15 Virtual Internships for High School Students in 2024
Getting an internship in high school isn’t always easy. Opportunities are hard to find in number, and many organizations have a preference for students with more experience (such as college students). It can also be logistically hard (and expensive!) to figure out travel and stay – why not consider a remote internship that doesn’t require you to go anywhere?
If this sounds exciting, here’s a list of 18 online internships that welcome high school students. These programs are an opportunity for you to gain firsthand experience in a field of your choice, learn a new skill, and add weight to your resume and college applications, without having to go anywhere. Since the pandemic, there’s been a significant increase in the number and variety of virtual work and learning opportunities for students across the globe – and this has found its way into internships too! You'll find remote (online) internships in a variety of fields, including STEM, business, art and culture, and even foreign policy.
15 Online Internships for High Schoolers
Location: Virtual! You can work from anywhere in the world.
Eligibility: Open to all high school students, who can work for 10-20 hours/week, for 8-12 weeks. These internships are also open to undergraduates and gap-year students! Application deadline: Multiple deadlines throughout the year.
Program dates: 8-week programs with multiple cohorts throughout the year.
Cost: $1,990. Financial assistance is available.
Ladder Internship is a selective program connecting students with virtual internships at startups and nonprofits across the globe. The startups range across a variety of industries, and you can select the field you would most love to explore. This program’s curriculum caters to high school students, ensuring a balance between academic enrichment and practical skill development. Ladder internships provide a structured pathway for high school students to engage in real-world research and innovation.
As an intern, you will work on a real-world project that is of genuine need to the organization you’re working with, and present your work at the end of their internship. You will work closely with your manager at the startup, and with a Ladder Coach – who will serve as a second mentor, helping you navigate the startup environment. Interns are offered one-on-one training in communication, time management, and other such valuable skills.
The startups you’d have the chance to intern with are based all across the world, with the majority being in the United States, Asia, and then Europe and the UK. The fields include technology, machine learning and AI, finance, environmental science and sustainability, business and marketing, healthcare and medicine, media and journalism, and more. You can explore all the options here on their application form.
Tip: Here’s a detailed review of this program!
2. The Johns Hopkins Internship in Brain Science Program (JHIBS): Project Pipeline Baltimore
Location: Virtual and in-person options. The in-person program will be held at the Johns Hopkins Department of Neurology on the East Baltimore campus.
Eligibility:
- Juniors and seniors from around the country are eligible to apply to the 5-week, virtual program.
- Juniors and seniors residing in Baltimore City and the metro area, who have a strong passion and interest in science and medicine, are from underrepresented groups, and have an academically strong background are eligible for the in-person program.
Application Deadline: March 1, every year.
Program Dates: 8 weeks, June 2024 - August 2024 (in-person); 5 weeks, July 2024 - August 2024 (virtual)
Stipend: In-person participants receive an hourly stipend (amount varies), while virtual interns receive a stipend of $500.
A program aimed at making the field of neurological sciences more inclusive and representative, the Johns Hopkins Internship in Brain Science Program is an 8-week, fully funded summer research program for bright high school students from underrepresented communities.
As part of the program, you are expected to participate in research under the guidance and mentorship of leading researchers in the field and will take part in hands-on projects, discussions, scientific seminars, weekly personal and professional development sessions, and interactions with leading neuroscientists at JHU.
The program is also offered virtually, for students who cannot attend the program on campus. The program is open to 5-6 students and provides them with an hourly stipend, and also covers transportation costs. At the end of the program, you will present your research via an oral or poster presentation. Get an idea of past projects here!
3. EnergyMag Research Internship
Location: Virtual.
Eligibility: Sophomores, juniors and seniors who have taken at least one honors science or honors English class, with a minimum GPA of 3.25, can apply.
Application Deadline: Applications are open all year-round, you can apply here.
Program Dates: Flexible. Students may request lengthening an internship by a week or two because of conflicting time pressure from school.
Cost/Stipend: None.
Note: Students can expect a competitive selection process as this program is open to college students as well!
Open to high school and college students, EnergyMag offers virtual research internships to students looking to gain experience working in the renewable energy sector. Students gain research and analytical skills, alongside work experience, by researching companies, analyzing technologies, and conducting market research. Internships can be half-time (2-8 weeks, 20 hours per week) or quarter-time (1-9 months, 8 hours per week).
