High School Internship Programs: Benefits and Eligibility Requirements

High school internship programs offer invaluable opportunities for students to gain real-world experience, explore potential career paths, and develop essential professional skills. Whether students are already on a career path or are still exploring their options, internships can provide clarity, direction, and a competitive edge. This article delves into the benefits of high school internship programs, outlines common eligibility requirements, and provides a comprehensive overview of various internship opportunities available.

Benefits of High School Internship Programs

Internships provide a multitude of benefits that extend beyond mere work experience. They serve as a bridge between academic learning and the professional world, offering students a chance to apply their knowledge in practical settings.

Career Exploration and Skill Development

For high school students, internships offer a chance to gain real-world experience, build professional skills, and explore potential career paths. An internship is an opportunity to get hands-on, short-term work experience in a field you might be interested in pursuing. As an intern, your responsibilities are typically on the lighter side of professional work. You may only get to assist with simple tasks like data entry, organizing files, or shadowing professionals.

Gaining Work Experience: An internship experience can help you build practical skills and understand workplace dynamics.
Developing a Better Understanding of a Field: Internships allow you to see if a particular career path aligns with your interests and strengths.
Clarifying Academic Interests: What you learn as an intern can guide your course selection and college major choices.

Enhancing College Applications

While the primary goal of an internship should be to explore and deepen interests and values, internships can also significantly enhance college applications.

Demonstrating Commitment and Experience: Internships demonstrate your commitment to and experience in a particular field, and allow you to reflect on what you learned and how your experiences shaped you.
Strengthening Essays: Reflection on your internship experience may become a component of your college application essay or your supplemental essays (expounding on your “why” would likely be a strong choice for some of your writing).
Standing Out: You’d also stand out among other students who may not have similar experiences to justify their reasoning for choosing that major.

Networking and Recommendations

Networking with Professionals: Professional connections can lead to mentorship and future career opportunities.
Getting Strong Letters of Recommendation: Internships provide opportunities to build relationships with professionals who can provide valuable letters of recommendation for college applications and future job opportunities.

Eligibility Requirements for High School Internship Programs

Eligibility requirements for high school internship programs can vary depending on the specific program and organization offering the internship. However, some common requirements include:

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Enrollment Status

Current Enrollment: Interns must be currently enrolled (or a recent graduate within six months) in a high school or GED program, college, working towards a diploma, degree or technical/vocational certificate.
Educational Institutions: The Internship Program is for high school, vocational, technical, undergraduate and graduate students in search of an internship or other opportunity to gain work experience while in school.

Age and Citizenship

Age Requirements: Must be at least 16 years of age by the closing date of the announcement.
Citizenship: citizen, national or legal permanent resident. Non-citizens may apply. citizen prior to conversion to competitive appointment).

Academic Standing

Good Academic Standing: Interns must be in good academic standing.
The Geosciences Bridge Program requires a minimum 2.7 GPA.
Interns for the Indiana University Cancer Center Summer Research Internships: Future Scientist Program must have at least a 3.0 GPA

Other Requirements

Program-Specific Requirements: Some programs may have specific requirements, such as residing in a particular area, attending a Title I high school, or being a first-generation college student.
Documentation: Applicants must submit required documents such as transcripts, proof of enrollment, and veterans' preference documentation (if applicable).
Work Authorization: Interns must have proof of eligibility to work in the United States legally.

Types of High School Internship Programs

High school internship programs come in various forms, each offering unique experiences and benefits.

Government Internship Programs

Several government agencies offer internship programs for high school students, providing opportunities to explore careers in public service.

Pathways Program

The Pathways Program is made up of three main components: the Internship Program which offers internship and summer employment opportunities to students; the Recent Graduates Program where recent college graduates can obtain enriching developmental work experience in public health and related support occupations; and the Presidential Management Fellows Program that offers leadership development opportunities to students who are in the process of completing their master’s, law, or doctoral-level degree within the academic year.

