Have you ever felt that gnawing feeling—like you’re stuck, unsure of how to get your foot in the door for your dream career, especially when you’re still in high school? You’re not alone. Many high school students feel the same way. But here’s a question—what if there was a way to jump-start your future career while still in school?
Well, guess what? Internships for high school students are your secret weapon to get ahead of the curve.
Imagine working alongside experts in the field of your dreams, gaining hands-on experience, and building your resume—all while still attending high school. You could be interning at NASA, working in a museum like the Smithsonian, or helping to develop cutting-edge technology at Microsoft. Sounds too good to be true?
Let’s dive deeper and see how internships can truly shape your future.
Why Are Internships for High School Students So Important?
Internships aren’t just for college students. They’re for anyone who wants to gain an edge in today’s competitive job market. So why should high school students consider internships? Here’s the deal:
According to the National Association of Colleges and Employers, students with internship experience are 20% more likely to secure a job after graduation. That’s right—being an intern today could mean you have a higher chance of landing your dream job tomorrow. Imagine the difference it could make to be well-prepared before you even set foot in a university classroom or graduate into the workforce.
But that’s not all. Internships offer more than just a line on your resume—they’re a chance to test the waters in various fields, like medicine, engineering, business, or the arts.
Not sure if you want to pursue medicine? Interning at a hospital or clinic could help you decide if it’s the right fit. Think you want to be a tech wizard? Get a glimpse into the world of software development by working with a company like Microsoft or Google. You’ll learn invaluable skills like teamwork, time management, and problem-solving. Plus, internships help you build a professional network—connections that could help you secure your first job post-graduation.
Now, let’s talk numbers.
Interns don’t just gain experience; they often get paid for their work too. Some studies show that 80% of paid internships lead to full-time job offers after graduation. Imagine finishing high school with not only a solid understanding of your career goals but also a potential job offer lined up. Sounds like a game-changer, right?
How to Choose the Right Internship for You
Choosing the right internship may seem daunting, but trust me, it’s all about finding the right fit. Here’s a tip: start with self-reflection. Ask yourself these questions:
- What field am I passionate about?
- Do I want hands-on experience in a specific career, or am I looking for general exposure?
- How much time can I commit to an internship—will I need something flexible?
These questions will help you narrow down the perfect internship. And while we’re at it, here’s something to remember: many internships have eligibility requirements, like a minimum GPA or age. So make sure you’re clear on the program’s criteria before applying.
Now that you know why internships matter and how to find the right fit, let’s jump into the top 20 internships for high school students in 2025—the ones that could potentially change the course of your future. Ready? Here we go!
Top 10 Internships for High School Students
1. NASA High School Internship Program
- Location: Nationwide (Virtual and In-Person)
- Application Dates: Opens in January; Deadline in March 2025
- Eligibility: Minimum 3.0 GPA, U.S. citizenship, and interest in STEM fields.
- Why It’s Awesome: Get a chance to work on cutting-edge space projects with NASA scientists and engineers. Imagine working on a Mars mission or contributing to Earth observation satellites. Not just an internship—it’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be part of history.
2. Smithsonian Institution Internship
- Location: Washington, D.C.
- Application Dates: Opens in December 2024; Deadline in February 2025
- Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors with an interest in history or the arts.
- Why It’s Awesome: If you’re fascinated by history and culture, the Smithsonian internship will immerse you in museum operations, exhibit curation, and even research. Gain hands-on experience while preserving world history. Can you think of a cooler way to spend your summer?
3. Microsoft High School Internship Program
- Location: Redmond, WA and Remote Options
- Application Dates: Opens in February 2025; Deadline in April 2025
- Eligibility: 16+ years old with an interest in computer science or engineering.
- Why It’s Awesome: Work with tech giants on innovative projects. From software development to exploring new technologies, Microsoft internships give you a taste of the future of technology. And trust me, they’re always looking for bright minds to shape the next generation of tech.
4. The Metropolitan Museum of Art Internship
- Location: New York City, NY
- Application Dates: Opens in November 2024; Deadline in January 2025
- Eligibility: Open to high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors with an interest in arts and humanities.
- Why It’s Awesome: If you have a passion for the arts, The Met’s internship gives you real-world exposure to museum operations, art preservation, and curatorial work. You’ll assist in creating exhibits and even help preserve priceless art. An invaluable opportunity for anyone interested in art history!
