Are you a high school student in South Dakota seeking to develop your skills? Enrolling in a program or internship can help you explore your academic interests before choosing a college major. These opportunities provide practical experience in your preferred field and deepen your knowledge.
Several universities and research centers in South Dakota offer programs and internships that feature industry professionals sharing insights into current trends, enhancing your educational journey. Participating in such experiences can strengthen your academic profile by demonstrating your ability to work with advanced material and your commitment to your chosen field. They also provide opportunities to explore possible career paths and shape your future academic goals.
In this blog, we'll cover 14 programs and internships that can help high school students in South Dakota get a head start on their academic journey.
14 Programs + Internships for High School Students in South Dakota
Subject Areas: Biophysics, psychology, sociology, machine learning, biotechnology, behavioral economics, philosophy, history, political theory, data science, chemistry, environmental health and engineering, international relations, neuroscience, physics, network science, and more!
Location: Virtual
Cost: There is a program fee. You can fill out an interest form here for details on the exact cost.
Application Deadline: May 21, 2024, for the summer cohort and September 25, 2024, for the fall cohort.
Dates:
- Summer seminar: June 24–September 2, 2024
- Fall seminar: October 23, 2024–February 19, 2025
- Horizon Labs offers flexible dates, but applications must be submitted at least 4 weeks beforehand.
Eligibility: High school students with a GPA greater than 3.67 on a 4.0 scale are eligible to apply. Most of the students accepted are in 10th or 11th grade. Only a limited number of tracks have specific prerequisites, which are detailed further here.
Horizon offers trimester-long research programs for high school students across fields such as data science, machine learning, political theory, biomedical engineering, chemistry, neuroscience, psychology, and more. It is one of the few high school research programs that provides the option to choose between quantitative and qualitative research.
After selecting a specific subject track and type of research, you will be paired with a professor or Ph.D. scholar from a top university who will mentor you throughout your research experience. You will work on creating a 20-page, university-level research paper that you can submit to reputable journals for publication as a high school student.
This program offers a valuable opportunity to conduct research within specialized fields while receiving guidance from an experienced scholar. Additionally, each student will receive a letter of recommendation and detailed project feedback, which can be beneficial for future projects and college applications. You can apply here!
Subject Areas: Multidisciplinary—psychology, biology, environmental science, economics, engineering, computer science, entrepreneurship, gender studies, data science, chemistry, international relations, physics, business, and more!
Location: Virtual
Cost: Starts at $2,990. Financial aid is available!
Application Deadline: Varying deadlines based on cohort. The upcoming winter cohort’s deadline is November 24, 2024.
Dates: The summer cohort takes place from June to August, the fall cohort from September to December, the winter cohort from December to February, and the spring cohort from March to June.
Eligibility: High school students with an unweighted GPA of 3.3 on a 4.0 scale can apply.
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program is a research initiative aimed at high school students, offering personalized opportunities to work on independent research projects across a wide range of subjects. Participants are paired with Ph.D. mentors for one-on-one guidance throughout the program.
You will engage in individual sessions with your research mentor and a writing coach to help you select and refine a research topic. The program includes workshops on the research process, concluding in an independent research paper at the end of the 12 weeks. Research topics available include psychology, physics, economics, data science, computer science, engineering, chemistry, international relations, and more. For further details on the application process, you can check out the program’s website.
3. Veritas AI
Subject Areas: AI, programming, data science, and machine learning.
Location: Virtual
Cost: AI Scholars: $2,290 | AI Fellowship: $5,400 | Combination (AI Scholars + AI Fellowship): $6,900. Financial aid is available.
Application Deadline: Varies depending on the cohort. The upcoming winter cohort’s deadline is October 20, 2024. You can apply here!
Dates: Multiple cohorts are available throughout the year.
Eligibility: High school students interested in AI can apply for the AI Scholars program. Students who possess a basic understanding of Python or have completed the AI Scholars program are eligible to apply for the AI Fellowship program.
