15 Summer Jobs for High School Students
If you’re a high school student looking to make the most of your summer break, taking up a summer job can be a great way to build valuable skills while exploring your interests. Beyond earning some extra money, summer jobs help strengthen your resume, improve your communication and teamwork abilities, and give you real-world experience that can stand out on future college or internship applications.
If you want to check out other summer programs, here’s a list of free leadership programs & here’s a list of some STEM-specific internships!
Why should you do a summer job as a high school student?
They also help you build professional connections and better understand what different career paths look like in practice without requiring a major financial investment. From opportunities offered by well-known organizations to flexible roles designed specifically for teens, there are plenty of accessible options available across different fields and interests. Whether you’re interested in business, education, technology, retail, community service, or creative work, gaining early work experience can help you feel more confident about your future goals.
To make your search easier, we’ve narrowed it down to a list of 15 summer jobs for high school students
Key takeaways
This list rounds up 15 summer jobs and research internships for high school students spanning federal research institutes, museums, theme parks, and government programs, with standout hosts including the U.S. Senate, Princeton University, and the Smithsonian.
Most of these are paid, with strong stipends reaching $5,600 at one Smithsonian program and a full annual salary basis for Senate Pages, while a seasonal theme park option offers hourly retail and hospitality-style pay for students looking for a more traditional summer job.
This list mixes true entry-level jobs, like seasonal theme park roles, with paid research fellowships at major universities and federal labs, giving students very different types of summer experiences to choose from depending on their interests.
Several of these are tied to a specific state or region, while Ladder remains the only fully virtual, location-independent option on the list.
The earliest deadline falls on February 1 for one of the most competitive biomedical research programs, with several more clustering into February and March, so it's worth starting applications well before spring.
1. University of Michigan Aspirnaut Summer Research Internship
Acceptance rate/cohort size: At least six high school interns are selected for each cohort.
Location: University of Michigan Life Sciences Institute
Cost/Stipend: Housing, meals, and a stipend are provided
Dates: June 14–July 24
Application Deadline: February 15
Eligibility: Current high school juniors in Michigan who will be rising seniors at the time of the program
During this six-week residential internship, you work alongside university scientists on active life sciences research projects at the University of Michigan. You gain experience with laboratory research methods, scientific problem-solving, and professional research environments while contributing to ongoing studies. The program also introduces you to STEM career pathways and university life through hands-on work, mentorship, and collaboration with researchers and lab teams. Living on campus allows you to engage closely with peers and scientists throughout the program while developing research and communication skills.
2. Ladder Internships
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective program; cohort sizes vary by internship track
Location: Remote; you can participate from anywhere in the world
Cost/Stipend: Starting at $2,490; financial aid available
Dates: Multiple cohorts are offered throughout the year, including Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter. Most internships last around 8 weeks
Application Deadline: Deadlines vary by cohort — Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall September), and Winter (November)
Eligibility: Open to high school students, undergraduate students, and gap year students who can commit 10–20 hours per week for 8–12 weeks
In this remote internship program, you work with a start-up company on projects connected to areas such as AI/ML, health tech, consulting, journalism, marketing, and software development. You collaborate with company managers and receive mentorship from a Ladder Coach while completing team-based assignments and industry-focused projects. The internship helps you build professional skills in communication, research, project management, and problem-solving within a start-up environment. You also gain exposure to how early-stage companies operate, including workflows, collaboration practices, and product development processes. At the end of the program, you present your work and project outcomes to the company team. A key aspect of the experience is the ability to choose from multiple internship tracks while participating in a fully virtual format that accommodates students from different locations.
3. Stanford Institutes of Medicine Summer Research Program
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; cohort size varies each year.
