Welcome to a world of possibilities and opportunities in summer internships for high school students that extend beyond the borders of your textbooks. As you stand at the crossroads of your academic journey, have you ever wondered about the real-world applications of what you learn in school? Are you curious about the skills that can set you apart on college applications?
What if your pathway to college could be more than just grades? What if your education could extend beyond the classroom into hands-on experiences that showcase your abilities to colleges and future employers? Let’s discuss these high school summer internships.
Why High School Internships Are Important?
College Admissions Boost
In the competitive college admissions race, students constantly seek ways to stand out. summer internships for high school students emerge as a secret weapon in this endeavor. They go beyond academic achievements, showcasing practical skills and real-world experiences that set applicants apart.
College admissions boards, always on the lookout for well-rounded individuals, acknowledge the significance of these hands-on ventures.
Essential Professional Skills
Internships are crafting grounds for essential life skills. Communication, teamwork, and problem-solving are not just buzzwords but the skills that internships instill in young minds. Beyond the focus on academic capability, colleges value individuals who embody a holistic approach to education, and they play a crucial role in developing these qualities.
Best Summer Internships For High School Students 2024
Johns Hopkins Internship in Brain Sciences (JHIBS)
Medical marvels await at Johns Hopkins with the Internship in Brain Sciences. Exclusive to high school juniors and seniors in Baltimore City, this opportunity is not for the faint-hearted. Strong academic backgrounds and recommendations pave the way for students to explore the frontiers of science and medicine.
BRAINYAC – Columbia University, NY
This exclusive opportunity is created for high school sophomores and juniors, catapulting students into the fascinating realm of neuroscience. Nomination or attendance in select partner programs opens the doors to an interesting experience, setting the stage for future scientific endeavors.
GeoSciences Bridge Program – U. of Maryland, E. Shore
Nature invites curious minds through the GeoSciences Bridge Program. This summer internship for high school students is open to U.S. citizens or permanent residents with a minimum 2.7 GPA. It serves as a fueling station for a passion for geosciences, offering a planned journey into the Earth’s mysteries, especially for those planning to major in a geoscience discipline.
Microsoft Discovery Program 2024
Tech-savvy high school seniors, set your sights on the Microsoft Discovery Program. Tailored for those bound for college, this program requires candidates to be at least 16, possess the legal right to work in the U.S., and reside within 50 miles of Redmond, Washington. Here, the world of computer science and technology becomes your canvas.
NASA Summer Internships For High School Students
The allure of space beckons through the NASA High School Internships. With eligibility criteria demanding U.S. citizenship and a minimum 3.0 GPA, this opportunity is highly sought after. Be prepared for a competitive application process, with deadlines in early March for the summer session and early July for the fall session.
Metropolitan Museum of Art Internship – NYC
For budding artists and historians, the Metropolitan Museum of Art Internship Program opens its doors. Tailored programs cater to high school sophomores and juniors during the academic year and rising juniors and seniors during the summer. Seize the opportunity, provided you haven’t interned at The Met before and are ready to arrange your transportation and housing.
Stanford Compression Forum Summer Internship
The intersection of science, humanities, technology, engineering, and mathematics beckons at the Stanford Compression Forum Summer Internship. Available for high school juniors and seniors aged at least 14, this virtual program promises an immersive experience. Eligibility criteria are subject to change, so watch for this opportunity.
Washington Performing Arts Internship 2024
Culture meets professionalism through the Washington Performing Arts summer internship for high school students. A 12-week opportunity in the fall of 2023 or spring of 2024 caters to students interested in the performing arts. While a small stipend sweetens the deal, interns also receive invites to Washington Performing Arts performances, adding a touch of glamour to the world of arts.
Princeton University’s Lab Learning Program
Venture into engineering or natural sciences through Princeton University’s Laboratory Learning Program. Open to U.S. citizens, legal permanent residents, or international students aged 16–17 attending a U.S. high school, this program is highly selective and offers no compensation. The reward lies in the experience gained, and the doors opened to future scientific pursuits.
