A high school finance internship allows you to move beyond textbook concepts and see how budgeting, reporting, investing, and operations work in real organizations. You might analyze spreadsheets, support bookkeeping tasks, assist with procurement, or observe how financial decisions shape business strategy. Along the way, you build technical skills, such as working with data and financial documents, and professional habits, including communication, time management, and client-facing etiquette. Whether you’re considering banking, accounting, public policy, fintech, or entrepreneurship, hands-on experience helps you test your interest before college.
Why choose Denver for a finance internship?
Denver offers a strong mix of public-sector institutions, global corporations, financial services firms, credit unions, startups, and major infrastructure hubs like Denver International Airport. The city’s growing economy means students can explore finance through corporate offices, municipal programs, community nonprofits, and workforce development initiatives.
To help you navigate your options, we’ve put together a list of 14 finance internships for high school students in Denver. If you’re exploring other pathways as well, you can also check out our guides to 14 Free Business Programs for High School Students and 15 Online Economics Research Opportunities for High School Students
14 Finance Internships for High School Students in Denver
1. DPS Launch Internship Program
Location: Denver, CO (varies by host company; in-person, hybrid, or virtual)
Cost/Stipend: No cost; fellowship grants up to $600 (fall/spring) or $1,600 (summer)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: School-based placement; varies by site
Dates: Fall, Spring (10–12 weeks, 8–10 hrs/week) | Summer (6 weeks, 18+ hrs/week)
Application Deadline: Varies by semester
Eligibility: Denver Public Schools high school students (availability depends on participating schools)
The Launch Internship Program places Denver high school students with companies, including those in finance-related fields, for structured work experience. You complete 75–110 hours during a semester or summer, building skills in budgeting, bookkeeping, financial reporting, and office operations while earning elective credit (and in some cases, potential college credit). The program includes professional training, ongoing coaching, and a final presentation that demonstrates what you’ve learned. Students who meet performance benchmarks are eligible for financial fellowship grants.
2. Air Academy Credit Union High School Internship Program
Location: Corporate headquarters (Colorado Springs) and branch locations across the South Denver metro
Stipend: Paid internship (hourly wage set by AAFCU; typically $14–$18/hr)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Limited by branch capacity; selective interview process
Dates: Seven-day training sessions in June and July, followed by summer and school-year placements
Application Deadline: Typically early April
Eligibility: High school juniors/seniors (age 16+), enrolled in one of the 10 AAFCU-serviced school districts
This year-long internship places you inside a working credit union, where you gain direct exposure to financial products, member services, and branch operations. After completing a required 7-day training at the corporate headquarters, you’re assigned to a branch for on-the-job experience that can extend through the academic year. You build practical skills in customer service, financial transactions, and day-to-day banking procedures while receiving quarterly performance reviews and mentorship from staff. Summer interns may work up to 35 hours per week, with reduced hours during the school year. Strong performance can lead to a letter of recommendation and consideration for part-time or full-time roles after graduation, providing a structured entry point into retail banking and financial services.
3. Junior Achievement (JA) High School Programs
Location: Metro Denver, CO (in-school and experiential program sites)
Cost: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: School-based participation; varies by program
Dates: Offered throughout the academic year
Application Deadline: Coordinated through participating schools
Eligibility: High school students in participating Metro Denver schools
Junior Achievement’s high school programs provide structured, hands-on exposure to business and financial literacy through experiential simulations and classroom-based modules. Programs such as JA Finance Park, JA Dream Accelerator, and the JA Stock Market Challenge immerse you in real-world financial decision-making, budgeting scenarios, investing simulations, and entrepreneurial planning. You develop practical skills in money management, business modeling, and strategic thinking while interacting with local professionals and mentors. Many programs are simulation-based, allowing you to test financial decisions in controlled, scenario-driven environments. While not traditional internships, these offerings function as applied financial education experiences that introduce you to core concepts in banking, investing, and entrepreneurship at no cost to participating schools.
4. Colorado Credit Union – Banzai Ambassador Program
Location: High schools across the Denver metro area (in-school with some virtual components)
Stipend: $12–$15 per hour
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not publicly listed; limited ambassador positions
Dates: September through May (academic year); 10–15 hours per week
Application Deadline: Not specified; contact Colorado Credit Union for annual updates
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors enrolled in Denver-area public or private schools
Through Colorado Credit Union’s Banzai Ambassador Program, you take on a leadership-facing role in financial education rather than a traditional back-office internship. Using the Banzai financial literacy platform, you help facilitate classroom simulations focused on budgeting, credit management, saving, and investing. You assist educators in guiding lessons, tracking student engagement, and reinforcing core personal finance concepts. The role blends peer leadership with applied financial instruction, culminating in events such as a Finance Fair where students present their learning. Over the academic year, you build communication skills, financial fluency, and experience delivering structured financial education in real classroom settings.
