9 Startup Internships for High School Students
If you are a high school student and looking for internships in Startups, whether during the summer or year-round, then this list is for you! We’ve compiled a list of 9 of the best startup internship programs that are open to high school students. This list includes internships in a variety of fields.
Applying for startup internships provides hands-on experience in dynamic and innovative environments. Unlike traditional internships, startups offer opportunities to wear multiple hats, develop diverse skills, and contribute directly to the company's growth. This experience not only enhances a student's college application by showcasing initiative and adaptability but also prepares them for future professional success. The skills and experiences gained in a startup setting prepare students for success in diverse career paths, from entrepreneurship to corporate innovation, setting them apart in the competitive job market.
We’ve chosen some of the most prestigious internships offered across the country, and many of them provide stipends as well.
Let’s dive right in!
The Ladder Internship is a highly selective program designed to provide students with virtual internship opportunities at startups and nonprofits worldwide. These startups span various industries, allowing students to choose the field they are most passionate about exploring. It's an excellent chance for students to delve into areas they may be interested in and gain insight into potential career paths. Startups participating in the program are located globally, primarily in the United States, Asia, Europe, and the UK, covering diverse fields such as technology, finance, environmental science, healthcare, media, and more.
Through the internship, students will tackle real-world projects vital to their assigned startup and present their work upon completion. Additionally, each intern will receive support from both their startup manager and a dedicated Ladder Coach, who serves as a mentor and guide throughout the internship. The program includes personalized training in communication, time management, and other essential skills, along with group training sessions with fellow interns. Internships typically last for eight weeks, providing students with a comprehensive and immersive virtual learning experience.
Location: Virtual
Dates: 8-week programs with multiple cohorts throughout the year.
Cost: $1990. Financial aid is available.
Eligibility: Open to all high school students.
Deadline: Multiple deadlines throughout the year. The deadline for the upcoming spring cohort is January 14, 2024.
The AI Internship Program by Veritas AI is founded and run by Harvard graduate students. Through the 8-week internship, students have the opportunity to work with VC-backed startups on real-world AI/ML projects. Students work directly with mentors from Harvard, Wharton, Google, Microsoft, McKinsey & Company, and more. This program is a great opportunity for students who have prior experience with AI/ML and are looking to gain real-world exposure to a career in the field. Students get a chance to network with industry professionals, work closely with company leadership, and receive a letter of completion from the company at the end of the internship. You can learn more about the program here and apply here.
Cost: $2,490
Application Deadline: October 20, 2024
Internship Date: The start date for the cohort is November 11, 2024
Eligibility: Open to high school students who have prior experience with AI/ML or have completed a Veritas AI program
Firework, a global leader in unified video commerce, offers a transformative internship opportunity for aspiring professionals eager to shape the future of customer engagement. As a Product Operations Intern at Firework, you'll be part of a high-growth startup on a mission to revolutionize how businesses connect with their customers. Collaborating closely with Product, Engineering, and client-facing teams, you'll drive the customer feedback lifecycle, launch processes, and product adoption to deliver an unparalleled user experience. Expect a diverse array of projects, from shaping product strategy to conducting industry research, all aimed at elevating our product excellence. Benefit from personalized mentorship, presentation opportunities, and potential field visits, all contributing to a comprehensive and enriching internship experience. Join us in reshaping the future of video commerce and apply now to be part of our innovative journey. Firework values diversity and potential, creating an inclusive environment for all interns.
Note: Candidates should be equipped with excellent communication skills, data storytelling abilities, organizational prowess, and a passion for innovation. While candidates in the Bay Area are preferred, we welcome applications from across the globe.
Location: San Mateo, CA, Hybrid remote
Dates: TBA
Stipend: $20 per hour
Eligibility: Open to sophomores, juniors, and seniors.
Deadline: NA
Otoro Energy, Inc. is a start-up dedicated to advancing flow batteries for long-duration energy storage. As an Engineering Intern at Otoro, you'll work alongside a small cross-functional team, gaining hands-on experience with emerging technology. You'll be an integral part of a small cross-functional team, working on exciting development projects with emerging technology. From designing flow battery prototypes using off-the-shelf parts to troubleshooting and optimizing performance, you'll gain hands-on experience in a start-up environment.
This internship offers a unique learning opportunity, where you'll receive guidance from Otoro employees and have the chance to work directly on an emerging technology. Whether you're interested in mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, chemical engineering, materials science, or similar fields, we encourage candidates with a STEM background to apply. As an intern, you'll design and build flow battery test stands, interpret cycling data, integrate electrical equipment, program data collection software, and implement safety procedures associated with large-scale battery prototypes.
Note: Interns will receive competitive compensation ranging from $16 to $24 per hour, with full-time shifts (40 hours per week) from Monday to Friday. While no prior experience is required, candidates with experience in electrochemistry, fuel cells, battery technology, or energy storage are preferred.
Location: Otoro Energy, Inc in Boulder, CO
Dates: Full-time 40 hours, M-F 8:00am-5:00pm for 10-12 weeks May-August (exact weeks are flexible)
Stipend: $16 - $24 an hour - Internship
Eligibility: Open to high school students and undergraduates.
