15 Summer Internships for High School Students in Wisconsin
If you are a high school student, participating in a summer internship is one of the most effective ways to build a strong resume, gain work experience, and explore potential career paths before college. Internships allow you to apply classroom learning in industry settings while developing transferable skills such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. These experiences enhance your resume and college applications, signaling to admissions officers and future employers that you have the discipline and initiative to succeed. Most importantly, you begin building a professional network of mentors and peers early on, creating a base that can lead to future job offers.
What internships are available for high school students in Wisconsin?
Summer internships in Wisconsin offer high school students a distinct advantage due to the state’s robust Youth Apprenticeship (YA) framework and its specialized industry hubs in healthcare, freshwater science, and agriculture. By engaging with organizations like the Medical College of Wisconsin or the Department of Natural Resources, you can even earn credits and professional certifications. Furthermore, the state’s Wisconsin Fast Forward and Job Center of Wisconsin initiatives are structured as "earn-while-you-learn" opportunities, giving you a stipend you can use to fund future educational or enrichment experiences.
To help simplify the search, we’ve curated a list of the 15 best summer internships for high school students in Wisconsin that are in-person and take place between May and August.
1. UW–Green Bay Freshwater Scholars Program (Summer Scholars)
Location: University of Wisconsin–Green Bay and partner research sites across northeastern Wisconsin
Stipend: $1,750
Dates: Summer program typically mid-June through mid-August
Application Deadline: April 14
Eligibility: High school students, including graduating seniors
The UW–Green Bay Freshwater Scholars Program is a mentored summer research experience focused on freshwater science and environmental research. The program matches you with a UW–Green Bay mentor engaged in freshwater-related research to work on structured projects in laboratory and outdoor field settings. You will complete approximately 120 hours of research and professional learning activities, including data collection, analysis, and presentations. The program also includes exposure to water science careers through field trips and presentations. You will present your work at the annual Lakeshore Water Summit held in the fall. Transportation to research sites is provided, though participants must arrange their own transportation to campus.
2. Ladder Internship Program
Location: Remote
Cost/Stipend: Varies depending on the program type; full financial aid available / No stipend
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year, including Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter
Application Deadline: Deadlines vary by cohort; Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), and Winter (November)
Eligibility: High school students, undergraduates, and gap-year students who can commit 10–20 hours per week for 8–12 weeks
The Ladder Internship Program is a selective, remote internship program that places students with high-growth startups across a range of industries. You will work directly with a startup team on real-world projects in fields such as technology, AI/ML, health tech, marketing, journalism, consulting, and business operations. You collaborate closely with startup managers and contribute to ongoing company initiatives. The program emphasizes practical skill development, professional communication, and exposure to startup workflows. Participating companies are typically early-stage startups with strong growth trajectories. The internship concludes with a presentation of your work to the startup team.
3. City of Milwaukee’s Earn & Learn – Summer Youth Internship Program (SYIP)
Location: City of Milwaukee departments, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Stipend: $15/hour
Dates: June 20 – August 15
Application Deadline: April 11
Eligibility: Milwaukee residents ages 16–19
The Summer Youth Internship Program (SYIP) is a paid, city-sponsored internship that places high school students in municipal departments across Milwaukee. You will work up to 20 hours per week on structured assignments that introduce you to public-sector operations and professional workplace expectations. You will gain hands-on experience while supporting city agencies such as the Department of City Development. Every Friday, you will step away from your job site to attend structured "Work-Readiness" training sessions, focusing on financial literacy, resume building, and career exploration. The program emphasizes punctuality, accountability, and professional communication. You must commit to the full eight-week program without scheduling conflicts.
4. Maydm High School Internship Program
Location: Madison, Wisconsin
Stipend: Paid, varies by placement and host employer
Dates: 8 to 12 weeks, typically starting late May or mid-June through early August
Application Deadline: January
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors (age 16 or older) who are females or youth of color and have completed a Maydm program or have equivalent skills/experience
The Maydm High School Internship Program connects qualified students with professional internships at partner companies across fields such as information technology, engineering, research, sustainability, and health equity. It matches you with employers based on your interests and prior experience to work under direct supervision on defined projects. Host organizations include local employers such as UW Health, First Business Bank, Madison Gas & Electric, Catalent, and others, offering roles ranging from IT and engineering to health research and sustainability projects. The program typically involves structured work schedules and professional development discussions with peers and Maydm staff. Participation is by invitation only and includes a preliminary interest form and application process coordinated by Maydm.
