15 Summer Internships for High School Students in Massachusetts
If you’re a high school student in Massachusetts and figuring out where to intern during the summer, you’re in luck! Massachusetts has many opportunities across a range of fields. Summer is a great time to intern because it typically gives you more time to focus on the internship than other times of the year. Internships provide valuable practical experience and offer mentorship and guidance. They also give you the chance to enhance your resume and strengthen college applications.
If you are seeking summer internships for high school students in Massachusetts, there are numerous opportunities across various sectors, including law, public education, architecture, research, and healthcare.
To make the choice easier for you, we’ve curated a list of 15 summer internships for high school students in Massachusetts.
15 Summer Internships for High School Students in Massachusetts
1. The Nelson Fellowship Program
Location: John J. Moakley Federal Courthouse, Boston, MA
Stipend: Paid
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Highly selective; 10-12 students
Dates: July 7 – August 15
Application Deadline: Applications open in January
Eligibility: High school students (rising juniors preferred) in Boston and Worcester; U.S. citizens or those with legal resident status
The Nelson Fellowship is a highly selective program that offers an internship at the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts. As a Nelson fellow, you will gain insight into the workings of the legal system, the federal court, and legal procedures. You will attend court proceedings and gain an understanding of the roles of legal professionals, including judges, clerks, and attorneys, through shadowing and internships. The program focuses on social issues and civil rights, and helps you develop your skills in writing and public speaking. Additional activities include courses on legal topics, field trips, and guidance on the college application process. For the capstone project, you will prepare a mock trial under the mentorship of legal professionals and present it before a federal judge.
2. Ladder Internship Program
Location: Remote
Cost: Varies depending on program type (financial aid available)
Acceptance Rate: Highly selective
Program Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year
Application Deadline: Deadlines vary depending on the cohort
Eligibility: High school students
Designed for ambitious high school students, Ladder Internships offers select startup internship programs. As a participant, you will collaborate with high-growth startups through an internship experience. These startups typically offer opportunities across diverse industries, including technology and deep tech, AI/ML, health tech, marketing, journalism, consulting, and more. Throughout the program, you will work closely with your managers and a Ladder Coach on various projects and have opportunities to present your work to the company. The virtual internship typically lasts approximately eight weeks.
3. Judicial Youth Corps Program
Location: Courts in Boston, Springfield, and Worcester, MA
Stipend: Paid
Acceptance Rate: Selective
Dates: July – August (6 weeks)
Application Deadline: November 8
Eligibility: High school students in Boston
The Judicial Youth Corps program offers a legal internship opportunity for high school students within the Massachusetts court system. You will gain an understanding of the judicial system and get insight into various career paths in law and public service. As an intern, you will observe legal procedures, attend court proceedings, and receive mentorship from legal professionals, including judges, lawyers, clerks, probation officers, and court personnel. Additional activities include education sessions on legal topics, team projects, field trips, and group discussions with like-minded peers. You will participate in a mock trial, which will enhance your understanding of legal procedures and refine your skills in legal writing, research, teamwork, and public speaking.
4. High School Apprenticeship Challenge
Location: Life science institutions, companies, or incubators based in Massachusetts
Stipend: $17/hr or $4,080 for 6 weeks
Acceptance Rate: Selective
Dates: Varies by internship (6 weeks)
Application Deadline: Rolling basis
Eligibility: High school students (16+)
The High School Apprenticeship Challenge provides internship opportunities to high school students in life sciences companies, research institutions, and incubators based in Massachusetts. As a life sciences intern, you’ll learn how to work in a lab, carry out experiments, and learn different techniques. You will work alongside scientists and lab technicians who will help you in conducting experiments, working on research, and exploring various career paths in life sciences. The program includes pre-internship training in life science education, encompassing biotechnology and biomedicine, as well as professional development skills and career exploration.