Location: Stanford Institutes of Medicine Summer Research Program
Cost/Stipend: $50 application fee; limited stipends from special grants based on need
Dates: June 8–July 30
Application Deadline: February 21
Eligibility: Open to current high school juniors and seniors
During this eight-week research program, you work on medically oriented research projects alongside Stanford faculty, researchers, postdoctoral fellows, and students. You gain exposure to laboratory research practices, scientific investigation, and biological science concepts through hands-on research experience. The program focuses on helping students understand how scientific research is conducted while developing analytical, technical, and communication skills. You also collaborate with research teams and engage with mentors working in medicine and the biological sciences. The experience is designed for students interested in exploring biomedical research and healthcare-related fields.
4. US Senate Page Program
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 30 Senate Page positions available across all 100 U.S. senators each session
Location: United States Senate
Cost/Stipend: Pages are paid on an annual salary basis of $38,547, prorated for the length of service. Housing costs $1,380 per month, including meals and field trips, and is deducted from payroll.
Dates: Summer Session I: June 7–June 26; Summer Session II: July 12–August 7
Application Deadline: Varies by senator’s office and session
Eligibility: Rising juniors and seniors who will be 16 or 17 years old by the appointment date
In the Senate Page Program, you assist with the daily operations of the U.S. Senate by delivering legislative materials, preparing the Senate chamber, and supporting senators and staff during debates and votes. You gain firsthand exposure to the legislative process while working directly inside the Capitol and Senate office buildings. The program also helps you build professional skills such as communication, discipline, time management, and responsibility through a demanding daily schedule. Pages live and study together in Washington, DC, while participating in supervised activities and educational field trips during Senate recesses.
5. Princeton Summer Journalism Program
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Up to 40 students
Location: Princeton University
Cost/Stipend: Program costs covered in full
Dates: Multi-week hybrid program running from late June through early August, including a 10-day residential experience on campus
Application Deadline: January
Eligibility: Intended for limited-income background high school juniors in the U.S. with strong academic performance; minimum unweighted GPA of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale
In this hybrid journalism and college preparation program, you participate in online workshops and lectures led by professional journalists before attending a residential intensive at Princeton University. You develop reporting, writing, editing, and investigative journalism skills while producing digital and print media projects, including a student newspaper published at the end of the program. Students also tour major news organizations, cover live events, and collaborate on group journalism assignments throughout the summer. In addition to journalism training, you work one-on-one with a college advisor and attend seminars focused on the college admissions process.
6. Six Flags Seasonal Jobs
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Location: Various Six Flags parks across North America
Cost/Stipend: Paid; exact pay varies by location and position
Dates: Seasonal positions (summer; exact dates vary by park)
Application Deadline: Typically February; deadlines vary by park
Eligibility: Vary by position and park. Six Flags welcomes applicants of different ages and backgrounds, including students.
You can apply for a variety of seasonal positions, including admissions, guest services, retail, food and beverage, entertainment, park services, ride operations, and other park departments. Depending on your role, you help deliver guest experiences while working in a fast-paced environment. Six Flags provides paid training before you begin your assigned duties. Many parks also offer flexible schedules that can accommodate school commitments, along with employee benefits such as free park admission and discounts on food and merchandise. Some locations may also offer internship and student placement opportunities where available.
7. NIH High School Summer Internship Program (HS-SIP)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Varies by NIH institutes and research groups
Location: National Institutes of Health and other NIH campuses across the U.S.
Cost/Stipend: Varies by educational level
Dates: May 11–August 31
Application Deadline: February 18
Eligibility: Open to U.S. citizens and permanent residents who are at least 18 years old by September 30.
In this full-time research internship, you work in an NIH research group under the supervision of a Principal Investigator on projects related to biomedical, behavioral, social, or clinical sciences. You gain hands-on research experience in fields such as biology, engineering, epidemiology, computer science, psychology, chemistry, and public health while contributing to ongoing scientific studies. The program also includes professional development workshops, career programming, wellness resources, and networking opportunities with researchers and healthcare professionals. Interns may present their work during the NIH Summer Poster Day and attend events such as the Graduate and Professional School Fair. Students are encouraged to directly contact NIH Principal Investigators whose research aligns with their interests as part of the selection process.
