50 Game-Changing Internships for High Schoolers

May 05, 2025 :: Admissionado

The Internship Gold Rush: Why High Schoolers Are Getting in Early

Remember when internships were strictly for college kids? Back when the biggest high school summer flex was lifeguarding at the community pool? Yeah, that era’s toast.

These days, high schoolers are getting serious—locking down internships in tech, research, media, you name it. And it’s not just for bragging rights (though, let’s be honest, it helps). The college admissions game has leveled up. A 4.0 GPA and a laundry list of extracurriculars? That’s the starting line. Admissions officers want stories—unique, authentic, personal. That’s where internships come in.

Real-world experience gives you material no one else can copy. You didn’t just join the robotics club—you interned at a robotics startup and saw the sausage get made. Now you’ve got specifics. That’s narrative gold when it comes time for essays.

But here’s the thing: this isn’t about padding your resume. Anyone can sniff that out. It’s about crafting your story. Showing you’re curious, proactive, and willing to test-drive your future. An internship done right helps connect the dots between your passions and your path forward.

The internship gold rush is on. But the smart play? Don’t just rush. Pick the right dig site.

STEM Internships: For the Next-Gen Innovators

Future rocket scientist? Biomedical trailblazer? AI mastermind? If your idea of a good time involves lab coats, code, or complex equations scribbled on whiteboards, this section’s for you. These STEM internships aren’t just about learning science—they’re about doing science, alongside the pros. Whether you’re eyeing space exploration, cancer research, or brain science, these programs give you front-row access (and maybe even a seat at the table) to the cutting-edge work shaping our world.

NASA Internships for High School Students

Age Requirements: 16+
Location: Various NASA centers across the U.S.
Timeline: Summer and year-round options
Application Deadline: Varies by center; typically late winter for summer sessions

NASA’s internship program is the real deal. You could be working alongside rocket scientists (literally), contributing to projects on everything from space exploration to aeronautics. High school interns don’t just file papers—they get hands-on experience with cutting-edge tech. Warning: May cause lifelong obsession with the cosmos.

NIH Summer Internship Program (SIP)

Age Requirements: 17+ by June 15 of the internship year
Location: NIH campuses, primarily Bethesda, MD
Timeline: 8 weeks (May to August)
Application Deadline: Typically early March

The NIH SIP drops you right into the heart of biomedical research. Interns work in labs, attend lectures by NIH scientists, and get a front-row seat to the future of medicine. If you’ve ever dreamed of donning a lab coat and decoding the mysteries of the human genome, this is your stage.

Stanford Institutes of Medicine Summer Research Program (SIMR)

Age Requirements: Current juniors and seniors (16+)
Location: Stanford University, CA
Timeline: 8 weeks (June to August)
Application Deadline: Typically February

At SIMR, you’re not just observing research—you’re doing it. Interns dive into biomedical projects, guided by Stanford faculty, and even present their findings at the end. This is Silicon Valley meets cutting-edge science. Spoiler alert: You’ll probably never look at a petri dish the same way again.

Research Science Institute (RSI) at MIT

Age Requirements: Current juniors (high school seniors-to-be)
Location: Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA
Timeline: 6 weeks (June to August)
Application Deadline: Typically mid-January

RSI is elite. Like, “the Ivy League of STEM programs” elite. Sixty of the world’s top high school students converge at MIT to conduct independent research alongside mentors. Expect intense learning, serious brainpower, and maybe a lifelong group chat of fellow prodigies.

Broad Summer Scholars Program (Broad Institute of MIT & Harvard)

Age Requirements: Current juniors (rising seniors)
Location: Cambridge, MA
Timeline: 6 weeks (June to August)
Application Deadline: Typically mid-January

This isn’t your average summer gig. Broad Scholars work on real genomics projects at one of the world’s leading biomedical research centers. You’ll gain hands-on lab experience and insight into how science can tackle global health challenges. Also, it’s the Broad Institute—flex much?

Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center Internships

Age Requirements: Rising seniors (16+), must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents
Location: Seattle, WA
Timeline: 8 weeks (June to August)
Application Deadline: Typically late March

Fred Hutch is where cancer research legends are made. As a high school intern, you’re not stuck running errands—you’re working in labs, attending seminars, and contributing to groundbreaking research. It’s a backstage pass to the fight against cancer, and you’re on the front lines.

Jackson Laboratory Summer Student Program

Age Requirements: High school seniors (must be at least 18 by program start)
Location: Bar Harbor, ME; Farmington, CT; or Sacramento, CA
Timeline: 10 weeks (June to August)
Application Deadline: Early February

JAX is where mouse genetics meets human health. Interns work on independent research projects, guided by experienced mentors, and gain hands-on experience in genetics and genomics. It’s like summer camp—if summer camp had DNA sequencers and lab mice.

DOE Science Undergraduate Laboratory Internships (SULI)

Age Requirements: Primarily for undergraduates, but select labs accept high school seniors (check specific sites)
Location: U.S. Department of Energy National Laboratories
Timeline: 10 weeks (summer), also available during fall/spring
Application Deadline: Typically January for summer term

DOE’s SULI program gives you the keys to some of the nation’s top science labs. Whether you’re exploring renewable energy, nuclear physics, or climate science, this is where research meets real-world impact. Fair warning: you’ll leave knowing more about particle accelerators than you ever thought possible.

Air Force Research Laboratory Scholars Program (AFRL)

Age Requirements: High school juniors and seniors (16+)
Location: Multiple AFRL sites across the U.S.
Timeline: 8–12 weeks (summer)
Application Deadline: Typically mid-January

The AFRL Scholars Program is like stepping into the pages of a Tom Clancy novel—but real. Interns work alongside top scientists and engineers on projects ranging from aerospace to cybersecurity. It’s hands-on, high-stakes science with a mission-driven edge.

Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory Internship (PST)

Age Requirements: High school juniors and seniors (16+)
Location: Princeton, NJ
Timeline: 8 weeks (June to August)
Application Deadline: Typically mid-March

Fusion energy, plasma physics—this is the cutting-edge stuff. At PPPL, interns don’t just read about alternative energy solutions; they contribute to them. Expect to get your hands dirty (metaphorically—safety first) in a field that could change the future of energy.

NSA High School Work Study Program

Age Requirements: High school juniors (must be 16+)
Location: Fort Meade, MD
Timeline: Year-round (part-time during school year)
Application Deadline: Typically October

This isn’t spy school—but it’s pretty close. The NSA Work Study Program gives high schoolers a chance to support national security efforts while still hitting the books. You’ll work part-time during your senior year, gaining insider exposure to cybersecurity, engineering, and other classified-adjacent fields (but shhh… you didn’t hear it from us).

Lockheed Martin High School Internship

Age Requirements: Varies by position (typically juniors and seniors, 16+)
Location: Various Lockheed Martin sites across the U.S.
Timeline: Summer (varies by site)
Application Deadline: Varies by location (check specific postings)

Welcome to the aerospace big leagues. Lockheed Martin’s internships put high schoolers alongside engineers and defense pros working on projects that literally fly at Mach speed. From fighter jets to advanced AI systems, this is hands-on experience with hardware that shapes the future.

Scripps Research Institute Summer Internships

Age Requirements: High school seniors (must be 18 by program start)
Location: La Jolla, CA or Jupiter, FL
Timeline: 10 weeks (June to August)
Application Deadline: Typically February

Scripps isn’t just about research—it’s about breakthroughs. Interns join cutting-edge biomedical projects, from chemistry to immunology, and present their findings at the end of the program. It’s as close as you can get to working at the forefront of medical science without having a PhD (yet).

UC Santa Cruz Science Internship Program (SIP)

Age Requirements: Current sophomores, juniors, and seniors (14+)
Location: UC Santa Cruz, CA
Timeline: 10 weeks (June to August)
Application Deadline: Typically mid-March

Ever wanted to do research in a redwood forest? UCSC’s SIP pairs high schoolers with faculty mentors on projects in everything from astrophysics to environmental science. It’s the perfect blend of academic rigor and coastal California vibes (science + beach = win).

