20 Undergraduate Summer Internships You Should Check Out

Summer internships can be a great way for college students to gain real-world experience, build their resumes, and strengthen their future career prospects after graduation. Whether you're hoping to test out a specific career path or deepen your skills in your chosen major, a well-matched undergraduate summer internship can help clarify your goals while adding credibility to your profile to stand out in competitive job markets or graduate school applications. Internships also allow you to connect with industry professionals, develop soft skills like communication and teamwork, and get a realistic sense of workplace expectations.  

In this blog, we’ve curated a list of 20 undergraduate summer internships that are worth exploring, each offering meaningful, resume-boosting experiences for college students across disciplines.

1. Air Force Research Laboratory Scholars (AFRL) Program

Stipend: $615.60 - $861.60/week (based on education level and credits earned)
Location: Various locations across the U.S
Program dates: Varies depending on internship, but generally falls in one of the below cohorts:

  • Fall: 16 weeks (late August/early September - mid-December)

  • Spring: 16 weeks (mid-January - early May)

  • Summer: 10 weeks (late May/early June - August)

Application deadline: January 10 (summer cohort)
Eligibility: US citizens over 16 years of age with a minimum GPA of 3.0/4.0

As an undergraduate in a STEM field, the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) Scholars Program allows you to spend your summer conducting practical research alongside AFRL scientists and engineers. You’ll be assigned to projects that match your interests, ranging from machine learning and data science to aerospace propulsion, cybersecurity, and even simulation-based game development. This prestigious undergraduate summer internship emphasizes hands-on involvement, where you’ll contribute to ongoing work like analyzing rocket firing data, developing mission planning tools, or designing digital schematics for complex systems. In addition to gaining research exposure, you’ll receive a stipend, making this a solid opportunity to build both your skills and resume.

2. Ladder Internship Program

Cost: Starting at $2,490 (financial aid available)
Location:  Remote! You can work from anywhere in the world.
Application deadline: Deadlines vary depending on the cohort -  Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), and Winter (November)
Program dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year, including Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter
Eligibility: Students who can work for 10-20 hours/week, for 8-12 weeks. Open to high school students, undergraduates, and gap year students

Ladder Internships is a selective start-up internship program for ambitious high school students! In the program, you work with a high-growth start-up on an internship. Start-ups that offer internships range across a variety of industries, from tech/deep tech and AI/ML to health tech, marketing, journalism, consulting, and more. You can explore all the options here on their application form. Ladder’s start-ups are high-growth companies on average raising over a million dollars. In the program, interns work closely with their managers and a Ladder Coach on real-world projects and present their work to the company.

3. NASA Pathways Internship Program

Location: NASA Centers across the country
Stipend: Varies depending on completed hours, placement location, and grade level(s) of the internship position + permanent employee benefits
Program dates: Three sessions offered in Summer, Fall, and Spring
Application deadline: February 28 (Summer), May 16 (Fall)
Eligibility: U.S. citizens who are at least 16 years old, enrolled or accepted for enrollment on at least a half-time basis in an accredited educational institution (and maintain enrollment at least half time as defined by the institution) and currently have and maintain a cumulative 2.9  GPA on a 4.0 scale are eligible to apply

The NASA Pathways Internship Program is a structured, career-focused internship experience that combines science, engineering, and public service. This program is designed for undergraduate students who want to work on long-term, impactful projects that align closely with their academic and professional goals. As a Pathways intern, you'll get to work across various sectors within engineering, technology, and business, applying what you've learned in the classroom to real-world challenges in a federal agency setting. The internship spans multiple semesters and can serve as a direct pathway to full-time employment at NASA after graduation. 

4. Aspiring Scientists Summer Internship Program (ASSIP)

Location: Remote, hybrid, and in-person at George Mason University
Cost: Free
Program dates: June 18 - August 8
Application deadline: February 2
Eligibility: Eligible applicants must not have graduated from university by the start of the program. Students must be over 15 and 16 years of age by the start of the program for the remote internships and in-person/hybrid wet-lab internships, respectively

If you're looking to immerse yourself in full-time STEM research over the summer, the Aspiring Scientists Summer Internship Program (ASSIP) at George Mason University offers you the chance to work closely with faculty mentors on original research projects. Over  8 weeks, you'll be involved in lab work using advanced equipment in diverse fields, including but not limited to molecular biology, neuroscience, environmental science, and computational research, depending on your interests and placement. Additionally, this undergraduate summer internship focuses on scientific writing, communication, and critical thinking skills, alongside opportunities to engage in STEM career discussions and, in some cases, contribute to publications or conference presentations.

