Key Takeaways
- These 15 internships span STEM, government, defense, and the arts, from cybersecurity and cancer research to aerospace engineering and museum careers, reflecting Virginia’s dense mix of federal labs, defense contractors, and universities.
- Many of these programs, including the Commonwealth Cyber Initiative Cybersecurity Internship and the FCPS Summer Internship Program, are paid opportunities, while a few, like the VCU Medical Science Internship Program, are unpaid but free to participate in.
- Program length and structure vary considerably, from short five- to six-week research placements to year-long commitments like the Fairfax County Youth Leadership Program and Virginia Aerospace Science and Technology Scholars.
- Several internships are restricted by residency or commuting distance, such as the SURATech/Jefferson Lab program and the FCPS Summer Internship Program, so location is worth checking closely before you apply.
- If you’re looking for a research-focused option beyond a workplace internship, Horizon’s Research Seminars and Labs offers a mentored path toward an independent research paper across a wide range of academic fields.
15 Internships for High School Students in Virginia
If you’re a high school student in Virginia looking to gain real-world work experience, you’re in the right place. The state is home to NASA research centers, major defense contractors, public universities, and a robust cybersecurity sector, all of which run internship programs specifically for students your age. Unlike extracurriculars or school projects, internships place you in actual working environments where you can apply your skills, contribute to meaningful work and explore potential career paths.
What Do Internships for High Schoolers Include?
High school internships in Virginia span a wide range of fields and formats; some are lab-based, others are government placements, and a few involve defense or aerospace work. Depending on the program you choose, you might be running experiments in a cancer research lab, working alongside NASA engineers on data analysis, debugging code for satellite systems, or assisting with policy work inside a local county agency.
Many STEM internships also introduce you to the tools and technologies used by professionals every day. On the technical side, you might work with laboratory instruments such as spectrometers, centrifuges, and PCR machines in life science settings, or with software tools including Python, MATLAB, and GIS in data and engineering roles. Cybersecurity internships introduce you to topics such as penetration testing, network security frameworks, and ethical hacking concepts. Government and public service internships tend to focus on project coordination, data management, and policy research.
Most programs pair you with a mentor or supervising professional who gives structured feedback throughout your internship. Some include professional development workshops on resume writing, communication, and career pathways to help you prepare for future opportunities. Many culminate in a presentation, poster session, or final deliverable that you can reference in college applications.
Why Should You Choose an Internship in Virginia?
Virginia’s position in the national STEM and defense ecosystem gives high school students access to workplace opportunities that are hard to find elsewhere. Hampton Roads is home to NASA Langley Research Center, one of the agency’s oldest and most active facilities and Wallops Flight Facility on the Eastern Shore. The Northern Virginia corridor houses a dense cluster of defense and cybersecurity firms, including Lockheed Martin’s Space Division, Northrop Grumman, and Booz Allen Hamilton, many of which run structured high school programs.
The state’s public university system is also a significant asset. Institutions such as George Mason University, Virginia Commonwealth University, and the College of William & Mary run hands-on summer research programs that place high school students directly in active labs. Richmond’s VCU Medical Center, for instance, supports internships in cancer research, biomedical science, and dental careers.
Beyond STEM, Virginia also offers internships through government agencies, particularly in Fairfax County, which offers structured civic and IT internship pathways for students interested in public service or tech. The Commonwealth Cyber Initiative, a statewide effort funded by the Virginia General Assembly, specifically targets high school students for cybersecurity workforce development.
This list covers 15 of the best internet options for high school students in Virginia across STEM, public service, the arts, and other fields. If you’re also interested in research-focused opportunities, you can explore Horizon’s list of free summer programs for high school students in Virginia.
1. Aspiring Scientists Summer Internship Program (ASSIP)
Location: Fairfax, Virginia, VA
Stipend: $25 application fee; $1,299 tuition for 3 college credits (fee waivers and tuition assistance available based on financial need)
Cohort size: Not publicly available
Dates: June 18 – August 12
Application Deadline: Applications typically close in early 2026 (the 2026 application cycle is closed)
Eligibility: High school students who are at least 15 years old by June 18, 2026, for remote, hybrid, or computer-based internships. Students participating in wet-lab research projects must be at least 16 years old. Applicants must not have graduated from a university before or during the internship
The Aspiring Scientists Summer Internship Program (ASSIP) is an eight-week research internship for high school and undergraduate students at George Mason University. As an intern, you’ll work directly with faculty mentors on research projects in fields such as computer science, engineering, biology, cybersecurity, neuroscience, and environmental science. Along the way, you’ll gain hands-on research experience, develop scientific writing and communication skills, and participate in career exploration activities. The program also allows students to earn three college credits while conducting original research. Many participants present their findings at the end of the summer, and some contribute to scientific publications or conference presentations.
