If you are a student interested in exploring diverse professional fields, internships can be a worthwhile way to gain in-depth experience and develop advanced skill sets. Through these structured programs, you will acquire practical skills, gain invaluable industry exposure, and forge connections with professionals who can mentor your academic and career trajectory. Opting for local programs, especially for internships for high school students in Boston, can be a financially good move, as it eliminates relocation costs and allows you to integrate professional development seamlessly into your daily life.
Boston, a hub of innovation and culture, hosts numerous prestigious organizations, making them solid options for students eager to dive into real-world applications of their classroom knowledge. As a high school student in Boston interested in internships, you will want to explore these programs to understand the cutting-edge work being done across various sectors right in your backyard.
We have narrowed down our list to present 15 internship opportunities for high schoolers in Boston. This guide provides you with essential details and helps you identify the perfect fit for your aspirations.
1. Boston University RISE Internship/Practicum
Location: Boston University Campus (Residential and Commuter Options), Boston, MA
Cost/Stipend: $1,500 stipend provided
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective
Dates: June 27 – August 6
Application Deadline: Applications typically due in early spring
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors (entering senior year in fall)
The RISE program offers you a prestigious six-week intensive laboratory research experience within a major university setting. You will choose from various scientific disciplines, including astronomy, biomedical engineering, or neuroscience, to align with your specific intellectual curiosities. Within either the Internship or Practicum track, you will immerse yourself in conducting mentored research projects, collaborating directly with faculty, postdoctoral fellows, and graduate students. This involvement means you will gain hands-on experience with advanced laboratory techniques and scientific methodology, developing crucial skills for a research career. You will also participate in weekly professional development workshops, which cover essential academic and workplace skills, while engaging with biotech and pharmaceutical company representatives to broaden your industry perspective.
2. Broad Summer Scholars Program
Location: Broad Institute, Cambridge, MA (In-person only)
Cost/Stipend: $3,600 stipend provided
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; specific cohort size varies by year
Dates: June 28 – August 6
Application Deadline: Mid-January
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors (applying during junior year)
As a participant in the Broad Summer Scholars Program, you will be paired with active Broad scientists to undertake original, cutting-edge research in fields such as cancer biology, psychiatric disease, or computational biology. You will engage in hands-on laboratory and computational work, thereby acquiring practical research skills and a deep understanding of scientific inquiry. The program will train you in scientific methodology, poster presentation skills, and research ethics through structured professional development sessions, enhancing your academic rigor. You will also gain valuable exposure to scientific careers through seminars featuring Broad scientists and site visits, expanding your professional network. The program culminates in a final poster session where you will present your research findings to the Broad community, solidifying your communication and analytical abilities.
3. Harvard Medical School Project Success
Location: Harvard Medical School and affiliated institution research labs, Boston/Cambridge, MA
Cost/Stipend: Paid internship with stipend amount varying by placement; additional scholarships ranging from $1,000-$5,000 for graduating seniors
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; admits students from underrepresented backgrounds in medicine
Dates: June 28 – August 13
Application Deadline: February 2
Eligibility: You must reside in Boston or Cambridge, Massachusetts; be a high school student in your junior or senior year
Project Success provides you with a paid, mentored summer research internship at Harvard Medical School and its affiliated hospitals, specifically targeting students from underrepresented backgrounds in medicine. You will be placed in a biomedical research laboratory where you will work under the direct supervision of professional scientists and physicians, engaging in authentic research projects. The program augments your classroom knowledge through seminars featuring Harvard researchers and specialized training in computer skills, while workshops develop your writing and public speaking abilities. You will receive assigned mentors who offer ongoing career guidance and participate in networking opportunities, fostering valuable professional connections for your future endeavors.
