High School Internships in Los Angeles: A Guide to Opportunities
For high school students in Los Angeles, internships offer invaluable opportunities to explore career paths, develop essential skills, and gain real-world experience. Non-profit internships, in particular, provide a unique lens through which to see how business skills translate to social impact, allowing students to contribute to causes they care about while building their resumes. This article explores a variety of internship opportunities available to high school students in the Los Angeles area, spanning diverse fields such as STEM, arts, business, and community engagement.
The Value of Internships for High School Students
Participating in a nonprofit internship can strengthen your resume and college applications by showing that you’ve already gained practical experience. It highlights both your interest in business and your willingness to contribute to a cause. Non-profit internships are a good way to see how business skills apply outside of traditional companies. Instead of focusing on profit, nonprofits use those same tools to run programs, manage budgets, and serve communities. If you’re a high school student interested in business or social impact, these internships give you experience with how mission-driven organizations operate.
In Los Angeles, nonprofits work in areas like education, the environment, health, and the arts, and many of them welcome high school interns. You might help with projects, support events, or assist staff with everyday tasks. Along the way, you’ll build skills such as teamwork, communication, and organization that will be useful in any career.
Featured Internship Programs
Here are some of the internship programs available to high school students in Los Angeles.
1. Ladder Internships
Ladder Internships is a remote program that connects high school students with startups and nonprofits worldwide, including many backed by Y Combinator and run by professionals from companies like Google, Microsoft, and McKinsey. Founded by Harvard graduates, the program offers internships in areas such as finance, consulting, health tech, nonprofits, mental health, environmental science, AI, software engineering, and journalism.
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Key Details:
- Location: Virtual
- Cost: Varies depending on the program; financial aid is available
- Acceptance Rate: About 19%, though the exact percentage varies by internship and cohort
- Application Deadline: Deadlines vary by cohort
- Dates: Programs run year-round in 8-12 week sessions during spring, summer, fall, and winter
- Eligibility: High school students, undergraduates, or gap year students who can work 5-10 hours a week for 8-12 weeks
As an intern, you’ll work on real projects for your host organization and present your results at the end. You’ll also join group sessions with other interns, strengthen skills like communication and time management, and receive guidance from a Ladder coach and site manager. You can check the application form to see which internships are currently open.
2. Young Founders Lab
The Young Founder’s Lab is a startup boot camp designed by Harvard entrepreneurs for high school students interested in launching real businesses.
Key Details:
- Location: Virtual, with live workshops
- Cost: Varies by the program; Financial aid is available
- Cohort Size: 6-12 students (group program)
- Dates: Varies by the cohort
- Application Deadline: Varies based on the cohort
- Eligibility: All high school students
You’ll work on building a startup that addresses a real-world problem, with help from mentors at companies like Google, Microsoft, and X. You’ll participate in hands-on sessions on researching markets, learning business basics, brainstorming and refining ideas, creating prototypes, and preparing for launch. It ends with a demo day where you’ll pitch your startup to potential investors. You can choose between two formats: a 30-hour, team-based online program or a flexible individual track with 12 hours of personalized, one-on-one coaching.
3. LA Promise Fund’s The Intern Project (TIP)
The Intern Project (TIP) from the LA Promise Fund connects high school students across LA County with paid internships in fields like arts and media, STEM, finance, hospitality, and nonprofits.
Key Details:
- Location: Various locations across Los Angeles, CA
- Cost/Stipend: Free | Paid
- Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Around 115 students participated this year
- Dates: June 17 - August 9
- Application Deadline: January 13 - March 15
- Eligibility: LAUSD and LA County 10th-12th grade high school students
During the 8-week program, you’ll gain work experience and participate in skill-building workshops, informational interviews, and small projects. You will also get to study topics such as communication, project management, planning, and software fundamentals. Through mentorship, networking, and hands-on learning, you’ll develop your confidence, professionalism, and social capital. You’ll also earn college credit and receive a stipend for your work.
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4. MOCA Teen Program
The Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA), a nonprofit institution in Los Angeles, offers the MOCA Teen Program for students interested in studying contemporary art and museum management.
Key Details:
- Location: Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA), Los Angeles, CA
- Cost/Stipend: Free | Paid (amount not specified)
- Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Over 100 students
- Dates: The program runs for an academic year, typically from September to May
- Application Deadline: June 3; applications will open in late April
- Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors
Your projects could range from working with local artists to planning and hosting an in-person Teen Night event, building digital content for Virtual Teen Night, or managing a social media account. You’ll sharpen communication and teamwork skills while exploring paths in art curation, museum education, and other creative fields. You could help with setting up exhibitions, planning public events, or researching artists and their work. You’ll work with museum staff and artists, as well as learn how museums operate, from marketing to educational outreach.