2. Commonwealth Cyber Initiative High School Cybersecurity Internship Program
Location: Northern Virginia, VA, virtual, hybrid, and in-person placements available depending on the host organization
Stipend: $2,650
Cohort size: Not publicly available
Dates: Two-week bootcamp followed by a five-week internship (summer program)
Application Deadline: January 31
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors and rising first-year college students who are at least 17 years old and interested in cybersecurity careers
The Commonwealth Cyber Initiative High School Cybersecurity Internship Program provides high school students with early exposure to careers in cybersecurity and technology through a combination of professional training and industry experience. You’ll complete a two-week skills bootcamp that includes both virtual and in-person sessions before beginning a five-week internship with a cyber-related company or organization. Internship placements may be conducted in person, remotely, or in a hybrid format, depending on the host organization. Throughout the program, you’ll participate in regular reflection sessions and progress reviews. The internship introduces students to various areas within the technology sector, including cybersecurity, software development, data science, and information security. By the end of the program, you’ll have a better understanding of the industry’s career pathways and valuable hands-on experience to build on in the future.
3. Horizon Academic Research Program (HARP)
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies depending on program type. Financial aid available.
Dates: The spring and fall cohorts run 15 weeks, while the summer cohort runs 10 weeks (June-September).
Application Date: Multiple deadlines throughout the year for the Spring, Summer and Fall cohorts.
Eligibility: High school students with good academic standing (>3.67/4.0 GPA) can apply. Most accepted students are 10th- or 11th-graders! A few tracks require prerequisites; see here.
Horizon offers trimester-long research programs for high school students in subjects such as data science, machine learning, political theory, and more! Horizon is one of the few research programs for high school students that offers you the choice to engage in either quantitative or qualitative research. Once you select a particular subject track, Horizon pairs you with a professor/PhD scholar who acts as a mentor throughout your research journey. As a participant, you will be expected to develop a 20-page research paper that you can send to prestigious journals for publication as a high school student. The program also provides a letter of recommendation for each student and detailed project feedback you can use to improve future projects. Apply here!
4. Lockheed Martin Space High School Internship Program
Location: Herndon, VA along with Denver, CO; Sunnyvale, CA; Cape Canaveral, FL; King of Prussia/Valley Forge, PA; Huntsville, AL
Stipend: Paid internship (exact stipend amount not publicly available)
Cohort size: Not publicly available
Dates: June – August (9+ weeks)
Application Deadline: Applications typically open from October to January for the following summer
Eligibility: Applicants must be at least 16 years old at the start of the internship, attend a local high school, and live within commuting distance of a participating Lockheed Martin facility. Students should demonstrate an interest in STEM careers. High school seniors graduating in May are not eligible
This internship gives high school students the opportunity to gain hands-on summer work experience in aerospace and engineering environments. As an intern, you’ll work alongside scientists and engineers on projects related to space and defense technologies over a period of more than nine weeks. The program includes on-the-job training, mentoring, and opportunities to learn about different STEM careers. You may also participate in networking events, community service activities, and facility tours that introduce them to a wide range of STEM career pathways. The internship is intended for students interested in exploring careers in engineering, computer science, and other STEM fields.
5. FCPS Summer Internship Program
Location: Fairfax County, Virginia, VA
Stipend: Paid internship (exact stipend amount not publicly available)
Cohort size: Not publicly available
Dates: July 6 – August 14 (six weeks)
Application Deadline: Not publicly available
Eligibility: Open to current Fairfax County Public Schools high school students and FCPS alumni enrolled in post-secondary education. This listing applies specifically to current FCPS high school students
The FCPS Summer Internship Program is a six-week paid internship that provides Fairfax County Public Schools students with hands-on work experience in central office departments. As an intern, you’ll participate in weekly professional development sessions covering topics such as communication, resume writing, networking, and personal finance. Internship opportunities are available across departments including information technology, human resources, school operations, and business services. The program lets high school students explore potential career interests while developing workplace and professional skills.