5. Beaver Dam Enhanced Internship Program
Location: Beaver Dam, WI
Stipend: Varies by placement
Dates: Typically starting in mid-June and concluding by late August
Application Deadline: May 9
Eligibility: High school students who have completed their sophomore year or higher
The Beaver Dam Enhanced Internship Program connects high school students with local employers to gain real-world career experience during the summer. It places you in an internship aligned with your interests, with opportunities available in areas such as marketing, event management, nonprofit work, social services, clerical support, and business operations. The program emphasizes professional skill development, leadership training, and workplace readiness. You also attend professional development workshops coordinated by the Beaver Dam Chamber of Commerce. You will work directly with experienced mentors and complete employer-specific onboarding requirements.
6. Inspire Sheboygan County High School Internship Program
Location: Sheboygan County, Wisconsin (placements with local employers)
Stipend: Paid, amount not specified
Dates: 9 weeks; typically runs mid-June through mid-August
Application Deadline: Mid-March
Eligibility: High school students attending participating schools in Sheboygan County who are 16+
Inspire Sheboygan County is a regional internship and workforce platform that connects high school students with local employers for summer and short-term work experiences. You can explore internships across a range of industries, including manufacturing, business operations, skilled trades, healthcare, and office support roles. Placements are coordinated with participating schools and employers, allowing you to gain hands-on experience aligned with career interests. The program emphasizes career exploration, workplace readiness, and local workforce development. Internship responsibilities and schedules vary depending on the employer and role.
7. Wisconsin Youth Apprenticeship (YA) Program
Location: Wisconsin (placements with approved employers statewide)
Stipend: Paid, varies by employer and occupation
Dates: One- or two-year program; work takes place during the school year and summer
Application Deadline: Varies by region and employer
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors enrolled in participating Wisconsin school districts
The Wisconsin Youth Apprenticeship Program is an earn-while-you-learn opportunity that combines paid, on-the-job training with related classroom instruction. You will work with an employer in a chosen occupational pathway while completing coursework aligned with your field. Program areas span a wide range of industries, including manufacturing, healthcare, information technology, business, marketing, agriculture, construction, STEM, and public safety. You receive hands-on training from experienced professionals and develop technical and workplace skills over one or two years. You will earn wages throughout the program and receive an industry-recognized Certificate of Occupational Proficiency upon completion.
8. Bank of America Student Leaders Program
Location: Dane, Milwaukee, and Waukesha counties in WI
Stipend: Paid amount not specified; all expenses for Student Leaders Summit also covered
Dates: Eight-week summer program (includes one week in Washington, D.C.)
Application Deadline: January 15
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors who are legally authorized to work in the U.S., permanently reside in an eligible location, and have not previously been selected
The Bank of America Student Leaders Program is a competitive summer internship that places high school students with local nonprofit organizations. You will work full-time on community-focused projects while gaining exposure to civic engagement, nonprofit operations, and leadership development. As part of the program, you attend a mandatory, week-long Student Leaders Summit in Washington, D.C., where you learn how government, business, and nonprofits collaborate to address community challenges. The summit is fully funded and included within the eight-week internship period. You are mentored by nonprofit professionals and gain practical workplace experience in service-oriented settings.
9. Career and Technical Education (CTE) Internship Program
Location: Wisconsin (placements coordinated through participating school districts and local employers)
Stipend: Varies by placement; could be paid or unpaid
Dates: Summer or school-year placements
Application Deadline: Varies by school district
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors enrolled in Career and Technical Education pathways who have completed CTE-related coursework and have a minimum 2.0 GPA
The Career and Technical Education Internship Program provides students with supervised, work-based learning experiences aligned with their academic and career interests. Through the Academic and Career Planning (ACP) process, you will participate in career-based learning experiences that involve engagement with employers or industry partners. Internships are designed to reinforce both technical skills and professional behaviors expected in the workplace. The program emphasizes employability and leadership competencies tied to the Wisconsin Skills Certificate framework. You will earn up to two academic credits and attend required spring meetings to verify enrollment in work-based learning.
10. Medical College of Wisconsin – Apprenticeship in Medicine (AIM)
Location: MCW Milwaukee Campus, Milwaukee, WI
Stipend: Paid, amount not specified
Dates: 6 weeks (Runs from mid-June through early August)
Application Deadline: March 1
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors, seniors, or recent June graduates who are at least 16 years old, have a minimum 2.75 Science/Math GPA, and are attending school in the Milwaukee Metropolitan area
In this six-week program, you will explore advanced topics in human anatomy, physiology, and the pathophysiology of common diseases. You will practice clinical skills like suturing and casting, tour state-of-the-art simulation labs, and shadow professional physicians in a hospital. You will receive 1-on-1 mentorship from current MCW medical students who guide you through both your scientific research and the medical school application process. You will conclude the summer by presenting a formal oral presentation on a specific medical condition to your peers and faculty. By participating, you will master technical medical terminology and diagnostic basics.