Zuckerman Institute Brain Research Apprenticeships (BRAINYAC)

Age Requirements: Current sophomores and juniors (NYC residents)
Location: Columbia University, NYC
Timeline: 5 months (spring to summer)
Application Deadline: Typically November

BRAINYAC is for students curious about the final frontier—the human brain. Apprentices work in neuroscience labs at Columbia, learning hands-on techniques to explore cognition, memory, and behavior. Plus, the program’s mission-driven focus helps diversify the field of brain science. Mind-blowing? Absolutely.

Business, Tech, and Entrepreneurship Internships: Future CEOs & Coders

Calling all boardroom visionaries and hoodie-wearing hackers. Whether you’re dreaming of launching the next billion-dollar startup or just want to get a peek behind the curtain at Big Tech, these internships are your golden ticket. From Silicon Valley giants to Wall Street powerhouses, these programs offer real-world experience in the worlds of business, technology, and leadership—before you’ve even graduated high school. Power suit optional. Ambition required.

Microsoft Discovery Program

Age Requirements: High school seniors planning to attend a four-year college
Location: Virtual and various Microsoft locations
Timeline: Summer (typically 4 weeks)
Application Deadline: Typically mid-March

The Discovery Program isn’t just about learning Microsoft Office (though you’ll probably pick up a few tricks). This immersive experience offers mentorship, networking, and a deep dive into tech careers. You’ll explore everything from software engineering to project management—aka, the people who actually get things done at Microsoft.

Google Computer Science Summer Institute (CSSI)

Age Requirements: High school seniors (must be 18 by program start)
Location: Virtual or Google campuses (varies by year)
Timeline: 3 weeks (July to August)
Application Deadline: Typically late February

Forget Googling “how to code”—at CSSI, you’ll be learning Python, JavaScript, and problem-solving skills from the source. This is Google’s way of nurturing future computer scientists, especially those from underrepresented backgrounds. Bonus: it’s not all work. Expect team-building activities and a peek at life inside the Googleplex.

Facebook Summer Academy

Age Requirements: Current sophomores, juniors, and seniors (16+)
Location: Menlo Park, CA (Meta HQ)
Timeline: 6 weeks (June to August)
Application Deadline: Typically February

At Facebook Summer Academy, you’ll get a behind-the-scenes look at how one of the world’s biggest tech platforms operates. Interns shadow professionals across departments—engineering, legal, HR, marketing—and participate in workshops designed to grow both technical and soft skills. Plus, you’ll learn how to make the algorithm work for you.

LinkedIn High School Internship

Age Requirements: Juniors and seniors (16+)
Location: Sunnyvale, CA
Timeline: Summer (6–8 weeks)
Application Deadline: Varies (typically spring)

Networking starts now. LinkedIn’s high school internship is designed to help you build connections and skills. Interns get exposure to departments like engineering, operations, and sales, all while soaking up that Silicon Valley culture. Spoiler: You’ll probably leave with the strongest LinkedIn profile in your class.

Bank of America Student Leaders Program

Age Requirements: Juniors and seniors (16+)
Location: Local nonprofits + Washington D.C. summit
Timeline: 8 weeks (summer)
Application Deadline: Typically January

Future changemakers, this one’s for you. Bank of America’s Student Leaders aren’t just interns—they’re advocates, working at nonprofits and attending a national leadership summit. It’s equal parts community impact and professional development, designed to prep you for boardrooms and beyond.

Kode With Klossy

Age Requirements: Girls and gender-expansive youth ages 13–18
Location: Virtual and select U.S. cities
Timeline: 2 weeks (summer)
Application Deadline: Typically early spring (March)

Founded by supermodel-turned-coding-advocate Karlie Kloss, this camp is all about empowering young women in tech. You’ll learn to build websites, apps, and even dabble in AI—all while connecting with a powerhouse network of fellow coders. Expect serious girl-power energy (and serious coding chops).

