If you’re a high school student in North Carolina, and you’re looking to do some internships during the summer, then you’re in luck. North Carolina is home to some great summer internship programs. From Duke University and UNC Chapel Hill to Wake Forest and beyond, North Carolina’s research institutions have opened their doors to motivated high school students for internships and internship-style research programs every year.
Summer is an especially good time to do an internship, because you’ll be relatively free-er from the demands of the school year, and have the freedom to explore real-world applications of what you’ve learned in class. Internships, in general, offer a rare chance to build practical skills, work alongside professionals, and see (firsthand) what careers in areas like science, humanities,technology, and environmental research actually look like. If this sounds good to you, keep reading this blog because we’ve curated a list of 13 summer internships in North Carolina that can help you gain experience, explore your academic interests and discover what truly inspires you! These programs cover an array of subject areas and are either internship-style research programs or internships.
1. UNC Charlotte AEOP High School Internship (STEM Research Program)
Cohort Size: Not specified
Location: University of North Carolina at Charlotte, NC
Cost: Free
Dates: Summer (June–August)
Application Deadline: To be announced
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors
The AEOP High School STEM Research Program is an opportunity for high school students to get a feel for what real university-level research looks like. As part of this summer internship , you’ll collaborate with faculty and graduate mentors on hands-on lab and field projects spanning engineering, computer science, and environmental science. Along the way, you’ll develop skills in data analysis, scientific writing, and research presentation, while sharpening your critical thinking. The experience provides a solid foundation for students planning to study STEM in college.
2. North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) High School Internship
Cohort Size: Not specified
Location: Raleigh, NC
Stipend: Paid internship
Dates: Summer and school-year sessions available
Application Deadline: December 31
Eligibility: North Carolina high school students aged 16 or older with a minimum 2.3 GPA
The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) High School Internship gives you a front-row seat to understand how the state’s transportation systems actually run. You’ll work with professionals on real-world engineering, public service, and infrastructure projects, from Transportation Planning, Road Design and Construction, to Environmental Safety and Sustainability. This hands-on experience is perfect if you are interested in civil engineering, transportation systems, or careers in public service.
Source: Photos and videos from the program website, photograph of the 2018 cohort
3. UNC Internship in Science, Health Training, and Research (ISHTaR)
Cohort Size: Limited
Location: Department of Emergency Medicine, UNC-Chapel Hill, NC
Stipend: Paid internship
Dates: Flexible summer start and end dates
Application Deadline: February 24
Eligibility: Rising sophomores, juniors, and seniors; must be 16 or older by June 1
ISHTaR gives high school students a hands-on introduction to the fast-paced world of Emergency Medicine. You’ll learn essential skills such as CPR, first aid, and patient-care through interactive workshops, lab sessions, and hospital shadowing. You’ll also observe real procedures in the emergency department. Students get an authentic look into healthcare teamwork, decision-making, and medical technology – making the program a strong fit for anyone considering careers in healthcare or biomedical research.
Source: Program website, Members of the ISHTaR 2025 cohort and former interns and students pose with books.
4. Research Apprenticeship Program (North Carolina A&T State University)
Cohort Size: Not specified
Location: Greensboro, NC
Stipend: Paid internship
Dates: June 16–29
Application Deadline: February 29
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors
Hosted by North Carolina A&T’s College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, this residential program gives students firsthand experience of agricultural and environmental research. You’ll design an independent project, conduct lab and field experiments, and present your findings at the end of the session. Along the way, you’ll attend career seminars and mentorship sessions led by university researchers. The program builds a strong foundation for students interested in food science, sustainability, or life sciences, while experiencing campus life first-hand.
5. Youth Conservation Corps North Carolina (YCCNC)
Cohort Size: 4–6 students per crew
Location: Multiple sites across North Carolina (including Uwharrie National Forest and Durham)
Cost: Free (some positions may include stipends)
Dates: June–August
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Eligibility: Students aged 15–18
Youth Conservation Corps North Carolina (YCCNC) gives teens a hands-on role in protecting the environment through Conservation, Restoration, and Land Stewardship projects across the state of North Carolina. Depending on your crew, you may work on trail construction, habitat restoration, or removal of invasive species, while camping or working locally. Each crew is small and guided by experienced leaders, creating a close-knit environment for learning and service. The program fosters teamwork, leadership, and strong connection with nature.
Source: program website
6. NIH Summer Internship Program (SIP) – Research Triangle Park
Cohort Size: Not specified
Location: NIH Research Triangle Park Campus, Durham, NC
Stipend: $2,500/month
Dates: June–August
Application Deadline: February 19
Eligibility: High school students aged 18+ enrolled in an accredited school
The NIH Summer Internship Program gives high school students an opportunity to work alongside top scientists on cutting-edge Biomedical, Behavioral, and Computational Research. As an intern, you’ll assist in lab experiments, data analysis, and attend professional development workshops led by NIH investigators. You’ll gain hands-on research experience in one of the country’s top scientific institutions, learning directly from experts in the field. This internship is ideal if you want a deeper understanding of how scientific discoveries move from the lab into real-world advances that improve public health.