5. Research Internships at Saban Research Institute of Children’s Hospital Los Angeles
You will typically work about 20 hours a week, with schedules set by both the mentor and student. You’ll work with a faculty mentor, use advanced technology, and explore areas like basic, translational, and clinical research. You will learn research principles, lab safety, and handling of protected health information (PHI). You will also explore study design, hypothesis development, data collection, analysis, and literature review. You will develop practical skills by writing abstracts, citing sources, and presenting at lab meetings or journal clubs.
6. Bank of America Student Leaders
Key Details:
- Location: Local nonprofit organizations across Los Angeles, CA
You’ll work around 35 hours a week on real projects that help your community as well as build skills in teamwork, leadership, and problem-solving. If selected, you’ll be paired with a nonprofit partner and get hands-on experience learning how organizations address community challenges and collaborate with government and businesses. The program also includes a week in Washington, D.C., for the Student Leaders Summit, where you’ll learn how different sectors work together to create change. This program will help you grow as a leader, gain experience, and make a difference in your community.
7. Samuels Family LA-HIP Internship Program
The Samuels Family LA-HIP Internship Program is a year-long experience that blends college prep with hands-on biomedical research.
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Key Details:
- Location: Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA
- Cost/Stipend: Free | Interns earn a stipend
- Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Highly competitive
- Dates: June 16 - August 1 (in-lab internships); college counseling begins in May and continues through the senior year
- Application Deadline: November 4 - February 7
- Eligibility: Rising high school seniors at public schools in Los Angeles County who are legally eligible to work in California, are in good academic standing, and have a passion for science
During the school year, you’ll get college-level biology classes, SAT prep, and one-on-one support with your college applications. In the summer, you’ll spend seven weeks working full-time in a research lab at the Saban Research Institute of Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, a nonprofit medical center. Guided by professional scientists, you’ll learn lab techniques, carry out experiments, write a scientific abstract, and present your findings at a symposium.
8. Los Angeles World Affairs Council (LAWAC) Internships
The Los Angeles World Affairs Council (LAWAC) is a nonprofit offering internships for students interested in global affairs and politics.
Key Details:
- Location: Downtown Los Angeles, CA
- Cost/Stipend: Free | Unpaid
- Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective
- Dates: The schedule varies by opportunity, with multiple cohorts offered year-round in fall, winter, spring, and summer
- Application Deadline: Varies depending on the cohort and the opportunity
- Eligibility: Current high school and college students
You’ll gain hands-on experience in nonprofit management, event planning, marketing, research, and outreach while receiving mentorship and professional development. Tasks may include event coordination, administrative support, donor research, branding and outreach, community partnerships, or helping with LAWAC’s High School Program. You’ll also have the opportunity to request a letter of recommendation from LAWAC leadership. Internships require a 6-month commitment, with 12-15 hours per week over 2-3 days. Specific qualifications depend on the role.
9. Habitat for Humanity of Greater Los Angeles
If you’re 16 or older, you can join in hands-on construction by helping build or renovate homes for families in need. Teens aged 14-15 can volunteer at Habitat ReStores, where tasks include assisting with inventory and providing customer service. If your school doesn’t already have a Habitat Campus Club, you can apply to start one and work with Habitat LA on advocacy, fundraising, and raising awareness about affordable housing. The organization also organizes youth campaigns, like Nickels for Nails, where you can help raise funds to sponsor a Habitat home.
10. California Science Center Community Teen Interns High School Program
The California Science Center Community Teen Interns High School Program is a paid internship for students interested in STEM and science communication.
Key Details:
- Location: California Science Center, Los Angeles, CA
- Cost/Stipend: Free | Interns earn $17.87 per hour
- Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Highly competitive
- Dates: The year-long internship begins October 25, with about 7 hours a week during the school year and up to 35 hours a week in the summer
- Application Deadline: September 12
- Eligibility: High school sophomores and juniors with at least a 2.0 GPA who live or attend school within 3 miles of the California Science Center
You’ll get training in inquiry-based learning and work directly with museum visitors by leading hands-on STEM activities, guiding guests through exhibits, and organizing in-person programs like fire simulations and dive shows. You’ll also help design exhibits and educational programs, represent the Science Center at community events, and design future floor programs and galleries.
