10 Internships for High School Students in Sacramento, CA
If you’re a high schooler looking for internship opportunities in Sacramento, this blog is for you!
An internship will allow you to gain hands-on experience, build professional networks, and explore potential career paths in your chosen field. Gaining early practical experience can significantly enhance your college applications as admissions committees tend to look for candidates who have demonstrated initiative, commitment, and a proactive approach to their education.
Participating in internships will also highlight your ability to apply classroom knowledge in real-world settings and your dedication to personal and professional growth, setting you apart from other applicants.
In this blog, we’ve curated a list of top internships for high school students in Sacramento spanning various fields such as communications, technology, arts, marketing, engineering, finance, leadership, and more!
Location: Local businesses and institutions in and around Sacramento, CA.
Stipend: All interns are paid the California Minimum Wage, funded by the City of West Sacramento.
Dates: Spans 8 weeks between June and August. The exact dates for 2025 are to be announced.
Application Deadline: Applications typically close in April. Deadlines for 2025 are to be announced.
Eligibility: High school students who are at least 16 years of age at the start of the program can apply. River City High School students must have completed at least one course in one of WUSD’s Career Technical Education Pathways. Yolo High School students must obtain a recommendation form filled out by a teacher or counselor.
The Home Run Internship Program is an 8-week paid summer opportunity for high school students in the Washington Unified School District (WUSD), West Sacramento. It aims to provide students with real-world work experience while earning college credit through Sacramento City College.
During the internship, you will be expected to work for approximately 40 hours a week and receive dedicated training both before and during the internship, ensuring you’re well-prepared for any challenges. Training takes place during work hours, so you will not be available for work for up to two hours each week. This training, integrated into work hours, focuses on honing crucial skills like communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and critical thinking—skills that are essential no matter what career you choose.
Location: Remote! You can work from anywhere in the world.
Cost: Starts at $2,490. Financial aid is available.
Dates: 8-week programs with multiple cohorts throughout the year, including spring, summer, fall, and winter. The upcoming fall cohort begins on September 16, 2024.
Application Deadline: Deadlines vary depending on the cohort. The upcoming fall cohort deadline is August 25, 2024.
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, a fairly selective program founded by Harvard alumni, pairs high school students with startups and nonprofits around the world for virtual internships. You can choose the field you wish to work in, from a wide range of industries, including technology, machine learning, AI, computer science, finance, environmental science, sustainability, business, marketing, healthcare, medicine, media, journalism, and more.
As an intern, you will work on meaningful projects that contribute to the startup or nonprofit’s larger mission, and present your work at the end of the program. This internship program includes one-on-one training in communication and time management, among other skills, and group training sessions with fellow interns. You will be paired with a manager at the startup and with a Ladder coach, who serves as a second mentor. The internship opportunities in this program span the globe, with a concentration in the U.S., Asia, Europe, and the UK. You can explore all the options here on their application form.
Location: Sacramento, CA. Internships may take place in person, remotely, or a hybrid of both.
Cost/Stipend: No cost; This is a paid internship. Compensation details are provided during the hiring process.
Dates: 6 weeks between June and August. Program dates for 2025 are to be announced.
Application Deadline: May 3, 2024; Deadlines for 2025 are to be announced.
Eligibility: Current high school juniors and seniors at least 16 years old with a minimum 2.5 GPA can apply.
The SMUD Summer Internship Program offers high school students a six-week, paid internship opportunity where students immerse themselves in real-world projects, collaborating with industry professionals and gaining insights into various career paths. You will have the chance to explore different departments within the Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD), enhancing your understanding of the energy sector and its impact on the community.
During the program, you’ll be required to attend mandatory (unpaid) work readiness workshops and video interviews and 3-day, paid internship preparation workshops which will take place in June. This program provides hands-on experience, helping students develop essential workplace skills such as problem-solving, teamwork, and effective communication. By participating in this internship program, you will not only build your resume but also establish connections that could be instrumental in future career pursuits.
Location: Sacramento, CA
Cost/Stipend: This is a paid internship. Compensation details are provided during the hiring process.
Dates: The program runs year-round and typically aligns with the academic year. The exact dates vary depending on the opportunity.
Application Deadline: Applications are currently on hold.
