Materials Research Institute, Greater New Orleans, LA
Cost/Stipend: Free program; $2,000 stipend provided to participants
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Limited positions available; competitive selection process
Dates: 8-week program during summer months (June - August)
Application Deadline: March 13
Eligibility: High school students
This eight-week intensive research experience places high school students in modern research laboratories alongside internationally recognized scientists conducting research in materials science and related fields. You work on individual research projects or contribute to major ongoing team-based initiatives focused on areas such as nanomaterials, catalysis, thin film deposition, sensor arrays, and 3D printing. You will gain laboratory experience while developing technical competencies in experimental design, data analysis, and scientific research methodology. Throughout the program, you attend weekly seminars and tutorials on research ethics, lab safety, career pathways in materials science, and professional skills development. You participate in field trips to local research facilities and connect with scientists working in various STEM industries. The research experience concludes with a formal presentation of your findings, allowing you to communicate scientific work to peers and mentors. By the end of the program, you will have substantial research experience, technical knowledge, and professional connections that strengthen your college applications and career readiness.
7. Mayor's Summer Youth Employment Program (New Orleans)
Location: Various internship sites throughout New Orleans, LA
Cost/Stipend: $15.00 per hour
Acceptance rate/cohort size: No information available
Dates: June 2 - July 11
Application Deadline: April 12
Eligibility: Orleans Parish residents ages 16 - 24 years
This summer employment program connects high school students with local employers across various industries, providing paid work experience and practical job skills. You gain exposure to professional workplace environments while learning essential professional skills such as punctuality, teamwork, responsibility, and communication. The program emphasizes work experience in fields ranging from business and technology to education and public service, allowing you to explore different career options. Throughout the summer, you earn wages while gaining practical experience that enhances your resume and employment readiness. Upon completion, you will have documented employment experience and professional references that strengthen future job applications and college admissions.
8. Pathways Youth Internship Program
Location: Orleans Parish, LA
Cost/Stipend: Stipend provided, amount not specified; transportation support available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: 15-week program, offered year-round
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Ages 14 to 17; must reside in Orleans Parish and have past or present involvement with the juvenile justice system
The Pathways Youth Internship Program provides an opportunity for students to gain work experience while receiving guidance and mentorship. This year-round program is specifically designed for youth ages 14 - 17 who live in Orleans Parish and have current or prior involvement with the juvenile justice system. The program connects you with local employers who are committed to providing meaningful work experience, helping you build valuable skills, and discovering new career paths. In addition to job placement, students receive support through workshops on conflict resolution, mindfulness, and soft skills development that'll serve them well in any workplace. You'll also get case management services and mentorship to help you successfully transition between school and work. Participants receive a stipend for their work and transportation assistance to commute to and from their internship sites.
9. Education Intern at COOL Cooperative
Location: Second Line Stages Film Studio, New Orleans
Cost/Stipend: Unpaid internship
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: February to May
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: High school students with an interest in education or film, preferably
This part-time internship is ideal if you want teaching experience in a classroom environment. You'll work closely with teachers to help deliver lesson plans, support students in small groups, create educational materials, and learn about classroom management techniques that you'll need as a future educator. Since COOL is a film-focused nonprofit, you'll also learn about storytelling and film equipment, helping students discover their creative voices through filmmaking. Your day-to-day responsibilities will include assisting with grading, participating in school-wide activities and film-related events such as their student film slam, and collaborating with other educators to enhance student engagement and learning outcomes.
10. Ochsner STEM Pathfinder Program
Location: Ochsner Health facilities across multiple regions (New Orleans East, Baton Rouge, River Region, Shreveport, Monroe, Lafayette)
Cost/Stipend: Free program
Acceptance rate/cohort size: No information available
Dates: Summer; week-long program (specific dates typically released in February)
Application Deadline: Applications launch mid-February for the summer
Eligibility: Must have an interest in health sciences, attend school in the program's region, and be at least 14 years old by the program start date
This one-week summer program introduces high school students to diverse healthcare career paths through mentorship from Ochsner healthcare professionals. You attend career discussions with healthcare professionals, tour Ochsner facilities, and participate in hands-on learning opportunities such as clinical skills training and scientific experiments. The program helps you explore healthcare careers and develop confidence in pursuing them. You engage with medical professionals from fields including nursing, radiology, physical therapy, pharmacy, and other healthcare fields. The interactive format combines classroom learning with facility tours and clinical exposure, making the program engaging and informative. Upon completion, program data shows that 96% of scholars report increased interest in pursuing healthcare careers. This program is ideal if you're exploring whether healthcare is the right career path for you or not.
