Paid Remote Internships for High School Students: Exploring Opportunities and Building Your Future
Are you trying to figure out your future career path? While a high school internship isn't a must-have for college admission, it can significantly boost your application. College admissions committees are interested in how you spend your summers, and an internship demonstrates academic enrichment, initiative, and relationship-building skills. Understanding how internships work and the opportunities available can pave the way for valuable hands-on experiences and career exploration. Opportunities range from local internships to national programs, spanning fields from STEM to the arts.
The Value of Internships for High School Students
Internships offer numerous benefits to high school students. They provide a taste of the professional world, allowing students to explore potential career paths before committing to a college major. Internships also provide a chance to network with professionals and peers, which can be beneficial in the future. Completing an internship in a subject that interests you demonstrates intellectual curiosity to college admissions officers.
A summer internship is great for academic enrichment. You also set yourself apart from other applicants by taking initiative and building relationships.
Featured Paid Remote Internship Programs
Here's a detailed look at some paid remote internship programs available to high school students:
1. NASA’s OSTEM Internship
NASA’s OSTEM Internship offers paid opportunities for high school and college students to work on STEM projects. As an intern, you will collaborate with NASA mentors in fields such as space science, engineering, AI, data analysis, and space technology. With flexible on-site and virtual options, the program focuses on skill development, mentorship, and professional growth. You can contribute to experiment design, mission data analysis, or technological innovation across a range of disciplines, including space microbiology, ecology, aeronautics, and communications. This program will help you strengthen your technical skills, deepen your understanding of STEM concepts, and establish a professional network that can support your future academic and career goals.
Read also: Entertainment Career Launchpad
2. Youth Conservation Corps (YCC) Program
While this isn’t classified as an internship, the YCC Program offers full-time, paid summer opportunities for high schoolers who care about conservation. Work takes place on federal lands at participating national parks, wildlife refuges, forests, and fish hatcheries. While Yellowstone National Park offers accommodation for YCC participants, all other locations offer day programs only.
3. Smithsonian Science Education Center (SSEC) Internship Program
This internship provides high school students with the opportunity to support curriculum development, sustainability guides, and communication efforts, including writing, research, and social media. You will help plan in-person events for NESST, a global education network focused on sustainability in STEM. Tasks include coordinating with attendees, drafting agendas, recruiting speakers, and managing logistics. Ideal candidates have strong writing and research skills, an interest in science or education, and the ability to meet deadlines. Interns are mentored by SSEC staff and receive feedback on their work. A stipend is provided (the exact amount is not specified). This internship has flexible start and end dates between August - October.
Unpaid Remote Internship Programs (Valuable Alternatives)
While this article focuses on paid internships, many unpaid remote opportunities offer significant value. Here are some notable examples:
1. Ladder Internships
Ladder Internships is a selective, virtual internship program for high school students looking to gain real-world experience with startups and nonprofits around the globe. These startups, typically funded with over a million dollars, offer interns the chance to work on impactful projects. Over 8 weeks, you will work on hands-on projects in fields like AI, finance, health tech, journalism, and more, often directly with founders from institutions like Harvard and Google. The program includes mentorship from both startup managers and Ladder Coaches, along with structured training in communication and time management. At the end of the internship, students present their work, gaining practical exposure and valuable career skills. Financial aid available.
2. Johns Hopkins Internship in Brain Sciences (JHIBS)- Virtual Experience
Johns Hopkins Medicine’s 5-week virtual summer program is for high school juniors and seniors interested in neurological sciences. The program is geared towards students from underrepresented communities. It offers research exposure, mentorship, and training in basic lab techniques. You will attend educational sessions and professional development workshops designed to promote interest in STEM careers. You will receive a certificate upon successful completion. The virtual interns do not receive a stipend. They only receive a certificate of completion.
Read also: Why Choose a Paid Internship?
3. The Stanford Center for Artificial Intelligence in Medicine and Imaging (AIMI) - Summer Research Internship
The Stanford Center for Artificial Intelligence in Medicine and Imaging (AIMI) offers a two-week virtual summer internship for high school students interested in AI and healthcare. You will attend lectures, collaborate on research projects, and receive mentorship from Stanford researchers and students. The program features guest talks through Virtual Career Lunch and Learns. You can also apply for the ‘Student Lead’ role to assist in project leadership, gaining additional experience. Students who complete the program earn a certificate, with some eligible for an extended research opportunity. Cost: $850 (financial aid is available).
4. Foreign Policy Research Institute (FPRI) Internship Program
The FPRI Internship Program provides high school and college students with the opportunity to gain experience in international relations. As an intern, you will work with scholars, assisting in research or supporting communications, events, or operations. Some roles may require specific skills like foreign languages or content creation. You will also have the opportunity to attend policy seminars, access FPRI events, and publish research on the Intern Corner. You will be paired with an experienced professional who will provide mentorship and help you build skills such as critical thinking, collaboration, and time management. Summer interns also benefit from weekly foreign policy seminars and career-focused guest speaker sessions. Some internships are paid.