Eligibility: High school students aged 16 and older can apply. Students must be able to obtain a work permit from their school if they are under 18 years old.
Sacramento Mayor Darrell Steinberg’s Thousand Strong Internship Program is a year-long program that provides 300 hours of paid work experience and an additional 40 hours of workplace basics training to motivate talented high school students. During the program, you will work with local organizations such as the Florin Square Community Development Corporation, WellSpace Health, The Makers Place, Sacramento Public Library, Earth Mama Healing, and the Center for Land-Based Learning, gaining practical skills and career insights.
The Thousand Strong program is a solid opportunity because it employs a city-wide approach to workforce development, offering a year of paid work experience and place-based experiences. The program ensures that you leave the education system equipped with the skills needed to transition into the world of work. You will benefit from this city-wide approach to workforce development, engaging in real-world projects that will enhance your communication, confidence, and professional readiness.
Location: Local healthcare and community-based agencies in Sacramento, CA. You can check the FACES Sacramento Program partners here.
Cost/Stipend: No cost; Stipends may or may not be provided depending on the opportunity.
Application Deadline: Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
Dates: This is a multi-year program and the exact dates vary depending on the internship opportunity.
Eligibility: Students of Arthur A. Benjamin Health Professions High School and Hiram Johnson High School in Sacramento, CA can apply.
The FACES for the Future Sacramento program provides a multi-year healthcare internship and leadership development program for its students and supports entry into healthcare professions through internships, workshops, academic support, college preparation, and wellness support. During the program, you’ll be placed in clinical and non-clinical rotations with local healthcare and community-based agencies, and gain exposure to one-on-one relationships with internship supervisors who provide support, guidance, and hands-on training.
You will participate in interactive workshops and field trips that are designed to further immerse you in the health professions. You will attend regular personal growth workshops focused on experiential learning about self-advocacy, assertive communication, healthy and unhealthy relationships, stress management, and other relevant topics. You will get to interact with health professionals who are regularly present during classroom workshops to enhance healthcare preparatory curricula. You will also receive individualized academic and career support and college pathways support to help you search for colleges, and apply for, and receive financial aid.
Location: Varies based on lab choice. Opportunities are available in Sacramento. Check here.
Cost/Stipend: No cost; $4000 is awarded to the interns.Dates: 8-10 weeks, June to August
Application Deadline: Applications typically close in April.Eligibility: Applicants must; be current high school sophomores, juniors, or seniors (and recent graduates); have completed one course in high school chemistry; preference is given to students whose maximum family income does not exceed 300% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines based on family size.
Note: Project SEED has multiple methods of documenting eligibility that you can access here!
Project SEED is a foundational program for chemistry enthusiasts to get an in-depth understanding of what it’s like to work in a chemistry lab. As an intern, you will work on an independent project at a research lab located in the nearest Project SEED location. You get to choose the type of project you’re interested in – from a wide range of choices. Depending on your project site, you might have the chance to go on field trips and campus tours, attend career panels, and more!
The main aim of Project SEED is to enable students from underrepresented communities to get a foundation in STEM by giving interns a chance to work in real laboratories. This is an intensive 8-10 week internship where you will be a part of different types of projects writing reports, conducting experiments, preparing reports, and a poster presentation at the end of your internship. Additionally, your coordinator can also choose to register you for the American Chemical Society National Meeting - where you will present your work to thousands of attendees!
Location: Met Sacramento High School, Sacramento, CA
Cost/Stipend: None
Dates: The program runs year-round and typically aligns with the academic year.
Application Deadline: Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
Eligibility: Students must be enrolled at the Met Sacramento High School and participate in shadow days to secure an internship that aligns with their interests.
The Met Sacramento High School’s Internship Program provides an opportunity for students to explore their interests and gain real-world experience. As part of the program, you will engage in shadow days at local organizations and businesses every Tuesday and Thursday. These shadow days will allow you to observe, assist, and learn from professionals in your field of interest. If the shadow day aligns with your goals and the mentor’s expectations, an internship is secured, helping you earn elective credits toward graduation. You will participate in an internship for one academic year but the duration of the internship depends on project work opportunities, interest, and investment (by both you and your mentor).
This immersive experience goes beyond traditional classroom learning, providing valuable skills and insights that shape your academic and career paths. By integrating hands-on work with education, the program will help you prepare for your future pursuits, fostering both personal and professional growth.
