15 Summer Internships for High School Students in Michigan
If you are a high school student, participating in a summer internship is a valuable step to build your resume, gain practical experience, and explore career interests early on. Internships help you develop professional skills, strengthen your college applications, and build professional connections that can boost your future employability.
For students in Michigan, there’s plenty of local summer internships at local industries, nonprofit organizations , and research institutions that you can explore. As an intern, you can expect to gain insights into fields ranging from healthcare to technology, and build a strong network early on. With numerous opportunities available, it can be challenging to find programs that fit your interests and schedule.
That’s why we’ve compiled a list of the 15 summer internships for high school students in Michigan. These programs offer structured experience with mentorship, meaningful projects, and opportunities for growth across a range of disciplines. Whether you’re interested in science, business, community service, or technology, this list highlights some of the options to consider for your summer.
1. Aspirnaut Summer Internship Program
Location: University of Michigan campus, Ann Arbor, MI(in-person)
Cost/Stipend: Monthly stipend and free participation in the program monthly stipend
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Highly competitive where 5–10 interns are accepted annually;
Dates: June 16 - July 25
Application Deadline: Application opens during late fall
Eligibility: Current juniors attending a Michigan high school; minimum age of 16 years once the program starts; no prior research experience required
The Aspirnaut program offers a rigorous six-week in-person research internship focused on life sciences at the University of Michigan’s Ann Arbor campus. Under the mentorship, you will reside in the Alice Lloyd Residence Hall and conduct hands-on wet bench research in top-tier laboratories.. Along with lab work, you will participate in professional development and social activities, gaining a comprehensive STEM experience. The program welcomes students without any prior research experience and does not require them to give any standard tests. Intern placement is tailored to align with your scientific interests across biology, chemistry, neuroscience, and genetics. Aspirnaut covers all costs and provides a monthly stipend, emphasizing accessibility for Michigan students committed to a full-time summer internship in research.
2. Ladder Internships
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: Not listed; varies depending on the opportunity
Acceptance Rate: Highly selective
Dates: Multiple 8–12 week cohorts throughout the year
Application Deadline: Varies by cohort
Eligibility: High school students
Founded by Harvard alumni, Ladder Internships offers virtual internship opportunities where you collaborate on real projects with startups majorly in the health and biotech sectors. These high-growth companies have raised significant funding, providing exposure to an innovative business environment. You will work with a Startup Manager and a Ladder Coach, receiving mentorship and professional development focussing on medical technology. The internship includes hands-on work experience, teamwork with industry professionals, and an opportunity to present your final project. Ladder emphasizes skill-building and practical experience in the emerging startup ecosystem.
3. BioMed Focus
Location: Ann Arbor, MI (in-person)
Stipend: $4,000
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Competitive; cohort size varies
Dates: June 16–August 8
Application Deadline: Opens in October
Eligibility: Rising juniors and seniors interested in biomedical research
BioMed Focus is an 8-week paid summer research program offering rising juniors and seniors the opportunity to work on hypothesis-driven independent research projects in laboratories at the University of Michigan’s Medicine. You will be paired with mentors and gain hands-on experience in biomedical research while completing a science communication course and a college preparatory course. The program concludes with a manuscript submission and a research presentation symposium for family and friends. BioMed Focus combines rigorous research training with professional development and science communication skills.
4. Marquette-Alger Regional Educational Service Agency (MARESA) Internship Program
Location: Marquette and Alger counties, MI
Cost/Stipend: None; students receive high school credit
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Varies; over 150 internship sites participate
Dates: Year-round; 6–10 hours per week during the school year
Application Deadline: Varies; contact high school counselor for more details
Eligibility: High school seniors; juniors interested in internships for senior year are encouraged to apply
MARESA’s internship program offers high school seniors a work-based learning experience aligned with their career growth prospects. You will complete an independent study internship devoting 6–10 hours weekly, earning high school credit while gaining practical career exposure. The program helps you build career awareness, technical skills, and professional soft skills using direct workplace experience. MARESA’s Internship Coordinator matches you with host sites aligned with your career interest across more than 150 local businesses and agencies. The application process includes submitting a résumé, a recommendation letter, and participating in interviews with coordinators and potential employers, preparing you for post-secondary education and career choices.