This program is aimed at equipping students with skills in both science and business that will be useful in the future, no matter the profession they choose. Students will work from home, and be in regular contact via Skype, email, text, etc with EnergyMag and their mentor. Internship tasks will be based on your graduation date, academic record and experience – you may have to research and analyze a specific company, a specific technology, a specific (narrow) market, or other similar activities. You will be assigned a mentor, who will brief you, guide you, and supervise your work. You will need to research your topic, get in touch with people who have the relevant information, analyze and synthesize the information you gather, and produce a draft analysis report, which will reference your name, and be published on the EnergyMag site.
4. SHTEM: Summer Internships for High Schoolers at Stanford University
Location: Virtual
Eligibility: Students who will be in grades 11-12 at the time of application, OR full-time community college students (within the first 3 years of community college), are eligible to apply.
Application Deadline: Applications typically close in January.
Program dates: June 17, 2024 - August 9, 2024
Cost/Stipend: None.
Hosted by one of the world's renowned institutions, this internship program offers valuable insight into a number of fields. Throughout the internship, you'll find yourself engaged in projects and collaborative work, providing hands-on experiences. You will spend most of your time conducting research and be in regular communication with your mentor(s) and group members. You may expect 30-40 hours of work a week. Stanford's distinguished faculty and industry experts will be your guides, as you deepen your understanding of technology's ever-evolving landscape.
Participating in this program can equip you with technical skills. The emphasis on interdisciplinary collaboration mirrors the real-world scenarios in tech industries, fostering adaptability and resilience. Themes will span and combine the science of information and communication, engineering, the arts, linguistics, psychology, biology, neuroscience, computer science, technology, philosophy, and design, among other areas. The networking opportunities within Stanford's community and the chance to contribute to meaningful projects make this internship a worthwhile experience.
5. Internships at the American Psychological Association (APA)
Location: Remote or Washington, D.C.
Eligibility: High school student, specific details vary based on the internship
Application Deadline: Rolling, see the application portal for open opportunities
Program Length: Year-Round
Cost/Stipend: No cost. Some internships are paid.
The American Psychological Association, known informally as APA, is the largest scientific and professional organization of psychologists in the United States. Internships at APA are intended for students passionate about applying psychological knowledge for societal benefit, with roles in policy, communications, operations research, IT and financial services. As an intern, you will have a variety of responsibilities, depending on the needs of the office you’re assigned to and your particular interests and skills. You may participate in research, writing and web-based projects, and assist staff with administrative tasks and special projects. Interns will have an opportunity to engage in different activities in their office, applying theoretical knowledge to practice and foster a better understanding of a workplace environment in professional psychology. Interns will report directly to their supervisor for daily tasks and support for overall learning objectives. Interns may also attend workshops, discussions, participate in group projects, or other various tasks.
Both paid and unpaid internships are offered, and will require a cover letter, resume, and writing sample. An internship with APA is a great opportunity to foster a greater understanding of professional psychology at a prestigious and nationally recognized organization.
6. Internships at the Foreign Policy Research Institute
Location: Remote and in-person (Philadelphia) options available
Eligibility: High school students who have the right to work in the US can apply.
Application deadline: July - Fall internship | November - Spring internship | March - Summer internships
Program dates: September - December (Fall) | February - May (Spring) | June - August (Summer)
Cost/Stipend: None.
This competitive internship program is a great option for ambitious high school students interested in pursuing a career in international relations. This program is designed to develop industry-specific skills in foreign policy and relations, as well as sharpen critical thinking, communication, and collaboration skills. You get the chance to connect with members of the foreign relations community and attend weekly foreign policy seminars with guest speakers. You can apply to be a research intern, a special events intern, or an operations intern, and you also have the opportunity to work on a research paper for publication on FPRI’s Intern Corner.
7. Pathways Internship Programs at the U.S. Department of State
Location: This will vary, students can opt for programs close to their location. Check available options here.
Eligibility: Students applying must be at least 16 years old by the closing date of the post you’re applying to. Students must also have a cumulative GPA of 2.0 at time of application and throughout internship appointment.
Application Deadline: Varies from location to location
Program dates: While the dates of the internship will vary from post to post, those under the Internship Experience Program (IEP) are expected to last the length of the academic program for which the intern is enrolled, and those under the Internship Temporary Program (ITEP) will run during seasonal and holiday breaks as well as year-round.
Stipend: This varies from post to post.