Internship Program: The Internship Program is for high school and college students in search of an internship or other opportunity to gain work experience while in school. The program is designed to provide students who are enrolled in a wide variety of educational institutions, from high school to graduate level, with paid opportunities to work in agencies and explore Federal careers while still in school. Students who successfully complete the program may be eligible for conversion to a permanent job in the civil service. The Student Summer Employment provides training and work experience for individuals during summer months. Enrolled or accepted for enrollment as a diploma, certificate, or degree-seeking student. Student summer employment opportunities are announced January through March of each year. Visit USAJobs beginning in January for more information on applying for summer employment with CDC.
Recent Graduates Program: Have you recently graduated from a qualifying educational institution or program? If yes, then explore the many opportunities available under the new Pathways Recent Graduates Program (RGP). The recent graduates program offers developmental experiences in the Federal Government in an effort to promote possible careers in civil service. To be eligible, applicants must apply within two years of degree or certificate completion except for veterans precluded from doing so due to their military service obligation. Veterans have up to six years after degree completion to apply.
Presidential Management Fellows Program: Will you complete your master’s, law, or doctoral-level degree during this academic year? If yes, we invite you to explore a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity through the Presidential Management Fellows (PMF) Program. The PMF Program is a two-year, paid program designed to develop future leaders committed to excellence in the leadership and management of public policies and programs. The program is highly competitive and candidates must be nominated by their graduate program’s dean, director, or chair. Upon successful completion of the program, fellows may be eligible for permanent placement within a federal agency. In accordance with Executive Order: Commencing the Reduction of the Federal Government, this Fellow program will sunset.

CDC Internship Programs

CDC Federal Work-Study (FWS) Program: The CDC Federal Work-Study (FWS) Program offers students work experience in various occupations during the academic year and/or summer months. FWS at CDC exposes students to a wide arrange of opportunities, including public health careers.
CDC Student Worksite Experience Program (SWEP): The CDC Student Worksite Experience Program (SWEP) offers high school and college students non-paid, educationally related work opportunities. Students can gain practical experience by engaging in projects and tasks that contribute to their professional development. Non-paid students are important in recruiting and developing skilled workers and preparing the workforce of the future. It is a win-win relationship for the student, the institution and CDC. SWEP is available to any CIO interested in providing an eager student with temporary, unpaid, practical work experience. Students volunteer for a maximum of six months (180 days) during the academic school year or summer months. A wide variety of volunteer opportunities are available, from administrative and program support, to research- related projects. Students can earn academic credit for work assignments (at the school’s discretion).

Department of State's Pathways Internship Program

The Department of State's Pathways Internship Program includes both the Internship Experience Program (IEP) and the Internship Temporary Program (ITEP). citizens enrolled in a wide variety of educational institutions from high school to graduate school and professional academic levels. Both programs provide students with opportunities to explore Federal careers while being paid for the work performed. Interns in this program are appointed to non-temporary, excepted service appointments, expected to last the length of the academic program for which the intern is enrolled. IEP participants, while in the program, are eligible for noncompetitive promotions if they meet the developed qualification standards for the position. IEP interns are also eligible for federal employee benefits (e.g. life, health, and retirement). The temporary nature of the ITEP allows for interns to work during seasonal and holiday breaks in academic programs as well as year-round. Interns in this program are appointed to temporary appointments, not to exceed one year or their projected graduation date (whichever is shorter) and extensions may be made in one year increments. The positions to which the interns are appointed have no promotion potential, therefore, students must apply through USAJOBS to be considered for higher-graded positions. ITEP participants who are expected to work 130 hours per month or more for at least 90 days will be eligible to enroll in a health benefits plan. ITEP participants are not eligible for any other benefits until after conversion into the competitive service.

Corporate Internship Programs

Many corporations offer internship programs for high school students, providing exposure to various industries and business functions.

Bank of America Student Leaders: Are you passionate about serving and improving your community? The Bank of America Student Leaders program is an internship program connecting community-minded high school students to local nonprofit organizations. (Here’s a guide to the Bank of America Student Leaders program.)Who’s eligible? Junior and senior high school students who are eligible to work in the US, in good academic standing, live in one of the participating states and cities, and are not related to a Bank of America employee. Unpaid or paid internship? Paid.
Kaiser Permanente LAUNCH Program: The Kaiser Permanente (KP) Launch Program is a seven-week internship program designed to give high school interns exposure to administrative and supporting careers in healthcare environments. The program aims to increase diversity in healthcare careers by supporting students from diverse backgrounds and underserved communities.Who’s eligible? Current high school students and graduating seniors who are 16-19 years old, have a permanent residence in a Northern California Kaiser Permanente designated service area, are not a dependent of Kaiser Permanente employees or physicians, and have proof of eligibility to work in the United States legally.Unpaid or paid internship? Paid.

