Geoscience covers the study of Earth’s structure, processes, atmosphere, and environmental systems. Instead of textbook reading, internships allow you to work with real field tools, scientific instruments, environmental datasets, and discipline-specific software like GIS, Python for data analysis, or remote sensing platforms.
Why Take Geoscience Internships in High School?
Geoscience internships for high school students help you build technical skills early. Through structured projects, you practice professional data handling, quantitative analysis, scientific observation, and research communication, skills that are central to fields like climate research, hydrology, and environmental geochemistry. These internships also let you test what aspects of geoscience (fieldwork, lab work, modeling, or sensor deployment) you enjoy most before committing to college majors or research pathways.
How Do These Internships Differ From Short-Term Programs?
Unlike one-off workshops or camps, geoscience internships for high school students are typically structured around sustained projects. You’re expected to collect data, follow research protocols, and communicate findings through posters or presentations. That long-form engagement is what distinguishes internships and makes them particularly valuable for academic and career exploration.
If you’re interested in exploring more ways to build research experience in STEM, you can also check out our guides on 15 Earth Sciences Summer Programs for High School Students and 16 Geology Research Opportunities for High School Students.
15 Geoscience Internships for High School Students
1. STEM Enhancement in Earth Science (SEES) Summer Intern Program
Location: Hosted by NASA in partnership with the University of Texas at Austin Center for Space Research; the program is primarily virtual, with an optional on-site experience
Cost: Fully funded
Dates: Online preparatory coursework runs from May 15–July 1 | Virtual research and mentoring runs from June 1–July 3 | Onsite projects run from July 5–18 | The SEES Virtual Science Symposium takes place on July 20–21
Application Deadline: February 22
Eligibility: Open to U.S. high school sophomores or juniors who are 16 years or older and have an interest in STEM fields
In the SEES Summer Intern Program, you work with NASA scientists and engineers on research related to Earth and space science. The program begins with online modules that introduce you to using NASA satellite data for topics such as climate, remote sensing, and natural hazards. If you participate in the on-site portion at the University of Texas at Austin, you collaborate in teams and receive in-person guidance from mentors. Throughout the program, you develop research skills by analyzing data and refining your project work. The experience concludes with a Virtual Science Symposium, where you present your findings and practice explaining scientific results. This structure allows you to build experience in data analysis, problem-solving, and collaborative research.
2. Virginia Earth System Science Scholars (VESSS) Program
Location: Online instruction | NASA Langley Research Center, Hampton, VA (on-site week)
Cost: No cost to students
Dates: Online Fall/Spring semester (Dec–Apr), followed by a one-week summer residential session
Application Deadline: October 26
Eligibility: Open to Virginia high school juniors and seniors who are U.S. citizens and have a minimum GPA of 2.7
In the Virginia Earth System Science Scholars (VESSS) Program, you study how Earth’s atmosphere, land, and oceans function as connected systems using NASA-supported resources. The program starts with an online course that introduces topics such as climate processes, satellite data, and Earth system models. Your performance in the online portion determines whether you are invited to attend a one-week summer session at NASA Langley Research Center. During the in-person session, you work with other students to examine satellite data and address environmental research questions. By the end of the program, you will have gained a stronger foundation in Earth science concepts and practised working with scientific data in a team setting.
3. Secondary School Field Research Program (SSFRP) — Lamont‑Doherty Earth Observatory, Columbia University
Location: Lamont‑Doherty Earth Observatory, Palisades, NY (field site at Piermont Marsh, Rockland County, NY)
Cost | Stipend: No program fee | Students receive a monetary stipend
Dates: Six weeks during summer (June–August)
Application Deadline: March 2
Eligibility: High school students in grades 10–12 from designated partner schools | Must be at least 16 years old
In SSFRP, you act as an early‑career researcher working on field and lab projects focused on marsh and estuarine environments. You join a team that typically includes high school students, a teacher, undergraduate mentors, and a Columbia researcher. Your fieldwork is centered at Piermont Marsh, where you may study sediment accumulation, nutrient cycles, groundwater chemistry, plant distributions, or fish communities. You also spend time in Lamont and Earth Institute laboratories analyzing samples and processing data. You develop a research question with your team, collect and interpret data, and prepare a poster presentation for a final symposium. Because eligibility is limited to partner schools, you need to confirm that your school is on the current list before starting an application.
