14 Summer Internships for High School Students in Oregon

If you are a high school student, internships can be a worthwhile way to explore fields that interest you. Internships for high school students help you build professional skills and figure out whether a career path aligns with your strengths and goals. Doing an internship in high school can shape how colleges and future employers view your candidacy. An internship shows college admissions officers that you have gone beyond the classroom to explore your field, and it tells recruiters that you already have the skills needed for an entry-level role. 

What summer internships are available for high school students in Oregon?

Oregon offers a range of high school summer internships across fields such as research, healthcare, engineering, conservation, finance, and community work. The state is home to a strong technology sector, major athletic and outdoor gear companies like Nike and Columbia, and a growing green industry. You can find innovation and research programs at institutions such as OHSU and the University of Oregon, focusing on biosciences and engineering. For those interested in public service and advocacy, various non-profits offer valuable experience.

To help you get started, we’ve put together a list of 14 summer internships for high school students in Oregon.

1. Ted R. Lilley CURE Program at OHSU Knight Cancer Institute

Location: Knight Cancer Institute, Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU), Portland, OR
Cost/Stipend: Free; $4,000 as stipend
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: June 22 - August 14
Application Deadline: January 8
Eligibility: Oregon high school sophomores, juniors, or seniors | From disadvantaged backgrounds as defined by the NIH | At least 16 years old by June | Minimum GPA of 3.0, and have completed at least one lab science course (preferably biology) 

This internship places you in a biomedical research lab at the Knight Cancer Institute, where you work on cancer research projects alongside a faculty mentor. You’ll assist with active cancer research projects and gain hands-on exposure with laboratory techniques and scientific workflows used in real medical research. Weekly seminars cover topics such as health equity and scientific development, helping you connect research to real-world outcomes. The program concludes with a formal poster presentation where you share your findings with researchers and peers. This internship is especially valuable if you’re interested in medicine, biology, or public health and want hands-on lab experience early in your professional career. It also supports students from underserved backgrounds exploring biomedical careers.

2. Ladder Internship Program

Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: Varies according to program (financial aid available)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year
Application Deadline: Varies depending on the cohort
Eligibility: High school students who can commit 8 - 12 weeks, devoting 10 - 20 hours/week  

Ladder Internships connects high school students with fast-growing startups for structured virtual internships. You’ll work on real projects across fields such as technology, health tech, consulting, journalism, and AI. Each intern is supported by both a company manager and a dedicated ladder coach. The program concludes with a final presentation where you showcase your work with the organization. Because most partner companies are early-stage startups, your responsibilities are meaningful instead of observational. This is a strong option if you’re exploring summer internships for high school students in Oregon with strong professional exposure but remote flexibility. Apply now!

3. Biomedical Engineering Summer Internships at Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU)

Location: Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR
Stipend: Fluorescence molecular imaging internship program: unpaid for the first summer; returning students get a stipend | Quantitative biology/biophysics internship: stipend provided
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Fluorescence molecular imaging internship program: 6 - 8 | Quantitative biology/biophysics internship: 2 - 3
Dates: Fluorescence molecular imaging internship program: flexible start and end dates with 10-week minimum | Quantitative biology/biophysics internship: 8 weeks, starting in June
Application Deadline: Fluorescence molecular imaging internship program: March 15 | Quantitative biology/biophysics internship: March 30
Eligibility: High school students

OHSU offers several biomedical engineering and health research internships focused on lab-based scientific work. Programs span areas such as cardiovascular research, fluorescence imaging, quantitative biology, and research equity. Internships generally run for  8 - 10 weeks and involve hands-on lab responsibilities under professional supervision. Depending on the program, some roles may include participation in poster presentations or research conferences. While not all positions are paid, some offer stipends or future paid opportunities. This internship option is best suited for students seeking early exposure to biomedical engineering in a university research environment.

4. Portland Youth Community Crew Member Internship at Northwest Youth Corps

Location: Portland, OR
Cost/Stipend: $480 weekly stipend (plus up to $40/week in bonuses) | $240 - $300 tuition fee (significant financial aid available) | safety gear and uniforms provided
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: Session I: June 23 - July 25 | Session II: July 29 - August 29
Application Deadline: Rolling basis

Eligibility: Students aged 15 - 18 years who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents 

This program focuses on environmental conservation and community service work in the Portland area. You’ll work in small crews completing projects such as trail maintenance, tree planting, and fuel reduction across public lands and community spaces. In addition to physical work, you receive training in teamwork and environmental awareness. The program emphasizes community impact over academic research. It’s a good option if you enjoy outdoor work and want to contribute directly to environmental conservation.

5. Apprenticeships in Science & Engineering (ASE) Program at Saturday Academy

Location: Portland Metro area; Albany, Corvallis, and Eugene regions
Stipend: Free (except $40 application fee); stipend up to $1,500
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 75 interns each year
Dates: 8 - 10 weeks between mid-June and late August
Application Deadline: March 6
Eligibility: Rising 10th - 12th graders (or equivalent) who have not previously participated in ASE | Live within commuting distance of ASE sites (Portland Metro or Albany/Corvallis/Eugene), or can stay with family/friends nearby

The ASE internship program places high school students in workplaces across science, engineering, business, and technology. You’ll work directly with a mentor and contribute to ongoing projects at their host organization. Responsibilities include assisting with civil engineering projects, environmental research, or completing business analysis tasks. The experience emphasizes professional responsibility and applied learning rather than classroom instruction. Stipends depend on the number of hours completed. This is one of the more structured, in-person summer internships for high school students in Oregon, offering local placements.