Girls Who Code Summer Immersion Program

Age Requirements: Current sophomores, juniors, and seniors (14–18)
Location: Virtual and select major cities
Timeline: 2 weeks (summer)
Application Deadline: Typically mid-March

Girls Who Code is on a mission to close the gender gap in tech, and this summer immersion program is ground zero. You’ll spend two weeks learning coding languages like Python and JavaScript, while also hearing from women leaders at top tech companies. Spoiler: It’s as much about community as it is about code.

MIT LaunchX Entrepreneurship Program

Age Requirements: High school students (typically juniors and seniors)
Location: Virtual and at select university campuses (varies by year)
Timeline: 4–5 weeks (summer)
Application Deadline: Typically February

MIT LaunchX is where startup dreams get real. Interns team up to build a legit business from scratch, guided by top-tier mentors and guest speakers. It’s a crash course in entrepreneurship, MIT-style—intense, hands-on, and laser-focused on launching something that actually works.

Palantir Meritocracy Fellowship

Age Requirements: High school juniors and seniors (16+)
Location: Palo Alto, CA (Palantir HQ)
Timeline: 2 weeks (summer)
Application Deadline: Typically spring (varies)

Palantir isn’t just a tech company—it’s a data powerhouse. The Meritocracy Fellowship invites high schoolers to explore problem-solving with big data, working alongside engineers and analysts on real-world projects. It’s two weeks of hands-on experience at the bleeding edge of data science.

Boston University Summer Challenge (Business Track)

Age Requirements: Rising sophomores, juniors, and seniors (14–18)
Location: Boston University, MA
Timeline: 2 weeks (July)
Application Deadline: Typically May

BU’s Summer Challenge isn’t your typical classroom snoozefest. The business track dives into marketing, finance, and entrepreneurship, all while fostering collaboration and creative thinking. Two weeks on a college campus, flexing your business brain? Yes, please.

New York Academy of Sciences Junior Academy

Age Requirements: 13–17 years old
Location: Virtual (global participation)
Timeline: September to March (6 months)
Application Deadline: Typically July

This isn’t a summer gig—it’s a global STEM challenge. Junior Academy participants collaborate virtually on real-world problems, from climate change to global health. You’ll work with students worldwide, guided by professional mentors, to innovate solutions that just might change the world.

FinTech Focus Internships (Various Startups)

Age Requirements: Varies (typically juniors and seniors, 16+)
Location: Various (NYC, San Francisco, virtual)
Timeline: 6–10 weeks (summer)
Application Deadline: Varies by company

For the future Wall Street-meets-Silicon Valley crowd, FinTech internships at startups offer the best of both worlds. From blockchain to digital banking, interns dive into the fast-paced universe of financial tech. Expect to learn fast, work hard, and maybe even demo a new app before it hits the market.

Arts, Media, and Humanities Internships: Creatives, Assemble!

This one’s for the storytellers, the culture curators, the future Pulitzer winners, and the behind-the-scenes magic makers. Whether you’re drawn to journalism, performance arts, history, or media, these internships offer more than just a foot in the door—they give you backstage access to the institutions shaping our cultural conversations. Flex your creative muscles, sharpen your voice, and maybe, just maybe, leave your mark on the world before you even hit college.

Smithsonian Youth Programs Internship

Age Requirements: High school students (varies by program)
Location: Washington, D.C.
Timeline: Summer (6–8 weeks)
Application Deadline: Typically February to March (varies by department)

The Smithsonian isn’t just a museum; it’s the museum complex. Interning here means contributing to world-renowned exhibits, archives, or educational outreach. Whether you’re cataloging artifacts or designing programs for visitors, this is your chance to help tell the stories of history, art, and culture.

The Met High School Internships

Age Requirements: Current sophomores, juniors, and seniors (15+)
Location: The Metropolitan Museum of Art, NYC
Timeline: Summer (July to August)
Application Deadline: Typically late March

Spend your summer surrounded by Van Gogh, Egyptian mummies, and medieval armor. The Met’s internship offers hands-on projects, mentorship from museum pros, and exclusive behind-the-scenes access. Translation: you’ll know the museum better than most tourists ever will.