Founded by Harvard graduate students, Veritas offers programs that introduce high school students to both the fundamentals and advanced applications of artificial intelligence and data science. Throughout the program, you will engage with AI and data science topics such as neural networks, image classification, natural language processing, and Python coding, while also working on a research project under the guidance of experienced scholars.
The program features three tracks tailored to various experience levels and focus areas. The AI Scholars Program provides a 25-hour introduction to AI and machine learning, covering concepts like linear regression and convolutional neural networks, concluding with a group project. For a more in-depth experience, the AI Fellowship offers a 12-15 week one-on-one mentorship, guiding students in developing an independent AI project from concept to completion, with opportunities for publication and presentation. The Deep Dive Programs—AI + Medicine and AI + Finance—allow students to explore AI’s applications in specific industries, focusing on topics like medical data analysis and financial risk management, with hands-on projects to apply their learning.
Subject Areas: Technology, medicine, engineering, healthcare, AI, business, marketing, sustainability, environmental science, machine learning, journalism, computer science, media, and more.
Location: Virtual
Cost: Starts at $2,490; Financial aid is available.
Application Deadline: Deadlines vary depending on the cohort. The upcoming winter cohort’s deadline is November 24, 2024.
Dates: Programs run for 8–16 weeks, with several cohorts available year-round, including sessions in the spring, summer, fall, and winter.
Eligibility: The program is open to high school students, undergraduates, and gap year students who can commit to working 5–15 hours per week for 8–16 weeks.
Ladder Internships, a selective program established by Harvard alumni, offers high school students the opportunity to engage in virtual internships with startups and nonprofits worldwide. You can choose to work in fields such as technology, machine learning, AI, computer science, engineering, environmental science, sustainability, business, marketing, healthcare, medicine, media, journalism and more. The program generally accepts around 1,200 interns out of more than 6,200 applicants.
As an intern, you will contribute to projects that align with the mission of your assigned startup or nonprofit, concluding with a presentation of your work. The internship includes personalized training in essential skills like communication and time management, along with group sessions with fellow interns. You’ll also be paired with a manager at your internship site and a Ladder coach, who will serve as a mentor throughout the program. You can explore all available internship opportunities by completing the application form.
Subject Areas: Business, market research, and developing a revenue-generating startup.
Location: This program is 100% virtual, with live, interactive workshops.
Cost: $2,900 (3 weeks). Need-based financial aid is available
Application Deadline: Multiple deadlines throughout the year. The upcoming winter cohort’s deadlines are as follows:
- Early deadline: October 20, 2024
- Regular deadline: November 24, 2024
Dates:
- Individual Program: 12 weeks with flexible start dates.
- Group Program: December 21, 2024–January 5, 2025 (3 weeks)
Eligibility: The program is currently open to all high school students
The Young Founder’s Lab is an intensive startup boot camp for high school students by Harvard entrepreneurs. The program guides you in the development of a revenue-generating startup that addresses a real-world issue. With mentorship from experienced entrepreneurs and professionals from companies such as Google, Microsoft, and X, you’ll gain practical experience in the startup ecosystem.
The curriculum includes interactive classes covering business fundamentals, ideation workshops, skill-building sessions, and case studies. The program consists of three phases:
- Foundational business education and ideation.
- Conducting market and user research to create a prototype.
- Launching the startup, gaining traction, and generating revenue.
The program concludes with a demo day where you will present your startup to potential investors, providing real-world experience in pitching and scaling a business. You can find the application here!
Subject Areas: Biomedical sciences, laboratory research, experiment design, data analysis and interpretation, data integrity, plagiarism, and the ethical treatment of research subjects.
Location: Sanford Center, Sioux Falls, SD
Cost/Stipend: There is no cost for the program. Participants receive 3 undergraduate elective credits at the University of South Dakota (BIOC192) and are awarded a $2,500 scholarship.