5. LEAH Summer Intensive Internship
Location: Biogen Community Lab, Cambridge, MA
Stipend: Up to $2,250
Acceptance Rate: Selective
Dates: July 7 – August 8
Application Deadline: March 30
Eligibility: High school freshman, sophomore, or junior (16+); Reside or attend school in Massachusetts
The LEAH project offers 5-week lab-based summer internship programs for students interested in life sciences and research. You can participate in either of two internships. As a LEAH Daly intern, you will work in life sciences and biotechnology-related topics, including human genomics, human health, inherited diseases, drug development, genetics, and nutrition. You will work on lab techniques, design experiments, collect data, and present your project at a symposium. LEAH Knox, on the other hand, is focused on data science and biomedical research. You will work on one major research project, learn how to do lab work, and receive mentorship from MIT Biology faculty members. The program includes access to STEM career exploration events, college visits, and academic support. Selection is competitive and requires a recommendation from your science teacher, your resume, and an interview process.
6. Research Science Institute
Location: Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance Rate: Highly selective
Dates: June 22 – August 2
Application Deadline: December 11
Eligibility: High school juniors
The Research Science Institute is a highly competitive science and engineering program; it includes STEM classes in scientific theory and lab work in science and technology research. The first week of the program consists of seminars on research topics in biology, chemistry, engineering, mathematics, physics, and the humanities. As an intern, you will have access to computing tools and learn how to write and conduct research. You will be assigned individual research projects by experienced faculty scientists, which you will present at an academic conference at the end of the program. Additional activities include field trips to cultural attractions, expeditions to science and technology facilities, and lecture series hosted by science and technology leaders.
7. Museum of Science’s Summer Youth Internship Program
Location: Museum of Science, Boston, MA
Stipend: Paid
Acceptance Rate: Selective
Dates: July – August (7 weeks)
Application Deadline: Varies by internship; Rolling basis
Eligibility: High school students between the ages of 14-19
The Museum of Science offers an internship opportunity for students interested in exploring career paths in STEM, education, public history, or museum studies. You will gain insight into how STEM educational programs are curated while building skills in public education and exhibiting engagement. You will collaborate with museum professionals on daily tasks and develop transferable skills such as teamwork, time management, and other workplace competencies. As an intern, you will also be eligible to apply for available jobs upon completion of your internship.
8. Young Scholars Program
Location: Northeastern University Campus, Boston, MA
Cost: Free
Acceptance Rate: Selective
Dates: June 23 – July 31
Application Deadline: December 15 – March 2
Eligibility: High school rising seniors in Massachusetts
The Young Scholars Program offers research experience in engineering, science, and health sciences. As an intern, you’ll get to work at research labs on Northeastern University's campus, learn how to conduct scientific research, and present your findings. Past interns have worked on research topics such as computational modeling, artificial intelligence, and hardware optimization. They’ve also worked on sustainable energy solutions and biomedical engineering, with a focus on cancer therapy and drug resistance. The program includes STEM career exploration seminars, career counseling, field trips, and college life experiences.
9. BSA Arch/Design High School Internships
Location: Various architecture firms in Boston, MA
Stipend: Paid
Acceptance Rate: Selective
Dates: July 7 – August 15
Application Deadline: Opens on February 21
Eligibility: High school students from grades 9-12 in Boston public schools
The Boston Society for Architecture offers high school students the opportunity to explore career paths in architecture and design through a six-week immersion program at architecture firms based in Boston. You will assist with projects at the firm and receive mentorship, gaining an understanding of the roles of architects, designers, engineers, and contractors. The internship will provide you with the opportunity to explore various aspects of architecture, including urban planning, interior design, and sustainability. You’ll also participate in career exploration and professional development programs every week. At the end of the internship, you will get to share your work experience, including the skills you’ve acquired, challenges you’ve faced, and personal highlights.
10. New England Aquarium Teen Internship
Location: New England Aquarium, Boston, MA
Stipend: Paid
Acceptance Rate: Selective
Dates: Summer (6 weeks)
Application Deadline: Opens in March
Eligibility: Students aged 14 and older; Residents of Boston and Cambridge
The New England Aquarium Teen Internship offers an internship opportunity for students interested in exploring career paths in marine science, climate science, and public education. As an intern, you will assist with customer service and aquarium exhibits, while also providing public education on animal and ocean conservation issues. During the first week of the program, you will receive training in marine science, public speaking, customer service, and professional development, and complete an ocean advocacy course. You can choose to intern as a Visitor Service Assistant or an Interpretation and Engagement Aquarium Guide based on your area of interest.
