5 Entrepreneurship Internships that You Should Check out as a High School Student
Embarking on an internship while still in high school isn't just about filling up your summer break—it's a strategic move to stand out in college applications and jumpstart your future career. Particularly for students interested in the dynamic world of business, entrepreneurship internships offer a glimpse into the rigorous process of building a company from the ground up.
Early exposure to entrepreneurship through internships can be a game-changer when it comes to college admissions. Admissions officers are on the lookout for candidates who demonstrate initiative, creativity, and a drive to take on challenges—all qualities honed by entrepreneurial experiences. Engaging in internships also shows a commitment to understanding and solving real-world problems, making you a more attractive candidate to prestigious programs.
In this blog, we explore 5 entrepreneurship internships tailored for high school students!
Ladder Internships is a selective start-up internship program for ambitious high school students! In the program, you work with a high-growth start-up on an internship. Start-ups that offer internships range across a variety of industries, from tech/deep tech and AI/ML to health tech, marketing, journalism, consulting, and more. You can explore all the options here on their application form. Ladder’s start-ups are high-growth companies on average raising over a million dollars. In the program, interns work closely with their managers and a Ladder Coach on real-world projects and present their work to the company. Here is the application form. The virtual internship is usually 8 weeks long.
Cost: Starting at $2,490 (financial aid available)
Location: Remote! You can work from anywhere in the world.
Application Deadline: Deadlines vary depending on the cohort. Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September) and Winter (November).
Program Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year, including Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter.
Eligibility: Students who can work for 10-20 hours/week, for 8-12 weeks. Open to high school students, undergraduates, and gap year students!
LaunchX is a highly selective entrepreneurial program that boasts an admissions rate of only 10-20%. The program is designed to immerse students in an environment that mirrors a combination of an accelerator, startup conference, and a summer internship, providing them with a comprehensive experience in business creation. Guided by experienced mentors and surrounded by like-minded peers—affectionately known as "Launchies"—participants work collaboratively to turn their startup ideas into reality. The primary goal of LaunchX is to empower students to create and launch viable businesses, encouraging collaboration and co-founder relationships among participants.
For a detailed overview of what LaunchX offers, interested students can access their comprehensive program guide here.
Location: Ann Arbor, Michigan | UC Berkeley | Online
Cost: Varied costs. Some financial aid is available.
Eligibility: All high school students may apply.
Application deadline: April 24
Program dates: Dates vary for the in-person and online programs. Check details here!
At Georgetown University's intensive entrepreneurship program, high school students have the opportunity to deepen both their theoretical understanding and practical skills in the field of entrepreneurship. Participants will engage in a dynamic learning environment that includes workshops, lectures, and collaborative group projects, all designed to provide a real-world glimpse into the challenges and rewards of starting a business.
A highlight of the program is the chance to develop and refine an original business idea, which culminates in a pitch competition before actual entrepreneurs and venture capitalists. This provides a valuable platform for students to receive constructive feedback and gain confidence in their entrepreneurial capabilities. Throughout the program, mentors are available to guide students in refining their business concepts.
Location: Georgetown University, Washington D.C. (a portion of the program will be conducted virtually)
Cost: $1,795
Eligibility: Current high school students
Application deadline: Session I: March 10 | Session II: March 31 | Session III: April 28
Program dates: Session I: March 17 to 31 | Session II: April 7 to May 5 | Session III: May 5 to June 2
The Bank of America Student Leaders Program annually selects approximately 300 high school students who demonstrate a strong commitment to their communities. Participants in this highly competitive program are given the opportunity to engage in an eight-week paid internship with leading nonprofit organizations such as the Boys and Girls Clubs of America and Habitat for Humanity. This internship allows students to gain firsthand experience in community service and nonprofit operations, enriching their understanding of social impact.
In addition to the local internship, the program features a week-long Student Leadership Summit in Washington, DC, which is fully funded by Bank of America. The summit provides a unique platform for Student Leaders to learn about the interconnected roles of nonprofits, government, and businesses in meeting community needs. Through workshops, lectures, and panel discussions, participants gain insights into the mechanics of collaboration and leadership necessary to drive societal change.
Location: The program is held all across the country – you will be assigned a local non-profit organization to work with in your region/area. The Leadership Summit will be held in Washington DC.
Stipend: It is a paid internship, but no information is available on the exact amount. The trip to Washington DC is covered by the bank!
Eligibility: Current high school juniors and seniors are eligible to apply. See all eligibility criteria here.
Application Deadline: Applications open in October and typically close in January.
Program dates: 8-week summer internship, including an all expenses-covered week-long Student Leadership Summit in Washington, DC. Dates vary by location, but the internship usually begins shortly after the school year ends.
Ladders for Leaders is a component of New York City's Summer Youth Employment Program. This program provides high school and college students with the opportunity to participate in paid professional internships during the summer months. Students selected for Ladders for Leaders undergo a rigorous application process and receive 30 hours of pre-employment training to equip them with the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in their roles.
This initiative not only provides valuable professional experience to the youth but also benefits participating organizations by connecting them with talented and prepared interns ready to contribute to their operations. Ladders for Leaders is an excellent opportunity for young individuals to kickstart their careers and gain exposure in their fields of interest while also contributing meaningfully to New York City.
Location: New York City
Cost: No cost. Students will receive a stipend.
Eligibility: Applicants must be between 16 and 21 years old with a minimum GPA of 3.0. Participants must be residents of NYC and have some prior work experience.
Application deadline: January 21
Program dates: 6 weeks in the summer
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.