If you’re a high school student interested in earning money while gaining research experience, paid internships can be a practical way to develop academic and professional skills. If you want to explore academic or technical fields while earning a stipend or hourly wage, paid research internships can offer a balanced way to build skills and gain experience.
Why choose a paid internship as a high school student?
These opportunities let you take part in real projects where you might analyze data, assist in lab work, or contribute to written reports in subjects such as engineering, medicine, computer science, or social sciences. Most programs match you with a mentor or supervisor who helps you learn research methods and guides your progress. Some internships take place at universities, research institutions, or private organizations, while others are available online.
Here’s a list of 15 paid internship opportunities for high school students to help you get started. You can check out our blog on free online internships for high school students.
15 Paid Internships for High School Students
1. Broad Summer Scholars Program (BSSP)
Location: Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA
Cost/Stipend: No cost | $3,600 stipend
Application Deadline: January 21
Dates: June 29 – August 7
Eligibility: Rising MA high school seniors with a B or better in science and math | U.S. citizens, permanent residents, or non-U.S. citizens with work authorization
The Broad Summer Scholars Program (BSSP) is a six-week paid research internship at the Broad Institute that allows high school students to contribute to ongoing biomedical research. As a participant, you’ll work with a research mentor on a specific project that may involve topics such as cancer biology, infectious diseases, psychiatric disorders, or computational biology. The program includes both laboratory and computational components, along with tutoring and workshops designed to strengthen your understanding of research techniques and scientific concepts. In addition to your research work, you’ll take part in career talks, college preparation sessions, and a college fair focused on opportunities in medicine and biomedical science. At the end of the program, you’ll share your findings through a formal poster session presented to members of the Broad Institute community.
2. Internships at the Foreign Policy Research Institute
Location: Philadelphia, PA (remote and in-person)
Cost/Stipend: No cost | Stipend provided
Application deadline: Varies, check here for more details
Dates: Spring: February – May | Summer: June – August | Fall: September –
December
Eligibility: High school students authorized to work in the U.S.
The Foreign Policy Research Institute (FPRI) offers paid internships during the fall, spring, and summer that introduce students to the work of a policy research organization. As an intern, you’ll be paired with scholars who focus on topics such as national security, Eurasian affairs, or Middle East studies. Your responsibilities may include assisting with research and writing, supporting event planning, or contributing to communications projects. Throughout the program, weekly seminars with guest speakers provide context on international relations and potential career paths in policy and research. Interns also have the opportunity to attend FPRI events — either in person, online, or in a hybrid format — to gain a broader view of current global issues.
3. Science and Engineering Apprenticeship Program (SEAP) at the Department of Navy (DoN)
Location: Various U.S. Navy labs across the country
Cost/Stipend: Free | $4,000 stipend (new participant); $4,500 stipend (returning participants)
Application Deadline: November 1
Dates: 8 weeks in the summer; exact dates vary depending on the lab you choose
Eligibility: High school students who have completed at least grade 9 and are at least 16 years old when the internship begins can apply. Graduating seniors are eligible as well. Students are recommended to check whether their preferred lab choice has any other particular requirements
The Science and Engineering Apprenticeship Program (SEAP), organized by the U.S. Department of the Navy, offers high school students a paid research experience in Navy laboratories across the country. Each year, about 300 students are placed in one of 38 participating labs, where they assist scientists and engineers with ongoing research projects. As a participant, you can indicate your preferred research area and location when applying. Once selected, you’ll work under the guidance of a Navy mentor, taking part in laboratory work and contributing to projects in areas such as engineering, physics, computer science, or aeronautics. The program emphasizes hands-on learning and professional collaboration within a research environment.
4. Hutton Junior Fisheries Biology Program
Location: Based on your locality (Hutton aims to match students within a 45-minute commute of their home)
Cost/Stipend: Free | stipend provided ($3,000 for 8 weeks)
Application Deadline: January 25
Dates: 8 weeks in the summer, typically starting in July
Eligibility: Open to high school students at least 16 years of age, who live and have residency in the United States, Mexico, and Canada
The Hutton Junior Fisheries Biology Program is an eight-week paid summer internship sponsored by the American Fisheries Society for high school students interested in fisheries and aquatic science. Open to students in the U.S., Canada, Mexico, and Puerto Rico, the program matches you with a mentor located within about 45 minutes of your home. Depending on your placement, you may work in the field, on a boat, in a lab, or in an office. Typical activities include fish population surveys, water quality testing, and habitat restoration. The internship is full-time, generally requiring 32–40 hours per week, with longer days possible for field assignments. Participants also attend the Hutton Scholars Summit, a fully funded event that brings together students and mentors from across the program.