8. Hutton Junior Fisheries Biology Program
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Cohort size varies annually
Location: Hosted through mentor organizations across all 50 U.S. states, Canada, Mexico, and Puerto Rico by American Fisheries Society
Cost/Stipend: $3,000 stipend
Dates: Eight-week internships run between June and August, with exact dates arranged between mentors and students.
Application Deadline: Late January
Eligibility: Open to high school students interested in fisheries, aquatic science, environmental science, and related fields
In this summer internship program, you work directly with fisheries professionals and mentors on hands-on projects related to aquatic ecosystems, conservation, fisheries biology, and environmental science. Interns gain field and laboratory experience through activities such as species monitoring, habitat assessment, ecological research, and data collection. The program also introduces students to careers in fisheries and aquatic sciences while providing one-on-one mentorship from professionals in the field. Placements are arranged within a 45-minute commute of the student’s home whenever possible, allowing students to participate in research and conservation work in their local region.
9. Meta Summer Academy
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Location: Hosted in partnership with Meta Summer Academy for students in East Palo Alto, Belle Haven, and Redwood City, California.
Cost/Stipend: Stipend provided; amount varies each year
Dates: June 15–July 24
Application Deadline: February 14
Eligibility: 10th-grade students who are full-year residents of East Palo Alto, Belle Haven, or Redwood City; minimum 2.0 GPA
In this six-week career exploration program, you learn coding, financial literacy, media and arts concepts, and professional skills such as networking, reflection, and communication. You also meet Meta employees and executives to learn about different career pathways, including both technical and non-technical roles in the technology industry. The program includes guest speakers, career exploration activities, and opportunities to connect with professionals while developing workplace readiness skills. Students participate for 30 hours per week and receive support from instructors and program managers throughout the experience.
10. Fred Hutch Summer High School Internship Program
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive program; cohort size not publicly specified.
Location: Fred Hutch Campus, Seattle and Washington
Cost/Stipend: Paid internship; stipend amount not publicly specified.
Dates: June 22–August 14
Application Deadline: March 13
Eligibility: Open to high school students entering their senior year who are at least 16 years old by the start of the program
In this eight-week biomedical research internship, you begin with two weeks of laboratory safety training and hands-on instruction in research techniques before joining a Fred Hutch research group for mentored work. You gain practical experience in biomedical research while working alongside scientists and participating in laboratory activities designed for students with limited prior research experience. The program also includes research seminars, college and career development workshops, and team-based social activities with peers. Interns present their work to the Fred Hutch community, family members, and peers at the end of the program.
11. The Met Internship Program for High School Students
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not publicly specified
Location: The Metropolitan Museum of Art
Cost/Stipend: $1,100
Dates: Departmental placement runs July 7–August 7, with additional required sessions including orientation and cohort activities beginning June 27
Application Deadline: March 13
Eligibility: Students in grades 10 and 11, or students obtaining a High School Equivalency, who live and attend school in New York, New Jersey, or Connecticut.
In this paid museum internship, you work with professionals across departments such as curatorial, education, design, imaging, and social media while learning how a major museum operates. You gain workplace experience through departmental placements, cohort activities, and one-on-one interactions with museum staff and mentors. The program helps you build professional skills such as communication, collaboration, and career readiness while exploring intersections between art, culture, and different career paths. Interns also participate in cohort check-ins, Teen Fridays programming, and career development activities throughout the summer.
12. Eugene and Ruth Roberts Summer Student Academy
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 70 out of 800-1000 applications, 60% high schoolers
Location: City of Hope cancer centers are located across Chicago, Atlanta, LA, Orange County, Phoenix
Cost/Stipend: $4,500
Dates: June 1–August 7
Application Deadline: February 1
Eligibility: High school and undergraduate students who are at least 16 years old before the program begins and are U.S. citizens or permanent residents.
