Lumiere’s Top 10 Summer Internships for High School Students
If you’re a high school student looking to solve real-world problems outside of school, consider a summer internship!
What are summer internships for high school students? Why should I apply?
Summer internships provide high school students with hands-on experience, industry exposure, and professional connections.
Unlike other extracurricular programs that may come with a cost, many of the internships below are fully-funded or free, making them an accessible way to explore career interests. They help students apply academic knowledge in real-world settings and assess whether a field aligns with their goals. Internships also build essential skills like communication, problem-solving, and teamwork, which can come in handy while applying for research projects in the future.
How have we shortlisted our list of Top 10 summer internships?
We’ve selected the Top 10 Summer Internships for High School Students based on three key factors: full funding, low acceptance rates, and affiliation with well-regarded institutions. These programs provide structured learning experiences, making them strong options for students seeking meaningful engagement in their fields of interest.
NASA’s Office of STEM Engagement offers paid internships across the U.S., allowing high school students to gain hands-on experience in engineering, space science, technology, and outreach. As an intern, you will work on real projects, such as analyzing data from space missions, designing experiments, or contributing to new technology development. The program includes mentorship from NASA professionals, helping you build technical and problem-solving skills. Some internships may involve site visits to NASA facilities or opportunities to present research findings. You can explore available positions on NASA’s internship portal, selecting projects that align with your interests.
Why have we shortlisted this internship? For its strong reputation, hands-on learning opportunities, and mentorship from NASA professionals, offering accessibility across various STEM fields.
Cost: No application cost. Stipends are provided based on academic level and session length.
Location: Offered at NASA facilities nationwide, with roles based in different cities.
Program Dates: The program runs for 10 weeks in the summer (Late May/Early June to August), 16 weeks in the fall (Late August/September to mid-December), and 16 weeks in the spring (Mid-January to Early May).
Application Deadline: February 28 (Summer), May 16 (Fall). Deadlines for spring and fall sessions may vary; check here.
Eligibility: Available for full-time high school students with a minimum 3.0 GPA and U.S. citizenship.
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Approximately 3-4% of applicants are accepted.
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.
Why have we shortlisted this internship? For its flexibility and rigor. You will work on real-world projects in an industry of your choosing, and receive a letter of recommendation at the end!
Cost: Starting at $2,490 (financial aid available)
Location: Remote! You can work from anywhere in the world.
Program Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year, including Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter.
Application Deadline: Deadlines vary depending on the cohort. Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), and Winter (November).
Eligibility: Students who can work for 10-20 hours/week for 8-12 weeks. Open to high school students, undergraduates, and gap year students!
The Stanford Institutes of Medicine Summer Research Program (SIMR) is an eight-week research internship program. As part of it, 50 high school students will have the opportunity to work alongside Stanford researchers in areas such as genetics, cancer biology, and bioengineering. You will receive lab safety and research training, gain hands-on experience, and contribute to active projects under expert mentorship. The program concludes with a poster presentation, where you will share your findings and refine your communication skills.
Why have we shortlisted this internship? For its focus on advanced biomedical research, mentorship, and the opportunity to contribute to impactful projects in a university environment.
Cost: No attendance fee, but an application fee is required. Participants receive a minimum stipend of $500, with needs-based stipends starting at $2500. Meals and housing are not provided.
Location: Stanford University, Stanford, CA.
Program Dates: June 9 - July 31.
Application Deadline: February 22.
Eligibility: Juniors or seniors in the graduating class, at least 16 years old by June 9, and U.S. citizens or permanent residents living in the U.S. while attending high school.
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Less than 3% of applicants are accepted.
The MPFI Summer Research Internship provides high school students with hands-on experience in neuroscience at the Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience. You will work in wet labs alongside researchers, developing skills in genetic engineering, microbiology, microscopy, and histological techniques. The program includes research on brain structure, neural circuits, and advanced imaging methods while addressing key scientific questions. It concludes with a scientific abstract presentation, allowing you to share findings with peers and professionals while refining technical and communication skills.
Why have we shortlisted this internship? For its focus on neuroscience, opportunities for lab-based skill development, and emphasis on presenting research findings in a professional setting.
Cost/Stipend: No cost. $13 stipend per hour.
Location: Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience, Jupiter, FL
Program Dates: June 23 — August 1
Application Deadline: March 4
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors who are at least 16 years old, live in Palm Beach or Martin County, and have U.S. work authorization.
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Cohort size of 8 participants.
The Jackson Laboratory’s Summer Student Program allows high school students to conduct independent research in genetics and genomics. You will work with mentors on projects in bioinformatics, cancer biology, genomics, immunology, and metabolic diseases. The internship includes designing experiments, analyzing data, and presenting findings. Participants gain hands-on experience in a research setting while receiving a stipend.
Why have we shortlisted this internship? For its focus on independent research in genetics and the opportunity to collaborate with experienced mentors.
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Approximately 3% of applicants are accepted.
Location: Bar Harbor, Maine, and Farmington, Connecticut.
Cost/Stipend: No cost. $6,500 stipend provided.
Application Deadline: January 27.
Program Dates: May 31 – August 8.
Eligibility: Open to seniors who have completed 12th grade and are at least 18 years old.
The American Psychological Association (APA) offers internships for students interested in applying psychology to real-world issues. You can work in policy, research, communications, or financial services, with both paid and unpaid options. Interns gain practical experience, develop relevant skills, and collaborate with professionals. Opportunities may include contributing to projects, participating in research, and exploring various aspects of psychology in a professional setting.