5. Western Union High School Internship
Location: Denver, CO (Western Union headquarters; format varies, may include in-person or hybrid components)
Stipend: Paid (varies by role and business need)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; limited positions based on departmental capacity
Dates: Typically 2–3 months (summer); varies annually
Application Deadline: Internships posted as available
Eligibility: High school students (availability varies by location and year)
Western Union’s internship model includes dedicated high school programming in select regions, and similar short-term opportunities may be available in Denver depending on business need. In a Denver-based placement, you would work within a global financial services company known for cross-border payments and digital transactions. The experience typically blends campus-to-corporate career training with group or individual project work, structured problem-solving, and professional development sessions. You gain exposure to international finance operations, compliance processes, and corporate team structures while building communication and analytical skills. Interns often present a final project and interact with leadership, providing a structured introduction to how a multinational financial technology company operates internally.
6. Denver Youth Employment Program (DYEP)
Location: City of Denver placements with local employers
Stipend: Paid; Denver minimum wage
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Cohort-based; varies by season and funding
Dates: Fall (75 hours), Spring (75 hours), Summer (110 hours)
Application Deadline: Varies by cohort
Eligibility: Ages 14–21; enrolled in an accredited Denver school; Denver resident; eligible to work in the U.S.; must meet low-income qualifications
The Denver Youth Employment Program (DYEP) places you in paid roles with local businesses and organizations across the city, combining foundational workforce training with hands-on experience. Before beginning your placement, you complete Job Readiness Training and Financial Literacy Training, which cover workplace expectations and core money-management skills. During the school year, you complete 75 hours; summer placements extend to 110 hours. Depending on your assigned site, finance-related roles may involve budgeting support, record-keeping, invoice tracking, or assisting with office operations. Throughout the program, you receive guidance from DYEP Job Coaches and mentorship from community professionals, providing structured exposure to real-world workplace environments early on.
7. Bank of America Student Leaders Program
Location: Nationwide (local nonprofit placement; Leadership Summit in Washington, D.C.)
Stipend: Paid internship; travel and summit expenses fully covered
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; approximately 300 students nationwide
Dates: 8 weeks in the summer
Application Deadline: January 15
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors authorized to work in the U.S., living in an eligible market, and not prior participants
The Bank of America Student Leaders Program places you in a paid, eight-week internship with a local nonprofit organization, where you work up to 35 hours per week on mission-driven initiatives. Depending on your placement, responsibilities may include supporting budgeting processes, assisting with fundraising strategy, contributing to financial planning, or helping streamline organizational operations. In addition to hands-on experience, you attend a fully funded, week-long Leadership Summit in Washington, D.C., where you participate in workshops on civic engagement, economic mobility, and public–private partnerships. The program operates in nearly 100 U.S. communities, including Denver, and is designed to strengthen leadership, professional communication, and workforce readiness.
8. Apprenticeship USA
Location: U.S.-wide placements, including Denver
Stipend: Paid
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Varies by employer and program
Dates: Varies by placement
Application Deadline: Varies by employer
Eligibility: High school students (often 16+; specific requirements depend on the role)
ApprenticeshipUSA connects you to Registered Apprenticeship programs that combine paid, on-the-job training with structured classroom instruction. Many opportunities are open to high school students and can be completed during the school year, after classes, or over breaks. If you’re interested in finance, you can explore apprenticeships in banking, insurance, accounting, or business operations. Roles may include bank teller, insurance associate, customer service representative, operations assistant, or risk consultant. Each listing outlines pay, program length, and qualifications, allowing you to earn while you learn and build toward an industry-recognized, nationally portable credential.
9. Achieving Excellence Academy
Location: Denver School of the Arts, Denver, CO
Cost: Free to attend
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Cohort-based; district program (size varies annually)
Dates: June 9 – July 2 (Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m.); Orientation June 5
Application Deadline: Not specified (summer program)
Eligibility: Incoming 9th–12th graders; priority for students from marginalized backgrounds; open to all rising high school students
The Achieving Excellence Academy (AEA) is a district-led summer program centered on cultural learning, leadership development, and student voice. You participate in workshops, discussions, and community-based learning experiences that explore identity, coalition-building, and change-making. While not a finance internship itself, AEA builds core competencies in communication, critical thinking, collaboration, and leadership that directly support future opportunities in business and financial services. The program also connects you with educators and community partners, expanding your local network before you apply for internships in banking, accounting, or nonprofit finance. For students interested in finance pathways, AEA can function as a foundational leadership experience that strengthens both your résumé and your readiness for structured, career-focused programs later in high school.