11. Youth Summer Program
Location: Brigham and Women’s Hospital campus, Boston, MA
Stipend: Paid
Acceptance Rate: Selective
Dates: Summer (6 weeks)
Application Deadline: Not specified; Opens in March (tentative)
Eligibility: High school students who are 16 or older; Residents of Boston
The Brigham and Women’s Hospital offers a summer program for students to gain practical experience in healthcare. The program focuses on health career exploration, professional development, and supporting the smooth operation of the hospital. You will learn how a hospital operates and how its administration and various departments work together to deliver patient care. You will receive mentorship from healthcare professionals, gain exposure to various career paths in healthcare, and work in different departments, including research labs, radiology, materials management, and more.
12. Federal Reserve Bank of Boston TIP internship program
Location: Federal Reserve Bank of Boston, Boston, MA
Stipend: Paid
Acceptance Rate: Selective
Dates: July – August
Application Deadline: May
Eligibility: Boston Public School rising juniors
The Today’s Interns, Tomorrow’s Professionals (TIP) program at the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston is a paid summer internship for high school students interested in exploring career paths in banking and the financial sector. You will understand how different departments within the Federal Reserve Bank work together and understand the bank’s role in regulating financial institutions and implementing U.S. monetary policy. The program begins with job coaching and skill-building workshops, after which you will be assigned to various departments within the bank, including customer service, finance, marketing, compliance, and operations. At the end of the program, you could even be selected for an extended year-round internship. Selection to the program is through the Boston Private Industry Council (PIC) Summer Internship program.
13. Town of Hanover Summer Internship
Location: Hanover Town Hall, Hanover, MA
Stipend: Paid
Acceptance Rate: Selective
Dates: Summer (exact dates not specified)
Application Deadline: March 18 – April 8
Eligibility: High School students in Hanover
Hanover Town Hall invites applications for summer internships from students interested in learning about the town government’s operations and exploring career paths in administration, law, governance, and public policy. As an intern, you’ll work with the town manager and get assigned to other departments within the town government, such as finance, planning, community development, public works, health, human resources, and information technology. You will be given tasks according to your skills and interests. You will also attend board meetings of Hanover public bodies to understand how they operate and how decision-making works at the local government level.
14. Youth Neurology Education and Research Program
Location: Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA
Stipend: Paid
Acceptance Rate: Highly selective
Dates: June 30 – August 8
Application Deadline: November 1 – January 31
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors or recent high school graduates living or studying in Massachusetts; Authorized to work in the U.S. and available full-time for the duration of the program
The Mass General Youth Neurology Education and Research Program begins with a boot camp, where you’ll receive training in lab and research skills. You will then be assigned to a lab under the mentorship of a MGH neurology faculty member, where you will work on research and clinical training. The program also includes weekly sessions on neurology by neurologists, neuroscientists, and other professionals. You will present your research findings and internship experience at the end of the program.
15. PIC Summer Internship Program
Location: Private sector employers based in Boston, MA
Cost: $15 – $18 (varies based on employer)
Acceptance Rate: Selective
Dates: July – August
Application Deadline: May
Eligibility: High school students (16+) at a Boston Public School; Authorized to work in the U.S.
The Boston Private Industry Council (PIC) organizes a summer internship program that allows high school students to gain experience working in private sector companies and institutions across various sectors in Boston. You can find internships in multiple fields, including technology, architecture, biological sciences, healthcare, financial services, and law. You get the chance to explore different career paths, and PIC pairs you with a career specialist to match you to an internship in the area of your interest. Previous interns have worked at law firms, pharmaceutical companies, healthcare research institutions, architecture firms, and many other organizations.
Image Source - Massachusetts Life Sciences Center Logo