Internships and summer programs are a great way for high school and college students to be exposed to the work environment, acquire skills, connect with professionals, and network within career and academic fields. In this article, we will link you with 17 great internships you might consider in your journey as a high school student.

What Is Internship?

An internship is a period of work experience offered by an employer to students or college graduates for a limited period of time. In most parts of the world, once confined to medical graduates, it is mandatory you participate in an internship program before you can be given licensure and also inducted into the medical association. Internships are used for a wide range of placements in businesses, non-profit organizations, and government agencies.  

Who Is Eligible For Internship?

Internships are usually for high school students, college or university graduates. Most high school students require the applicant to be between 16 and 18years of age.

What is the Importance Of Internship To A High School Student?

Below are some of the reasons why a high school internship is necessary.

How Can I Find Internships As A High School Student?

In fact, it can be very challenging to find an internship opportunity as a high school student because most of these programs are often geared toward college students. So, here are some helpful tips that will help get a placement for your internship fast.

How do I Apply For High School Internships?

Actually, applying for an internship is just like applying for a job. First, you should have a resume and cover letter that detail your experience, accomplishments, and interests. Before you submit your curriculum vitae, you have to ensure that you pay attention to the following details;

What Is The Duration For High School Summer Internships?

A typical High school internship program last 2 weeks, some may take up to a month depending on the type of program. During the program, interns are exposed to varieties of research and training courses that will help them to explore their career paths even before gaining admission into college.

How Much Do High School Interns Earn?

Interns usually receive stipends in the form of an allowance. According to the National Association of Colleges & Employers (NACE), the average hourly wage for undergraduate interns rose from $16.35 in 2014 to $18.06 in 2017. However, high school students may receive lesser pay but that is dependent on the organization they work for and also their responsibility. Students are typically paid weekly, bi-weekly, monthly or provided a stipend.

Are there Paid Internships For High School Students?

An Internship program is basically a short-term job experience that offers you an opportunity to know the different career options available, and to network with professionals.
If you’re considering a summer internship, we’ve got you covered. We have made a list of the paid and unpaid programs for you as they are available at any location including internships abroad. Here is the list of Paid Internships For High School Students;

BRAINYAC

The Zuckerman Institute’s Brain Research Apprenticeships in New York at Columbia (BRAINYAC) program provides an immersive summer research experience in which high school students train and work in neuroscience laboratories at Columbia University. The aim of this program is to connect high school students with scientists for intensive summer lab internships. The BRAINYAC program is open to students from select partner programs and schools that serve students in Upper Manhattan and the Bronx. Each student is matched with a Columbia neuroscientist, a mentor who guides the student through a research project. During your internship training, you will experience an enhanced understanding of how laboratory research leads to transformative discovery, exposure to a professional academic environment and a stronger connection to science as a career. To be eligible to take part in the  BRAINYAC program, you have to meet the following criteria; Apply

Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL)

The Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) Scholars Program offers stipend-paid summer internship opportunities to upper-level high school students. As an intern, you will gain valuable hands-on experiences working with full-time AFRL scientists and engineers on cutting-edge research and technology. And, at the end of the program, you will be able to contribute to unique, research-based projects. The AFRL also offers an internship opportunity for undergraduates and graduate-level university students pursuing STEM degrees. In fact, some selected locations also offer internships to university students pursuing education-related degrees and K-12 professional educators.
These graduate interns are able to collaborate with AFRL on current research and incorporate the research into their graduate work. In addition, your benefits for participating in AFRL program are; Apply

Geosciences Bridge Program  GBP

The Geosciences Bridge Program offers a 6-week paid internship for students planning to pursue careers in the geosciences. This program is funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF) and the NOAA Living Marine Resources Cooperative Science Center (LMRCSC) at UMES. Basically, GBP is focused on introducing high school seniors to ocean sciences, atmospheric sciences, and geographic information systems (GIS)/Remote Sensing techniques. The program specifically designed to recruit and train high school students, particularly from underrepresented groups, in various areas of the Geosciences field. The program features lectures, field trips, hands-on activities, two for-credit college courses, housing, meals, travel to and from the University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES), and a stipend.  The activities provide experience and strengthen students’ knowledge of mathematics, teach them life skills that will prepare them for college life, and enhance their academic performance through advisement, social support, and tutorial services. Apply

Science And Engineering Apprenticeship Program (SEAP)

Apprenticeships provide a unique opportunity for high school and undergraduate students to conduct real-world, Army-sponsored research alongside scientists and engineers in world-class facilities. They inspire students to pursue further education and careers in STEM. Apply

High School Apprenticeship Program (HSAP)

HSAP provides current rising high school juniors and seniors with an authentic science and engineering research experience alongside university researchers sponsored by the Army Research Office. Through this commuter program, you will learn research methods and develop skills in Army critical research areas in a university lab setting. However, these skills you acquire will prepare you for the next steps of their educational and professional career. In addition, you will benefit the following; Eligibility criteria are; Apply

Science and Engineering Apprenticeship Program (SEAP)

This program focuses on mentoring student relationships between the Department of Defense scientists and talented high school seniors. As a SEAP participant, you will receive first-hand research experience and exposure to the Department of Defense laboratories. SEAP fosters desire in its participants to pursue further training and careers in STEM. Benefits include; Eligibility Apply