Why have we shortlisted this internship? For its diverse opportunities in psychology-related fields, practical experience, and professional mentorship exposure.
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Unspecified.
Location: Remote or Washington, DC.
Cost/Stipend: No cost. Paid and unpaid internships available.
Application Deadline: Varies by internship.
Program Dates: Internships offered year-round, with dates varying based on the selected internship.
Eligibility: Students enrolled at least part-time in an academic institution are eligible. Students under 18 must submit a District of Columbia Work Permit.
The University of Chicago Medicine’s ResearcHStarT Program offers high school students the opportunity to work in cancer research. You’ll assist with experiments, analyze data, and gain experience in cancer biology, immunotherapy, and genetics. The program also includes lectures, career workshops, and interactions with professionals in the field, broadening your understanding of cancer research and related career paths. This internship provides hands-on exposure to advanced scientific research and mentorship opportunities.
Why have we shortlisted this internship? For its focus on cancer research, career development exposure, and the chance to collaborate with professionals in a medical research setting.
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: 30 participants annually.
Location: Northwestern University, University of Chicago, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, University of Illinois, and Rush University, all in Chicago, IL.
Cost/Stipend: No cost. $3,000 stipend (taxable).
Application Deadline: January 20.
Program Dates: Runs from the second full week of June to the first week of August.
Eligibility: High school juniors or seniors, at least 16 years old, with an interest in scientific research or medicine, and available for 8 weeks of full-time programming (40 hours/week).
The Science and Engineering Apprenticeship Program (SEAP) offers high school students an 8-week summer internship at Department of Navy labs. You’ll work on research projects in science and engineering, gaining hands-on experience in fields like computer science and aeronautics. Throughout the program, you’ll be mentored by experienced scientists and engineers, contributing to real-world Naval research. SEAP provides exposure to STEM fields, with opportunities to collaborate with professionals and expand your knowledge. You can select a lab based on your area of interest, though the program is highly competitive.
Why have we shortlisted this internship? For its cutting-edge research opportunities and mentorship in a prestigious, real-world STEM setting.
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Approximately 300 placements across 38 labs nationwide.
Location: Various lab locations across the country.
Cost/Stipend: No cost. Stipend of $4,000 (new participants) and $4,500 (returning participants).
Application Deadline: November 1.
Program Dates: Eight weeks in the summer. Exact dates vary by lab.
Eligibility: High school students who have completed at least grade 9 and are at least 16 years old at the start of the internship. Graduating seniors are also eligible. Check individual lab requirements for exceptions.
The SPARK SIP is a competitive summer internship focused on computer science and related fields. You’ll select 5–6 research projects, gaining hands-on experience in areas like machine learning, computer vision, neural networks, and quantum computing. Guided by industry experts and university professors, you’ll apply theoretical knowledge to real-world problems. The program also offers opportunities to network with professionals and receive mentorship, supporting your academic and career development.
Why have we shortlisted this internship? For its highly selective nature and the opportunity to work on advanced computer science research projects with mentorship from industry leaders and professors.
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Less than 5% of applicants are accepted.
Location: Various locations across the country, some may be remote.
Stipend/Cost: $500 stipend. Students are responsible for boarding, lodging, and local transportation for in-person internships.
Application Deadline: Applications typically close in May (tentative). Applications will open in March/April.
Program Dates: 6–12 weeks in the summer.
Eligibility: High school students (grades 9–12) who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents can apply.
The Meta Summer Academy is a competitive six-week internship where high school students gain practical experience across various departments at Meta. Working 30 hours per week, you’ll engage in projects, receive mentorship from professionals, and learn about the tech industry. The program includes transportation coverage for California participants and offers opportunities to connect with industry leaders. This internship helps you build skills, contribute to real work, and explore potential career paths in tech.
Why have we shortlisted this internship? For the opportunity to gain tech industry experience through mentorship and projects at a leading company.
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Around 5% or fewer of applicants are accepted.
Location: Meta headquarters, Menlo Park, CA.
Cost: No cost. A stipend is provided.
Application Deadline: February 14.
Program Dates: June 16 — July 25.
Eligibility: High school sophomores with a minimum GPA of 2.0 and full-year residency in East Palo Alto, Belle Haven, or Redwood City are eligible to apply.
The Bank of America Summer Internship allows high school students to develop leadership skills while working with local non-profit organizations. You will engage in community service projects, learn about non-profit operations, and apply financial analysis and leadership strategies. The program includes a week-long National Student Leadership Summit in Washington, DC, where you will collaborate with peers and professionals. It focuses on strengthening community involvement and building practical skills with support from the bank’s resources. For a deep dive into this program and its benefits, check out this article!
Why have we shortlisted this internship? For its focus on leadership development, community service, and the opportunity to gain practical experience in non-profit work and financial analysis.
Cost/Stipend: Paid internship, with the trip to Washington, DC covered by the bank. Exact stipend amount not available.
Location: Held nationwide. Participants are assigned a local non-profit in their region. Use the location finder to find an internship location near you!
Program Dates: Dates vary by location; typically starts shortly after the school year ends and lasts 8 weeks (including the DC trip).
Application Deadline: Typically in January. Currently closed.
Eligibility: Open to current high school juniors and seniors. Full eligibility criteria here.
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Between 5% and 8% of applicants are accepted.
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!
Trisha Malhotra, an Ashoka University alumna, has 5 years of experience being a freelance writer and currently writes for Lumiere Education. She is passionate about music, reading, and Brazilian jiu-jitsu, as well as a devoted cat parent.
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