7. Duke STAR Program (Summer Training in Academic Research)
Cohort Size: Not specified
Location: Duke Clinical Research Institute, Durham, NC
Stipend: $2,600 stipend
Dates: June 23 – July 25
Application Deadline: October 31
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors
At Duke STAR, you’ll be a part of a faculty-led research team at the Duke Clinical Research Institute. You’ll assist with literature reviews, data analysis, and report writing while learning how academic research translates into patient care and healthcare decision making. Weekly seminars cover topics such as clinical ethics, trial design, and health equity, giving you a deeper understanding of how research shapes real-world healthcare outcomes. The program concludes with a research paper and presentation, showcasing everything you have learnt.
Source: program website, participants working.
8. UNC School of Medicine Rural Medicine Summer Academy
Cohort Size: Not specified
Location: University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC
Cost: Free
Dates: Varies each year (typically June–July)
Application Deadline: Varies each year
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors from rural North Carolina
UNC School of Medicine Rural Medicine Summer Academy introduces high school students to healthcare delivery in rural and underserved communities. You’ll take part in lectures, workshops, and clinical simulations led by UNC faculty and physicians, covering topics such as Cardiovascular Health, and Rural Public Health. Students see how medical training adapts to the needs of smaller or underserved regions. You’ll also have opportunities to connect with mentors who work directly in rural medicine, thus gaining insights into this vital field.
9. Wake Forest Pre-College Medicine Summer Institute
Cohort Size: Around 100 students
Location: Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem, NC
Stipend: $3,400 (limited financial aid available)
Dates: July 6–11 and July 20–25
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: Grades 9–12
The Wake Forest’s Medicine Institute gives high school students a hands-on introduction to the medical field through lectures, lab sessions, and facility tours. You’ll explore core specialties such as Cardiology, Neurology, Oncology, and Surgery, while picking up essential diagnostic and clinical skills along the way. Students also visit Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center to observe how clinical care is delivered in the real world. Each session blends academic learning with practical experience, offering a clear view of how science and medicine work together to save lives.
10. Duke University MaryAnn Black Summer Internship Program
Cohort Size: Not specified
Location: Duke University Health System, Durham, NC
Stipend: Paid internship
Dates: July 8 – 26
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: High school students aged 14+ who live in Durham County or Durham City
Duke University MaryAnn Black Summer Internship Program offers high school students early workplace exposure through a hybrid internship hosted by Duke Health. As a Duke intern, you’ll shadow medical professionals, attend skill-building sessions, and learn how hospital departments operate day to day. The program also provides practical training in communication and administrative processes, helping you understand how healthcare systems function.
11. Outset Pre-Med Summer for High Schoolers
Cohort Size: Not specified
Location: UNC-Chapel Hill, NC
Stipend: $2,950 (financial aid available)
Dates: June 8 – July 25 (multiple one-week sessions)
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: Current high school students (grades 9–12)
Outset’s Premed School offers week-long courses that introduce high school students to a variety of medical fields, including Pediatrics, Psychiatry, Cardiology, and Surgery. The program combines lectures, clinical workshops, and small-group discussions with faculty and medical students. You’ll get a realistic look at the daily work of doctors and researchers across different specialities, helping you gain a fair idea of different medical careers within a short time. It’s a concise way to explore healthcare before committing to a specific path in college.
12. MAHEC Health Careers Academy
Cohort Size: Not specified
Location: UNC Health Sciences at MAHEC, Asheville, NC
Cost: Free
Dates: Late June – Early July
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: High school sophomores, juniors, and seniors with a minimum 3.2 weighted GPA from Western NC counties
The MAHEC Health Careers Academy introduces students to healthcare through interactive workshops, simulations, and guided discussions. You’ll explore topics such as Anatomy, Public Health, and Clinical Medicine, gaining insights into the unique health challenges faced by communities in Western North Carolina. Faculty and clinicians provide mentorship through group learning and practical exercises, helping students develop academic and practical foundations for a career in healthcare. The Academy serves as a good for those considering allied health or pre-med pathways, offering personalized guidance on academic preparation and career planning.
13. Novant Health – Bridges to Healthcare (Phase I: High School)
Cohort Size: Varies by location
Location: Novant Health facilities in Charlotte, Winston-Salem, and nearby areas
Stipend: Paid internship
Dates: June – August
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Rising juniors or seniors; minimum 2.5 GPA; must be at least 16 and from a qualifying household income; students should attend a partner school
The Bridges to Healthcare program introduces high school students to both clinical and non-clinical careers in the healthcare sector. During the six week session, you’ll rotate through hospital departments such as radiology, rehabilitation, respiratory services, and administration to see how each contributes to patient care. The internship also includes mentorship, mock interviews, and college-readiness workshops, helping you build both technical and professional skills. It’s a structured way to understand how large healthcare systems work while preparing for future opportunities in the medical field.
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 – Wake Forest University