5. Google Summer of Code

Location: Remote
Cost: Free
Program dates: 12 weeks in the summer
Application deadline: April 8
Eligibility: To be eligible, applicants must be 18 years of age or older and open-source beginners at the time of registration

If you're an undergraduate student interested in open source development, Google Summer of Code (GSoC) allows you to contribute to real-world projects while working with experienced mentors from global open source organizations. You'll begin by selecting a participating organization, proposing a coding project based on their suggested ideas, and, if accepted, spend over 12 weeks writing code under their guidance. Before the coding period, you’ll get time to familiarize yourself with the codebase, understand community practices, and define clear goals with your mentor. Projects often involve areas like web development, machine learning, infrastructure, or security, depending on the organization.

6. CS@Mines High School/Community College Internship Program

Location: Remote and in-person options available
Cost: $100 (financial aid available)
Program dates: 6 weeks during the summer (exact dates TBA)
Application deadline: April 18
Eligibility: Open to all high school and community college students with a strong interest in CS

If you’re a community college student looking to explore computer science research, the CS@Mines Summer Internship could be the ideal introduction to applied work in the field. Over 6 weeks, you'll join a small team of fellow students led by a Colorado School of Mines undergraduate mentor, working on projects that focus on real-world learning with practical applications. This undergraduate summer internship is flexible, with both remote and in-person options, and you can expect to commit around 10 hours a week on average. You'll engage with real research questions and gain exposure to collaborative problem-solving, basic coding concepts, and the research process in a university setting.

7. National Nuclear Security Administration Minority Serving Institutions Internship Program (NNSA-MSIIP)

Location: DOE and NNSA national laboratories across the U.S., DOE/NNSA offices in Washington, D.C., and site offices. Virtual opportunities are also available
Stipend: Undergraduate student (Summer): $750 per week; for year-long internships, the stipend is determined based on the expected level of effort
Program dates: Summer: June-August; Yearlong: June-May
Application deadline: October
Eligibility: U.S. citizens at least 18 years of age by the program start date, enrolled in a part-time or full-time degree-seeking program at one of the following accredited Minority Serving Institutions. Find more details here.

If you're studying at a Minority Serving Institution and are interested in areas like science, engineering, policy, or government, the NNSA-MSIIP provides a paid internship where you can work on practical projects tied to national security and nuclear science. You'll spend the summer, or possibly a full year, working alongside professionals at NNSA offices, national laboratories, or affiliated research sites, contributing to work in areas such as technology development, research analysis, and public policy. You’ll be mentored by experienced scientists, engineers, and administrators, gaining insight into federal government operations and building skills that support long-term career growth in public service or research. 

8. High Performance Computing Modernization Program (HPCMP) Summer Internship Program

Location: Vary but typically in Mississippi, California, Ohio, and Maryland. Some remote options are available
Stipend: Stipend is determined based on the intern’s educational level
Program dates: 10 weeks in the summer
Application deadline: March 7
Eligibility: US citizens who are 18 years or older at the time of application, enrolled full-time in an accredited US college/university, and pursuing a degree in a STEM field with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale 

As a motivated undergraduate student passionate about computational science, engineering, or defense-related research, the High Performance Computing Modernization Program (HPCMP) Summer Internship with the Department of Defense (DOD) is a valuable opportunity for you. You’ll work with scientists and engineers at DoD research facilities across the country, on projects involving high-end computing, systems modeling, data analysis, or simulation-based testing. This undergraduate summer internship emphasizes Research, Development, Test, and Evaluation (RDT&E), so you’ll get to work on complex technical problems that support national defense objectives. 

9. Deloitte Discovery Internship

Location: Multiple locations across the U.S
Stipend: Varies depending on internship placement
Program dates: Available all year round
Application deadline: Varies
Eligibility: Varies depending on internship, but most applicants are required to be at least 18 years of age at the time of employment, be enrolled in a degree-seeking program, and have a strong academic record

Deloitte’s internship programs provide practical exposure to the world of professional services, whether you’re drawn to areas like audit, tax, consulting, technology, or internal business operations. As a Discovery Intern, you’ll be placed on client-facing teams or internal projects, where you’ll contribute to actual deliverables, ranging from financial audits to tech solutions and market research. The internship includes comprehensive training sessions and mentorship to help you build core professional skills while gaining insight into the day-to-day responsibilities of various Deloitte roles. Depending on your track and internship placement, you may work on tax compliance, data analytics, enterprise systems, or strategic planning. 