5. Careers in Science (CiS) Intern Program
Location: California Academy of Sciences, San Francisco, CA
Cost/Stipend: Free | Stipend above the minimum wage is provided
Application Deadline: April 1
Dates: Multi-year program (after-school, weekends, and summer)
Eligibility: 9th or 10th-grade students currently enrolled in a San Francisco Unified School District high school. You need to maintain a GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale and a grade of C or higher in science and math
Careers in Science (CiS) is a multi-year, year-round internship program at the California Academy of Sciences for high school students from groups underrepresented in STEM, including girls and students of color. The program provides practical experience in research and science education. You will start as a rising sophomore or junior and continue participation until graduation. During the summer, you’ll work full-time, and during the school year, you’ll attend Saturday sessions. Participants collaborate on group projects and work closely with scientists, researchers, and educators.
6. Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center — Summer Student Program
Location: Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, NY
Cost/Stipend: No cost | $1,200 stipend
Application Deadline: February 6
Dates: June 29 – August 21
Eligibility: Must be a high school junior, live within ~25 miles of MSK (NY, NJ, CT), have a 3.5 GPA in science | At least 14 years old by June | Legally authorized to work in the U.S
The Summer Student Program at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center is an eight-week paid research internship in New York City that allows high school students to contribute to ongoing cancer research. Under the guidance of a mentor, you’ll work on an independent project in areas such as immunology, pharmacology, computational biology, or structural biology. The program offers practical experience in a professional lab setting and helps you strengthen both technical and analytical skills. In addition to your research, you’ll participate in activities like lab meetings, faculty talks, and journal discussions that provide insight into the research process and scientific communication. A stipend is provided for your full-time work, and the internship concludes with a poster session where you present your findings to the research community.
7. Thurgood Marshall Summer Law Internship Program (TMSLIP), New York City Bar
Location: Varies according to the internship firm
Cost: No cost | Stipend ranges from $16/hour to $22/hour
Application Deadline: March 10
Dates: 6 – 8 weeks during summer; 35 – 40 hours per week
Eligibility: Open to students attending a New York City public high school
The Thurgood Marshall Summer Law Internship Program (TMSLIP) places high school students in legal settings across New York City, including law firms, corporations, nonprofits, and government offices. As an intern, you’ll assist with daily administrative tasks such as organizing files, managing correspondence, and answering phone calls. You also participate in workshops and training sessions focused on legal practice. Through this combination of office experience and structured learning, you’ll gain insight into the legal profession, strengthen professional skills, and better understand potential career paths within law.
8. Fred Hutch Summer High School Internship
Location: Fred Hutch Cancer Center, Seattle, WA
Cost/Stipend: Free | stipend (amount not specified) is provided
Application deadline: March 13
Dates: June 22 – August 14
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors who are at least 116 years old and can arrange for their own housing and transportation during the internship
The Fred Hutch Summer High School Internship is an eight-week, full-time research program for rising high school seniors, designed to introduce students from underrepresented backgrounds to careers in biomedical science. The internship is divided into two parts. During the first two weeks, you’ll complete hands-on training in laboratory safety and basic research skills at the Fred Hutch Training Labs. For the remaining six weeks, you’ll join a research team, participate in ongoing projects, and attend seminars and professional development workshops. The program requires a full-time commitment of about 40 hours per week.
9. Army Educational Outreach Program (AEOP) High School Apprenticeship
Location: Various U.S. Army Research Labs and university research centers nationwide
Cost/Stipend: Free | Stipend provided
Application deadline: Rolling
Dates: Year-round; varies by location and placement
Eligibility: Applicants must be U.S. citizens and at least 16 years old to qualify
The AEOP High School Apprenticeship is a paid, full-time research program that places students in U.S. Army laboratories or partner university labs. Under the guidance of scientists and engineers, you’ll assist with projects in STEM fields, including biology, materials science, engineering, and cybersecurity. Your work may include conducting experiments, analyzing data, and contributing to technical reports, while learning how research supports Army and national technology initiatives. The program also offers webinars, career panels, and networking events to help you explore STEM career paths. Participants receive a stipend and work closely with mentors to develop both technical skills and professional experience.
10. Internships at the Smithsonian National Zoo
Location: Washington, D.C. | Front Royal, VA | Herndon, VA (in-person, hybrid, and virtual formats)
Cost/Stipend: Free | Paid stipend (amount varies)
Application deadline: Varies based on position
Dates: Varies based on position
Eligibility: High school students (criteria can vary slightly depending on the position)
The Smithsonian National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute offers internships for high school students interested in veterinary science, animal care, or conservation. Interns may work in areas such as animal husbandry, behavioral observation, research, or enrichment activities for different species. Programs like the Carnivore Animal Keeper Internship and the Small Mammal House Enrichment Internship provide hands-on experience with animal care and behavior studies. Internship opportunities are updated throughout the year, giving students a range of seasonal and specialized placements to choose from.