5. Google Computer Science Summer Institute (CSSI)
- Location: Various locations & Virtual
- Application Dates: Opens in December 2024; Deadline in February 2025
- Eligibility: Interest in computer science; preference for underrepresented groups in tech.
- Why It’s Awesome: Dreaming of a career in tech? This program offers hands-on coding workshops with Google engineers. You’ll not only learn cutting-edge programming languages but also gain direct mentorship from top professionals in the field.
6. Stanford Medical Youth Science Program (SMYSP)
- Location: Stanford University, CA
- Application Dates: Opens in January 2025; Deadline in March 2025
- Eligibility: Low-income or underrepresented students interested in medicine.
- Why It’s Awesome: This program introduces students to the medical field through clinical training and research. Get real-world exposure in hospitals and labs, providing you with the foundational skills needed for a future in healthcare.
7. Tesla High School Internship Program
- Location: Various U.S. Locations
- Application Dates: Opens in February 2025; Deadline in April 2025
- Eligibility: 16+ years old, interest in engineering or renewable energy.
- Why It’s Awesome: Work with the innovative minds behind Tesla’s electric vehicles and energy products. Whether it’s designing sustainable solutions or improving vehicle performance, you’ll gain valuable experience at the forefront of green technology.
8. The White House Internship Program
- Location: Washington, D.C.
- Application Dates: Opens in January 2025; Deadline in March 2025
- Eligibility: U.S. citizen or permanent resident, strong academic performance, and interest in public service.
- Why It’s Awesome: Get an exclusive opportunity to work at the heart of the American government. From policy research to assisting in communications, you’ll learn how the U.S. government operates and gain firsthand experience working on national issues.
9. National Geographic Society Internships
- Location: Washington, D.C. and Remote
- Application Dates: Opens in January 2025; Deadline in March 2025
- Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors interested in geography, conservation, and photography.
- Why It’s Awesome: If you’re passionate about the environment or storytelling, National Geographic’s internships let you work on exciting projects related to global exploration, conservation efforts, and digital media.
- You’ll be contributing to projects that are making a difference worldwide.
10. JPL High School Internship Program (Jet Propulsion Laboratory)
- Location: Pasadena, CA
- Application Dates: Opens in January 2025; Deadline in March 2025
- Eligibility: U.S. citizenship, interest in STEM, especially space science and engineering.
- Why It’s Awesome: Work with NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory on advanced space missions. This internship offers a chance to get involved with the design, development, and analysis of technologies used in exploring space. It’s an opportunity to apply science and engineering skills in one of the most innovative environments on Earth!
How to Stand Out in Your Internship Applications
Now that you know some of the top internship opportunities, you might be thinking—How do I make my application stand out? With the competition fierce, here are a few tips to help your application shine:
- Polish Your Resume: Highlight relevant skills, school projects, or extracurricular activities that align with the internship.
- Craft a Strong Cover Letter: Show why you’re passionate about the internship and what makes you a great fit. It’s your chance to tell your story.
- Prepare for Interviews: Be ready to discuss your goals and enthusiasm. Don’t forget to ask questions—show you’re eager to learn!
- Show Genuine Enthusiasm: Employers love candidates who are passionate about what they do. Whether it’s technology, the arts, or community service—let your enthusiasm shine.
Sample Application Email Template
Ready to apply? Here’s a quick email template to get you started:
Subject: Application for [Internship Program Name] – [Your Full Name]
Dear [Recipient’s Name or Hiring Team],
I hope this message finds you well. My name is [Your Name], and I am a [Your Grade Level] at [Your High School Name]. I am writing to express my enthusiasm for the opportunity to join the [Internship Program Name] as advertised on [where you found the listing].
I have a strong passion for [field/area of interest related to the internship], and I believe this program aligns perfectly with my career aspirations and academic goals. At school, I have actively participated in [mention any relevant extracurriculars, projects, or achievements], which have equipped me with [specific skills or qualities].
I am particularly excited about the chance to contribute to [specific program/project aspect] and to learn from the experienced professionals at [organization name].
Attached, please find my resume and [any additional documents requested]. I would be delighted to discuss how my skills and experiences align with the goals of your program. Thank you for considering my application, and I look forward to the possibility of contributing to your team.
Warm regards,
[Your Full Name]
[Your Email Address]
[Your Phone Number]
Ready to Take the Leap?
These internships are not just opportunities—they’re doors to your future. Whether you dream of working with groundbreaking technology, preserving cultural history, or changing the world through medicine, your journey starts now. The question is: Will you take the leap?