4. Massachusetts Life Sciences Center High School Apprenticeship Challenge
Location: Various life science and research institutions across Massachusetts
Cost/Stipend: Paid at $17 per hour for six-week full-time or flexible part-time work
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Approximately 150 internship placements annually
Dates: Six-week internships occurring between June and August
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Eligibility: You must be a Massachusetts high school student, at least 16 years old at the internship start date
The Massachusetts Life Sciences Center Apprenticeship Challenge connects you with paid internship opportunities at life science and research institutions, immersing you in critical scientific work. You will gain exposure to fields such as biotechnology, biomedical research, and pharmaceutical development through authentic, hands-on work. For select school districts, the program offers optional pre-internship training during the spring months, providing intensive preparation in biotechnology techniques to optimize your readiness. You will work either full-time or part-time over six weeks, with placements across diverse organizations, ensuring varied exposure to different research approaches. This initiative particularly supports students from underrepresented backgrounds, enabling you to access opportunities that build your STEM career pathway.
5. MIT LEAH Knox Scholars Program
Location: MIT Campus (summer lab training) and Boston/Cambridge research laboratories (academic-year internships), MA
Cost/Stipend: Stipend provided
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Approximately six students enter the program annually
Dates: Five-week lab training July-August (first year); six-week internships beginning last week of June (second year); academic-year components throughout school year
Application Deadline: Applications are typically due in the spring
Eligibility: You must be a rising high school junior or senior; attend a public high school in Boston, Cambridge, or Everett
The LEAH Knox Scholars Program is an intensive two-year initiative designed to prepare you for a STEM career, commencing with a rigorous five-week MIT laboratory experience. During your first summer, you will attend a structured course led by MIT faculty, covering fundamental laboratory techniques, quantitative methods, and professional skill development, establishing a robust technical foundation. The program then transitions you into six-week summer research internships at various laboratories across Boston and Cambridge during your rising senior year, allowing you to apply your newly acquired skills in professional research environments. Throughout the academic year, you will receive continuous support through college visits, career development workshops, and individual mentoring from seasoned STEM professionals.
6. Dana-Farber Cancer Institute Office of Workforce Development Student Training Program
Location: Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA
Cost/Stipend: Paid internship; stipend amount varies by placement
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: June-August
Application Deadline: December 30
Eligibility: You must be a rising sophomore, junior, or senior; a Boston resident
Dana-Farber’s Office of Workforce Development offers you paid summer and academic-year internship opportunities within its hospital departments, aligning placements with your career interests. During the summer, you will work full-time in departments ranging from anesthesia to research laboratories, gaining authentic exposure to healthcare professions and hospital operations. This immersive experience means you will contribute to tasks, learning firsthand about clinical administration and scientific support. The internship is enhanced through weekly professional development and skills workshops, focusing on college preparation, career readiness, and resume development, equipping you with vital soft skills. If you complete the summer program, you become eligible for an academic-year continuation, deepening your professional networks and receiving ongoing support for college applications.
7. DF/HCC CURE (Continuing Umbrella of Research Experiences) Program
Location: Dana-Farber/Harvard Cancer Center, Boston, MA
Cost/Stipend: Paid internship
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 76 students in the 2025 cohort across multiple program tracks
Dates: Summer internships (specific dates vary; typically 7-11 weeks June-August); applications for summer 2026 open in fall 2025
Application Deadline: February 5
Eligibility: You must be a high school sophomore, junior, or senior, or a college freshman, sophomore, or junior; at least 16 years old at program start
As a CURE participant, you will engage in a full-time, paid summer research internship, paired with a dedicated research mentor for authentic laboratory work spanning 7-11 weeks. You will conduct mentored cancer research projects across diverse areas such as cancer biology or computational biology, developing technical laboratory skills and contributing to ongoing scientific investigations. The program provides comprehensive professional development through scientific seminars, journal clubs for literature analysis, and responsible conduct of research training, fostering your scientific acumen. You will write research abstracts and present your findings at final program presentations, thereby gaining crucial communication skills for scientific careers and building a robust portfolio for college applications.
