If you’re a high school student looking to make the most of your summer, consider participating in a summer internship. Internships are a great way to gain hands-on experience in the field of your choice. They also give you the space to develop technical skills and network with professionals. These programs go far beyond classroom learning, often placing you in real research labs, government agencies, or global organizations where you can do meaningful work.
Several colleges and organizations across the country offer summer internships for high school students. As an intern, you will have the opportunity to learn from and work under leading experts in their field. Securing a spot in a prestigious summer internship will also help distinguish you from your peers, benefiting both your college applications and future career prospects. When we say prestigious, we mean internships that are fully funded, hosted by top organizations in the country, and have an acceptance rate of less than 10%.
In this list, we’ve curated 13 prestigious summer internships for high school students, each known for its rigor, selectivity, and professional value.
13 Prestigious Summer Internships for High School Students
1. Research Science Institute (RSI)
Location: Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Cambridge, MA
Cost/Stipend: None (except for a non-refundable application fee of $75, which can be waived)
Acceptance Rate: Less than 2.5%
Program Dates: 6 weeks in the summer
Application Deadline: December 10
Eligibility: High school juniors from around the world with exceptional aptitude in STEM; More details here
The Research Science Institute (RSI), hosted by MIT and organized by the Center for Excellence in Education, combines a week of intensive STEM coursework with a five-week mentored research internship. It immerses you in the full scientific process, from hypothesis formulation and experimental design to data analysis and academic writing. You’ll work under accomplished researchers across fields such as molecular biology, astrophysics, artificial intelligence, and applied mathematics. You will conclude by presenting professional-level research papers and conference-style talks, developing advanced skills in scientific inquiry, computation, and scholarly communication.
2. Idaho National Laboratory (INL) Internship Program
Location: Idaho National Laboratory, Idaho Falls, ID (some remote options available)
Stipend: Paid (amount varies by position and education level)
Acceptance Rate: Highly competitive
Program Dates: 10-12 weeks from June – August (tentative)
Application Deadline: Varies by position
Eligibility: Full-time high school, undergraduate, or graduate students with a minimum GPA of 3.0; International students (if enrolled at a U.S. institution)
The Idaho National Laboratory Internship allows you to work on federally funded research within fields such as nuclear energy, cybersecurity, robotics, and integrated energy systems. You will collaborate with INL scientists to define project scopes, conduct experiments, and present results through formal research posters or digital presentations. You’ll gain exposure to laboratory safety, data acquisition, and technical documentation, core skills for advanced STEM research. Weekly seminars and tours supplement the internship with career development opportunities, offering a realistic introduction to U.S. Department of Energy research careers.
3. Science and Engineering Apprenticeship Program (SEAP)
Location: 38+ Department of Navy laboratories across the U.S.
Stipend: $4,000 (new participants); $4,500 (returning participants)
Acceptance Rate: Highly competitive
Program Dates: June – August (8 weeks, with possible 2-week extension)
Application Deadline: August 1 – November 1
Eligibility: U.S. high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors (16+)
The Science and Engineering Apprenticeship Program (SEAP) places high-achieving high school students directly into Department of the Navy research labs for intensive, mentor-led STEM projects. As interns, you’ll engage in real defense and engineering research, from developing autonomous systems and studying materials science to analyzing data for advanced technologies. You will gain practical skills in laboratory experimentation, programming, and technical communication through guided mentorship by Navy scientists. Weekly lab seminars and final project presentations prepare students for future STEM degrees and federal research careers.
4. Anson L. Clark Scholars Program
Location: Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX
Cost/Stipend: $25 application fee; $750 stipend offered
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Highly selective; 12 students
Program Dates: June 21 – August 6
Application Deadline: January 2 – February 16
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors (17+); U.S. citizens or permanent residents
The Anson L. Clark Scholars Program is a seven-week intensive research experience where selected high school juniors or seniors engage in one-on-one faculty-mentored research across disciplines, including engineering, science, humanities, and fine arts. You’ll develop hands-on skills in experimental design, data analysis, research writing, and presentation. The program also integrates weekly seminars, field visits, and peer collaboration. At the conclusion, you will present your findings and receive a stipend.
