If you’re in high school, you might be focusing on academics and extracurricular activities — and that’s a good start. However, it can also be worthwhile to look into internships. Gaining experience in a workplace setting can help you build practical skills that go beyond the classroom. Internships allow you to apply what you’ve learned in school, which is something many college admissions officers value.
There are several ways to find an internship, but one route to consider is a structured internship program. In this post, we’ll look at Ladder Internships — a virtual program that allows high school students to work with startups. The details we’ll cover are based on the program’s latest version, though some aspects may change slightly from year to year.
Before we get into how the program works, eligibility, and student feedback, let’s take a moment to consider why internships during high school are worth exploring.
Why should I consider internships in high school?
There are several practical reasons to pursue an internship while still in high school. Here are a few to keep in mind:
- You gain exposure to applied learning: Internships allow you to see how concepts learned in the classroom are used in work settings. You’ll encounter challenges, develop your ability to think critically, and improve your analytical and communication skills. It’s also a useful way to build experience in teamwork, leadership, and navigating professional environments.
- You can start building a professional network: Internships connect you with mentors, supervisors, and peers who have experience in your field of interest. These interactions can help you understand different career paths and may lead to strong recommendation letters later. For instance, programs like Ladder Internships pair students with mentors from high-growth startups and allow them to work with CEOs.
- It demonstrates initiative in college applications: Participating in an internship during high school can reflect your motivation to explore your interests beyond the classroom. It shows that you’re willing to invest your time in gaining practical experience, which can strengthen your college applications.
With that in mind, let’s take a closer look at how the Ladder Internships program works.
What is Ladder Internships?
Ladder Internships is a structured program that connects high school students with fast-growing startups for project-based, remote internships. Participants work on meaningful assignments and present their outcomes at the end of the program. Once accepted, you will have the opportunity to work closely with startup founders and CEOs on projects that impact the company’s bottom line.
Who can apply for Ladder Internships?
The program is open to high school students, college undergraduates, and students taking a gap year. To participate, you’ll need to be available for 10–20 hours per week over a period of 8 to 12 weeks.
Where do Ladder Internships take place?
All internships for high school students are conducted virtually. This setup allows for flexibility and broader access, especially if you’re unable to travel or relocate.
What are the program dates?
Ladder Internships runs multiple cohorts throughout the year. These include:
- Fall Cohort
- Winter Cohort
- Spring Cohort
- Summer Cohort
- Summer II Cohort
Most startup internships last about 8 weeks, while research-focused tracks may extend to 16 weeks.
How much does the internship cost?
The cost varies according to the program, and you can see the latest pricing on their program page. If cost is a concern, the program offers need-based financial aid. In a recent cohort, around 15% of students received full aid. Next, we’ll explore the types of programs offered by Ladder and which one you can opt for as a student!
What programs does Ladder offer?
Ladder offers multiple programs with different learning goals. Let’s take a look at their offerings:
- Startup Internship Program
In this 8-week virtual program, you’ll work 5–10 hours per week on a project with a startup company. You’ll have eight sessions with your host company. This program is designed to help you understand how startups operate while developing practical skills.
- CEO Internship Program
Also 8 weeks, this program involves working directly with a startup founder or CEO, often with backgrounds from well-known companies or top universities. You’ll commit 5–10 hours each week and attend eight sessions with the host company. The goal is to give you insight into leadership roles and strategic decision-making in a startup setting.
- University Internship Program
This version is tailored for undergraduate students and runs for 8 weeks. You’ll contribute to a startup project based on your interests, with a weekly time commitment of 5–10 hours. It’s a flexible option for gaining work experience during the academic year or summer break.
- Combination Program: CEO Internship + Mentored Research
This program combines two components: the 8-week CEO Internship and a 15-week mentored research project. Alongside your startup experience, you’ll work with a research mentor to produce a college-level research paper, offering both applied and academic experience in one track.
How can I apply for a Ladder Internship?
- The application process begins with a written form where you’ll be asked to describe your interests and goals. Questions typically include why you’re a good fit for the program, what fields you’d like to explore, and what draws you to those areas.
- If your application is shortlisted, the next step is an interview. Based on your performance in both the written application and interview, a decision is made. If accepted, you’ll be asked to pay a deposit.
- After confirming your participation, you’ll be matched with a startup based on the interests you outlined earlier. You’ll receive details about the company and the project you’ll be working on. If you decide not to move forward after reviewing this information, your deposit will be refunded in full.
- The matching process is guided by the areas of interest you list in your application and discuss during the interview, ensuring a better fit between you and the host company.
Is Ladder Internships prestigious?
The acceptance rate for Ladder’s Spring cohort was around 20%, although this may change as the program expands. Students who have completed the program have included their internship experience on college applications and resumes. Past participants have gone on to attend schools such as Princeton, Stanford, UPenn, UC Berkeley, and Cambridge, though it’s important to remember that many factors contribute to college admissions outcomes.
What is the internship experience like?
- Company Matching + Project Assignment: At the start of the program, you’ll be matched with a company based on the interests you’ve outlined in your application. Ladder collaborates with startups and nonprofits to create specific, short-term projects that interns can work on over the course of the program. If you’ve communicated your preferred areas, you’re likely to be placed in a role that aligns with them.
