Internships for High School Students (2026)
High school internships are no longer reserved for college students. Hundreds of companies, nonprofits, government agencies, and universities now offer structured programs specifically designed for students ages 14–18. These programs range from week-long job shadows to full 8-week summer internships with stipends. A high school internship gives you an early advantage — real-world experience, professional mentors, college application material, and clarity on your career interests before you commit to a major. Whether you're interested in technology, medicine, law, creative arts, or public service, there's a program waiting for motivated students willing to apply.
Age Requirements & Eligibility
Most high school internships require students to be 16 or older. Some programs accept students as young as 14 with parental consent and work permits. Federal labor laws restrict working hours for minors during the school year (max 3 hours on school days, 18 hours per school week) but are more flexible during summer (up to 8 hours/day, 40 hours/week for 16–17 year olds). Many competitive programs require a minimum GPA of 3.0 and a recommendation letter from a teacher or counselor.
Top Programs
Bank of America Student Leaders Program
Paid 8-week summer internship combining a community-focused position at a local nonprofit with a leadership summit in Washington, D.C. Open to high school juniors and seniors in 100+ communities nationwide. Provides a $5,000 stipend.
NASA High School Internship Program (OSSI)
Students 16+ can apply through NASA's OSSI portal for 10-week research internships at NASA centers. Work alongside scientists and engineers on real missions. Stipend of $700–$900/week depending on location.
Microsoft High School Internship Program
Available at Microsoft's Redmond campus for students in the Puget Sound area. Focus on technology, business, and community impact. Paid position with mentorship from Microsoft employees.
Google CSSI (Computer Science Summer Institute)
A free 4-week intensive program for graduating high school seniors who plan to study computer science in college. Held at Google's offices with instruction from Google engineers.
National Institutes of Health (NIH) Summer Internship
Open to students 16+ interested in biomedical research. 8-week program at the NIH campus in Bethesda, MD. Stipend of $2,500+ for the summer. One of the most prestigious high school research programs in the U.S.
Smithsonian Internships
Multiple museums and research centers within the Smithsonian offer high school internship programs. Roles span museum curation, conservation, digital media, education, and scientific research.
Application Tips
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Start searching in January–February for summer programs. Many competitive programs (NASA, NIH, Bank of America) have February–March deadlines.
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Ask your school counselor about local internship connections. Many hospitals, law firms, and tech companies offer informal high school internship arrangements through school partnerships.
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Build a simple resume even as a high school student. Include coursework, extracurriculars, volunteer work, awards, and any skills (coding, design, languages) that are relevant.
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Write a short cover letter that explains why you're interested in the field and what you hope to learn. Enthusiasm and curiosity matter more than experience at this stage.
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Consider unpaid or low-paid positions at local businesses as a starting point. The experience and recommendation letters you earn are worth more than the paycheck at this stage.
A Note for Parents
Parents play a critical role in high school internships. Many programs require parental consent forms, and some states require work permits for minors. Help your student research programs, review application materials, and arrange transportation. Be aware that federal labor laws limit working hours for students under 18, especially during the school year. Encourage your student to treat the internship professionally — punctuality, communication, and follow-through are the skills that turn a summer position into a long-term mentor relationship and a standout college application essay.
Get Started
Submit your interest and a PropelGrad advisor will help you find the right internship program for your age, interests, and goals.
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