Plant Genome Research REU – Boyce Thompson Institute, NY
Green thumbs, unite! The Plant Genome Research REU at Boyce Thompson Institute invites students at least 16 years old. The catch? You must not be a graduating senior. A $4,000 stipend sweetens the deal for this seven-week program, promising mentorship and research in plant science and computational biology.
United States Secret Service (USSS) Student Volunteer Program
In these summer internships for high school students, for the patriots in the making, the United States Secret Service (USSS) Student Volunteer Program awaits. A commitment of at least one semester, volunteering for at least 12 hours per week, opens the doors to valuable experiences. While unpaid, the opportunity to contribute to national security is its reward.
BRAINYAC – Zuckerman Institute’s Brain Research Apprenticeships
For the NYC 10th and 11th graders, an intensive summer lab internship awaits through BRAINYAC – Zuckerman Institute’s Brain Research Apprenticeships. Stretching from January to August 2024, this six-week neuroscience research experience promises to be transformative. Seize the chance to delve into the complexities of the human brain.
Air Force Research Library Scholar Program
A prolonged internship experience beckons through the Air Force Research Library Scholar Program. Lasting at least 12 weeks in the summer of 2023, this program offers valuable hands-on experiences in cutting-edge research and technology. A competitive stipend sweetens the deal for those ready to embark on this scientific journey.
Hutton Junior Fisheries Biology Program
Experience environmental management with the Hutton Junior Fisheries Biology Program. An eight-week paid summer internship and mentoring program await juniors and seniors interested in natural resource and environmental management. A chance to make a tangible impact awaits the environmentally conscious youth.
Cincinnati Museum Center Internships
Art meets professionalism through the Cincinnati Museum Center Internships. Lasting 10 weeks in the summer, fall, or spring, these internships cater to just-graduated high schoolers. Beyond the professional experience, interns enjoy free admission to exhibits and access to special events, adding a touch of cultural immersion.
New York Historical Society’s Student Historian Program
History comes alive in this list of summer internships for high school students 2024 through the New York Historical Society’s Student Historian Program. An eight-month journey from October 26, 2023, to June 7, 2024, awaits, utilizing NY Historical Society resources for research and creative projects. While unpaid for most students, a stipend is offered for eligible students, making history an adventure worth undertaking.
Bank of America Student Leader Program 2024
Leadership meets community service through the Bank of America Student Leader Program. An eight-week paid internship connects high school juniors and seniors with non-profits, fostering a sense of responsibility and community engagement. Leadership takes center stage in this program, shaping future leaders committed to societal betterment.
Indiana University Cancer Center Summer Research Program 2024
Whether you are searching for summer internships for high school students near or in any other city, biomedicine and behavioral science converge in the Indiana University Cancer Center Summer Research Program.
An eight-week paid internship beckons students from underrepresented populations, providing exposure to cutting-edge research. The program adds to academic knowledge and opens doors to the dynamic world of cancer research.
Student Research Internship Program at the Scripps Translational Science Institute
Step into the world of translational science with the Student Research Internship Program at the Scripps Translational Science Institute. A 10-week unpaid internship awaits, providing the opportunity to work with a multi-disciplinary team of scientists. A research project and final presentation are the stepping stones to a deeper understanding of scientific endeavors.
Virtual NGO & Social Support Internship
Global perspectives emerge with the Virtual NGO & Social Support Internship out of India. The duration varies, offering front-line support for social issues in India. While a fee is required, the promise of course credit and global professional experience make this opportunity unique and enriching for the socially conscious youth.
Adler Planetarium Summer High School Internship
The Adler Planetarium Summer High School Internship beckons aspiring astronomers and scientists in Chicago. A seven-week paid, in-person opportunity promises engagement with STEAM fields and the development of scientific projects. Seize the chance to explore the universe and develop skills that extend beyond the boundaries of our planet.
Final Words
The summer internships for high school students are full of different opportunities in various areas. Whether you’re interested in understanding how the human brain works, diving into technology, or helping with environmental issues, each internship is like a special door to learning and new experiences.
Grab these chances, face the challenges, and let the internships you do today shape you into tomorrow’s leaders, scientists, artists, and people who make a difference.