These internships allow students to explore federal careers in various offices of the government. Students will get firsthand experience in various aspects of foreign affairs, public policy, and international affairs by working as an intern at offices such as the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, Office of Structured Finance and Insurance, Office of the General Counsel, and Environmental Protection Agency, among others.
There are two types of internships under this program: the Internship Experience Program (IEP) and the Internship Temporary Program (ITEP). IEP interns, while in the program, are eligible for noncompetitive promotions and federal employee benefits. ITEP interns are appointed to temporary appointments, which will not exceed one year or their projected graduation date (whichever is shorter) and extensions may be made in one year increments.
Note: All vacancies part of this internship program are posted on USAJobs.gov. So details such as the application deadline, internship dates will vary from role to role, and will be available on each specific posting. Check out current vacancies here.
8. NASA Office of STEM Engagement (OSTEM) Internships
Location: These internships are offered across NASA facilities. Students may select roles based in cities they are in.
Eligibility: Internships are available for full-time high school students who meet a minimum 3.0 GPA requirement.
Application deadline: January (Fall session) | August (Spring session) | October (Summer session)
Program dates: These internships are offered in 3 sessions – Fall (16-week program, from late August or early September to mid-December) | Spring (16-week program, from mid-January to early May) | Summer (10-week program, from late May or early June to August).
Stipend: Interns may receive a stipend based on academic level and session length.
NASA Office of STEM Engagement (OSTEM) offers paid internships at their locations across the country. These internships are an exceptional opportunity for high school students to contribute to projects ongoing at the agency under the guidance of a NASA mentor. The program offers training, mentoring, and career development opportunities along with the chance to work with the best science, engineering, financial, information technology and business minds in the world. The internships are offered in a range of subjects and disciplines, including space science, engineering, aeronautics, technology, space microbiology, ecology, and even outreach and communications.
During this internship, you may be involved in designing experiments, analyzing data from space missions, or developing new technologies – engaging in real-world experiences, gaining valuable experience and insight into NASA's work. If you’re keen on pursuing engineering or astrophysics, interning with NASA is a prestigious experience you can have on your profile.
You can check out a complete list of positions here - you may have to use the “Filter” option to see opportunities only open to high school students.
9. Internships at the National Zoo
Location: Washington, D.C. with options for virtual or hybrid internships.
Eligibility: All high school students are eligible to apply.
Application Deadline: There is no information on this at the moment. Check their website for updates!
Program dates: Varies (typically 8-12 weeks)
Stipend: All interns will be paid a stipend, the amount may vary.
The Smithsonian National Zoo offers a wide range of internship opportunities, which can include working with animal care staff and research in zoology medicine. Interns have the chance to work with various species while contributing to the zoo's mission of animal conservation and public education. These internships can offer valuable insight into the world of zoology through a combination of theoretical learning and practical application.
Internship openings are continuously updated on the zoo website. Current openings include: Bird House Keeper Internship, Residency in Zoological Medicine, Animal Welfare Science in Animal Management Internship, and Felid Endocrinology Internship.
10. Smithsonian Science Education Center Internships
Location: Virtual and in-person options (Washington, DC).
Eligibility: High school students who are at least 16 years old can apply.
Application deadline: Applications typically close March-end.
Program dates: 10 weeks between May-August, with a flexible schedule for virtual internships.
Stipend: Students will receive a modest stipend.
The Smithsonian Science Education Center (SSEC) aims to improve K-12 education in collaboration with communities across the globe. The SSEC develops new STEM curriculum and digital resources, conducts professional development for STEM teachers, and fosters STEM education leadership among school and community leaders. They have multiple internship positions open every year, covering communications, marketing, and public relations work at the center. As an intern, you will work with the SSEC team to create communications and marketing materials, assist in communications dissemination, strategy, and asset management. You will learn how a communications team functions every day, and how to apply developed marketing materials to enhance the SSEC brand.
The Smithsonian Office of Internship Programs offers a number of internships, several of which have virtual options, like the one listed here. Some other opportunities include Administrative and Financial Internships with the Office of Sponsored Projects and the Office of Advancement Internship Program.
11. The Mary Miller Summer Program by the PHC Group
Location: Virtual
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors can apply.
Application Deadline: Not specified, but you are urged to apply as soon as possible.
Program Dates: Not specified, but the program takes place in the summer.
Stipend: This is a paid internship, but information on the exact amount is not available.
