High school is a great time to explore new interests and pick up life skills, and a mentorship-focused program can help you do just that! Mentorship programs allow you to connect with mentors in your chosen field, work on real projects, and build confidence in collaborating with others and presenting your work.
As a participant, you will meet one-on-one with your mentor, participate in group sessions, and work in pairs or teams on program activities. In the process, these programs can help you develop leadership, communication, and teamwork skills, explore career paths, and prepare for college or other future opportunities. Many programs also offer professional development opportunities like networking events and workshops. Early exposure to mentorship can also help you stand out on college applications and give you a head start in your chosen field.
If you are looking to learn something new during the school year, fall programs are worth considering. Compared to summer alternatives, fall programs are typically open to smaller groups, offering you opportunities to access personalized guidance, ask questions, and get feedback.
To help you explore your options, here are 14 fall mentorship programs for high school students.
1. Stanford Clinical Skills Internship: Fall Intensive
Location: Virtual (live via Zoom)
Cost: $1,980 + $35 application fee
Cohort size: Up to 24 students/class
Dates: September 10 – November 12
Application deadline: June 2; applications open on May 1.
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors, as well as undergraduate pre-med students, ages 16 or up; completion of a high school biology course is recommended before applying.
The Stanford Clinical Skills Internship: Fall Intensive is a live, virtual 10-week program designed for high school students interested in pursuing a career in medicine. Here, you will learn how to make differential diagnoses, take medical histories, and come up with treatment options for different conditions. You will also build clinical skills while taking vital signs, exploring organ systems through dissections, presenting medical cases, and practicing basic suturing. In addition to individual lessons, you will join group activities that focus on helping you build teamwork and problem-solving skills used in real medical settings. You will be mentored by Stanford School of Medicine faculty who will guide you through the coursework and share their insights into the medical field. The fall intensive meets once a week for 90 minutes, offering the same core topics as the summer program along with a schedule that is designed to fit your school routine.
2. Step Up on Campus
Location: Sites in Atlanta, Los Angeles, Chicago, Dallas, Nashville, and New York
Cost/Stipend: None
Cohort size: ~800 – 1,000 students
Dates: September – May
Application deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: Teens, ages 14 – 18, who identify as girls and attend Step Up partner schools
Step Up is a nonprofit that offers free mentorship programs to help students who identify as girls set and reach their goals. One of its programs, Step Up on Campus, is open to teens, ages 14–18, across the country. Under the mentorship of an on-campus educator, you will build social and emotional skills, explore different careers, and connect with mentors in your community. You will engage in workshops on mental health, well-being, and financial literacy, go on a corporate field trip, and join activities that help you build communication skills. You will also meet other students with similar goals during the program.
3. Alley Pond’s Field Biology Internships
Location: Alley Pond Environmental Center, Douglaston, NY
Cost: $150 participation fee; financial aid available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: September 27 – November 1 (Saturdays)
Application deadline: August 1
Eligibility: High school students, ages 14 and up, who can participate in outdoor activities for at least two hours
The Alley Pond Environmental Center’s Field Biology Internship (FBI) is designed for high school students interested in exploring field research and local ecosystems. As an intern, you will work with mentors to explore Alley Pond Park and other areas in Queens, NYC. You will engage in activities such as bird watching, identifying macroinvertebrates, testing soil and water samples, conducting biodiversity surveys, coastal seining, and planting native species. You will gather and record data, identify local plants and animals, and develop skills in independent research and public speaking. This can be an opportunity to explore your interests in environmental science, biology, and sustainability, connect with experts, learn about urban ecosystems firsthand, and build a network of fellow interns and mentors.
4. ACE Greater New York Mentor Program
Location: A host firm or university in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, Long Island, White Plains, or Riverdale; remote options also available
Cost/Stipend: None
Cohort size: Varies; ~2,300 students in the last cohort
Dates: Late October – May; some cohorts start in January
Application deadline: October; date varies
Eligibility: Students in grades 9–12 from NYC, Westchester, or Long Island; no prior experience in engineering, construction management, or architecture is required
The ACE Mentor Program is designed to help high school students explore careers in architecture, engineering, and construction with assistance from industry professionals. The ACE GNY chapter operates during the school year, pairing about 25 students with 15–20 mentors, who are architects, engineers, and construction managers. As a participant, you will learn about industry tools, career paths, and design software. You will work with your team on a mock design project, which you will present in May to mentors, family, and industry guests. You will get to visit offices and job sites, meet professionals and program alumni, and learn about college programs and career options. You will also get access to scholarships, internships, and job opportunities after graduation.
5. Rustic Pathways Climate Leaders Fellowship
Location: Virtual via Zoom + in-person Summer Climate Leaders Fellowship Summit (location varies each year)
Cost: Free; the program offers the option to pay any amount you want or enroll for free.