6. PWA Summer Career Academy

Location: Parkrose High School, Portland, OR
Stipend: $200 stipend on completion
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Limited cohort size
Dates: June 23 - 26
Application Deadline: May 27; rolling admissions
Eligibility: Students entering grades 10 - 12 in the fall who attend a Portland-metro high school

The PWA Summer Career Academy is a four-day program focused on building practical career and financial skills before entering the workplace. You’ll spend time learning budgeting, managing a paycheck, and planning for major expenses, including tuition, housing, and daily living costs. The program also includes resume writing, interview practice, and job search strategies in a structured environment. You’ll hear directly from professionals across different industries about career pathways and workplace expectations. The focus is on practical preparation rather than academic theory, making it a useful option if you’re starting to think seriously about jobs, internships, or part-time work. The paid stipend is awarded upon successful completion of the program. 

7. Research Internship Program – OHSU School of Dentistry

Location: School of Dentistry, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR
Cost/Stipend: No cost; $15/hour or current minimum wage
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: June 22 - August 14
Application Deadline: Mid-February
Eligibility: High school students, undergraduates, or recent undergraduate graduates who are at least 16 years old and interested in pursuing a career in dentistry or oral health

This internship introduces you to dental and oral health research in an academic environment. You’ll be paired with a research mentor and work on a defined research project that includes skill-building, data analysis, and scientific communication. Interns deliver two formal presentations during the internship. It concludes with a showcase event where participants present their work to peers and faculty. This option is best suited if you’re considering careers in healthcare or dentistry.

8. Hutton Junior Fisheries Biology Program

Location: Local placements across all 50 States in the USA, including Portland, within a 45-minute commuting distance
Cost/Stipend: $3,000 as stipend
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective
Dates: 8 weeks during the summer
Application Deadline: January 25
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors or rising college freshmen from the U.S., Puerto Rico, Canada, Mexico, or the Pacific Islands who are at least 16 years old by the internship start date

This program offers one-on-one mentorship with a fisheries or aquatic biologist. It’s highly selective and well-regarded in environmental science circles. You’ll assist with tasks such as habitat restoration, fish tagging, and water quality testing. Most of your work takes place outdoors in natural ecosystems. The program focuses on conservation science and field research. This is one of the more immersive summer internships for high school students in Oregon if you’re placed locally.

9. Portland General Electric (PGE) Student Internship Program

Location: Portland General Electric, Portland, OR
Stipend: Paid
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Moderately competitive
Dates: Summer (typically 8 - 12 weeks)
Application Deadline: January - March
Eligibility: Students who are at least 18 years old and are either high school graduates (including GED recipients) or are college or trade-bound 

PGE’s internship program provides exposure to careers in energy, engineering, IT, and finance. Interns work within a major utility company and attend networking events. Some students also participate in school-year internships through partnerships with local schools. Responsibilities vary depending on the department. This program is best suited for older students who are ready for a structured corporate work environment. It offers insight into how large infrastructure organizations operate.

10. Hillsboro WORKS Summer Internships

Location: Various locations across Hillsboro, OR
Stipend: Paid
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive
Dates: June - August (tentative)
Application Deadline: May or June (tentative)
Eligibility: Local students and alumni aged 16 - 24 years

Hillsboro WORKS offers paid internships across fields such as medicine, engineering, business, and marketing. You’ll work on real-world projects while also developing life skills, including budgeting and money management. The program emphasizes workforce readiness and community connection. Interns gain professional experience while preparing for college-related and financial responsibilities. Placements vary depending on availability. This is a strong local option among summer internships for high school students in Oregon.

11. PWA Youth Impact Council

Location: Portland Workforce Alliance, Portland, OR (virtual and in-person)
Cost/Stipend: Free; $200 stipend on completion
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive
Dates: November - May
Application Deadline: October 17
Eligibility: High school students in grades 10 - 12

This program focuses on financial literacy and workforce development. You’ll learn about practical skills such as budgeting, understanding taxes, managing credit scores, and money management. Participants also include building resumes, interview preparation, and attending career expos. The program includes networking with employers and nonprofit leaders. You’ll complete a project reviewing part of PWA’s programming. This is a useful option if you’re exploring careers in finance or the nonprofit sector.

12. Columbia Works Summer Internship Program

Location: Various locations across Morrow County, OR
Stipend: Paid
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive
Dates: June - August
Application Deadline: May 23
Eligibility: Local high school and college students

This internship program places students in business-focused roles across Morrow County. Finance interns may analyze budgets, review financial reports, and evaluate operational efficiency. You’ll gain hands-on exposure to how companies make strategic decisions. The program emphasizes practical business experience. Placements depend on local employer availability and are best suited for students interested in business operations.

13. PNNL High School Intern Program

Location: Virtual and in person (including Portland, OR)
Stipend: Paid (varies)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: June - August
Application Deadline: Early February - March
Eligibility: High school students; must be 18+ years for lab roles

PNNL offers paid internships within a national laboratory environment. You may work on projects related to business, finance, or research. Finance-focused roles include analyzing compensation structures and workforce planning. Interns gain exposure to decision-making processes at senior leadership levels. The program provides insight into how large research institutions operate. This is one of the more advanced summer internships for high school students in Oregon for students ready for professional environments.

14. Port of Portland Internship Program

Location: Port of Portland, OR
Cost/Stipend: Paid hourly wage based on year in school
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive
Dates: 12 months
Application Deadline: Depends on the open position
Eligibility: Students who are currently enrolled in school (or will be enrolled the following term if applying for a summer role) can provide proof of enrollment or intent to enroll | Maintain a minimum GPA of 2.5, and continue coursework relevant to the internship

This year-round internship covers fields such as engineering, law, public affairs, and transportation planning. You’ll work full-time during the summer and part-time during the school year. Interns receive mentorship and professional development support. Projects often involve applying classroom knowledge to real operational challenges. The experience helps you understand public-sector operations and is ideal if you’re interested in government or infrastructure careers.

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