11. Bobbie Cates Hicks Science & Medicine Academic Research Training (SMART) Program
Location: Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center-Shreveport
Cost/Stipend: Stipend paid for the lab session
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective: 8 - 12 students
Dates: 7 weeks of research in June - July; attendees must return to the lab and attend a science elective course running from August to May after the program
Application Deadline: Applications open in January and are due February 28
Eligibility: Completion of junior year of high school and preparation for senior year in Caddo, Bossier, or DeSoto parishes
The Bobbie Cates Hicks SMART Program at LSU Health Shreveport offers a year-long biomedical research experience alongside physicians, scientists, and academic staff. You are expected to commit to seven full-time summer weeks in the laboratory and commit 10 hours per week during your senior year, gaining authentic hands-on research experience. You will strengthen your preparation for careers in medicine, biomedical research, and biomedical engineering while building a competitive profile for science competitions such as JSHS, Regeneron/Intel, Siemens, and bioGENEius. The program has trained more than 200 students to date, many of whom have gone on to pursue science and medical careers. To participate, you must demonstrate strong academic performance in advanced science courses, along with excellent attendance and behavior.
12. ESYNOLA Internship Program
Location: Multiple school locations throughout New Orleans and ESYNOLA Network Office, LA
Cost/Stipend: Unpaid internship (no compensation provided)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: No information available
Dates: Summer internships available (typically 8 - 10 weeks, June - July/August)
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: High school and college students
This internship places high school students in school gardens and teaching kitchens where they support edible education for over 3,500 students annually across New Orleans. You will collaborate with staff and contribute to garden-based and culinary education programs that combine food systems learning with academic skill development. You prepare garden beds, assist with cooking and gardening classes, support community events, and contribute to nonprofit operations such as development and communications work. The internship offers multiple internship tracks, including School Garden, Culinary Education, Garden Education, and Development internships, allowing you to choose your desired internship option based on your interests. You develop hands-on skills in gardening, cooking instruction, and nonprofit operations while gaining an understanding of food justice and community health. The unpaid format emphasizes learning and skill development, making it ideal if you prioritize experience over financial compensation. Upon completion, you will have practical experience in education, food systems, and nonprofit work that strengthens college applications and demonstrates your commitment to community engagement.
13. LSU High School Summer Research (HSSR) Program
Location: Louisiana State University College of Engineering, Baton Rouge, LA
Cost/Stipend: Unpaid internship; no compensation provided
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Approximately 5 - 15 interns selected annually
Dates: Summer (typically June - July); approximately 120 - 140 hours over 6 - 8 weeks
Application Deadline: February 6
Eligibility: Must be at least 15 years old, currently enrolled as a 9th, 10th, or 11th grader, and have a GPA of 3.5 or higher
This competitive summer research program pairs high school students with faculty members from the LSU College of Engineering, conducting cutting-edge research in engineering, computer science, and construction management. You work approximately 15 - 20 hours per week on a research project under faculty guidance and mentorship from graduate and undergraduate students. You will gain research experience and develop skills that support college preparation and career development in engineering. Throughout the program, you attend workshops covering research safety, best practices, ethics, and communication skills essential to scientific work. You are expected to participate in regional science fair competitions and present your research findings through poster presentations. The program emphasizes developing curiosity, research methods, and technical communication skills before you complete high school. Upon completion, you have demonstrated research experience that strengthens college applications for engineering and science programs.
14. Ochsner STAR Summer Scholars Program
Location: Ochsner Health facilities, Greater New Orleans area, LA
Cost/Stipend: Free program; no cost to participants with demonstrated need emphasis
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective program
Dates: June 1 - July 26
Application Deadline: Not applicable
Eligibility: Must be at least 16 years old, advancing into 12th grade (graduating seniors not eligible), a Louisiana resident attending a Louisiana high school
This four-week intensive program combines scientific research, practical medicine, and leadership development for high school students through hands-on laboratory work and clinical exposure. You conduct inquiry-based scientific experiments in student laboratories under the guidance of Ochsner scientists and research professionals. You will gain experience with medical technologies and learn about the current advancements in medicine and healthcare from physicians, nurses, and healthcare administrators. The program emphasizes skill development in resume writing, presentation creation, networking, and leadership while building professional competency. You participate in stimulating programs, including CPR certification, stress management workshops, and discussions on social issues related to science and medicine. Throughout the program, you work alongside other motivated students, building peer connections and professional networks in healthcare fields. Upon completion, you gain meaningful research experience and medical exposure that strengthens college applications for pre-health, pre-medical, and science-related programs.
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