Kennedy Center Internships

Age Requirements: High school juniors and seniors (16+)
Location: Washington, D.C.
Timeline: Summer (8–10 weeks)
Application Deadline: Typically April

The Kennedy Center is where art and performance collide, and its internships cover everything from production to marketing. You’ll gain firsthand experience in the operations behind one of the world’s premier cultural institutions. Bonus: You might catch a few world-class performances on your lunch break.

New York Times Summer Journalism Institute

Age Requirements: High school seniors (18+ by program start)
Location: New York, NY
Timeline: Summer (varies by year)
Application Deadline: Typically February

If the front page has your name on it (someday), this is your starting line. The Times’ summer program immerses students in reporting, editing, and the ever-evolving landscape of journalism. You’ll sharpen your writing chops under the mentorship of some of the best in the biz.

PBS Student Reporting Labs

Age Requirements: High school students (14–18)
Location: Virtual or local PBS stations nationwide
Timeline: Varies (school-year and summer options)
Application Deadline: Varies (typically spring for summer programs)

Want to tell stories that matter? PBS Student Reporting Labs trains the next generation of journalists to produce impactful video reports on local and national issues. You’ll learn how to research, interview, and produce like a pro—with your work possibly aired on PBS platforms. Not bad for your first reel.

Carnegie Hall Student Insiders Program

Age Requirements: High school students (14–18)
Location: Carnegie Hall, NYC
Timeline: Year-round (special access and events)
Application Deadline: Rolling

Okay, technically not an internship—but still a must-know. The Student Insiders Program offers exclusive access to workshops, performances, and behind-the-scenes events at Carnegie Hall. It’s a chance to rub elbows with top artists and industry pros, all while soaking up inspiration from one of music’s most iconic stages.

California Academy of Sciences Careers in Science Internships

Age Requirements: San Francisco public high school students (rising sophomores, juniors, and seniors)
Location: San Francisco, CA
Timeline: Multi-year program with summer and year-round components
Application Deadline: Typically April

Science, but make it hands-on and community-driven. Interns at the California Academy of Sciences dive into everything from marine biology to climate science, all while honing leadership skills. Think of it as learning to save the planet, one exhibit at a time.

Austin Film Festival Young Filmmakers Program

Age Requirements: Middle and high school students (ages 9–18)
Location: Austin, TX
Timeline: Year-round workshops and summer camp (1–2 weeks)
Application Deadline: Rolling (varies by program)

If you’ve ever wanted to yell “Action!” behind the camera, this is your jam. AFF’s Young Filmmakers Program covers screenwriting, production, and editing, guided by real industry professionals. Plus, you’ll get a shot at screening your work during the actual Austin Film Festival. Hollywood vibes, Texas-style.

MoMA Teens Internship

Age Requirements: NYC high school students (ages 15–19)
Location: Museum of Modern Art, NYC
Timeline: Summer (6–8 weeks)
Application Deadline: Typically March

Ever wanted to intern at MoMA? Yeah, we thought so. The MoMA Teens Internship program lets you dive into the world of contemporary art, with projects that span curating, event planning, and education. It’s modern art meets modern career goals.

National Geographic Photo Camp

Age Requirements: Varies (typically 16–18)
Location: Various global locations
Timeline: 1–2 weeks (varies)
Application Deadline: Varies by location

This isn’t your typical photography class. Photo Camp pairs students with National Geographic photographers to tell stories that matter—whether it’s about local communities, wildlife, or global issues. Your photos won’t just capture moments; they’ll tell stories with impact.

Government, Law, and Policy Internships: For the Future Justice League

Suit up, civic-minded crusaders. Whether you’re plotting your path to the Supreme Court, eyeing a seat in Congress, or just want to understand how the gears of government actually turn, these internships are your proving grounds. From the marble halls of D.C. to the busy city halls across the country, these programs give you insider access to law, policy, and politics at every level. Change starts here—cape optional.