8. Paul Revere House High School Summer Internship
Location: Paul Revere House, Boston, MA (North End, near Haymarket and North Station MBTA stops)
Cost/Stipend: No cost; participants bring their own lunch; primarily an unpaid internship with a skills development focus
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Limited to 5-8 students per cohort; spaces limited
Dates: July 21-25 (Monday-Friday)
Application Deadline: April 29
Eligibility: You must be a student entering grades 10, 11, or 12 in the fall
The Paul Revere House High School Summer Internship provides you with a one-week immersive introduction to museum work, historical research, and curatorial practice. You will gain hands-on engagement with real museum artifacts and professional staff, observing museum professionals in action. The program uniquely blends individual work on self-directed projects with collaborative projects alongside your fellow interns, building both independent initiative and teamwork skills. The small cohort size ensures personalized attention and meaningful mentorship experiences from 2-3 professional staff members
9. New England Aquarium Teen Internship Program
Location: New England Aquarium, Boston, MA
Cost/Stipend: Paid internship
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: Typically July-August
Application Deadline: March
Eligibility: You must be aged 14 and older
The New England Aquarium Teen Internship Program offers you paid opportunities to engage in marine conservation, customer service, and ocean education. You will begin with one week of comprehensive training, acquiring extensive preparation in marine science, climate science, public speaking, and professional customer service standards. The program allows you to pursue two primary career pathways: visitor services, where you greet guests and facilitate educational programming, or marine science education, involving curriculum development and program interpretation. Throughout your internship, you will attend weekly professional development programming, including an ocean advocacy course, and participate in workshops covering resume writing and other workplace fundamentals. You will also have access to optional behind-the-scenes educational experiences, deepening your understanding of marine life and conservation efforts.
10. Boston Society for Architecture Arch/Design Internship
Location: Local architecture firms throughout Boston, MA
Cost/Stipend: Paid internship
Acceptance rate/cohort size: N.A.
Dates: July 6 – August 15
Application Deadline: Applications accepted on a rolling basis through March
Eligibility: You must be a Boston Public School high school student in grades 9-12
This Architecture/Design High School Internship provides you with a paid six-week immersion experience at local Boston architecture firms, offering exposure to diverse design approaches and specializations. You will spend Monday through Thursday at an assigned firm, working on real projects alongside professional architects. The program also features a Summer Fridays series developed by the Boston Society for Architecture, offering you neighborhood architecture tours, firm crawl experiences, and collaborative share-out sessions. You will present your summer learning to peers and professionals, enhancing your communication and presentation skills.
11. Boston Museum of Science Youth Internship Programs (Academic Year and Summer)
Location: Museum of Science, Boston, MA
Cost/Stipend: Paid and unpaid opportunities available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Varying cohort sizes by session
Dates: Specific dates vary by program track
Application Deadline: Varies by program; typically April for summer positions
Eligibility: You must be an actively enrolled high school student ages 14-19
The Museum of Science offers you diverse internship pathways if you are interested in STEM education, science communication, and museum operations. You will gain behind-the-scenes exposure to how a world-class science institution functions, contributing across various departments. This means you might support educational programs, assist in visitor services, or interpret exhibits, developing practical skills while contributing meaningfully to the museum’s mission. The program uniquely incorporates comprehensive professional development through weekly workshops, covering financial literacy, resume writing, and interview skills, ensuring holistic youth development beyond immediate job tasks. You will participate in field trips to other cultural institutions and local colleges, access free museum admission, and gain exposure to potential STEM careers through mentorship from museum educators.
12. Museum of Fine Arts Boston Teen Programs
Location: Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, MA
Cost/Stipend: All opportunities paid at $15 per hour
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; limited positions available annually
Dates: 12-month program year, typically September through the following August
Application Deadline: Application period information opens in February 2026
Eligibility: You must be a Boston resident and/or attending a Boston Public School; you must be able to commit to the 12-month program
The MFA Boston Teen Programs provide you with paid, year-round opportunities to develop leadership skills, explore museum careers, and engage with contemporary art. You can choose from multiple program tracks, including the Teen Arts Council, Visitor Aide, or Program Assistant roles. As a participant, you will develop practical professional skills through hands-on work assisting museum visitors, leading educational programming, and supporting exhibitions. As a teen program participant, you receive professional development workshops conducted by museum professionals, artists, and community leaders, exposing you to diverse career pathways within cultural institutions. The 12-month commitment allows for sustained skill development and relationship-building, with monthly sessions focusing on professional growth and behind-the-scenes museum experiences.
