15 best summer internships for high school students in 2025
Summer internships are great for high school students to get hands-on experience, build new skills, and explore career paths before college. Whether your child’s into science, business, tech, or the arts, there’s a program for them! Here are 15 of the best summer internships for high school students in 2025.
STEM internships
1. NASA high school internship
NASA offers internships for high school students passionate about space exploration, robotics, and engineering. These programs provide hands-on experience in cutting-edge research and technology development, often working alongside NASA scientists and engineers. Students can participate in projects ranging from artificial intelligence to planetary science, enhancing their problem-solving and teamwork skills.
Deadline: February / May
Location: Various NASA centers & remote options
Apply: intern.nasa.gov
2. MIT Research Science Institute (RSI)
RSI brings together high-achieving students for six weeks of advanced STEM research at MIT, where they engage in intensive coursework, hands-on research projects, and mentorship with leading scientists. Students collaborate on cutting-edge mathematics, engineering, and science, gaining experience that prepares them for competitive college programs. This highly selective program is free for admitted students, covering tuition, housing, and meals.
Deadline: January
Location: Cambridge, MA
3. Stanford Institutes of Medicine Summer Research Program (SIMR)
This immersive program allows students to work in Stanford’s research labs, guided by experienced mentors. Participants engage in hands-on biomedical research, exploring genetics, neuroscience, cancer biology, and more. The program includes seminars, lab meetings, and skill-building workshops, helping students develop critical thinking and scientific communication skills. Students present their research findings at the end of the program, gaining invaluable experience for future academic and career pursuits.
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Deadline: February
Location: Stanford, CA
Apply: med.stanford.edu/simr
Business & finance internships
4. Bank of America Student Leaders program
This paid internship pairs students with local nonprofits to gain leadership and business experience. Participants work on community projects, assist with fundraising, and develop communication and project management skills. The program also includes networking opportunities with business professionals and workshops on financial literacy, preparing students for future careers in business and leadership.
Deadline: January
Location: Nationwide
5. J.P. Morgan Chase high school programs
J.P. Morgan Chase provides structured programs for high school students to explore career opportunities in financial services. Their school programs offer short, immersive experiences lasting from one day to two weeks, helping students understand potential career paths within the firm. For those looking for a more extended opportunity, apprenticeships allow graduating high school students and current students in select locations to gain hands-on experience while continuing their studies, combining practical work on impactful projects with structured learning.
Deadline: Varies
Location: New York, NY & nationwide
Apply: careers.jpmorgan.com/us/en/about-us/news-and-stories/student-opportunities
6. Morgan Stanley Finance Academy & Step In, Step Up program
Morgan Stanley offers two exceptional programs for high school students interested in finance. The Finance Academy is a virtual learning experience providing financial education and career insights. Step In, Step Up is an in-person program designed to introduce students to investment banking and asset management.
Deadline: Varies
Location: New York, NY & virtual options
Government & law internships
7. U.S. Department of State Pathways Internship Program
The U.S. Department of State's Pathways Internship Program provides paid opportunities for high school students interested in diplomacy, foreign affairs, and public service. Interns gain hands-on experience working in government offices, assisting with policy research, administrative support, and international relations projects. The program is designed to offer professional development and networking opportunities that can lead to future careers in government.
Deadline: March
Location: Washington, D.C.
Apply: careers.state.gov/interns-fellows/pathways-programs/pathways-internship-programs
8. New York Times Summer Academy
The New York Times Summer Academy is a pre-college program that provides high school students with immersive, hands-on experience in journalism. Students work with professional journalists, participate in writing workshops, and explore various aspects of media and storytelling. The program offers specialized courses on investigative journalism, opinion writing, and multimedia reporting, allowing students to develop their writing and critical thinking skills while gaining insight into professional journalism.
Deadline: March
Location: New York, NY
9. Smithsonian High School Internship Program
The Smithsonian High School Internship Program allows students to work alongside museum professionals, researchers, and educators. Interns gain hands-on experience in museum curation, scientific research, and public engagement. Participants also attend career development workshops and networking events to enhance their professional skills and understanding of museum-related careers.
Deadline: February
Location: Washington, D.C.
Apply: naturalhistory.si.edu/education/youth-programs/high-school-internship-program
10. Girls Who Code Summer Immersion Program
The Girls Who Code Summer Immersion Program is a free, two-week experience introducing high school students to computer science and programming fundamentals. Participants learn coding skills, explore career opportunities in tech, and gain mentorship from industry professionals.
Deadline: March
Location: Various locations & virtual
11. Microsoft Discovery Program
The Microsoft Discovery Program is a two-week, paid experience for rising high school seniors. The program introduces students to various career paths in the tech industry, provides mentorship from Microsoft professionals, and includes interactive workshops focused on technology, business, and professional development.
Deadline: February
Location: Redmond, WA & Atlanta, GA
Apply: https://careers.microsoft.com/v2/global/en/discoveryprogram
12. Meta Summer Academy
The Meta Summer Academy is a six-week paid internship program for high school students from underrepresented communities. Working alongside dynamic teams, participants get firsthand experience in the day-to-day operations of one of the world’s leading social media companies. The program offers training in coding, career exploration, and soft skills development to help students achieve economic success and mobility.
Deadline: February
Location: Menlo Park, CA
Apply: metasummeracademy.com
13. Johns Hopkins Summer Internship Program
The Johns Hopkins Summer Internship Program gives high school students hands-on experience in biomedical research, healthcare, and public health. Participants work with professionals in labs and clinical settings, gaining exposure to medical and scientific careers. The program includes mentorship, skill-building workshops, and opportunities to contribute to real-world projects in medicine and research.
Deadline: February
Location: Baltimore, MD
Apply: hopkinsmedicine.org
14. Stanford Medical Youth Science Program (SMYSP)
The Stanford Medical Youth Science Program is a five-week summer program that provides high school students from underrepresented backgrounds with exposure to the medical field. Students participate in lectures, hands-on medical research, and college preparation workshops, all while being mentored by Stanford medical professionals.
Deadline: March
Location: Stanford, CA
Apply: https://med.stanford.edu/odme/high-school-students/smysp.html
15. CDC Museum Disease Detective Camp
This hands-on summer program at the CDC Museum provides real-world experience in public health, epidemiology, and disease prevention. Participants engage in case studies, lab work, and interactive sessions with public health experts.
Deadline: March
Location: Atlanta, GA
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