Application Deadline: January 10, 2025
Dates: May 27–August 1, 2025
Eligibility: High school students entering their senior year in the fall, who will be at least 16 years old by May 27, are eligible to apply. Home-schooled students can also apply.
The PROMISE Scholars Summer Internship is a 10-week research program tailored for high school students interested in biomedical sciences. This internship offers the opportunity to participate in hands-on laboratory research at Sanford, working as part of a research team alongside scientists. During the program, you will connect with peers through in-house scientific interest groups and present your research findings as a scientific poster at the Sanford Research Symposium. The internship emphasizes skills development in formulating research questions, designing experiments, collecting and analyzing data, and interpreting results.
You will also take part in structured Journal Club sessions, where you’ll learn to critically evaluate and discuss scholarly articles. Throughout the internship, you can enhance your communication skills by presenting research at laboratory meetings, creating a scientific poster, and writing an essay that outlines your projects and experiences. You will also participate in seminars focused on career development, explore post-secondary education options, and participate in outreach activities that promote science within the local community.
Subject Areas: Transportation engineering, renewable energy, traffic management, types of transportation, and career preparation.
Location: South Dakota State University, Brookings, SD
Cost: All selected students will receive a scholarship for a week-long residential camp, sponsored by the South Dakota Department of Transportation. This scholarship covers the costs of on-campus housing, meals, and workshops, making the camp free for participants.
Application Deadline: May 10, 2025
Dates: June 1–June 7, 2025
Eligibility: Students entering grades 9–12 in the 2025–2026 school year, with a cumulative GPA of at least 2.0 (on a 4.0 scale), and who have completed algebra or are eligible to enroll in it for the upcoming school term, are eligible to apply.
The National Summer Transportation Institute (NSTI) is a week-long residential camp sponsored by the South Dakota Department of Transportation. The camp introduces you to the various aspects of transportation engineering, including planning, materials, and transportation modes, among other topics. You will also engage in hands-on lab activities in workshops and learn from experts in the transportation sector about the challenges that transportation engineers address.
Activities include touring local businesses to gain insight into different types of traffic management, visiting the Brookings Regional Airport to learn about its operations, and using a flight simulator. You’ll study the significance of soil, asphalt, and concrete materials, and discover how renewable energy can influence transportation. The camp will also cover various transportation modes, including air, water, solar, and space. Evening activities will include bowling, movies, archery, visits to the SDSU Miller Wellness Center, and cricket with the dean. By the end of the summer camp, you will have a clearer understanding of related degrees and career opportunities in the field of transportation.
Subject Areas: STEM curricula, children management, public speaking, program organization, and leadership.
Location: South Dakota Discovery Center, Pierre, SD
Cost/Stipend: There is no cost to participate, and the stipend is $15 or more per hour, depending on experience.
Application Deadline: TBA for 2025
Dates: This 10-week program runs from May to August, with flexible start and end dates that can be adjusted as needed.
Eligibility:
- South Dakota students from 10th grade through recent college graduates are eligible to apply. Applicants must have a valid driver’s license and be able to lift to 40 lbs.
- Preference will be given to those interested in careers in formal and informal education. Previous training in CPR and first aid is also preferred.
The South Dakota Discovery Center’s STEM Educator Summer Internship Program offers you an opportunity to plan and lead hands-on STEM programming. You will work with preschool to middle school youth at the science center, schools, after-school programs, and other locations throughout the state. This role also involves assisting with events and preparing educational materials.
Throughout the internship, you will receive training in various STEM curricula and resources, including Great Explorations in Math & Science, NASA GLOBE, and other NASA resources, the Beetles Project, and environmental education materials. You’ll also receive support to complete the National Geographic Educator Certification during the internship. You will develop skills in child management, public speaking, program organization, and leadership. The expected work schedule is primarily weekdays from 8 AM and 5 PM, with some weekend and evening events, totaling 20 to 35 hours per week over 10 weeks. Upon completion of the internship, there is potential for conversion into a permanent position as a Museum Educator.