4. Hutton Junior Fisheries Biology Program
Location: Offered at sites across the United States, including placements in Connecticut, within a 45-minute commute of your home
Cost | Stipend: No cost | Participants receive a $3,000 stipend
Dates: Flexible 8-week period in June–August
Application Deadline: January 25
Eligibility: Open to high school students, with a focus on supporting participation from groups underrepresented in fisheries, aquatic science, and related fields
In the Hutton Junior Fisheries Biology Program, you are matched with a local fisheries professional for an eight-week research experience. You spend time in the field assisting with activities such as fish surveys, habitat monitoring, and water quality measurements. Your mentor provides guidance on research methods and explains how field data are collected and recorded. Through this work, you learn how scientific information is used in fisheries management and conservation planning. The program centers on direct participation rather than classroom instruction. By the end of the experience, you have practical exposure to aquatic science work and a clearer understanding of careers in fisheries and environmental science.
5. Environmentor Internship — RISE (Rockaway Initiative for Sustainability and Equity), Rockaway
Location: RISE, Far Rockaway, NY
Stipend: Paid stipend (typically up to about $1,200)
Dates: June–mid-August
Application Deadline: Summer portal opens in March | In-person group interview in May
Eligibility: High school students in grades 9–11 who live or attend school in NYC near the Rockaway peninsula | Priority for Shore Corps participants
In the Environmentor Internship, you conduct authentic research on the Rockaway shoreline under mentorship from scientists at local universities and research institutions. You participate in orientations and workshops in June, then attend in person for six weeks in July and August, where you will work on an individual research project. You will also receive training in water safety, CPR, kayaking, biking, and surfing. You will also participate in RISE community service weekend events and earn community service hours. The program is part of the Pinkerton Science Scholars and New York City Science Research Mentoring Consortium led by the American Museum of Natural History.
6. Girls in Science Fellowship — Earthwatch
Location: Field sites in California (Sierra Meadows) or Acadia National Park (Greater New England Region) | Oregon eligibility for a specific school
Cost: Fully funded
Dates: July 11–18 or August 1–8 (California) | August 9–15 (New England)
Application Deadline: February 28
Eligibility: Females or nonbinary students aged 15–18 | Rising sophomores, juniors, and seniors, from California, Greater New England Region, or Rex Putnam High School (Milwaukie, OR) | Historically underrepresented in STEM preferred
In Girls in Science, you join one-week expeditions to conduct hands-on environmental research with female scientists. You use high-tech equipment and observation methods to collect data on topics such as meadow restoration (Sierra Meadows, CA) and climate impacts from the sea to the trees (Acadia NP, ME). Post-expedition, you complete a Volunteer Evaluation, a Field Report with an essay and thank-you letter within 30 days, and a presentation to your school or community. The program prioritizes diverse fellows, including those from underrepresented racial/ethnic groups, socioeconomic backgrounds, and gender identities, within a female-identified space.
7. Project TRUE (Teens Researching Urban Ecology)
Location: Bronx Zoo and field sites, Bronx, NY
Stipend: $750 stipend or $16 per hour for the summer session | $350 stipend for the fall session
Dates: Summer session runs from late June through August | Fall session runs from September through December
Application Deadline: February 25
Eligibility: Open to high school sophomores and juniors who live in the Bronx, are in good academic standing, are comfortable working outdoors, and are interested in science and urban ecology
In the Project TRUE program, you take part in ecological research focused on urban environments in New York City. The program, led by the Wildlife Conservation Society’s Bronx Zoo in collaboration with Fordham University, places you on a small research team. You work on projects that may involve studying local mammals, bird populations, or water quality in city green spaces. Your responsibilities include collecting data, contributing to research design, and analyzing results. With guidance from Fordham undergraduates and WCS educators, you learn how field research is carried out in an urban setting. The program concludes with you sharing your findings with scientists and community audiences.
