Paid Internships for High School Students (2026)
Yes, paid internships for high school students exist — and they're more common than most families realize. Major employers like Bank of America, NASA, Microsoft, and the National Institutes of Health all offer paid programs with stipends ranging from $1,000 to $5,000+ for the summer. Local businesses, hospitals, and city governments also hire high school interns at hourly rates of $12–$18/hour depending on location and industry. Paid internships remove financial barriers, making career exploration accessible to all students regardless of family income. If you're a high school student looking to earn money while gaining professional experience, these programs offer both — and they look even better on a college application than unpaid positions because they demonstrate that an employer valued your contribution enough to pay for it.
Age Requirements & Eligibility
Paid internships for minors must comply with state and federal labor laws. Students must be at least 14 to work in most non-agricultural jobs (with restrictions), and 16 to work without most hour/time restrictions. Minimum wage laws apply to all paid internships — there is no "intern exception" for minors. Some states (California, New York, Massachusetts) have stricter youth employment protections. Employers are required to obtain work permits for minors in most states, which are available through your school.
Top Programs
Bank of America Student Leaders — $5,000 Stipend
One of the highest-paying high school programs in the country. 8 weeks of paid work at a local nonprofit plus a leadership summit in Washington, D.C. Open to juniors and seniors in 100+ U.S. communities.
NASA OSSI — $700–$900/Week Stipend
NASA pays high school interns (16+) stipends comparable to college-level programs. 10-week positions at NASA centers with real research responsibilities.
City / County Summer Youth Employment Programs
Most major cities (NYC Summer Youth Employment, LA Youth Source, Chicago One Summer) run paid summer employment programs for teens. These typically pay minimum wage and place students in government offices, nonprofits, and community organizations.
Paid Hospital & Healthcare Internships
Select hospital systems (Mayo Clinic, Cleveland Clinic, large university hospitals) offer paid summer research internships for high schoolers interested in medicine and biomedical research.
Retail & Food Service with Career Programs
Companies like Starbucks, Chick-fil-A, and Target offer structured career development alongside hourly employment. While technically jobs rather than internships, they provide professional skills and income simultaneously.
State Government Internships
Many state governments run paid summer internship programs for high school students. Check your state's government careers page for "youth" or "student" programs — these are funded by federal workforce development grants.
Application Tips
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Search your city's name + "summer youth employment program" — most major cities have free, paid placement programs funded by federal workforce grants.
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When evaluating paid vs. unpaid programs, consider the total value: an unpaid NASA program may be worth more for your future than a paid retail position.
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Paid programs are more competitive because everyone wants them. Strengthen your application with volunteer experience, strong grades, and a compelling personal statement.
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Check if your school partners with any local employers for paid intern placements. Career and technical education (CTE) programs often have established pipelines.
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File for a work permit early. Most states require it for students under 18, and processing can take 1–2 weeks through your school.
A Note for Parents
Paid internships for minors have legal protections. Employers must pay at least minimum wage, follow hour restrictions, and provide safe working conditions. Review the work permit requirements in your state — most schools can issue them. If your student is considering unpaid programs, note that the Department of Labor has strict guidelines about when unpaid internships are legal for minors. Reputable programs at universities, government agencies, and major nonprofits will clearly state their compensation structure upfront.
Get Started
Submit your interest and a PropelGrad advisor will help you find the right internship program for your age, interests, and goals.