Cohort size: Up to 200 students/cohort
Dates: October 10 – December 9
Application Deadline: September 28
Eligibility: High school students, ages 14–18
The Rustic Pathways Climate Leaders Fellowship brings together high school students from around the world who want to address local climate issues. Over 12 weeks, you will work with this international group of peers to design and carry out community projects that help reduce environmental impact. The fellowship, run by Rustic Pathways with the Stanford University Deliberative Democracy Lab and the Rustic Pathways Foundation, offers mentorship from facilitators via Zoom, email, and messaging to help you get guidance for your community-focused project. Each week, you will engage in a live Zoom event and spend one to two hours on independent project work. On completing your project, you will be eligible to be invited to a global Summit and receive a certificate from Rustic Pathways and Stanford for committing volunteer hours (around 20 hours or more). U.S. You can use these hours to qualify for the Presidential Volunteer Service Award.
6. Research Scholars at UC San Diego
Location: Online, hybrid, or in person at the University of California, San Diego, CA
Cost: $1,500 – $4,800, depending on the program and format
Acceptance rate: Not specified
Dates: Programs offered year-round, with sessions in the summer, fall, and winter
Application deadline: September 13 (Fall Session); rolling enrollment
Eligibility: Students in grades 9–12 who are 15 or older and have a minimum 3.0 GPA
The Research Scholars program at UC San Diego provides high school students with hands-on experience on real-world research projects. You can choose from tracks like bioengineering, medicine, engineering in medicine, business research, life sciences, and marine science. Within the selected field, you will gain research experience and build technical skills through lab work, data analysis, and hands-on projects. In the Bioengineering track, for example, you will gain practical exposure to biomedical imaging, 3D printing, and cell and tissue culture while also conducting experiments on skeletal structures. Here, you will work under the guidance of lab mentors and faculty investigators on projects spanning various focus areas, from early-stage scientific discovery to applied biomedical development. The program ends with a poster session where you will present your research to professionals and scientists.
7. UCSD Mentor Assistance Program (MAP) for High School Students
Location: San Diego Supercomputer Center, La Jolla, CA
Cost: Free (without a research project); $1,000 ( with research project); financial assistance is available. The program is also free for students who qualify for free or reduced lunch.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive
Dates: October 1 – May 31
Application Deadline: April 15 – May 31
Eligibility: San Diego County high school students in grades 10 – 12 who are 16 or older and have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75
MAP at the San Diego Supercomputer Center connects high school students with UCSD mentors in fields such as nanoengineering, history, biochemistry, marine physical sciences, pharmacology, athletics, and computer science. The program runs for eight months, from fall to spring, and allows you to explore academic and career interests alongside your mentor. As a mentee, you can get assistance with class projects, Science Fair projects, research topics, or lab visits, or build knowledge through readings and discussions. For example, if you are interested in sports medicine, bioinformatics, or linguistics, your mentor might assign articles to read and discuss every two weeks. You will work with your mentor about 2–4 hours each week during the school year.
8. NASA’s Office of STEM Engagement (OSTEM) Internship Programs
Location: Remote or in person at any of NASA’s ten field centers across the U.S.
Stipend: Available; amount is based on intern’s academic level and internship duration. Unpaid opportunities are also offered.
Acceptance rate: Selective; varies by opportunity
Dates: Late August/early September – mid-December (16 weeks in the fall); internships also available in the spring and summer
Application deadline: May 22 (Fall Session)
Eligibility: U.S. high school students who are 16 or older, enrolled full-time as a student, and have a GPA of 3.0 or higher
NASA’s Office of STEM Engagement (OSTEM) offers students hands-on experience in fields such as science, finance, engineering, business, and IT through its internship program. As an intern, you will work alongside mentors, including engineers, research scientists, and professionals from various fields. You will explore areas such as astronomy, space science, robotics, aeronautics, space microbiology, ecology, or science communication. You may get to design experiments, analyze mission data, develop technology, or work with a NASA team to log data, operate telescopes, or support mission prep. You may also attend virtual talks with astronauts and space professionals. You can find high school opportunities by using the “Filter” tool on NASA’s internship site.
9. MAHEC Medical Mentoring Program
Location: MAHEC, Asheville, NC
Cost/Stipend: None; the program provides 135 credit hours for one semester.
Cohort size: 8–12 students
Dates: Semester-long internships in the fall and spring
Application deadline: March 15
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors who attend a high school in Buncombe County and have a minimum 3.0 weighted GPA
The MAHEC Medical Mentoring Program is an internship for rising high school seniors interested in medicine. Here, you will explore different healthcare fields such as physical therapy, dentistry, Chinese medicine, pharmacy, optometry, public health, and social work. You will also learn about various medical specialties like dermatology, family medicine, anesthesiology, cardiology, and emergency medicine. The internship experience will include rotations through various settings, including clinics, hospitals, private practices, and educational centers. You will also attend sessions with resident physicians and access MAHEC’s Virtual Library. Beyond rotations, you can use your internship hours to attend college planning workshops, health career programs, and conferences, join ABIPA Action Teams, and work on service projects.