Non-Profit and Community-Based Internship Programs

Non-profit organizations and community-based programs also offer internship opportunities for high school students, often focusing on social issues and community development.

Thurgood Marshall College Foundation/CDC Ambassador and Internship Program: The Thurgood Marshall College Foundation/CDC Ambassador and Internship Program is designed to increase interest in public health careers among minority students, and to increase minority representation in mission critical occupations at CDC and the public health workforce. The program seeks to promote CDC as a preferred employer. Student ambassadors work at their campuses and in their communities to actively promote public service and public health among their peers as a means of making a positive difference.
Expanding Horizons Internship: The Expanding Horizons Institute (EHI) offers an incredible internship program that exposes first-generation students to professional career paths, guidance, and support during the college application process.Who’s eligible? High school juniors and sophomores who reside in the Los Angeles area, will be first-generation college students, attend a Title I high school, and are eligible to work in the United States. Unpaid or paid internship? Paid.

Research Internship Programs

For students interested in science and research, various research internship programs provide hands-on experience in laboratory settings.

BRAINYAC: The Brain Research Apprenticeships in New York at Columbia (BRAINYAC) is a summer internship program offered by the Zuckerman Institute at Columbia University. It gives interns an opportunity to gain hands-on experience assisting scientists with lab work. Who’s eligible? 10th and 11th grade students who reside in New York City and have been nominated by one of BRAINYAC’s partner programs: S-PREP, Lang Youth Medical, Double Discovery Center, Columbia Secondary School, and BioBus.Unpaid or paid internship? Paid.
Indiana University Cancer Center Summer Research Internships: The Indiana University Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center offers several summer internships for high school students interested in cancer research. These programs include the Educational Pathways for Cancer Research (EPCR), Summer Program for Academic Research in Cancer (SPARC), and Future Scientists programs. Who’s eligible? Future Scientist Program: high school juniors who attend an Indianapolis or Marion County public school, have at least a 3.0 GPA, and have demonstrated interest in scientific research. EPCR and SPARC: Graduating high school seniors who belong to a population underrepresented in medicine, are US citizens or green card holders, and are interested in cancer research. Unpaid or paid internship? Paid.
Johns Hopkins Internship in Brain Sciences: The Johns Hopkins Internship in Brain Sciences (JHIBS) is a 5-8 week summer research program that exposes high school students to careers in the neurological sciences. Interns get the opportunity to work on research projects at the Johns Hopkins Department of Neurology or virtually. Who’s eligible? In-Person Internship: high school juniors and seniors who attend a Baltimore City public school and (typically) come from underrepresented or disadvantaged backgrounds. Virtual Internship: high school juniors and seniors who attend any school across the United States and (typically) come from underrepresented or disadvantaged backgrounds. Unpaid or paid internship? Paid.

Finding Internship Opportunities

Finding the right internship involves exploring various resources and networking opportunities.

Online Resources

USAJOBS: Federal internship positions are often posted on USAJOBS.
Company Websites: Many companies post internship opportunities on their websites.
Internship Search Engines: Websites like Indeed, LinkedIn, and Glassdoor can be used to search for internship opportunities.

Networking

Family and Community Connections: Leveraging personal or community connections can make it easier to secure an internship.
School Resources: Career counselors and guidance offices at schools often have information about local internship opportunities.

Direct Outreach

Contacting Businesses Directly: Reaching out directly to businesses in your community or family network can lead to customized internship opportunities.

Legal Considerations

It's important to be aware of legal considerations, particularly regarding compensation for internships in for-profit companies.

Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA)

The FLSA requires “for-profit” employers to pay employees for their work. Courts have used the “primary beneficiary test” to determine whether an intern or student is, in fact, an employee under the FLSA. If analysis of these circumstances reveals that an intern or student is actually an employee, then he or she is entitled to both minimum wage and overtime pay under the FLSA.

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