In this 10-week biomedical research program, you work full-time in a City of Hope laboratory matched to your scientific interests, contributing to ongoing biomedical research projects. You gain hands-on experience in research areas such as cancer biology, stem cell science, aging, metabolism, and translational medicine while working closely with physician-scientists and research mentors. The program includes seminars, workshops, and professional development sessions on topics such as scientific presentations, poster creation, grant writing, and college or graduate school applications. Students also present research findings in weekly seminars, helping develop communication and scientific presentation skills.
13. Student Historian Internship Program
Acceptance rate/cohort size:
Location: The New York Historical
Cost/Stipend: $700 stipend upon successful completion
Dates: July 7–August 13
Application Deadline: March 29
Eligibility: Open to students entering grades 10, 11, or 12 who live in and attend school in the New York City metro area
In this history-focused internship, you conduct in-depth historical research using museum and library resources while creating digital projects designed for public education. You strengthen research, writing, communication, and digital media skills through collaborative work centered on a historical theme—in 2026, Our Composite Nation: Frederick Douglass’ America. Interns meet with museum professionals to learn about careers in history, museums, libraries, and digital humanities while developing historical thinking through academically rigorous projects. The program includes substantial research and writing, along with opportunities to collaborate with peers and receive guidance from professional staff.
14. National Museum of Natural History (NMNH) Summer High School Internship Program
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not publicly specified
Location: Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History
Cost/Stipend: $5,600 stipend ($700 per week)
Dates: June 23–August 14
Application Deadline: March 20
Eligibility: Open to current high school students in grades 9–12 who are 15–18 years old at the start of the internship.
In this museum-based internship, you work with departments across the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History on projects related to science communication, botany, anthropology, paleobiology, education, and museum operations. Depending on your placement, you may develop research, writing, interviewing, editing, laboratory, conservation, mapping, microscopy, or archival skills while contributing to real museum projects. The program combines supervised project work with enrichment activities, behind-the-scenes tours, field trips, and opportunities to engage with museum professionals and peers. Interns spend two to three days each week working directly on projects and one to two days participating in professional and educational programming. The internship requires a full eight-week commitment and follows a Tuesday–Friday schedule from 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
15. Continuing Umbrella of Research Experiences (CURE) Summer Program
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not publicly specified
Location: Dana-Farber/Harvard Cancer Center (Longwood Medical Area)
Cost/Stipend: Paid (stipend provided)
Dates: 7–11 weeks during the summer (exact dates vary)
Application Deadline: February 6
Eligibility: High school students (sophomore–senior) and undergraduate students (freshman–junior) who are at least 16 years old and reside in or attend school in Massachusetts
In this full-time summer research internship, you work on hands-on cancer research projects within an academic biomedical setting under the guidance of a research mentor. You build technical laboratory and research skills while learning scientific methods, data analysis, and how biomedical research is conducted. The program includes seminars, journal clubs, and training in the responsible conduct of research to help you better understand scientific communication and research design. You also participate in networking opportunities, professional development sessions, and career exploration activities with researchers and peers. A key part of the experience involves writing an abstract and presenting your research at a final presentation event.
Questions students often ask about these jobs
1. Do I need prior work or research experience to apply to these summer jobs?
No, most of these are designed as entry points and don't expect prior experience. A strong application and genuine interest matter more than a resume packed with prior roles.
2. Some of these are research internships rather than traditional jobs. Do they still count as work experience?
Yes, a paid research internship is still real professional experience and can be described as such on future applications. The distinction between "job" and "internship" matters less than the skills and responsibilities you gained.
3. Are any of these summer jobs open to students outside a specific state or city?
A few require being a resident of a particular state or city, so check eligibility closely before applying to those. Ladder and several of the national research programs are open more broadly regardless of where you live.