To qualify for the Community Teen Intern program, applicants must be currently enrolled high school sophomores or juniors (classes of 2027, 2028) with a minimum 2.0 grade point average. The program is designed for high school students in grades 10-12 who reside in the Science Center's immediate geographic community. Interns are part of the Education Department, working directly with museum guests and delivering in-person programming. Their core job is to help connect science to people’s lives through hands-on science activities. Throughout the summer, interns will explore careers in two exciting fields: marine biology & SCUBA diving or aviation.
Karen, the Community Engagement Specialist at the California Science Center, oversees the Community Teen Intern Program and helps teenagers develop skills needed in higher education and careers in STEM.
11. Executive High School Internship Program (EHI)
The program begins with interactive seminars and concludes with a paid summer internship at a law firm, government agency, corporation, or nonprofit organization. Through EHI, you’ll explore different career paths, connect with professionals and peers, and strengthen your communication, collaboration, and leadership skills. You’ll also grow more confident, independent, and responsible, while getting expert college admissions guidance and opportunities to get involved in your community.
12. Children’s Hospital Los Angeles High School Summer Volunteer Program
Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, a nonprofit medical center, runs a summer volunteer program for high school students interested in healthcare administration.
Key Details:
- Location: Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA
- Cost/Stipend: Free | Unpaid
- Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective
- Dates: June 16 - August 1; mandatory orientation takes place on June 8
- Application Deadline: February 3 - February 10
- Eligibility: High school students who have finished freshman year and are 15-17 years old by the program start date
You will assist patients, families, and staff by greeting visitors, escorting them to their appointments, handing out age-appropriate gifts to patients, and offering administrative support. The program is strictly volunteer-based, not a job shadow or internship, and direct contact with inpatients will be limited.
13. Catchafire
You will earn certified volunteer hours by choosing projects that align with your interests and schedule. After a quick online application, you’ll get access to a regularly updated list of opportunities in areas like education, social media, finance, HR, music, business, graphic design, and web design. You’ll undertake tasks such as budgeting, creating infographics or blog posts, researching environmental issues, writing articles, and supporting marketing campaigns. You might also help design comic books, magazines, and flyers, or collaborate with a team to build an organization’s online presence.
14. Changing The Present High School Community Engagement Internship
The Changing the Present High School Community Engagement Internship is a virtual program for students interested in creating social impact.
Key Details:
- Location: Remote
- Cost/Stipend: Free | Unpaid
- Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: High acceptance rate
- Dates: Year-round opportunities are available; flexible schedule
- Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
- Eligibility: High school students who can work for around 3-4 hours per week
You’ll help promote charitable giving by running social media campaigns, creating nonprofit gift registries, partnering with student clubs, and even starting campus chapters. You’ll also work with teachers, schools, and nonprofits to raise awareness and funding. You’ll get to focus on causes you care about, like climate change, mental health, animals, education, hunger, veterans, or another community issue.
15. The Borgen Project
You’ll spend around four hours a week organizing fundraisers, contacting government leaders, and raising awareness in your community. You’ll represent The Borgen Project in your city by attending events, talking with people about the cause, and encouraging them to get involved.
LA Civil Rights Department Internships and Fellowships
The LA Civil Rights Department (LA Civil Rights) is seeking highly talented high school, undergraduate, and graduate students to conduct policy research, engage in community outreach, and help facilitate equity programming. Ideal candidates are change makers who are dedicated to uplifting Angelenos and advocating for historically marginalized communities. Individuals selected for our legal internship will support our Civil Rights Enforcement Unit and Commission on Civil Rights. Policy Fellows will work alongside LA Civil Rights staff to develop innovative approaches to visually communicate programming, data, and policy development; will support the Department’s commission and advisory boards; will participate in the preparation of research reports, briefs, and presentations; and other equity related work as assigned. Working hours will vary depending on the Department’s operational needs and the candidates' schedule. Each selected candidate will finalize their working schedule with their designated supervisor so that work hours can be mutually beneficial.
How to Find the Right Internship
With such a wide array of options, it's important for high school students to carefully consider their interests and career goals when selecting an internship. Researching different organizations, understanding the program requirements, and preparing a strong application are all essential steps in securing a valuable internship experience.
Application Tips
The Community Teen Intern program is a paid job. Because of that, interested high school students will need to apply for this program. The program is competitive-carefully review the qualifications and submit your completed application before the deadline.
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