9 Business Internships for High School Students in NYC
Applying for internships is a great way for high school students to gain professional experience in fields they want to pursue. If you’re interested in business, internships not only offer you a firsthand look at the business world but many of them also compensate you for your time and effort. By taking part in a paid or fully-funded business internship, you can develop real-world skills in areas like management, finance, marketing, and entrepreneurship.
Early professional exposure through internships can also strengthen your college applications. Admissions committees value students who demonstrate initiative and build transferable skills. Gaining practical knowledge through a business internship showcases your readiness for the challenges ahead and highlights your commitment to growing academically and professionally.
Here’s a list of 9 business internships in NYC for high school students to help you get started.
Ladder Internships is a selective program that connects ambitious high school students with high-growth startups across various industries like tech, AI/ML, health tech, and more. Interns work on real-world projects, collaborating closely with startup managers and receiving mentorship from a Ladder Coach.
Startups in this program are typically well-funded, with founders from prestigious backgrounds such as YCombinator and tech giants like Microsoft, Google, and Facebook. The program provides one-on-one training in communication, time management, and leadership, with an internship duration of about 8 weeks.
Cost: $2,490 (financial aid available)
Location: Remote! You can work from anywhere in the world
Eligibility: Students available to work 10-20 hours per week for 8-12 weeks. Open to high school students, undergraduates, and those on a gap year
Application Deadline: Deadlines vary based on the specific cohort, November 24, 2024 for the upcoming winter cohort
Dates/Duration: Multiple cohorts throughout the year, December 16, 2024 onwards for the winter cohort
Ladders for Leaders is a prestigious program that provides paid summer internships to high school and college students in New York City. Interns are matched with leading corporations, non-profits, and government agencies, offering real-world work experience. Before beginning your internship, you will undergo 30 hours of pre-employment training covering resume writing, interview skills, and business etiquette. As part of NYC’s Summer Youth Employment Program, you will also gain access to a growing alumni network for continued professional development and networking opportunities after the internship.
Cost: Free
Location: Various locations in New York, NY
Eligibility: Residents of one of the five boroughs of New York City aged 16 to 24 who are currently enrolled in high school or college. Prior work experience, either paid or volunteer, is also required
Application Deadline: The application closes in January
Dates/Duration: The program typically runs for 6 weeks, starting in early July
3. Interns4Good
Interns4Good connects high school students (grades 9–12) with diverse internship opportunities at nonprofit organizations. Focused on roles like marketing, communications, graphic design, and social media management, the program offers both online and in-person options. You will complete assignments, submit weekly reports, and can request verified hour records for external organizations. Partner internships, like social media strategy for nonprofits such as Her Term, provide hands-on experience. With year-round availability, Interns4Good helps you explore impactful roles while gaining valuable skills in a structured environment.
Cost: No cost
Location: Varies. Remote opportunities are also available
Eligibility: Students currently enrolled in high school
Application Deadline: Open throughout the year
Dates/Duration: Based on the internship selected
The KPMG U.S. Empower High School Experience offers high school students a hands-on introduction to accounting and professional services. You will gain foundational knowledge in accounting principles, tax concepts, auditing procedures, and advisory services. The program goes beyond theory with interactive workshops, real-world case studies, and opportunities to collaborate with KPMG professionals. You will also benefit from guest lectures, mentorship, and networking with industry experts, which helps sharpen critical thinking and problem-solving skills. This is a great option for students considering careers in finance or economics.
Cost: No cost (stipend: $25/hour)
Location: This program is available at various KPMG locations, including New York City
Eligibility: Rising juniors or seniors in high school who live close enough to commute to a local KPMG office
Application Deadline: No information available
Dates/Duration: 3 weeks in July
The Bank of America Student Leaders program offers an eight-week paid internship at local nonprofits, blending hands-on community work with business and civic leadership skills. Open to high school juniors and seniors, the program emphasizes meaningful projects, teamwork, and understanding nonprofit impact. You will also attend a leadership summit in Washington, D.C., where you will explore the collaboration of government, businesses, and nonprofits in addressing societal challenges. With a focus on leadership and community involvement, the program equips you with tools to create lasting societal impact. To learn more about this program, check out our full guide here.
Cost: No cost (stipend will be provided)
Location: Multiple locations including NYC, 1-week summit in Washington, D.C.
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors
Application Deadline: January 15, 2025
Dates/Duration: The program will start in June/July
The New York City Office of the Mayor Internship offers high school students a unique chance to engage in the business of government operations. You will work closely with full-time staff on projects ranging from research and data analysis to event planning and briefing preparations. This hands-on experience provides exposure to various departments of city government, honing skills in policy analysis, public relations, and community impact. You will also benefit from a Speaker Series featuring insights from Deputy Mayors and senior officials, further expanding your professional network and understanding of city governance.
Cost: No cost (stipend: $15/hour)
Location: Various city department offices across New York City
Eligibility: Students who are 16 years or older and currently enrolled in high school or accepted into an undergraduate program
Application Deadline: March (Summer term) | August (Fall-Spring term)
Dates/Duration: June – August (Summer term) | September – April (Fall-Spring term)
The CLA High School Internship Program provides students with hands-on experience in accounting and finance, covering areas such as financial analysis, tax preparation, and auditing. You will apply theoretical knowledge to real-world projects, enhancing your analytical and problem-solving skills. The program also emphasizes networking, offering opportunities to connect with mentors, industry experts, and peers, which can benefit a future career in accounting and finance.
Cost: No cost (stipend will be provided)
Location: Multiple locations around the U.S.
Eligibility: Open to high school students aged 16-18
Application Deadline: Typically in January
Dates/Duration: Mid-June to August (8 weeks)
The Futures and Options Internship Program provides high school students in New York City with valuable professional experience and work readiness training. You will be placed in paid, mentored positions with business partners based on your skills and interests. Beyond this work experience, you will participate in orientations, financial literacy workshops, and career exploration field trips. The program emphasizes both career preparation and personal growth, helping you build connections with professionals while developing key workplace skills. Additionally, you will complete a reflection workshop and post-program survey to conclude the experience.
Cost: Free
Location: 111 Broadway, Manhattan, NY. Remote opportunities are also available
Eligibility: Students must be a junior or senior in a high school in New York City
Application Deadline: Rolling
Dates/Duration: The School Year Program runs from September to June, the Summer Program typically runs for 6 weeks between July and August
Building-U Internship is a virtual, non-profit program that offers high school students a chance to gain hands-on experience across various roles, from business development to multimedia. You can join teams in areas such as Resource R&D, Student Ambassadors, Marketing, Coding, and more. The three-month internship program allows you to develop skills in research, communication, and project management, all while contributing to real-world projects. Each intern is closely mentored and works on impactful initiatives, helping build valuable experience in a collaborative, student-driven environment.
Cost: No cost
Location: Remote
Eligibility: Students currently enrolled in high school
Application Deadline: Rolling
Dates/Duration: Typically lasts three months, from June to August, but can extend year-round if the intern is interested
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.