6. Community High School Engagement and Learning (CHiSEL) Program
Location: Richmond, Virginia, VA
Stipend: Not publicly available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not publicly available
Dates: June 22–July 24
Application Deadline: February 6
Eligibility: Applicants must be rising high school juniors or seniors and be able to attend the entire program in person. Students must be available during scheduled work hours and cannot have conflicting commitments such as vacations, jobs, or classes. A letter of recommendation and an updated resume are required
The Community High School Engagement and Learning (CHiSEL) Program is a five-week summer research program for high school students interested in cancer research and biomedical sciences. You’ll be paired with researchers at the VCU Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center and gain hands-on experience in laboratory and research settings. Over a minimum of 25 hours each week, you’ll conduct research, and participate in seminars, networking opportunities, and discussions about cancer research and community health. The program also introduces students to the role of community engagement in cancer research and healthcare. At the end of the program, participants present their work during the Summer Research Symposium.
7. James City County General Services Internship Program
Location: Williamsburg, Virginia, VA
Stipend: Not publicly available
Cohort size: One intern is accepted for each available position.
Dates: Summer session: June 16 – August 14
Application Deadline: May 10
Eligibility: Open to high school and college students. This listing applies specifically to high school students interested in public service, engineering, facilities management, sustainability, and related fields. Applicants must submit a resume, recent school transcript, and indicate their area of interest
The James City County General Services Internship Program provides high school students with hands-on experience in local government operations and public service. As an intern, you’ll work alongside professionals within county departments such as facilities maintenance, engineering, sustainability, fleet and equipment, administration, and stormwater management. You’ll gain exposure to professional work environments while receiving guidance from supervisors and participating in training and orientation activities. The program emphasizes workplace skills, professional conduct, and safety practices. You’ll also have opportunities to explore careers related to public administration, engineering, and community services.
8. EO Ignite Student Internship Program
Location: Southwest Virginia, VA
Stipend: Paid internship (students are paid directly by the host employer; amount varies by organization)
Cohort size: Not publicly available
Dates: Summer program (June–July); students complete 82 hours during the summer
Application Deadline: Not publicly available
Eligibility: Students must be at least 16 years old by June 1, have reliable transportation, be eligible to work in the United States, be available to complete 82 hours during the summer, and have selected a career pathway in MajorClarity. Applicants must also complete a resume, cover letter, and obtain two teacher recommendations
The EO Ignite Student Internship Program provides high school students with paid summer internships at local businesses and organizations. You’ll work directly with employer mentors and gain hands-on experience in a professional setting while completing 82 hours of work during the summer. Internship opportunities are available across multiple industries, including healthcare, construction, technology, and business services. Participants develop workplace skills, explore career interests, and build professional networks through their internship experiences. The program also helps students connect classroom learning with potential career pathways, and gain experience that can be included on future resumes and applications.
9. JSSA High School Internship Program
Location: Maryland, Washington, D.C.,DC, and Northern Virginia, VA
Stipend: Unpaid; students may earn Student Service-Learning (SSL) hours
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not publicly available
Dates: Flexible schedule; students are encouraged to commit 12–16 hours per week
Application Deadline: Varies annually; Summer 2026 applications are closed
Eligibility: Open to local high school students who live in the National Capital Region, including parts of Maryland, Washington, DC, and Northern Virginia. Students must be able to commute to JSSA locations as required
The JSSA High School Internship Program introduces high school students to careers in nonprofit and human services organizations. As an intern, you’ll work with different departments across the agency and gain firsthand exposure to the daily operations of a multidisciplinary social services organization. You may assist with administrative projects, support youth programs, attend meetings, observe professional collaboration, and contribute to community outreach initiatives. The program offers flexibility for students to explore departments that align with their interests while developing transferable workplace skills in a supportive workplace environment. Participants can also earn Student Service Learning (SSL) hours toward their high school graduation requirements through their internship experience.
10. CLA High School Internship Experience
Location: In-person at participating CLA offices (location varies)
Stipend: Paid, amount not publicly specified
Cohort size: Not publicly available
Dates: June 15 – July 16 (off June 29 – July 3)
Application Deadline: Not publicly available
Eligibility: Applicants must be at least 16 years old at the start of the program, have reliable transportation, and be able to attend the entire four-week program in person. Students under 18 must submit any required working papers. Applicants must also be authorized to work in the United States without employer-sponsored visa support
The CLA High School Internship Experience introduces high school students to careers in accounting, consulting, and professional services. As an intern, you’ll learn about the accounting industry through interactive case studies and exposure to a variety of client organizations and industries. You’ll also shadow professionals at different career levels and gain insights into how teams serve clients and support their communities. The program also includes collaborative team projects that help students understand workplace culture and professional environments. Interns attend the program Monday through Thursday, receive a laptop for use during the experience, and participate in all activities in person.