Subject Areas: Business, finance, analytics, and recreation.
Location: University of South Dakota, Vermillion, SD
Cost: Details about the program’s cost are not provided. For any questions or additional information about the Business Analytics Adventure, you can reach out via email at Emma.Groninger@usd.edu.
Deadline: May 26 (tentatively)
Dates: July 7–July 11 (tentatively)
Eligibility: All high school students can apply.
The University of South Dakota’s Business Analytics Adventure is a five-day program designed for high school students. As a participant, you will work on business projects at USD’s Ellis Finance and Analytics Lab and learn directly from business leaders. The program includes tours of companies in Sioux Falls, giving you insight into various career paths in business. You will also interact with peers from other high schools.
The program provides an introduction to basic business analytics processes, helping students develop valuable skills. Alongside academic activities, you will engage in recreational events, such as watching movies at Vermillion Theater and playing games at the USD Esports Arena. You will also have the chance to earn one general college credit from USD. The schedule for the 2024 program is available here.
Subject Areas: Natural resource ecology and management.
Location: SDSU Oak Lake Field Station, Brookings County, SD
Cost: The registration fee of $300 covers meals, housing, and a t-shirt. Alternatively, you can opt to pay a non-refundable $75 pre-registration fee by May 31, with the remaining balance due by June 22. Financial aid is available.
Application Deadline: May 31 (tentatively)
Dates: July 22–July 26 (tentatively)
Eligibility: Students entering grades 9–12 who have a keen interest in learning more about the natural world or pursuing a career related to natural resources can apply.
South Dakota State University’s Natural Resources High School Program offers high school students with hands-on experience in natural resource ecology and management. You will gain exposure to various aspects of natural resources, including fish, plants, wildlife, soils, invertebrates, and water. Faculty from the SDSU Department of Natural Resource Management, graduate students, and biologists from natural resource agencies will conduct the activities.
In previous years, activities have included bird identification, lake ecology, pollinator diversity, camera trapping, archery, radio telemetry, small mammal trapping, reptile trapping and ecology, and exploring careers in natural resources. The final list of activities may change based on weather conditions or other unforeseen circumstances. The field station bunkhouse accommodates 40 students (20 males and 20 females) on a first-come, first-served basis. Staff from Oak Lake Field Station will be present at all times to supervise student activities. For information regarding the program's rules, policies, and code of conduct, you can check here.
Subject Areas: Construction basics, safety, hand and power tools, blueprint reading, soft skills, and career preparation.
Location: Southeast Technical College, Sioux Falls, SD
Cost/Stipend: There is no cost for participants; they will receive a stipend of $17.50 per hour.
Application Deadline: March 30 (tentatively)
Dates:
- Selected students will receive an invitation to attend an industry match event in April.
- If chosen at the match event, classes will tentatively begin on May 28.
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors in the Sioux Falls and Rapid City areas, as well as their surrounding communities, who are at least 16 years old.
Southeast Technical College’s Construction Career Academy offers high school students a paid, hands-on summer experience that allows them to earn while they learn. The program is conducted in partnership with the Associated General Contractors of South Dakota and schools in the Sioux Falls and Rapid City areas. It combines classroom instruction with on-the-job training, allowing students to learn directly from industry professionals.
During the program, you will be interviewed by construction professionals to evaluate job requirements and explore available opportunities. If selected, you will receive paid training, which includes classroom sessions, lab-based construction projects, and practical on-the-job experience. The program covers topics such as safety (OSHA 10), the use of basic hand and power tools, blueprint reading, construction fundamentals, soft skills important for workplace success, and career exploration. Additionally, you can earn five college credits and have the potential to make over $5,000 while training with local construction professionals.
Subject Areas: Music, jazz, percussion, choir, string orchestra, vocal and instrumental ensembles.