5. U.S. Department of the Treasury Headquarters Student Internship Program
Location: Washington, D.C. (in-person)
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance Rate: Highly competitive
Program Dates: May – August (summer); Multiple cohorts in a year
Application Deadline: December (applications via USAJOBS.gov)
Eligibility: U.S. citizens currently enrolled in high school, undergraduate, or graduate programs at accredited institutions
The Treasury’s Headquarters Student Internship Program provides high school students a front-row view of federal policymaking and economic strategy. You will have the opportunity to assist in offices such as Domestic Finance, Economic Policy, and Tax Policy, contributing to data analysis, policy briefs, and stakeholder reports. You’ll gain exposure to fiscal management, economic modeling, and policy communication while collaborating with career economists and analysts. The experience develops practical analytical, research, and leadership skills essential for those exploring careers in public policy, finance, or government service.
6. MITRE High School Student Program
Location: MITRE research facilities (U.S. locations; hybrid possible)
Stipend: Paid (amount not specified)
Acceptance Rate: Highly selective
Program Dates: June – August (8 weeks)
Application Deadline: December – February (tentative)
Eligibility: Current high school freshmen through seniors (14+)
The MITRE High School Student Program immerses students in applied STEM research within one of the nation’s federal R&D centers. You’ll work alongside engineers and scientists on projects spanning cybersecurity, aerospace systems, AI, and national security technology. You’ll develop proficiency in technical research, data analysis, and collaborative problem-solving using real-world engineering tools. Mentorship by MITRE’s expert staff helps you translate theoretical STEM concepts into practical innovation, building strong foundations for future study in computer science, mathematics, and engineering.
7. Hutton Junior Fisheries Biology Program
Location: U.S., Canada, Mexico, and Puerto Rico (placement near the student’s residence)
Stipend: $3,000
Acceptance Rate: Highly selective
Program Dates: June – August (8 weeks, flexible schedule)
Application Deadline: November 21 – January 25
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors (16+)
Sponsored by the American Fisheries Society, the Hutton Junior Fisheries Biology Program offers paid internships for high school students looking to explore aquatic science and environmental research. As a participant, you will be paired with a fisheries professional mentor for hands-on field and laboratory work, such as sampling fish populations, collecting habitat data, or studying ecosystem health. You will learn core field research skills in ecology, conservation, and data analysis while contributing to active aquatic research projects. The program not only builds technical competency but also provides mentorship, networking, and professional exposure to careers in fisheries, marine biology, and wildlife science.
8. Sandia National Laboratories Internship Program
Location: Albuquerque, NM; Livermore, CA; hybrid/remote options available
Stipend: Paid (rate varies by education level and credit hours)
Acceptance Rate: Highly selective
Program Dates: June – August (10-12 weeks)
Application Deadline: Typically February – March
Eligibility: High school students (16+) with a minimum GPA of 3.0 for technical/R&D roles; U.S. citizenship required for most positions
The Sandia National Laboratories Internship allows high school students to collaborate on federally funded research that advances national security, renewable energy, and advanced computing. You will have the opportunity to contribute to real R&D projects in fields like cybersecurity, robotics, software engineering, and environmental science. You will gain technical proficiency through hands-on experimentation, data analysis, and the use of state-of-the-art lab equipment. Mentorship from Sandia’s engineers and scientists will help you strengthen computational, analytical, and teamwork skills while experiencing federal laboratory operations firsthand. The internship also includes seminars, professional development workshops, and potential pathways to long-term federal employment.
9. STEM Enhancement in Earth Science (SEES) Internship
Location: University of Texas at Austin, TX (hybrid)
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance Rate: Around 10%
Program Dates: June – July 19 (includes online work and July 6 – 19 in-person residency)
Application Deadline: February 22
Eligibility: U.S. 10th-11th graders (16+) with strong academic standing and interest in STEM
The SEES Internship, funded by NASA and hosted by the University of Texas at Austin’s Center for Space Research, immerses high school students in authentic Earth and space science research. You will interpret satellite data, apply Python programming, and conduct analyses in topics like remote sensing, planetary science, and natural hazards. You will work with NASA subject matter experts to model Earth systems, design missions, and visualize climate and geospatial datasets. The program combines online pre-training with a two-week on-campus research experience and concludes with a virtual symposium where you will present your findings to NASA scientists.