8. Forest Project — Wave Hill
Location: Wave Hill, Bronx, NY
Stipend: A stipend of approximately $2,275 is paid through NYC SYEP
Dates: Summer (specific dates unspecified)
Application Deadline: February 27 | Separate NYC SYEP application due by March 1
Eligibility: NYC high school students age 16+ by May 1, eligible to work in the the U.S., committed to rigorous fieldwork and coursework | Particularly encourages Black, Latinx, Indigenous applicants from under-resourced communities
In the Forest Project, you participate in a paid summer internship focused on ecological restoration and urban ecology. You work in small crews on hands-on fieldwork such as building woodland trails, removing invasive plant species, and shoring up eroded slopes. You join field trips to partner organizations for exchanges, discussions, or exploration of research topics with other youth groups. You are enrolled in Restoration of New York City’s Natural Areas, an accredited intro-level college course taught by Wave Hill staff that covers ecology, environmental management, group projects, data collection, and research.
9. Summer High School Internship Program (SHIP) — National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)
Location: NIST, Gaithersburg, MD and Boulder, CO (primarily Gaithersburg for high school SHIP)
Cost | Stipend: No cost to participants | Unpaid educational internship
Dates: June 22 – August 7
Application Deadline: January 26
Eligibility: U.S. citizenship | High school junior or senior with a minimum unweighted GPA of 3.0 |Must live within ~50 miles of the host campus
In SHIP, you work with a NIST mentor on a defined research project in one of the institute’s laboratories. While many projects are in physics, engineering, or computing, some placements involve materials characterization or environmental measurements relevant to geoscience‑related skills. You commit to a full‑time schedule during the program dates, in accordance with NIST’s workplace expectations. Your daily work may include data collection, literature searches, simple experiments, and basic data analysis. You participate in educational seminars and professional development activities for high school interns. At the end of the program, you present your project in a poster session or similar forum. You must apply through your high school or an approved partner, so you coordinate with a school contact before submitting materials.
10. NSF GEO Career Development Resources — Geoscience‑Related Student Opportunities
Location: Various universities, labs, and field sites across the U.S.
Cost/Stipend: Varies by program | Many research experiences are paid
Dates: Vary by opportunity | Many are in summer or academic terms
Application Deadline: Varies by opportunity
Eligibility: Varies by program | Some include opportunities for high school students
Through this GEO resource hub, you can find multiple geoscience‑related opportunities funded by the National Science Foundation. The site aggregates internships, research experiences, and pathway programs in atmospheric, ocean, Earth, and polar sciences. Some listings are targeted at undergraduates, but others mention high school eligibility or recent high school graduates. You typically apply directly to the host institution, following its specific timelines and requirements. The resource helps you identify programs aligned with particular subfields, such as seismology, hydrology, or climate science. You should carefully review each listing to confirm that high school students are eligible before applying.