11. Virginia Aerospace Science and Technology Scholars (VASTS)
Location: Online
Stipend: Free program; selected summer academy participants receive transportation, housing, and meals
Cohort size: Not publicly available
Dates: Online course runs during the school year beginning in late November; selected students attend a one-week summer academy
Application Deadline: October 26
Eligibility: Applicants must be Virginia residents and U.S. citizens or permanent residents, be current high school juniors or seniors who are at least 16 years old, have a minimum 2.7 GPA, and demonstrate an interest in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics. Students must also have internet access and submit a teacher recommendation and counselor verification
The Virginia Aerospace Science and Technology Scholars (VASTS) program is a year-long STEM experience that combines online coursework with an optional summer academy at NASA Langley Research Center. During the school year, you’ll complete web-based modules focused on space exploration, engineering, and scientific problem-solving. Participants work on projects such as designing crew vehicles, proposing upgrades for the International Space Station, and discussing current topics in space science. Students who perform well in the online course may be selected to attend a week-long residential academy featuring hands-on activities, facility tours, and mentorship from NASA scientists and engineers. The program introduces students to aerospace, engineering, and space science through both virtual and in-person experiences.
12. Fairfax County Youth Leadership Program (FCYLP)
Location: Fairfax County, Virginia, VA
Stipend: $1,000 stipend
Cohort size: Highly competitive; cohort size not publicly available
Dates: Monthly meetings from February through the academic year, plus a three-week internship in July
Application Deadline: November 7 (for current high school juniors)
Eligibility: Open to current high school juniors in Fairfax County. Applicants must submit one letter of recommendation and commit to attending monthly meetings, completing a three-week internship, participating in leadership activities, and arranging their own transportation
The Fairfax County Youth Leadership Program (FCYLP) is a year-long leadership and civic engagement program for high school juniors. Participants attend monthly learning sessions that introduce them to local government, public policy, and community leadership. As part of the program, you’ll complete a paid three-week internship within a Fairfax County department in July, working 40 hours each week. Moreover, you’ll interview local officials, observe public meetings, and serve as ambassadors by presenting to middle school civics classes. The program helps students develop their leadership skills, gain professional experience, and learn how local government operates.
13. VCU Medical Science Internship Program (MSIP)
Location: Richmond, Virginia, VA
Stipend: Free to participate; no application fee or tuition. No stipend provided.
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not publicly available.
Dates: June 15 – July 24
Application Deadline: February 12
Eligibility: High school students, preferably rising juniors and seniors, who reside in the Greater Richmond area. Students must be able to commute to campus independently and commit approximately 30–40 hours per week during the program
The Medical Science Internship Program (MSIP) is a six-week summer research program for high school students interested in medicine and biomedical research. As an intern, you’ll work in VCU research laboratories under the guidance of faculty mentors, graduate students, and M.D./Ph.D. trainees. You’ll conduct laboratory research projects and attend weekly seminars led by VCU faculty and affiliated organizations. Along the way, you’ll develop scientific communication skills by preparing a research poster and presentation. The program concludes with a research symposium, with students presenting their work to mentors, peers, family members, and the VCU community.
14. Virginia Museum of Fine Arts (VMFA) Teen Internship Programs
Location: Richmond, Virginia, VA
Stipend: Most opportunities are unpaid. Some teen programs offer paid summer positions
Cohort Size: Not publicly available
Dates: Varies by program. Teen summer opportunities generally take place during the summer months.
Application Deadline: Varies by program
Eligibility: Students in grades 8–12 interested in museum careers. Some programs are specifically designed for high school students
The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts offers several opportunities for middle and high school students interested in museum careers, art education, and cultural institutions. High school students can participate in the Museum Leaders in Training (M.LiT) program, where they learn about careers in museums through hands-on learning experiences. On completion of the M.LiT program, you may become eligible for paid summer Teen ’Ternships. VMFA also offers specialized opportunities such as Teen Stylin’, which focuses on fashion design, along with career exploration and job-shadowing experiences. These experiences let you learn about museum operations, education programs, and arts-related careers while working with museum staff.