National Security Agency

NSA-Fort Meade is located in Maryland. If you are a high school student searching for a high school summer internships, contact NSE. This Vo-Tech Program will enable you to spend your senior year gaining valuable work experience while earning a salary.
This high school internship is designed for students who are enrolled in printing/graphic arts or manufacturing classes, and who plan to participate in a school-sponsored work experience program during senior year. The duration is less than 20 hours a week and not more than 32 hours during the school year. Whether you’re gifted in business, language, printing/graphic arts or computers, NSA provides on-the-job training specific to your skillset. In addition to the training, you will earn sick and annual leave in proportion to time actually worked (at a rate of one hour of leave per 20 hours worked). Also, you will also receive paid federal holidays. The following are criteria to qualify for this program. Apply

California Science Center

The goal of this high school internship program is to use informal science education as a vehicle to build skills for academic achievement in all disciplines. California Science Center program will help to foster your self-esteem and also prepare you for the workforce and college by focusing on communication and leadership skills. Interns will work alongside the California Science Center staff to inspire science learning in everyone. Their work may entail working with California Science Center guests, community partners, and other groups of learners. The primary responsibility is to deliver and engage in science activities. Other responsibilities may include supervising children, public speaking, and mentoring other students. All teen interns will learn job-related skills as well as life skills. To be eligible to participate in this training, you must meet the following requirements; Apply

Enterprise Technology

This is one of the best training programs for high school students seeking internship opportunities. Basically, the Enterprise Technology department will provide you the opportunity to explore new and emerging technologies. This program will offer you hands-on work along with real-world research and development opportunities. To be eligible to participate in this internship program, you must meet the following criteria; Apply

 Hartford Financial Services Company

Internship position as a high school graduate with The Hartford Financial Services Company will give you access to learn in a real-world, Fortune 500 environment. Hartford focuses on providing interns with relevant skills and core competencies. You will be mentored by seasoned IT professionals, and gain key insights into the evolving and fast-paced world of corporate infrastructure technology services. The internship role gives you the opportunity to be placed within high performing teams across our IT Service Management function. Your responsibilities as an intern in this company are; The eligibility requirements for this program are; Apply

OSP Engineering

If you are a graduating high school student who will like to study engineering in college, OSP will lay a good foundation for your career. This program will expose you to various engineering software and tools. Your responsibility as an intern in OSP Engineering are; The eligibility requirements for this program are; Apply

Sanford Health

For interns interested in healthcare programs, Sanford Health will make a great option for you. It is one of the largest and fastest-growing not-for-profit health systems in the United States. Your will is to work under healthcare personnel and carry out the following roles; Eligibility; Apply

Unpaid Internship Program For High School Students

Basically, an internship offers more than just stipends. It offers something of great value, unique, hands-on training opportunities. So, you should pursue the pay, you should be more interested in what you will learn during the program. Below are some of the best Voluntary internship offers that highly rewarding;

United States Secret Service

The Secret Service Student Volunteer Service Program is designed to provide you with an understanding of the nature and structure of the U.S. Secret Service. Basically, the program is structured to provide unpaid, academic-related work assignments that allow students to explore career options while developing personal and professional skills. As a participant, you must be currently enrolled in school and are expected to volunteer a minimum of 12 hours per week for at least one semester, two quarters or summer session. However, students who work for the United States Secret Service gain valuable experiences while contributing to one of the most elite law enforcement organizations in the world. To participate in this student volunteer service program, you must meet the following eligibility requirements prior to being considered/selected for the position. Visit School As a Junior school intern, you need tips on how to prepare for high school finals

CASPER

Looking for a high school summer internship? The CASPER High School Scholars Program will provide selected local high school students an introduction into research within the Center. The are HIDPL’s meso and nanoscale structure formation lab, diagnostics, laser, and accelerator labs to enable participants to attend seminars with CASPER leadership focusing on current topics in nanoscale physics, plasma physics or space science. During the training, you will be grouped with work teams within CASPER’s Space Science Lab, Hypervelocity Impacts & Dusty Plasmas Lab, or the Astrophysics and Space Science Theory Group. The eligibility criteria include;

Apply

Shibaura Institute of Technology, Japan

If you are at least 16 years of age and have interests in the STEM subjects, you have to give this internship a second glance. The Shibaura Institute of Technology (SIT)’s International High School Internship Program lasts for two weeks and is open to high school seniors. This program will offer you the opportunity to participate in research opportunities. The research coursework will cover areas in materials and chemistry, mechanics, life sciences, electricity, electronics, information, construction, mathematical sciences, and design. Apply

API Abroad

Searching for high school summer internships students abroad programs, API Abroad may be the program provider for you. API Abroad usually focuses on preparing students for the future with tailored internship programs, career advising, and an extensive and active alumni network waiting for you when you return home. You will expose you to exciting programs in advertising, journalism. architecture, design, law, and psychology, as well as sports and veterinary science.  In fact, you’ll have the chance to live abroad in another country and learn from other cultures and people.  To be eligible to apply, you must be a graduating high school student. Apply

Maximo Nivel

For those passionate about the Spanish language and Central and South American culture, Maximo Nivel internship is the program provider for you.
You’ll be fully immersed in the local culture, as well as have the opportunity to take regular Spanish classes so that you’ll be a fluent pro in no time.  Internships include hospitality and tourism, business, human rights, special education, or even your very own customized internship.  Apply

Some fields like medical and engineering may be unsafe for children at work that is why most organizations accept interns age 16 and older, while others set the minimum at 18.

Some organization offer stipends to interns while others are unpaid. Internship is primarily for students and graduates. The essence of the internship is to get exposed to the work environment and connect with professionals in your field. 

Conclusion

One of the ways to explore an interest in your career is Internship. High school students who enroll in Internships and summer programs have an edge over their mates who do not. Take advantage of our list of best internship programs. It will be of great benefit to you.

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