- Weekly Structure with Meetings: During the 8-week internship, you’ll meet once a week for 45 minutes with your internship manager. In your first meetings, you’ll define your project goals and set clear deliverables. These meetings are used to discuss your progress, refine your work, and stay on track with your timeline. By the end of the program, you’ll have a completed project to present both to your host company and to other interns in your cohort.
- Feedback and Final Presentation: You’ll begin by outlining your project. By the fourth week, you’re expected to have the first version of your deliverable ready for review. In the final week, you’ll present your completed work to your host company, giving you a chance to reflect on your progress and receive constructive feedback.
What industries can I intern in?
As a Ladder intern, you may be placed with companies across a wide range of sectors, including:
- Finance
- Health tech
- Environmental science
- Engineering
- Fashion
- Technology and deep tech
- Non-profits
- Consulting
- Mental health
- Machine learning and AI
- Media and journalism
Ladder’s company mentors have previously worked at companies such as Google and have been funded by Y Combinator. You can learn more about the backgrounds of the mentors here:
What kinds of projects can I work on?
Project topics vary depending on your company match, but here are a few examples of the types of work previous interns have completed:
- Conducting competitor research for a health tech company working with nursing homes.
- Writing a whitepaper for a mental health non-profit based in San Francisco.
- Building a machine learning model to forecast customer drop-off for an e-commerce platform.
- Creating a marketing plan for a media company in its early funding stages.
These examples offer a general sense of what the work may involve, but each internship experience is shaped by the company’s needs and your area of focus.
What do past students have to say about Ladder?
Reviews of Ladder Internships, particularly on TrustPilot, reflect a positive experience among participants. Ladder has an ‘excellent’ score of 4.8 out of 5 with 41 reviews presently. Students have noted that the program matches them with startups that align well with their interests, and many found their mentors and managers to be supportive and helpful throughout the internship.
For instance, one student mentioned that for her first internship experience, Ladder paired her with a startup that suited her strengths, and she appreciated the guidance she received from her mentor during the project. Participants also mentioned developing both soft skills and subject-specific knowledge and appreciated the opportunity to work on meaningful projects, especially for a first internship experience. Overall, reviewers felt the program offered useful exposure to a professional environment.
Pros and Cons of Ladder Internships
Pros
1. The program is fully online
Ladder Internships are conducted virtually, which can be more accessible than in-person programs. Many high school students face limitations when internships require relocation or daily commuting, especially if those costs aren’t covered. A remote format removes this barrier and makes it easier to participate regardless of your location.
2. Financial aid is available
While there is a program fee, Ladder offers need-based financial aid to help reduce the cost. This can make the internship more accessible to students from families who may not otherwise be able to afford such opportunities.
3. Access to mentors and professional connections
As part of the program, you’ll interact with professionals who have experience in a variety of industries. This can be useful if you’re looking to understand a field more deeply or want guidance as you explore future academic or career options. Some students also use these connections for future recommendation letters.
4. Company placements are based on your interests
Instead of having to find and secure an internship on your own, the program matches you with a company project aligned with your stated preferences. This can make the process more manageable, especially if it’s your first time applying for work experience.
5. Structured guidance throughout the internship
If you’re unfamiliar with workplace expectations or project planning, the support offered by the Ladder Coach can help you stay on track. Weekly meetings and feedback checkpoints provide structure, especially for students who are new to internships.
Cons
1. Remote internships limit face-to-face interaction
While virtual internships are more flexible, they may not offer the same level of interaction you’d get in a physical workplace. It might take more initiative to connect with other team members or build relationships beyond your direct mentors.
2. The timeline is short and fast-paced, and will require serious commitment from you
Since the internship is only 8 weeks long, you’ll likely be expected to contribute early and work independently. This structure might feel intense if you’re juggling other responsibilities or prefer a more gradual onboarding.
4. The research track is not as intensive as a lab internship
If you opt for the program that includes both an internship and a research component, you will be able to conduct independent research remotely. However, the program does not provide access to a research laboratory or equipment, which may limit the kinds of research you can carry out.
Our Take on Ladder Internships
If you’re a high school student looking to explore a specific field but aren’t sure how to find an internship on your own, Ladder Internships offers a structured way to gain work experience. The program connects you with a startup and gives you a clear project to work on, along with regular mentorship and feedback. This can make it easier to stay on track and learn how to manage a professional assignment from start to finish.
The program is selective, and admission is competitive, which can make your participation a valuable addition to your resume or college applications. However, your experience will largely depend on how well you communicate your interests during the application process — this plays a key role in how well you’re matched with a company.
Cost may be a limitation for some students, as the fee is on the higher side. If you’re concerned about affordability, there is an option to apply for full financial aid, though the process is competitive. If you’re awarded aid or are able to cover the cost, the program offers a well-organized internship experience that’s hard to find at the high school level. Student reviews consistently highlight the value of doing a project, receiving feedback from experienced mentors, and getting a strong letter of recommendation from a manager.
While participating in the program won’t guarantee admission to any specific college, it can strengthen your application materials by giving you something concrete to write about in essays. Since Ladder Internships are entirely online, it’s also possible to fit the program around your other academic or extracurricular commitments, whether during the summer or throughout the year. Overall, Ladder Internships is definitely worth considering for high schoolers who want practical work experience in a specific industry.
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 – Ladder Internships