10. Internship Opportunities at the Foreign Policy Research Institute (FPRI)
Location: Remote or in person at the Foreign Policy Research Institute, Philadelphia, PA
Cost/Stipend: Free; paid internships with need-based stipends and part-time unpaid internships are available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive
Dates: October – December (Fall Session)
Application deadline: Varies by session
Eligibility: High school students authorized to work in the U.S.
The FPRI offers internships for high school students interested in international policy and law. You will gain hands-on experience at a well-known think tank and connect with professionals in the field. You will be paired with a mentor who will help you develop your communication, collaboration, critical thinking, and time management skills. You will also learn how law and foreign policy interact, i.e., how law shapes policy and how policy influences a country’s laws. Internships are available in various areas, including communications, research, special events, and operations. You will attend weekly seminars on career development and foreign policy with guest speakers and may even work on a research paper, which can qualify for publication in FPRI’s Intern Corner.
11. Youth Council Internship at Democracy Maine
Location: Portland, ME
Stipend: $15/hour
Cohort size: 3–4 high school interns/semester
Dates: Late September – December (Fall Semester)
Application deadline: September 19 (Fall Semester)
Eligibility: Maine high school students; students who are 15 or younger must obtain a Maine work permit before starting the internship
Democracy Maine‘s Youth Council Internship allows high school students to explore how they can get involved as active citizens and learn about public service, state law, and the nonprofit and political sectors. As an intern, you will spend about five hours a week learning about state laws and building skills in organizing and facilitation. Internship tasks may include creating newsletters for interns and council members, hosting awareness events, and producing classroom PSAs on topics like Automatic Voter Registration, Ranked Choice Voting, Miranda Rights, and burnout in organizing. You will also receive mentorship to assist with college recommendations, attending national conferences, and exploring job opportunities. Past interns have met with Maine leaders, including the Secretary of State, the Governor, and their local Representatives.
12. Oregon Chapter of the Federal Bar Association’s Haggerty Scholars Program
Location: Mark O. Hatfield U.S. Courthouse, Portland, OR
Cost/Stipend: None
Cohort size: Limited positions available
Dates: September – May
Application deadline: March 1
Eligibility: Current high school juniors interested in law and civil rights; students from underserved schools or underrepresented communities are encouraged to apply.
The Haggerty Scholars Program offers an opportunity for high school students to explore law and civil rights by pairing them with attorney mentors. You will work directly with your mentor, attend events hosted by the Oregon Federal Bar Association or the Haggerty Scholars group, and visit legal workplaces. Mentors can help you with your college essays, accompany you to court, and/or offer networking advice based on your interests. Throughout the year, you will attend discussions with legal professionals on topics like juvenile justice, criminal law, mental health, and immigration. You will also join interactive sessions with the Oregon Court of Appeals and the state legislature.
13. Los Angeles World Affairs Council (LAWAC) Internships
Location: Downtown Los Angeles, CA
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: Cohorts available in fall, winter, spring, and summer; dates vary by opportunity
Application deadline: May for fall cohorts; the date varies by cohort and opportunity.
Eligibility: Current high school and college students
LAWAC offers internships for students interested in global affairs and politics. Here, you will get hands-on experience in nonprofit work, marketing, event planning, research, and outreach, as well as receive mentorship and professional guidance. You will work on projects, build communication and organizational skills, and attend at least one event every month. Tasks may include coordinating events, researching donors, forming community partnerships, providing administrative support, managing branding and outreach, or assisting with LAWAC’s High School Program. You can also request a recommendation letter from LAWAC leadership. Internships require a six-month commitment and engagement of 12–15 hours each week spread over 2–3 days.
14. AIAA High School Mentor Match program
Location: Virtual
Cost: Free for AIAA members
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: September – December (three-month engagement)
Application deadline: September 8 for the fall cohort
Eligibility: High school students who are current AIAA members
The AIAA High School Mentor Match program connects high school students interested in aerospace with professional members who can share advice and guidance. As a participant, you will access general, non-project-specific guidance, learn about the design, production, and operation of aircraft and spacecraft, and explore whether a career in aerospace might be right for you. To join, you must sign up as a Mentor or Mentee and choose your preferred mentoring topics. After enrollment closes, you will be matched with a mentor based on your choices, and within two weeks, you will receive their contact information. The program lasts three months, and you’re encouraged to meet with your mentor for about 30 minutes each month. After three months, it’s up to you and your mentor whether to continue meeting.
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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