11. Meta Summer Academy
Location: Menlo Park, CA
Cost/Stipend: Free | Stipend provided
Application deadline: February 14
Dates: June 16 – July 25
Eligibility: High school sophomores; minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0; Year-round residents of East Palo Alto, Belle Haven, or Redwood City
The Meta Summer Academy is a program for high school students that introduces them to working at a large technology company while developing technical and professional skills. During the program, you’ll learn coding, teamwork, and problem-solving through hands-on projects. The curriculum covers topics related to data, including writing scripts, analyzing information, and understanding user behavior and digital content. You’ll also see how data is applied in areas such as social media and content moderation. The program emphasizes career readiness and guides technology opportunities.
12. New York University — ARISE Program
Location: New York University Tandon School of Engineering, Brooklyn, NY
Cost/Stipend: Free | $1,000 stipend
Application deadline: February 21
Dates: June 2 — August 14 (preceded by 4 weeks of remote workshops)
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors; Full-time NYC residents attending NYC schools in the upcoming school year
The NYU ARISE program is a 10-week internship that gives high school students the chance to gain research experience in university labs. The first four weeks focus on training in scientific writing, lab safety, and research communication. During the following six weeks, you’ll work on projects with faculty and graduate students. If your interest is in data science, you might engage in computational biology, neuroscience, or network science projects, analyzing datasets and using coding tools. The program involves roughly 120 hours of lab work, providing hands-on insight into research beyond classroom learning. You’ll also receive guidance on college applications and opportunities to practice presenting your work to peers and mentors. The program ends with a public symposium held at the American Museum of Natural History.
13. Sandia National Laboratories Internships
Location: Various locations across the U.S.
Cost/Stipend: No cost | Stipend paid, and varies with experience and placement
Application deadline: Varies by internship
Dates: Varies by internship; both full-time summer and part-time year-round internships are offered
Eligibility: U.S. citizens who are at least 16 years of age; specific eligibility criteria vary by position
Sandia National Laboratories offers paid internships for high school students interested in science, engineering, and research. In these positions, you’ll assist with projects in areas such as cybersecurity, energy, national defense, or computational modeling while working with professional scientists and engineers. Depending on your assignment, your tasks may include programming, data analysis, or experimental work using tools like MATLAB, Python, or CAD. The program also provides mentorship, professional development sessions, and practical experience in a federal research setting.
14. Genesys Works
Location: Will depend on the company you intern at. Currently, only seven cities are included in the program — San Francisco (Bay Area only), New York, Chicago, Twin Cities, Washington D.C. (Capital Region), Houston, and Tulsa
Cost/Stipend: Free | Stipend of $10,000 – $13,000 is awarded upon successful completion of the internship
Application deadline: Applications typically close in March
Dates: 12-month program with training starting in May
Eligibility: High school juniors who can guarantee at least 15 hours per week of work after school hours.
Genesys Works offers paid, year-long internships for high school seniors, particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds. After completing an eight-week training program, you’ll be placed with a partner company for a 12-month internship. During the fall of your senior year, Genesys Works matches you with a company such as Accenture, Target, 3M, Best Buy, or JPMorgan Chase. Interns typically work 15–20 hours per week, requiring a commitment outside of school hours. Placement is based on your application and interests. For instance, if you demonstrate a strong interest in coding, you may have a higher chance of being placed with a software development or technology-focused company.
15. JCVI Internship Program
Location: J. Craig Venter Institute (JCVI), Rockville, MD
Cost/Stipend: Free | Stipend is provided at $17.50 per hour
Application deadline: Rolling. Applications are typically invited in January every year
Dates: 10 – 15 weeks during the summer; exact dates change every year
Eligibility: Applicants at least 16 years of age with an average GPA of 3.0. | Open to U.S. citizens or Permanent Residents only
The J. Craig Venter Institute Internship Program is a summer research opportunity for high school and undergraduate students. Each year, multiple projects are available across various STEM fields, and you’ll be matched with a project and a mentor based on your background and interests. To apply, you’ll need to submit a resume and a 500-word statement describing your scientific interests, relevant skills or coursework, and how the internship aligns with your professional goals. Housing is not provided. Occasionally, the program also offers semester-long internships lasting 10–15 weeks.
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!
Image source – Broad Institute