11. Environmental Credit Programs — Penn State Scranton
Location: Penn State Scranton, Dunmore, PA
Cost/Stipend: Free tuition (includes book rental) | Full scholarships available
Dates: Environmental Science: January 12 – May 1 | Earth & Environmental Systems Geography: Fall (dates TBD) | Climate Change: Biological Impacts: Summer (dates TBD)
Application Deadline: Rolling or contact admissions for each course term
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors
In these programs, you enrol in free, college-credit environmental science courses offered in-person at Penn State Scranton. Environmental Science (BISC 3) examines the environmental crisis, including deterioration of the atmosphere, oceans, forests, soils, and biodiversity loss, while exploring scientific, technological, sociological, psychological, and personal responses. Earth & Environmental Systems Geography (GEOG 4) covers Earth system components such as geosphere, hydrosphere, biosphere, atmosphere, and human influences through processes, feedback, and cycles with geographic emphasis. Climate Change: Biological Impacts (BIOL 144) examines the effects of climate change on organisms, populations, communities, and ecosystems, including disease dynamics and ecosystem functioning. You develop skills in critical thinking, data analysis, scientific article review, and sustainable practices. You earn 3 credits per course and access Google Earth story maps or presentations on biomes and global impacts.
12. Northwest Youth Corps — Youth Community Program
Location: Community-based sites in Oregon, Washington, and Idaho
Cost | Stipend: $200 tuition with financial aid options available | A stipend of $480 per week, with a possible additional $40 weekly bonus, is paid
Dates: Five-week sessions between June and August (vary by location)
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Open to students ages 15–18 who live in participating communities in the Northwest
In the Youth Community Program, you work on conservation projects in your local area over a five-week period. Under the direction of trained crew leaders, you take part in activities such as maintaining trails, planting trees, removing invasive plants, and building fences. The program follows a daily schedule where you meet at a work site, complete field tasks, and return home each day. Alongside the hands-on work, you participate in regular learning sessions focused on ecology, teamwork, and land management. The program balances physical fieldwork with structured instruction. Through this experience, you earn a stipend and gain practical experience working on environmental projects in your community.
13. ESR Summer Institute — Earth and Space Research
Location: Earth and Space Research, Seattle, WA area
Cost | Stipend: Unspecified
Dates: Four weeks in summer
Application Deadline: Unspecified
Eligibility: High school students in the Seattle area
In the ESR Summer Institute, you engage in a four-week mentored research experience in geosciences. You work on projects with tangible outcomes such as educational blog posts, presentations at regional/national conferences, or peer-reviewed publications. You collaborate with researchers on topics tied to Earth and space science. The program focuses on hands-on inquiry for local high school students. You develop research skills through direct mentorship. Past participants have also presented at professional events.
14. Next Generation of Hudson River Scientists & Educators — Lamont-Doherty
Location: Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory / Hudson River Field Station, Palisades, NY
Cost | Stipend: Paid
Dates: Six weeks during the summer
Application Deadline: March 1
Eligibility: High school students (typically ages 16+)
In this program, you participate in a six-week summer experience focused on Hudson River science. With mentorship from Lamont-Doherty scientists and from near-peer mentors in the Rockland Conservation & Service Corps, you conduct place-based investigations that may include biodiversity surveys, water-quality sampling, and ecological monitoring tied to river dynamics. You also learn how to translate scientific data into communication pieces for community audiences and present your work through posters or outreach outputs. The program emphasizes both field science skills and communication grounded in real ecological data and systems thinking.
15. Young Investigators Program — Stanford Doerr School of Sustainability
Location: Stanford University, Stanford, CA
Cost: Fee applies (exact amount unspecified)
Dates: Weekly research schedule in summer
Application Deadline: March 15
Eligibility: High school students who have completed at least one year of high school and live and attend school within ~25 miles of Stanford
At Stanford’s Young Investigators program, you spend the summer working within research groups at the Doerr School of Sustainability and related Earth sciences labs. You are paired with graduate scholars, postdocs, or lab managers to work on projects in areas like environmental systems, Earth and planetary sciences, energy, or sustainability. Weekly group talks, lab tours, and field activities expand your exposure to scientific processes and research environments. This internship develops hands-on skills in scientific inquiry and deepens understanding of how research groups operate within sustainability and geoscience contexts.
One more option — Horizon Academic Research Program
If you’re looking for a competitive mentored research program in subjects like geology, geophysics, environmental geoscience, climate systems, and geospatial data analysis, consider applying toHorizon’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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