15. CCI Cybersecurity Traineeship
Location: Northern Virginia, VA
Stipend: Participants receive a $7,200 stipend during the 7-week training program. Students selected for the additional 12-week industry placement receive an additional $12,000 stipend
Cohort Size: Not publicly available.
Dates: June 8 – July 31
Application Deadline: April 3
Eligibility: Applicants must be U.S. citizens, residents of Northern Virginia, and have completed high school or an equivalent credential. The program is designed for individuals without prior cybersecurity experience who are seeking full-time employment in the field. Participants must be able to commit full-time to the program and cannot have conflicting employment, academic, or service obligations
The CCI Cybersecurity Traineeship is a full-time workforce training program that prepares you for entry-level careers in cybersecurity and related technology fields. During the seven-week online bootcamp, you’ll build a strong technical foundation by studying cybersecurity fundamentals, networking, Python, data analytics, cloud computing, and Amazon Web Services. You’ll receive academic credit through Northern Virginia Community College, and complete assignments, projects, and assessments as part of the program requirements. Beyond the technical training, you’ll receive career support, including resume development and interview preparation. Some participants may also be selected for a 12-week paid industry placement with regional cybersecurity employers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kinds of internships are available to high school students in Virginia?
You’ll find a mix of formats, including research-based internships like ASSIP and the VCU Medical Science Internship Program, government placements like the FCPS Summer Internship Program and James City County’s General Services Internship, and defense and aerospace opportunities like the Lockheed Martin Space High School Internship Program. There are also nonprofit and arts-focused options, like the JSSA High School Internship Program and the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts’ Teen Internship Programs, if you’re interested in fields outside STEM.
Do you need prior technical experience to apply?
Most of these internships don’t require prior technical experience. Eligibility is typically based on age, GPA, or residency rather than a specific skill set, and programs like the Commonwealth Cyber Initiative’s Cybersecurity Internship are specifically designed to introduce students to the field from the ground up through a training bootcamp before the internship placement begins.
Which programs offer stipends or paid positions?
Several of these internships are paid. The CCI Cybersecurity Traineeship offers a $7,200 stipend during its initial training phase, with an additional $12,000 available for those selected for the extended industry placement, and the Fairfax County Youth Leadership Program provides a $1,000 stipend. The Commonwealth Cyber Initiative High School Cybersecurity Internship Program pays $2,650, while several others, including the Lockheed Martin internship and the FCPS Summer Internship Program, are paid but don’t disclose an exact amount publicly.
Are these internships restricted to Virginia residents or specific regions?
Many of them are. The Fairfax County Youth Leadership Program and the FCPS Summer Internship Program are limited to Fairfax County students, VASTS requires Virginia residency, and the SURATech/Jefferson Lab program requires attending a high school within 60 miles of the lab. Others, like the JSSA High School Internship Program, draw from a wider region spanning Maryland, D.C., and Northern Virginia, so it’s worth checking each program’s specific geographic requirements.
Which programs focus specifically on cybersecurity?
If cybersecurity interests you, the Commonwealth Cyber Initiative High School Cybersecurity Internship Program and the CCI Cybersecurity Traineeship are the two most directly relevant options, both combining a training bootcamp with hands-on industry exposure. ASSIP at George Mason University also offers cybersecurity as one of its available research tracks, depending on faculty mentor availability.
Is there a way to pursue independent research beyond a workplace internship?
Yes. If research interests you more than a workplace placement, Horizon’s Research Seminars and Labs pairs you with a professor or PhD scholar to develop a 20-page research paper you can submit for academic publication. The program also provides a letter of recommendation and detailed feedback, and covers over 600 research specializations. You can find the application here.
When should you apply?
Deadlines for these programs are spread throughout the year, so it helps to plan ahead. VASTS has one of the earliest deadlines at October 26, followed by the Fairfax County Youth Leadership Program at November 7. January and February bring several more deadlines, including the Commonwealth Cyber Initiative’s Cybersecurity Internship (January 31), CHiSEL (February 6), and VCU’s MSIP (February 12). Later deadlines include the CCI Cybersecurity Traineeship (April 3) and the SURATech/Jefferson Lab program (April 30), so it’s worth marking your top choices early to avoid missing a cutoff.
Image source: George Mason University