Deadline: NA
As a dynamic startup, Kids in the Game (KITG) offers internship opportunities for students looking to gain valuable operations experience in a startup environment. In this role, interns will play a vital part in ensuring our program sites are well-equipped to deliver effective programming across NYC. From managing equipment in the field to conducting research and planning in the office, interns will have the opportunity to contribute to a supportive, safe, and fun environment for children to thrive and learn.
This internship will typically last 12-16 weeks, offering students valuable hands-on experience in a startup environment. Interns will work between 25-35 hours per week at our office, gaining insight into the day-to-day operations of a rapidly growing organization.
Interns will be involved in various tasks, including using inventory management systems, assisting with compliance documentation, organizing equipment, and conducting research projects. They'll also have the chance to participate in company-wide staff events, fostering connections with staff from across the city and gaining valuable networking opportunities.
Note: Candidates with strong planning and organizational skills will be preferred.
Location: New York
Dates: Summer 2024: May 13th - August 23rd
Stipend: $200 - $300 per week, part-time.
Eligibility: High School students and college students
Deadline: NA
The Sunshine Team is offering internships to high school students to join the Marketing and Social Media team as interns. As part of our rapidly growing company, you'll have the opportunity to practice all aspects of brand development, social media management, and community building in collaboration with their sister non-profit, The Sunshine Method Foundation. Working closely with the Founders, this position offers a chance to contribute to the growth of our organization.
The Sunshine Method is a fast-paced startup that is committed to making a difference in our community. Team members work independently and collaboratively to further the mission of the organization, and provide essential support to each other as needed.
Responsibilities of the interns include brainstorming and developing creative marketing strategies, assisting in creating and implementing marketing campaigns, supporting social media efforts, creating monthly newsletters, conducting interviews, building relationships with tutors and families, supporting tutor recruitment, performing research and market analysis, and tracking campaign performance metrics.
Location: Remote
Dates: February 2024-June 2024, part-time flexible
Stipend: NA
Eligibility: High school or equivalent
Deadline: NA
Atlas Copco, which led the charge in pioneering sustainable innovations across various industries such as electronics, medical research, renewable energy, and infrastructure. As a Quality Technician, you will play a crucial role in ensuring the highest standards of quality across our products. Your responsibilities will include conducting inspections, evaluating processes, and implementing solutions to enhance product quality and efficiency. Working closely with our Production Team, you'll contribute to delivering top-notch products that exceed customer expectations. You will be working for a company, Power Technique North America LLC, under Atlas Copco which provides a startup ecosystem to work and learn.
Atlas Copco is a platform for personal and professional growth. Expect a collaborative and inclusive work environment where your ideas are valued, and your passion is encouraged. As part of our team, you'll have the opportunity to explore diverse career paths and drive your professional journey.
Location: Rock Hill, South Carolina
Dates: Summer 2024
Stipend: NA
Eligibility: High school or equivalent
Deadline: May 1, 2024
The Empowerly Startup Internship Program offers a unique opportunity for both high school and college students to explore career paths, develop professional skills, and collaborate with globally-minded companies to enhance their resumes for college applications. With flexible sessions tailored to accommodate busy schedules, participants gain invaluable insights and life skills that extend far beyond the program.
Designed to cater to the needs of both high school and college students, the program provides a diverse array of startup opportunities spanning various industries such as artificial intelligence, communications, education, health, nonprofits, and more. Whether students are seeking entry-level exposure to career options or aiming to deepen their professional skills, Empowerly offers tailored sessions to suit their interests and aspirations.
Through the Empowerly Startup Internship Program, students receive assistance with resume building, cover letter writing, and interview preparation, ensuring they are well-equipped to navigate the competitive job market. By immersing themselves in real-world experiences, students gain new insights, forge lasting connections, and acquire the confidence needed to pursue their chosen career paths with enthusiasm and determination.
Location: Virtual
Dates: Fall, Spring & Summer
Stipend: NA
Eligibility: 9th - College Students
Deadline: NA
EnergyMag provides virtual research internships geared towards high school and college students who aim to acquire firsthand experience in the renewable energy field. This internship offers a startup culture to work in. Through these internships, students develop research and analytical capabilities while delving into the exploration of particular companies, technologies, and markets within the industry. Internship options are adaptable, offering half-time opportunities spanning 2 to 8 weeks with a commitment of 20 hours per week, or quarter-time engagements lasting 1 to 9 months with a weekly commitment of 8 hours. All students will have a mentor to guide them through and supervise their work. Upon completion, students will receive Letter of Accomplishment.
Location: Virtual
Dates: Rolling Dates
Cost: Fully Funded
Eligibility: Open to sophomores, juniors, and seniors only who have taken at least one honors science or honors English class.
Deadline: Applications are open all year round, you can apply here.
If you’re looking for an incubator program that helps you establish a developed startup in high school, consider the Young Founders Lab!
The Young Founder’s Lab is a real-world start-up bootcamp founded and run by Harvard entrepreneurs. In this program, you will work towards building a revenue-generating start-up that addresses a real-world problem. You will also have the opportunity to be mentored by established entrepreneurs and professionals from Google, Microsoft, and X.
You can access the application link here!
One other option - Lumiere Research Scholar Program
If you would like to further enhance your applications by doing research in business and related fields, you should also consider applying to the Lumiere Research Scholar Program, a selective online high school program 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.
Stephen is one of the founders of Lumiere and a Harvard College graduate. He founded Lumiere as a Ph.D. 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.