Doing an internship in high school can be a good way to explore potential career paths, gain experience, and build a standout résumé. For students in North Carolina, looking for a local and accessible internship experience, check out our list below!

The internships in the list below are based in North Carolina, and span industries like technology, healthcare, environmental science, and the arts. These internship programs can provide solid connections with professionals and organizations, and look great on your resume. Participating in an internship in high school can also benefit your college applications by showing admissions officers your willingness to learn and experiment with a subject you're passionate about. 

This list highlights 8 internship programs for high school students across North Carolina!

1. Ladder Internship Program

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. 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!

2. University of North Carolina in Charlotte’s AEOP High School Internship STEM Research Program

The STEM Research Experience Program at UNC Charlotte offers high school students an opportunity to engage in research under the mentorship of university faculty and graduate students. You will work on STEM challenges in engineering, computer science, and the environmental sciences. This program provides laboratory and fieldwork experience and includes training in data analysis, research presentation skills, and professional networking. You will develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills while building a foundation for future STEM careers. With access to state-of-the-art facilities, this program is ideal for students interested in science and technology.

Cost: None!

Application Deadline: TBA

Internship Date: During the summer months

Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors

Location: The University of North Carolina at Charlotte, NC 

3. North Carolina Department of Transportation High School Internship

The NCDOT High School Internship Program offers a program for students interested in the intersection of transportation, engineering, and public service. This program allows you to work on projects that address critical challenges in infrastructure development, environmental sustainability, and public safety. You will work alongside professionals, applying concepts from mathematics, science, and engineering to design and improve transportation systems. You will gain knowledge of state-level operations and policy. This program prepares you for advanced studies and careers in transportation, engineering, or government service.

Cost: This is a paid internship!

Application Deadline: December 31

Internship Date: The internship is offered both during the summer and during the school year

Eligibility: Currently a high school student in North Carolina; at least 16 years old; minimum GPA of 2.3. 

Location: N.C. Department of Transportation, Raleigh, NC

4. UNC’s Internship in Science, Health Training, and Research (ISHTaR)

The ISHTaR Program at UNC’s Department of Emergency Medicine introduces high school students to healthcare careers, specifically in emergency medicine. This program combines classroom instruction, clinical observations, and workshops. You will learn foundational medical skills such as CPR, first aid, and patient care techniques while gaining insight into the work of emergency departments. You will have the chance to shadow healthcare professionals, including physicians and nurses, to observe life-saving procedures and understand the collaborative nature of emergency medicine. 

Cost: This is a paid role!

Application Deadline: February 24

Internship Date: Flexible start and end dates

Eligibility: Rising sophomore, junior, or senior; 16 years or older by June 1

Location: Department of Emergency Medicine, UNC-Chapel Hill, NC

5. UNC’s Nutrition Research Virtual Internship Program

The UNC Nutrition Research Institute (NRI) Virtual Internship Program offers high school students a chance to explore the intersection of nutrition and science. You will learn about personalized nutrition, health research, and scientific communication, guided by NRI researchers. You will engage in independent projects, virtual lab tours, and interactive sessions, gaining insight into studies that address critical health challenges. This program is ideal for students interested in biology, health sciences, or nutrition, as it builds analytical skills, scientific literacy, and a deeper understanding of how nutrition influences health. 

Cost: No cost listed!

Application Deadline: Applications open in February; no specific deadlines are mentioned.

Internship Date: June 4 - June 27 

Eligibility: Rising 9th graders to college freshmen; 25 students are selected 

Location: Virtual

6. Research Apprenticeship Program at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University

This is a residential program in food, agricultural, and environmental science for rising juniors and seniors in high school at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University. You'll conduct independent research projects, working under the direction of research scientists. To apply, you have to submit your high school transcript, two letters of recommendation, an endorsement from your high school counselor, and an essay on why you want to pursue your career path of choice. 

Cost: Free, stipend provided 

Program date: June 16 – 29

Application deadline: February 29

Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors

Location: North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, Greensboro, NC 

7. Youth Conservation Corps North Carolina

YCCN is an empowerment program for teenagers aged 15-18 to engage in conservation projects across the state. The program is divided into crews; you can choose the one you want to join. The camping crew spends the session working and camping in the Uwharrie National Forest. As part of this group, you will work on habitat restoration, trail maintenance, and fence installation. The Durham Day Crew will work to restore land in the area, including gardening and invasive species removal. Each crew is designed to be closely knit with 4-6 members and 2 crew leaders. 

Cost: Free 

Program Date: June – August

Application Deadline: Rolling admissions

Eligibility: Students aged 15-18

Location: Various locations across North Carolina

8. NIH Summer Internship Program (SIP)

The NIH has merged its high school internship program into the SIP, which offers research opportunities in the biomedical, behavioral, and social sciences. As an SIP participant, you will work under NIH principal investigators and conduct research in fields such as biology, chemistry, nursing, physics, computer science, psychology, mathematics, and more. You will also have access to professional development opportunities and educational advising programs. 

Cost: Free, $2,530 monthly stipend for high school students 

Application Deadline: February 19

Program Dates: June – August

Eligibility: High school students who are 18 and enrolled in an accredited educational institution

Location: NIH campuses across the country, including Research Triangle Park, Durham, NC

One other option—the Lumiere Research Scholar Program

If you’re interested in pursuing independent research, 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 4,000 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.

Image Sourec - Ladder Internship Logo