U.S. Senate Page Program

Age Requirements: High school juniors (16–17)
Location: Washington, D.C.
Timeline: Fall, spring, and summer sessions (varies from 3 to 4 months)
Application Deadline: Varies by senator (contact your state senator)

Imagine waking up in D.C., putting on a sharp blazer, and walking into the Senate Chamber to assist during live sessions. As a Senate Page, you’re right in the thick of legislative action—carrying bills, prepping the chamber, and rubbing elbows with the folks shaping national policy. It’s the political junkie’s dream internship.

Library of Congress Junior Fellows Program

Age Requirements: High school graduates (18+)
Location: Washington, D.C.
Timeline: 10 weeks (summer)
Application Deadline: Typically December

For history buffs and future policymakers alike, this is the ultimate behind-the-scenes pass. Junior Fellows dive into special collections, archives, and cultural treasures, helping preserve the nation’s memory. Think rare manuscripts, historic recordings, and one seriously impressive line on your resume.

Supreme Court Summer Internship

Age Requirements: High school seniors (must be 18+)
Location: Washington, D.C.
Timeline: 8–12 weeks (summer)
Application Deadline: Typically March

This is as close as it gets to the judicial epicenter. Interns support administrative offices at the Supreme Court, learning about the judicial process from the inside out. You won’t be arguing cases (yet), but you’ll get unparalleled exposure to how the highest court in the land operates.

Local Government Internships (NYC, Chicago, San Francisco)

Age Requirements: Varies by city (typically juniors and seniors, 16+)
Location: City governments (NYC, Chicago, San Francisco)
Timeline: 6–8 weeks (summer)
Application Deadlines: Varies by city (typically February to April)

Want to make an impact close to home? Local government internships put you at the heart of city planning, public policy, and community projects. Whether you’re drafting policy memos in New York, working on public health initiatives in Chicago, or shadowing city council meetings in San Francisco, you’ll see how local decisions shape daily life. This is grassroots change-making in action.

Congressional Internships (Individual Members’ Offices)

Age Requirements: Varies (typically juniors and seniors, 16+)
Location: Washington, D.C. or local district offices
Timeline: 6–10 weeks (summer or year-round)
Application Deadline: Varies by representative (check individual offices)

Not ready to run for office (yet), but want to see how policy sausage gets made? Interning with your local House rep or senator gives you a front-row seat to democracy. You’ll help with everything from research to constituent services—and yes, answering phones. But trust us, those phones ring with real stories.

ACLU Summer Advocacy Program

Age Requirements: High school juniors and seniors (15–18)
Location: Washington, D.C.
Timeline: 1 week (July)
Application Deadline: Typically April

If civil liberties get your blood pumping, the ACLU Summer Advocacy Program is your jam. This intensive week drops students into workshops, lectures, and simulations focused on advocacy, legal rights, and policy reform. Think of it as bootcamp for the next generation of justice warriors.

National Youth Leadership Forum on Law & CSI

Age Requirements: Middle and high school students (grades 8–12)
Location: Various U.S. cities (including D.C., NYC, Chicago)
Timeline: 6–10 days (summer)
Application Deadline: Rolling (early application recommended)

Courtroom drama meets forensic science. This forum offers a fast-paced immersion into the worlds of law, crime scene investigation, and justice. From mock trials to crime scene analysis, you’ll get hands-on experience in both the legal system and CSI. Bonus: You’ll actually understand how fingerprints work.

U.S. Department of the Interior Youth Engagement Program

Age Requirements: Varies (typically 15–18)
Location: National parks, wildlife refuges, and federal offices across the U.S.
Timeline: Varies (summer and year-round opportunities)
Application Deadline: Varies by program

If you’re passionate about conservation, public lands, or environmental policy, this is where you roll up your sleeves. The DOI’s Youth Engagement Program offers internships in everything from park management to natural resource policy. Translation: You could spend your summer protecting national parks and helping shape environmental policy. Not bad, right?

Let’s be real—you’re not waiting until college to start making a difference. Whether your passion is human rights, environmental justice, or global health, these internships let you roll up your sleeves now. Forget theory—this is about action. Get hands-on with organizations tackling the world’s toughest issues and walk away knowing you’ve done more than just “build your resume.” You’ve helped move the needle.