5. Henry Ford Health Department of Surgery High School Mentorship Program
Location: Detroit, MI
Cost/Stipend: Paid summer internship stipend of $1,000 for selected students; unpaid mentorship during academic year
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Mentorship cohort size varies; 10 paid summer internship spots available
Dates: Academic year mentorship sessions scheduled on Saturday mornings; summer internship duration varies
Application Deadline: Varies; contact program for more details
Eligibility: Detroit-area high school students interested in medicine or related healthcare careers
This mentorship program offers Detroit-area high school students hands-on exposure to surgical skills and healthcare careers at Henry Ford Hospital. You will learn suturing, knot tying, minimally invasive surgical simulations in the Surgical Simulation Suite, tour hospital facilities, and engage with healthcare professionals and medical students. Led by Dr. Ikenna Okereke, the program aims to inspire you towards a career in medicine, especially surgery, and boost confidence in academic and physical abilities. Ten students are selected annually for a paid summer internship to deepen their career exploration and receive professional guidance. Outcomes from a similar program in Texas demonstrated increased interest of participants in STEM fields and a greater career readiness.
6. Multicultural Apprenticeship Program (MAP)
Location: East Lansing, MI
Cost/Stipend: Free to participate; weekly stipend included
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Competitive; cohort size varies
Dates: July 6–August 1
Application Deadline: April 18
Eligibility: Current 10th and 11th graders with interest and aptitude in science, maths, and related fields
MAP is a four-week summer residential program designed to immerse high school students in agricultural and natural resource sciences at Michigan State University’s College of Agriculture and Natural Resources. You will work closely with faculty mentors on research projects spanning across food science, animal sciences, environmental management, and more. The program includes lab and field research, leadership seminars, field trips, and social activities. Participants live on campus, gaining personal experience of college life while earning a weekly stipend. MAP aims to foster academic growth, professional connections, and personal development using a supportive and diverse community.
7. Discovery to Cure Summer Internship Program
Location: Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI
Cost/Stipend: Not specified; students are responsible to manage their housing and transportation charges on their own
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Competitive; cohort size varies
Dates: June–August
Application Deadline: Notifications are sent by April 25
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors (16+ years old); undergraduate students from Wayne State and other universities
This intensive eight-week summer internship provides high school and undergraduate students with hands-on research experience in laboratories at Wayne State’s C.S. Mott Center for Human Growth and Development. You will work approximately 40 hours per week under the mentorship of faculty or research staff on projects involving reproductive biology, immunology, oncology, toxicology, and precision medicine. The program includes weekly research seminars and fosters skills in medical research techniques and scientific inquiry. While housing and transportation are not provided, international students can receive acceptance letters to support their visa applications. Discovery to Cure aims to build passion for biomedical research and prepare students for careers in science and medicine.
8. Physics of Atomic Nuclei (PAN) Program
Location: Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI
Cost/Stipend: Free; includes room and board if needed
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Competitive; cohort size varies
Dates: July 20– July 25
Application Deadline: Early December to early March
Eligibility: Current high school students from the United States only; international students not eligible
The PAN program, sponsored by the Facility for Rare Isotope Beams (FRIB) at Michigan State University, offers a free, intensive one-week summer experience introducing high school students to nuclear physics, astrophysics, and cosmology. You will participate in lectures, hands-on atomic physics experiments, and meet leading researchers at one of the world’s premier rare-isotope laboratories. The program also provides a glimpse into college life with free campus housing and meals, fostering an immersive educational environment. PAN aims to inspire future scientists by exposing students to cutting-edge research and diverse career paths in science.
9. Corewell Health Student Internships and Job Shadow Experiences
Location: Various locations across Michigan (in-person) including St. Joseph, Grand Rapids (Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital, Butterworth Hospital, Blodgett Hospital), Dearborn, and Benton Harbor
Cost/Stipend: Paid internships available (primarily for college students and recent grads); unpaid internships and job shadows also offered
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Varies by position and location
Dates: Internship postings primarily between October and March; most internships occur in summer
Application Deadline: Varies as per posting
Eligibility: High school, college students, and recent graduates
Corewell Health offers a variety of internships and job shadow opportunities for students exploring careers in clinical, corporate, and healthcare support roles. The paid summer internships are posted on their careers page and primarily useful for college students and recent graduates, while unpaid internships fulfill coursework requirements. High school students can participate in job shadow experiences (devoting 40 hours in a calendar year) to observe professionals in the healthcare environment. Volunteer opportunities are also available across Southeast, Southwest, and West Michigan, allowing flexible engagement with patient and non-patient services. These experiences provide valuable insights into healthcare careers and help to build a professional network.