11. Rock Internship Program
Location: Rock County, Wisconsin (placements with local employers and organizations)
Stipend: $13/hour
Dates: June 15 – July 24
Application Deadline: February 27
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors (entering senior year) who are 16 or older, residents of Rock County, and legally eligible to work in the U.S.
The Rock Internship Program is a structured, paid summer internship designed to provide rising high school seniors with hands-on career experience aligned with their Academic and Career Plan (ACP). It places you with a local employer based on interest alignment, availability, and program fit, where you gain exposure to professional work environments. Internship fields span engineering, healthcare, information technology, manufacturing, marketing, business operations, education, and human services. The program emphasizes employability skills, including communication, teamwork, leadership, and critical thinking. You will participate in orientation and ongoing professional development, and complete a capstone presentation showcased at the closing Graduation Day event.
12. ARISE Summer Research Internship Program
Location: UW–Madison Campus, specifically within various cancer research labs at the Carbone Cancer Center (Madison, WI)
Stipend: $18/hour
Dates: June 15 – August 7
Application Deadline: February 6
Eligibility: High school sophomores, juniors, and seniors who are at least 16 years old and have completed their sophomore year at the start of the internship
The ARISE Summer Research Internship is an in-person, lab-based program designed to introduce high school students to cancer-focused biomedical research. It places you in a mentor laboratory where you participate in ongoing cancer research projects. You will receive laboratory skills training, gain familiarity with bench research techniques, and work on an individual research project under faculty supervision. The program includes regular one-on-one check-ins with a principal investigator to support research progress and skill development. In addition to lab work, you will participate in structured enrichment activities, including career exploration sessions, pathology exposure, medical ethics discussions, and science communication workshops.
13. 500 Stars Summer Internship – Medical College of Wisconsin
Location: MCW Milwaukee Campus and various CTSI partner/collaborator sites in Southeast Wisconsin
Stipend: Paid, amount not specified
Dates: 8 weeks from mid-June through the end of July/early August
Application Deadline: February 1
Eligibility: High school students at least 16 years old at the start of the program from the Milwaukee Metro area with a 2.5 CGPA
In this eight-week program, you will dive into the world of clinical and translational science by working directly with faculty mentors in research labs, clinical settings, and community health sites. You will gain firsthand experience by conducting real-life studies, participating in simulation lab tours, and attending professional development "lunch and learns" featuring expert career panels. The internship focuses on community and family engagement, often culminating in a formal poster session where you present your research findings in a professional white-coat environment. By the end of the summer, you will have mastered technical skills in scientific methodology and data analysis while sharpening your networking and public speaking abilities.
14. High School Science Research Internship Program – UW–Madison
Location: UW–Madison campus, Madison, WI
Stipend: None
Dates: 9 weeks during the summer (Mid-June through mid-August), plus a poster session in September
Application Deadline: January 16
Eligibility: Current juniors at a Madison Metropolitan School District high school
In this nine-week summer program, you will step into a professional UW-Madison laboratory to conduct scientific research alongside university faculty. Whether you are interested in astrophysics, chemistry, or biology, you will spend your summer performing experiments, analyzing complex field data, and attending specialized seminars. A unique feature of this internship is the opportunity to earn both high school and college credits simultaneously while building a professional network that treats you as a peer in the scientific community. You will wrap up your experience by designing a professional research poster to showcase your findings at a formal symposium in September.
15. Cancer Research High School Program (CRHSP)
Location: Virtual (hosted by the Medical College of Wisconsin and partner institutions)
Stipend: None
Dates: 2 weeks between late July and early August
Application Deadline: Late May
Eligibility: High school freshmen, sophomores, and juniors
The Cancer Research High School Program is a virtual, synchronous summer program designed to introduce high school students to cancer research and biomedical science. You will participate in structured learning sessions that explore cancer biology, research methodologies, and career pathways in medicine and science. The program is multi-institutional and emphasizes exposure to translational and clinical research concepts. You engage with researchers and educators through interactive online instruction and discussions. The program focuses on building foundational knowledge rather than independent lab research.
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