Amnesty International USA Summer Internship

Age Requirements: High school juniors and seniors (16+)
Location: Washington, D.C. or virtual
Timeline: 8–10 weeks (summer)
Application Deadline: Typically March

If defending human rights is your calling, Amnesty’s summer internship lets you live it. Interns dive into advocacy, research, and outreach, supporting campaigns that fight for justice worldwide. Prepare to challenge power, amplify voices, and leave with a deeper understanding of global activism.

Habitat for Humanity Youth Programs

Age Requirements: 16+ for most programs
Location: Various U.S. sites and international builds
Timeline: Varies (summer, year-round, or short-term)
Application Deadline: Varies by program

More than just swinging hammers (though there’s plenty of that), Habitat’s youth programs are about building community. Whether you’re constructing homes locally or abroad, you’re creating tangible change for families in need. Expect sore muscles, life-changing experiences, and a whole lot of feel-good impact.

Heifer International Summer Leadership Program

Age Requirements: High school students (14–18)
Location: Little Rock, AR or virtual (varies by year)
Timeline: 1 week (summer)
Application Deadline: Typically spring (April/May)

Ready to tackle global hunger and poverty? Heifer International’s leadership program is part think-tank, part hands-on service. You’ll learn about sustainable development, meet global changemakers, and come away armed with the skills (and motivation) to lead your own initiatives back home.

UNICEF USA Student Voices Internship

Age Requirements: High school juniors and seniors (16+)
Location: Virtual
Timeline: 8–10 weeks (summer)
Application Deadline: Typically March

Advocating for children’s rights across the globe? Yes, please. The Student Voices Internship gives you the chance to work on campaigns that support UNICEF’s mission, from fundraising initiatives to social media strategy. You’ll get a crash course in nonprofit operations and global impact.

Environmental Defense Fund Climate Corps (Fellows Program)

Age Requirements: Primarily for grad students, but some local chapters offer high school internships—check regional listings
Location: Various U.S. locations
Timeline: 8–10 weeks (summer)
Application Deadline: Typically January (varies locally)

EDF’s Climate Corps is the place for climate warriors. While the national fellowship is grad-level, some local EDF chapters offer high school opportunities focused on sustainability projects and advocacy. If you’re passionate about fighting climate change and want boots-on-the-ground experience, this is your launchpad.

How to Find (or Create) the Internship of Your Dreams

Not seeing the perfect fit on the list? No problem. Some of the best internships aren’t posted—they’re made. Here’s how to track down (or build) the opportunity that makes your story stand out.

Where to look: Start local. Community nonprofits, startups, newspapers, even your dentist’s office—they all need help. LinkedIn is a goldmine for spotting companies and leaders in industries you admire. And yes, cold emails work. Most high schoolers aren’t bold enough to hit “send,” which is exactly why you should. Introduce yourself, share why you’re interested, and ask for a quick meeting. It’s that simple.

Crafting your pitch: Your mission isn’t to ask for an internship—it’s to offer value. Do some homework. What’s this organization working on? Where could they use help? Pair that with your interests and skills (no matter how basic they feel) and you’ve got a compelling pitch. Keep it short, specific, and show that you’re ready to learn and contribute.

Creating your own opportunity: Here’s a secret—launching your own project can sometimes outshine any name-brand internship. Starting a community initiative, launching a blog, or creating an app shows colleges you’re not waiting for permission to make an impact. Initiative beats prestige every time.

Final Take: Don’t Just Intern. Stand Out.

An internship alone won’t make you unforgettable. Lots of students intern. Fewer can explain why it mattered, what they learned, and how it connects to the bigger picture of who they are and where they’re going. That’s the magic. The dots you connect between these experiences and your future goals? That’s what makes admissions officers lean in.

So, don’t just stack internships like trophies. Reflect on them. Use them to fuel your narrative—the story only you can tell.

And when you’re ready to turn all those hours, sweat, and late-night reflections into a jaw-dropping college application? That’s where we come in. Book a free consultation with Admissionado and let’s craft that story together.