10. The U.S. Department of State Student Internship Program

Location: Washington, D.C (some internships are available in NYC)
Stipend: Interns are compensated at the GS-04/Step 1 base pay rate
Program dates: 

  • Summer: May/July to August/September

  • Fall: September/December to December/February

  • Spring: January/March to April/May

Application deadline: Varies. Applications for Summer, Fall, and Spring sessions open in October, February, and July, respectively
Eligibility: U.S. citizens who are at least 18 years of age at the time of employment, enrolled in a degree-seeking program, and have a minimum GPA of 3.2 are eligible to apply. Find more eligibility information here

As an undergraduate student, if you’re interested in international affairs or public service, the U.S. Department of State Student Internship Program offers a unique opportunity to engage directly with the work of American diplomacy. As an intern, you could find yourself drafting reports and policy materials, attending high-level meetings, or supporting the logistics of international conferences. The program is paid and based in Washington, D.C. or other domestic locations, and it’s designed to give you a meaningful role within the department, not just administrative tasks. You'll gain insight into the daily operations of the Foreign and Civil Services and contribute to real projects that support U.S. Foreign Policy. 

11. U.S. Foreign Service Internship Program

Location: First summer at Washington D.C. and second summer at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate abroad
Stipend: Interns are compensated at the GS-04/Step 1 base pay rate
Program dates: Two consecutive summers
Application deadline: Applications typically open in late August
Eligibility: U.S. citizens who are rising sophomores or juniors at the time of application, enrolled in a degree-seeking program at least half-time at an accredited academic institution, and have a minimum GPA of 3.2 

For undergraduates interested in diplomacy and global affairs, the U.S. Foreign Service Internship Program offers an in-depth, two-summer experience with the U.S. Department of State. During the first summer, you’ll begin with 3 weeks of academic and professional training in Washington, D.C., followed by a seven-week placement in a domestic policy office where you'll contribute to the work of shaping foreign policy. The second summer takes you abroad for a ten-week assignment at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate, where you'll gain firsthand experience with diplomatic operations and international engagement. Open to highly motivated undergraduate students, this paid internship is both merit- and need-based, and is designed to build a strong pathway into public service careers.

12. Virtual Student Federal Service (VSFS) Internships

Location: Virtual
Stipend: Unpaid but eligible for course credit
Program dates: September - May
Application deadline: July 1 - July 31
Eligibility: U.S. citizens who are enrolled in a degree-seeking program at an accredited academic institution are eligible to apply. Find more eligibility information here 

The Virtual Student Federal Service (VSFS) internship is a remote, academic-year program that lets you contribute to federal government projects from anywhere in the world. You'll work around 10 hours per week on unclassified assignments submitted by federal agencies, ranging from data analysis, mapping, and coding to research, social media strategy, and public affairs. These projects span a wide range of topics, including international relations, environmental policy, cybersecurity, and more, depending on the sponsoring agency. Though the internship is unpaid, it can often be counted toward college credit, and the flexibility allows you to balance it alongside your coursework.

13. Abbott Internship Program

Location: Virtual
Stipend: Paid opportunity
Program dates: Starts May 12
Application deadline: April 7
Eligibility: College seniors or recent graduates with a GPA of 7.0/10 or 2.8/4.0 and proficiency in English and Microsoft Office are eligible to apply

The Abbott Internship Program offers paid, 10-12 week summer positions where you can work on projects in areas like engineering, life sciences, finance, IT, and marketing within the healthcare industry. As an intern, you’ll be expected to contribute to ongoing initiatives, solve problems alongside professionals in your field, and apply your academic knowledge to practical business challenges. Projects in this undergraduate summer internship are tailored to your background and are designed to align with both Abbott’s needs and your academic calendar. You’ll also engage with senior professionals, receive training and mentorship, and collaborate with a diverse cohort of interns from across the country.

14. UNICEF Internship Programme

Location: Varies for each internship
Stipend: Interns are paid a monthly stipend; additionally, travel and visa costs may be granted
Program dates: Internships of 6 to 26 weeks are offered throughout the year
Application deadline: Varies for each internship. Find available opportunities and application details here
Eligibility: Applicants must be at least 18 years old, have a strong academic background and motivation, and be enrolled in an undergraduate, graduate, or PhD program. They must also be proficient in at least one of UNICEF's working languages: English, French, or Spanish

If you're interested in humanitarian work and global development, the UNICEF Internship Programme gives you the chance to contribute to real projects that align with your academic background and personal interests. As a UNICEF intern, you’ll support initiatives involving research, database management, or communications, depending on your assigned office and the current priorities at UNICEF. These internships can last anywhere from 6 to 26 weeks and may be part-time or full-time, offering flexibility to fit your schedule. UNICEF typically provides a monthly stipend and may assist with travel or visa costs if funding is available. 

15. American Express Global Programs 

Location: Hybrid with offices located across New York, Phoenix, Florida, Salt Lake City, Atlanta, Palo Alto, CA, and Washington, DC.
Stipend: Paid opportunity
Program dates: June-August
Application deadline: September
Eligibility: Juniors in their Fall semester of undergraduate study are eligible to apply

The American Express Global Internship Program allows motivated undergraduate students to contribute to business challenges across areas like finance, marketing, technology, and analytics during a 10-week summer placement. The undergraduate summer internship program places you on projects that directly influence team objectives while offering access to mentorship and career development resources. In addition to gaining practical exposure, many interns are considered for full-time roles after graduation, making this program a strong stepping stone if you're exploring long-term careers in the corporate space. 