Location: University of South Dakota, Vermillion, SD
Cost:
- Early Bird Registration: $500 (resident campers) | $375 (commuter campers)
- Regular Registration: $525 (resident campers) | $400 (commuter campers)
- Students who earn Division I ratings on contest solos or are selected for any All-State ensemble are eligible for a $50 scholarship. However, each student can receive only one $50 performance scholarship.
- Schools or music organizations provide scholarships to their students. Students can reach out to these groups for details. These private scholarships can be combined with other camp scholarships.
Application Deadline: No specific deadline is mentioned, but registering early is advised to get lower fees.
Dates: July 13–July 18, 2025
Eligibility: Students who have finished grades 5–12 are eligible to apply.
The University of South Dakota’s Summer Music Camp is a six-day program for students interested in enhancing their musical abilities under the instruction of university faculty. The camp features daily rehearsals, masterclasses, and performances, concluding with a final concert. During the camp, you will participate in vocal and instrumental ensembles, along with other musical activities. The camp also offers opportunities for private lessons in a specific instrument or voice. You will also get to connect with others who share your passion for music while developing your instrumental or vocal skills.
Your day will typically begin at 8 a.m. with a schedule that includes age-appropriate activities such as rehearsals, sectionals, and classes. Evening events, including concerts and special activities, will also be part of your daily routine. The camp features two performances: Jazz bands, show choirs, and percussion ensembles will perform on Friday, July 18, 2025, at 3:30 p.m. in the Muenster University Center Ballroom. Concert bands, concert choirs, and the string orchestra will perform on Friday, July 19, 2025, at 7 p.m. in Aalfs Auditorium, Slagle Hall.
Subject Areas: Geology, geosciences careers, water quality, geologic hazards, mineral resources, and paleontology.
Location: South Dakota Mines, Rapid City, SD
Cost: $650
Application Deadline: Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
Dates: June 10–June 14 (tentatively)
Eligibility: Students enrolled in grades 9–12 can apply.
The Geology Rocks! Summer Camp at South Dakota Mines provides an opportunity for high school students to explore potential careers in geosciences. Throughout the camp, you will study the geology of the Black Hills and its impact on surface and groundwater quality, geologic hazards, mineral resources, and paleontology.
The camp includes visits to an active gold mine, a cave, the Mammoth Site, Badlands National Park, and various other geologically significant locations in the Black Hills. Through hands-on learning activities, you will gain knowledge about minerals, rocks, and fossils and their connections to the geologic history of the Black Hills. You will discuss fundamental geologic concepts and learn how to use topographic and geologic maps, as well as compass navigation. You will also explore the significance of water in both societal contexts and geologic processes, engage in mineral exploration and extraction, and observe the collection of rocks and minerals.
Subject Areas: Theater, dance, music, scene work, composition, and technical elements such as costume, props, and lighting.
Location: Black Hills Playhouse, Custer, SD
Cost: The cost is $950, which covers tuition, room and board, one t-shirt, all camp-provided experiences and supplies, and all instructional programs. Need-based financial aid is available.
Application Deadline: June 1, 2025
Dates: July 13–July 19, 2025
Eligibility: Students enrolled in grades 8–12 can apply.
The Black Hills Playhouse Junior Camp is a week-long residential theater camp set in the Black Hills for students interested in the performing arts. Throughout the camp, you will focus on acting techniques, stage direction, and production design, culminating in a final performance for friends and family.
You will engage with the creative process and explore material beyond the script. Classes and rehearsals will help you develop your range and engage in scene work and preparation. Instruction in dance and music will assist you in expressing the emotion and essence of the music. For those interested in technical production design, the camp offers lessons on scenery, props, costumes, lighting, and sound to enhance the performance and storytelling. You will learn to create a cohesive composition by integrating all the necessary technical elements to build the world of the story. This camp will allow you to cultivate your skills and creativity while collaborating with theater professionals in a supportive environment.
David Wilkinson is a freelance writer for Horizon and currently resides in the United States.