10. DENtern Program – Denver International Airport
Location: Denver International Airport (DEN), Denver, CO
Stipend: Typically paid
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive; varies by department each year
Dates: 10-week (summer), 6-month, or year-long options; programs typically begin in June
Application Deadline: Applications open annually in February (posted on Denvergov.org/jobs)
Eligibility: High school and college students
The DENtern Program offers high school students the opportunity to work at one of the busiest airports in the U.S., with placements in finance, procurement, and business administration. Depending on your department, you may assist with budgeting, financial reporting, contract tracking, or operational analysis that supports airport operations. Programs range from 10-week to year-long experiences, providing deeper exposure to large-scale public-sector finance and operations. Beyond project work, you participate in mentoring, professional development sessions, airport tours, and a structured capstone project. For students interested in finance within government or infrastructure settings, DENtern offers a practical look at how financial systems support complex, high-volume operations
11. Emma Bowen Foundation (EBF) Summer Internship Program
Location: Various locations across the United States (depends on partner company)
Stipend: Paid
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive; approximately 150 Fellows selected
Dates: Vary by partner company; most internships begin in May or June
Application Deadline: Rolling review; final non-selection notifications typically sent by May 15
Eligibility: High school seniors planning to attend or currently attending a four-year U.S. college; minimum 3.0 GPA; at least 18 years old before the internship starts; authorized to work in the U.S.
Through the Emma Bowen Foundation, you are matched with a partner company in media, entertainment, or technology for a full-time summer role (35–40 hours per week). Depending on placement, you may work in business operations, sales, PR, digital strategy, engineering, journalism, or production. The application process is ongoing, and EBF reaches out when your profile aligns with an available role, meaning timelines can vary from fall through spring. During the internship, you contribute to real projects while building professional skills in communication, collaboration, and industry-specific tools. With a limited national cohort and structured review process, the program offers competitive access to major companies across multiple sectors.
12. CLA High School Internship Program
Location: Various CLA offices across the United States (including Denver)
Stipend: Paid
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive; approximately 60–70 students selected
Dates: 4 weeks (typically mid-June through July/August, depending on office)
Application Deadline: Typically January
Eligibility: High school students at least 16 years old at the start of the program; authorized to work in the U.S. without visa sponsorship
The CLA High School Internship is a short-term, in-person program designed to introduce you to accounting and professional services. Over four weeks, you work through interactive case studies and team-based projects that simulate client-facing financial work. You gain exposure to multiple service lines, including audit, tax, and consulting, while shadowing professionals to understand how firms manage reporting, compliance, and advisory services. Interns typically work Monday through Thursday and receive a laptop for the duration of the program. Through structured activities and direct observation, you develop a clearer understanding of accounting workflows, professional communication, and the collaborative culture of a national firm.
13. The CU Denver Pre-Collegiate Development Program (PCDP)
Location: Denver, CO
Cost/Stipend: Free to attend
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Nomination-based; cohort size varies by partner school
Dates: Year-round; monthly Saturday Academies plus a summer residential component
Application Deadline: No public deadline; students are nominated by school counselors
Eligibility: First-generation high school students (neither parent has earned a four-year degree); minimum 2.5 GPA; must attend a partner school
The CU Denver Pre-Collegiate Development Program supports first-generation students through structured academic and college-readiness programming. You attend monthly Saturday Academies focused on study strategies, time management, test preparation, and leadership development, alongside workshops on college admissions and financial aid planning. The program also includes career exploration sessions and guidance on course selection to prepare for postsecondary pathways. While not a traditional finance internship, it strengthens core competencies in organization, long-term planning, and financial literacy, which are directly relevant when applying to business- or finance-focused opportunities. The summer residential experience and year-round mentorship model provide sustained academic support as you prepare for college and future career tracks.
14. Women’s Alliance in STEM and Humanities (WASH) Summer Research Institute
Location: Virtual
Cost: Typically low-cost or free (varies by year; check application details)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective cohort model; limited seats per track
Dates: Six-week summer program; culminates in early August virtual showcase
Application Deadline: Varies annually (spring cycle)
Eligibility: Students in grades 6–12
The WASH Summer Research Institute (SRI) is a six-week virtual research program where you work closely with mentors on an independent project within a specialized track. One of the available pathways, “Finance + Computer Science,” guides you in building applied projects, such as fintech applications, by combining programming fundamentals with financial modeling concepts. You attend weekly 2–3 hour workshops that cover both foundational theory and emerging applications, while completing structured research checkpoints throughout the week. Mentors from universities such as Princeton, UPenn, Johns Hopkins, NYU, USC, and Cornell provide feedback and evaluate final projects. The program concludes with a virtual research showcase, where you present your work in a science-fair-style setting, making it a strong academic complement to a future finance or fintech internship
One more option – Horizon Academic Research Program
If you’re looking for a competitive mentored research program in subjects like financial modelling and economics, 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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