16. Goldman Sachs Summer Analyst Program

Location: Multiple locations across the U.S.
Stipend: Paid opportunity
Program dates: 8-10 weeks in the summer
Application deadline: Applications will open on July 1
Eligibility: Students graduating from a Bachelor's or Master's degree program in December 2025 - May 2026 are eligible to apply

If you're an undergraduate interested in finance, business strategy, or operations, the Goldman Sachs Summer Analyst Program allows you to work directly on projects in areas like investment banking, asset management, engineering, and global compliance, to name a few. For 8 to 10 weeks, you’ll take part in a structured training program, complete real assignments relevant to your division, and work with teams across the firm. 

17. Microsoft University Internship - Mathematics Research Intern 

Location: Cambridge, MA
Stipend: $5,460 - $12,880 per month
Program dates: 12 weeks in the summer
Application deadline: Internships are offered all year round
Eligibility: Students currently enrolled or accepted in a bachelor's program in mathematics or a related field can apply

As a Mathematics Research Intern at Microsoft Research New England, you’ll spend 12 weeks working on advanced mathematical problems that intersect with disciplines like computing, economics, and environmental science. This undergraduate summer internship allows you to collaborate with top researchers and fellow interns in a hands-on, academic-style setting at a leading multinational tech company. You’ll be paired with a mentor, engage in ongoing research projects, present your findings, and contribute to discussions that shape real-world innovation. The internship blends theoretical exploration with practical application, and you're expected to participate fully in both individual and collaborative work throughout the research cycle.

18. Adobe Sales Academy Clemson Intern

Location: On-site at the Adobe office in Lehi, UT
Stipend: $30 per hour
Program dates: May 5-9
Application deadline: Applications are currently open
Eligibility: Undergraduate students graduating in 2025-2028 and enrolled in a school-sanctioned sport are eligible to apply

The Adobe Sales Academy Clemson Intern program is a one-week micro internship designed to introduce you to the fundamentals of tech sales in a business-to-business (B2B) setting. You’ll explore the daily responsibilities of a sales representative at Adobe, learn how to develop your personal brand, and gain insights into the traits and strategies that contribute to success in sales roles. Through hands-on training and workshops, you’ll also sharpen your communication and presentation skills while learning how to navigate the interview process and present yourself professionally. This undergraduate summer internship is structured to give you a practical understanding of real-world corporate sales environments and help you assess if a career in tech sales aligns with your goals.

19. Macmillan Summer 2025 Internship

Location: New York
Stipend: $16.50/hour
Program dates: June 2 - August 22
Application deadline: Unspecified
Eligibility: Students who have graduated from High School, are over the age of 18, and are eligible to work in the U.S. can apply

In the Macmillan Publishers Summer 2025 Internship, you’ll work full-time in a paid role that introduces you to the inner workings of a major publishing house. With openings across departments like Editorial, Marketing, Design, Publicity, and more, you’ll gain real-world experience tailored to your interests. You’ll take on meaningful assignments while learning how your team contributes to the overall publishing process. A key highlight of the program is the collaborative intern project, where you’ll join a small team to tackle a current industry issue and present your solution to company leaders. Along the way, you’ll attend workshops, receive mentorship, and build a strong professional network in the publishing space.

20. InternWorks

Location: Hybrid and remote options available
Cost: 

  • Professional internships: $3,750

  • Research internships: $6,000

  • SchoolYear60: $3,750

  • GapYear120: $5,000

Program dates: Summer, school, and gap year programs

Application deadline: May 1 (Summer program)
Eligibility: Open to all college freshmen and sophomores. Applicants must be at least 18 years of age to be eligible for the gap year program

InternWorks offers customized internship experiences that are designed around your interests, academic strengths, and career goals. As a participant, you’ll be placed in a hybrid or remote internship with a vetted employer or research mentor, working on tasks that are tailored to your skill level and field of interest - from business and media to STEM and research-focused roles. Each internship includes a personalized work plan and ongoing support from an Internship Coach, who helps guide your progress and professional development throughout the program. You’ll also complete career-readiness modules that build essential workplace skills, and receive a detailed evaluation at the end of your internship. 

Dhruva Bhat

Dhruva Bhat is one of the co-founders of Ladder, and a Harvard College graduate. Dhruva founded Ladder Internships as a DPhil candidate and Rhodes Scholar at Oxford University, with a vision to bridge the gap between ambitious students and real-world startup experiences.

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