Location: Local non-profit organizations in Sacramento, CA. You can check out the multiple locations available here.
Cost/Stipend: Free for all accepted participants; The exact pay rate can vary depending on the location of the internship, but it typically ranges from $15 to $20 per hour. In addition to the hourly pay, student leaders may also receive housing stipends, transportation reimbursement, and other perks.
Dates: The dates vary depending on the market. You can expect your internship to begin shortly following the end of your school year. The internship will run for 8 weeks and includes a week in D.C. for the Leadership Summit that takes place in July. Dates TBA for 2025.
Application Deadline: Applications for the 2024 program are now closed. The applications for the 2025 program will open in fall 2024.
Eligibility: Current high school juniors and seniors who are legally authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship and permanently reside in one of the eligible locations (markets) can apply.
Bank of America’s Student Leaders Program offers high school juniors and seniors a paid, eight-week internship with local nonprofits, such as Boys and Girls Clubs of America and Habitat for Humanity. The program is designed to provide practical work experience, leadership training, and community service opportunities. During the program, you will engage in meaningful projects that address local needs while gaining skills in teamwork, problem-solving, and leadership.
As a Student Leader, you will learn first-hand about the needs of your community and the critical role nonprofits play. You will also learn valuable civic, social, and business leadership skills. In addition to the internship, you will attend a national Student Leaders Summit in Washington, D.C., where you will learn how nonprofits, governments, and businesses collaborate to meet societal challenges. Each market’s cohort is made up of 2-5 student leaders. The acceptance rate for the Bank of America Student Leaders Program is between 5 and 8% making it an extremely selective and competitive internship program.
Location: City Theatre at Sacramento City College, Sacramento, CA
Cost/Stipend: No cost; Information about a stipend is not available.
Application Deadline: Applications are closed for 2024; TBA for 2025
Dates: 8 weeks in June and July; TBA for 2025
Eligibility: Local high school students aged 13–18 years with a minimum 2.75 GPA can apply.
Sacramento Shakespeare Festival’s High School Intern Program offers opportunities for local students to work and learn alongside some of the area’s finest artists. This program will help you build self-confidence, self-esteem, independence, and team skills in a non-competitive atmosphere, and give you a chance to gain first-hand experience in Shakespeare performance and production.
As an intern, you will get to inform in the Green Shows which are short previews of the plays in repertory. You will also perform a shortened Shakespeare play in a showcase performance on the main stage and will receive instruction and hands-on experience in all areas of theatre production. You will also participate in workshops that may include Voice, Movement, Shakespeare, Stage Combat, and more. College credit and/or community service hours are also available.
Location: Sacramento, CA
Cost/Stipend: No cost; Information about a stipend is not available.
Dates: Multiple internship opportunities are available, with exact dates varying depending on the specific internship opportunity.
Application Deadline: Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
Eligibility: Students between the ages of 16-24 belonging to low-income households can apply. Special consideration is given to individuals who have experienced homelessness or temporary housing, have been involved in the foster care system, or have a juvenile or criminal justice history.
Juma’s YouthConnect Program is designed to support high school students and young adults in overcoming barriers to employment. During the program, you will work at concession businesses in major sporting or entertainment venues, gaining hands-on job skills and experience.
The program includes financial guidance, career tours, and one-on-one mentorship to help you explore career options and develop a personalized career plan. You will also receive training in money management and savings, along with connections to further job and educational opportunities. This internship offers practical experience and valuable skills to help you build a solid career and achieve financial stability. By participating in this program, you’ll also have the opportunity to create connections with an alumni network for support.
One other option - the Lumiere Research Scholar Program
If you’re interested in pursuing independent research, you could also consider applying to one of the Lumiere Research Scholar Programs, selective online high school programs for students founded with researchers at Harvard and Oxford. Last year, we had over 4000 students apply for 500 spots in the program! You can find the application form here.
Also check out the Lumiere Research Inclusion Foundation, a non-profit research program for talented, low-income students. Last year, we had 150 students on full need-based financial aid!
Stephen is one of the founders of Lumiere and a Harvard College graduate. He founded Lumiere as a PhD student at Harvard Business School. Lumiere is a selective research program where students work 1-1 with a research mentor to develop an independent research paper.
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