10. Bank of America Student Leaders® Program
Location: Local nonprofit placements across 100+ U.S. communities + Washington, D.C. (National Leadership Summit)
Stipend: Paid (varies by nonprofit placement)
Acceptance Rate: Selective
Program Dates: June – August (8 weeks)
Application Deadline: October 14 – January 15
Eligibility: U.S. high school juniors and seniors with demonstrated leadership in school or community service; More info here
The Bank of America Student Leaders Program connects high school students with paid summer internships at local nonprofits, offering direct exposure to social impact work and civic leadership. You will collaborate on community development projects, outreach initiatives, and operational tasks that strengthen local organizations. You will also attend a week-long National Leadership Summit in Washington, D.C., where you will explore topics in public policy, economic mobility, and cross-sector collaboration. Through mentorship, networking, and practical work experience, you will gain insight into leadership, service, and social responsibility at both local and national levels.
11. NIST Summer High School Intern Program (SHIP)
Location: Gaithersburg, MD or Boulder, CO
Cost/Stipend: None
Program Dates: June – August (8 weeks)
Application Deadline: November – January
Eligibility: U.S. high school juniors and seniors with a minimum 3.0 GPA living near a NIST campus
The Summer High School Intern Program (SHIP) at the National Institute of Standards and Technology allows you to conduct authentic research alongside federal scientists in disciplines such as physics, chemistry, computer science, and materials engineering. You will assist in ongoing NIST projects, often applying technical tools like Python, LabView, AutoDesk Inventor, or SQL to model data, automate analysis, or visualize results. You will also gain hands-on exposure to experimental design, instrument calibration, and applied metrology within federally supported research labs.
12. U.S. Senate Page Program
Location: Washington, D.C. (U.S. Capitol)
Cost/Stipend: $1,200/month (residential); Approximately $37,238 annualized salary (pro-rated for summer service)
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Highly selective; Around 30 positions
Program Dates: June – August (Summer Session); Multiple sessions in a year
Application Deadline: Varies by Senator (typically February – March)
Eligibility: U.S. high school juniors (16-18) with a minimum cumulative 3.0 GPA who demonstrate academic excellence and civic interest; More details here
The U.S. Senate Page Program offers high-achieving high school juniors a front-row view of American democracy in action. Working directly on the Senate floor, you will assist senators as a page by delivering correspondence, carrying bills and amendments, organizing legislative materials, and preparing the chamber for daily sessions. You will also attend morning classes at the U.S. Senate Page School, where you’ll study advanced coursework while developing rigorous discipline, time management, and communication skills. This program blends academic study with government service, giving you rare exposure to the policymaking process, national leadership, and civic responsibility.
13. Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) Scholars Program
Location: Multiple U.S. Air Force research facilities across the country
Stipend: Paid (amount varies by location and education level)
Acceptance Rate: Highly selective
Program Dates: Varies by project and site
Application Deadline: October 10 – January 9
Eligibility: Upper-level high school students (typically juniors and seniors), undergraduates, and graduate students pursuing STEM fields; Applicants must be U.S. citizens
During the AFRL Scholars Program, you will have the opportunity to conduct cutting-edge research alongside Air Force scientists and engineers. You will be placed at one of several Air Force Research Laboratory sites nationwide, where you’ll engage in hands-on STEM projects related to aerospace systems, materials science, cybersecurity, and advanced engineering. The program emphasizes technical problem-solving, innovation, and collaboration in real-world research environments. You will receive a stipend and mentorship from leading defense researchers, gaining unparalleled insight into scientific discovery and national security applications.
One more option – Horizon Academic Research Program
If you’re looking for a competitive mentored research program in subjects like data science, machine learning, political theory, biology, and chemistry, consider applying to Horizon’s Research Seminars and Labs! This is a selective virtual research program that lets you engage in advanced research and develop a research paper on a subject of your choosing. Horizon has worked with 1000+ high school students so far and offers 600+ research specializations for you to choose from. You can find the application link here!
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