10. Bloomberg Arts Internship (BAI)
Location: Multiple U.S. cities, including Detroit, MI
Cost/Stipend: Paid summer internship
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Competitive; cohort size varies by city
Dates: Summer, exact dates vary by city
Application Deadline: Varies by city and year
Eligibility: Rising public high school seniors
The Bloomberg Arts Internship (BAI) provides rising public high school seniors with paid summer internships at cultural organizations, including museums, theaters, and arts institutions. BAI stands as one of the largest paid arts internships for high school students in the U.S.Beyond hands-on work experience, you will participate in workforce readiness and college-preparation activities to develop essential skills for successful careers in the cultural sector. Since 2012, BAI has placed over 2,250 interns at more than 250 organizations across seven cities, including Detroit. The program aims long-term engagement using alumni networks and additional internship opportunities during senior year and college.
11. Biomedical Career Advancement Program (BCAP)
Location: Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI
Cost/Stipend: Monetary award based on funding
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Competitive; cohort size varies
Dates: June 23–August 15
Application Deadline: April 7
Eligibility: Current 10th–12th graders, with preference given to Wayne County residents, Detroit Public Schools students, and those from underprivileged background
BCAP offers a six-week summer research experience designed for high school students interested in health sciences and biomedical research. You will work along with senior faculty and research staff on independent projects, developing skills in laboratory techniques, clinical training, and scientific inquiry. The program includes daily research work, weekly special events such as CPR and Phlebotomy training, and opportunities for professional development and networking. BCAP concludes with a research symposium where you present your project findings.
12. Medical Mentors Pathway Program (M2P2)
Location: Detroit, MI
Cost/Stipend: Not listed
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Competitive; cohort size varies
Dates: Rotations structured as three, two-week segments (dates vary)
Application Deadline: Varies
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors through rising college juniors
Under the leadership of Dr. Patricia Uddyback, M2P2 immerses students in the medical field through three two-week clinical rotations, where they shadow physicians and healthcare providers across various specialties, including surgery, cardiology, pediatrics, emergency medicine, neurology, and more. The program includes weekly didactics, academic and career guidance, and practical training such as BLS certification (AED & CPR). You’ll also visit Wayne State University School of Medicine, gaining exposure to medical simulation technology and leadership. This hands-on program offers deep insights into the journey of becoming a physician.
13. The Harper Academy 4 Future Nuclear Engineers
Location: Residential, University of Michigan North Campus
Cost/Stipend: Cost unspecified; participants receive a stipend
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Competitive; cohort size varies
Dates: July 6 – August 1
Application Deadline: Priority deadline as January 31
Eligibility: Current 11th-grade Michigan residents; U.S. citizens or permanent residents
This four-week residential program provides an immersive experience for students interested in nuclear engineering careers. Hosted by the University of Michigan’s Nuclear Engineering & Radiological Sciences department in partnership with Detroit Second Chance/Charles Harper Charities, you will live on campus in Bursley Hall and engage in hands-on learning designed to prepare you for admission into nuclear engineering programs. The program covers fundamentals of the field while providing mentorship, professional exposure, and community building. University of Michigan health and safety policies are followed to ensure a safe experience.
14. Future Ready Scholars at the University of Michigan
Location: Ann Arbor, MI(in-person and remote options available)
Cost/Stipend: Free
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Competitive; cohort size varies
Dates: Two-week summer camp + Saturday sessions conducted monthly during the school year
Application Deadline: May 18
Eligibility: High school students in Southeast Michigan
Future Ready Scholars is a multi-year STEM career and college readiness program designed for Southeast Michigan high school students. During the two-week summer camp at U-M Ann Arbor, you will engage in hands-on learning using STEM tools such as robotics, app development, CAD, and entrepreneurship within collaborative teams to tackle real-world challenges. Beyond the camp, Saturday sessions are scheduled every month throughout the school year to provide ongoing opportunities for career growth , SAT preparation, and job shadowing. The program helps to build the right skills and guidance for post-secondary success in the STEM fields.
15. ACS Project SEED at Michigan State University
Location: East Lansing, MI
Cost/Stipend: Stipend of $2,500 for first-year participants, $3,000 for returning students
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Competitive, cohort size varies
Dates: 8–10 weeks during summer (June–August)
Application Deadline: Varies (typically early spring)
Eligibility: Economically underprivileged high school juniors and seniors who meet academic qualifications
ACS Project SEED at Michigan State University is a summer research program providing economically underprivileged high school juniors and seniors the opportunity to work in chemistry labs at MSU. Under the supervision of faculty and graduate mentors, you will conduct independent research projects and present your findings at the conclusion of the program. The program offers a stipend and aims to encourage students to pursue STEM careers by providing hands-on laboratory experience in a supportive academic environment.
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