13. Artists for Humanity Teen Jobs Program
Location: Artists for Humanity studios in Boston, MA (also Brooklyn location available)
Cost/Stipend: Paid position after 36 hours of unpaid training in Foundation Studio; specific hourly rate varies; learning stipends provided throughout program
Acceptance rate/cohort size: N.A.
Dates: School-year positions (year-round commitment) and summer intensive opportunities
Application Deadline: Ongoing rolling admissions
Eligibility: You must be in grades 9-11
Artists for Humanity provides you with paid employment in creative studios, emphasizing mentorship and professional art and design experience across disciplines. You will work in mentored studio settings, collaborating with professional artists and designers on client projects, earning pay while learning specialized skills in your chosen medium. This means you might focus on acrylic painting, photography composition and editing, digital design tools like Figma or Unreal Engine, or animation software. The program uniquely includes 36 hours of unpaid Foundation Studio training where you explore multiple artistic disciplines before committing to a specific studio, ensuring informed career exploration. Each studio emphasizes real-world professional application, where you contribute to client commissions or develop content for sales.
14. Sociedad Latina Youth Employment and Leadership Programs
Location: Boston, MA; headquartered in Boston with community-based program sites
Cost/Stipend: Paid opportunities; specific hourly rates vary by program track; learning stipends provided
Acceptance rate/cohort size: N.A.
Dates: School-year programs (year-round commitment) and summer intensive opportunities; specific session dates vary
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Eligibility: You must be in grades 9-12, particular focus on Latine youth and families
Sociedad Latina’s Youth Employment and Leadership Programs offer you paid work experience integrated with leadership development training, workforce skills education, and culturally-responsive mentorship. The organization operates multiple program tracks, including school-year Youth Leader positions that combine employment with leadership development and civic engagement. You will contribute to your community while earning an income and developing critical life skills. The programs emphasize preparation for careers in healthcare, public service, the arts, STEM, and entrepreneurship, fields where Latine professionals remain underrepresented, while building cultural pride and community leadership.
15. Boston Public Library Teen Volunteer Program
Location: Boston Public Library branches (Central Library, East Boston, Grove Hall, Hyde Park, Mattapan, and additional locations), Boston, MA
Cost/Stipend: Unpaid volunteer position
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Rolling admissions; capacity varies by branch and session
Dates: Fall (September-December) and Spring (January-June) cohorts
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions; interested teens should contact the program coordinator
Eligibility: You must be in grades 9-12
The Boston Public Library Teen Volunteer Program develops your entry-level job readiness skills through meaningful volunteer work in library operations, customer service, and community programming. As a volunteer, you will assist with core library functions, including shelving materials, creating book displays, and assisting in various library programs such as gaming tournaments. You will build practical library skills and gain exposure to diverse patron communities, fostering cultural competency. The program incorporates structured skill-building workshops, covering resume writing, privacy rights in the workplace, interview techniques, and digital library tools, ensuring you develop competencies valued by future employers. Working across multiple library branches provides you with a broad understanding of library operations and community engagement strategies.
One more option – Horizon Academic Research Program
If you’re looking for a competitive mentored research program in subjects like data science, machine learning, political theory, biology, and chemistry, consider applying to Horizon’s Research Seminars and Labs! This is a selective virtual research program that lets you engage in advanced research and develop a research paper on a subject of your choosing. Horizon has worked with 1000+ high school students so far and offers 600+ research specializations for you to choose from. You can find the application link here!
Image source: Boston University