This is a prestigious internship opportunity for rising high school juniors and seniors with the PHC Group. As an intern, you will be expected to assist the team via social media-related projects, online community interaction, and technical support. Additionally, you are expected to engage in meaningful social marketing research and contribute to better remote collaboration and relationship building. Typical applicants possess strong technical proficiency in Microsoft Office, are fast learners, and are efficient workers for multiple projects and assignments.
Note: As part of your application, you are required to send in your resume to joinus@phcgconsulting.com.
Location: Virtual
Eligibility: All high school students can apply.
Application Deadline: Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
Program Dates: Internships with ME are open year-round.
Cost/Stipend: No stipend is provided. You may receive a certificate.
For students keen on exploring medical careers, Medicine Encompassed is a student-run nonprofit organization that assists with accessibility in the field. The organization offers multiple positions across its 18 committees. The applications for each of these positions (that are also known as general positions) are open on a rolling basis, so it is recommended you apply as soon as possible!
As an intern with Medicine Encompassed, you can work across any of the following departments: writing, editing, sponsorships and partnerships, graphic design, and marketing and social media, along with resource creation. This may involve researching medical topics, writing informative articles or guides, and developing educational materials that can be used by others to learn about various medical fields. Additionally, you can contribute to the ‘Project Cultivation’ outreach initiative, which aims to increase awareness and accessibility of medical education. The final outcome of the program typically includes a comprehensive set of educational materials that students have contributed to or created.
Location: Virtual
Eligibility: All high school students can apply.
Application Deadline: Rolling deadlines, it is recommended that you apply as soon as possible.
Program Dates: Usually 3 months from June to August. If the intern is keen, the internship can be extended!
Cost/Stipend: No cost, unpaid opportunity.
Building-U is an entirely remote non-profit centered around assisting high school students in their journey. The organization is looking for interns to assist in the administrative/business aspect of the organization. This internship position is for three months, and as an intern, you will be required to cover a vast range of duties. Once selected, you join one of their teams – these include R&D roles, student ambassador roles, Business Development roles, and other profiles, more details of which you can read about here. Each role offers a range of experiences and responsibilities, and will give you the chance to contribute towards the organization’s larger goals.
14. Meaningful Teams Teaching Programs
Location: Online
Eligibility: All high school students can apply.
Application Deadline: Registration is open year-round.
Program Dates: Volunteer experiences are open throughout the year.
Cost/Stipend: None.
Remote learning has opened up a host of opportunities for students and professionals across the globe. Meaningful Teens offers internships and volunteer opportunities for high school students across its welfare and education programs that run in different parts of the world. A few programs that you can contribute to are Project Speak Together, Project Diversidad, Project Ying Wen, and Project Udaan. These projects reach women, children, and members of underrepresented and under-resourced communities, and assist them with grammar, speaking exercises, literacy workshops, and tutoring lessons. You can contribute to any of these projects (as well as multiple upcoming ones) for a few hours every week.
15. Spark Summer Internship Program (Spark SIP)
Location: Various locations across the country, varies with the internship. Some may be remote.
Eligibility: High school students who can work for 40 hours/week, for 8-12 weeks
Application deadline: May 1, 2024 (based on past year's dates)
Program dates: 6-8 weeks, June to August
Stipend: $500
With an acceptance rate of about less than 5%, Spark SIP is a prestigious internship opportunity for budding CS majors in college. A program open to all high schoolers interested in CS and related disciplines, the Spark SIP program allows students to explore research opportunities in the field, interact and learn from scholars and leaders, and gain real-world experience through full-time summer internships.
Students must select 5-6 projects that they’d like to work on. For the 2023 cohort, the research project list included the following topics (among others):
2D Materials - A new class of conductors and semiconductors for future
Preparing Python script for crossbar architecture and exploring its various non-idealities.)
Understanding spike-timing and spike-rate impact on Spiking Neural Network (SNN)
The program allows you to work on real-world applications of concepts in machine learning, computer programming, computer vision, and neural networks. Moreover, SPARK provides opportunities and resources that can be used during and after college applications!
Looking for an immersive internship experience?
Check out Ladder Internships!
Ladder Internships is a selective, virtual internship program where students work with startups and nonprofits from around the world! The startups range across a variety of industries, with a large number of them in tech. As part of their internship, each student will work on a real-world project that is of genuine need to the startup they are working with, and present their work at the end of their internship. In addition to working closely with their manager from the startup, each intern will also work with a Ladder Coach throughout their internship. Apply now!
Stephen is one of the founders of Ladder Internships and a Harvard College graduate.