5. EnergyMag Internships
The EnergyMag Research Internship is a virtual program for high school students interested in renewable energy. You will explore companies, technologies, or markets while developing research and analytical skills. With mentorship and support, you will produce publishable reports and gain experience in networking, communication, and professional writing. Flexible time commitments are available, which enables you to gain insights into renewable energy research without interrupting your academic plans. Successful participants receive a Letter of Accomplishment. No stipend.
6. Inspiring Careers in Mental Health Internship
Hosted by UT Southwestern’s Department of Psychiatry, this two-week virtual summer internship is open to rising 10th-12th graders and incoming college freshmen. The program explores diverse careers in mental health, from psychotherapy to neuroscience and interventional psychiatry. Sessions are led by professionals, including psychiatrists, neuropsychologists, and social workers. You will engage in readings, discussions, and Q&As to understand the field and its pathways. The program focuses on mentorship, offering students the opportunity to form relationships with professionals in the field. No stipend.
7. American Psychological Association (APA) Internal Internship Program (IIP)
The APA Internal Internship Program is a great opportunity for high school students interested in psychology and its impact. You will explore areas such as research, policy, communications, and education, applying theory to practice in a professional setting. You'll gain experience, attend workshops, and connect with experts in the field. The program helps you develop skills and explore non-traditional psychology careers while expanding your professional network. You will also participate in discussions, group projects, and additional programming tailored for future professionals.
Read also: The Debate Over NCAA Athlete Pay
8. Seaside Sustainability Internship
The Seaside Sustainability Internship is a virtual, part-time opportunity for high school students interested in STEM and environmental conservation. As an intern, you will work across diverse fields, like Marine Studies, IT, Outdoor Leadership, Journalism, and more, often joining two teams at once. Roles range from team member to project manager, with the flexibility to explore interests. While unpaid, the internship offers Volunteer Service Awards and course credit, depending on school policies. You will collaborate remotely with peers from around the world using project management tools and Google Workspace, gaining experience in teamwork and professional communication. No stipend.
9. George Mason University’s Aspiring Scientists Summer Internship Program (ASSIP)
George Mason University’s Aspiring Scientists Summer Internship Program (ASSIP) offers high school students an 8-week research experience in fields like neuroscience, bioengineering, and environmental science. As an intern, you will work alongside faculty on projects, using tools like PCR, gel electrophoresis, Python, and R. Through meetings with role models and participation in discussion forums, you’ll learn about various professions. You’ll build skills in experimental design, data analysis, scientific writing, and literature review. Formats include in-person, remote, or hybrid, and some students even publish or present their work at conferences. No stipend.
10. ASPIRE by Johns Hopkins University
ASPIRE by Johns Hopkins University gives high school juniors and seniors the chance to explore STEM careers through projects with mentors at the Applied Physics Laboratory (APL). The program emphasizes curiosity, persistence, and independent thinking, encouraging you to explore STEM fields without pressure. You’ll gain technical and interpersonal skills while working in areas like public relations, R&D, or social impact. Though primarily virtual, some in-person sessions are required. No stipend.
Additional Internship Programs
- STEM Enhancement in Earth Science (SEES) High School Summer Intern Program (University of Texas Center for Space Research): This program provides opportunities for students to work with NASA, industry experts, and academics. Students gain technical expertise in various areas while developing their communication, collaboration, and professional skills. The SEES program includes virtual work and a two-week, on-site internship at UT - on-campus housing, meals, local travel, and tours are included. Applicant must pay tuition cost of $2,000 unless they receive a scholarship.
- Stanford’s summer research internship program (SHTEM): These unpaid internships are open to high school students with an interest in completing fun research projects.
- Student Research Internship Program (Scripps Research Translational Institute (SRTI)): The 10-week Student Research Internship Program is ideal for highly motivated high school students with an interest in statistics, health sciences, or computer science. During this unpaid internship, students gain hands-on experience in a laboratory as they assist with biomedical research.
- ASSIP at George Mason University: ASSIP at George Mason University provides opportunities for high school students to conduct research with faculty researchers in many disciplines. In this full-time, eight-week program, students gain experience with cutting-edge technologies and equipment, learn scientific writing and communication, and develop crucial skills. This is not a residential program - participants will be responsible for their own accommodations and transportation to the worksite each day. Applicant must meet the minimum age requirements: 15 by June 18, 2026, for remote, in-person, or hybrid internships in computer labs and 16 by June 18, 2026, for wet-lab in-person or hybrid internships.
- The AFRL Scholars Program: The AFRL Scholars Program, which is administered by the Universities Space Research Association (USRA), is for upper-level high schoolers who want to work with AFRL engineers and scientists on research projects.
- The Chicago Summer Business Institute (CSBI): The Chicago Summer Business Institute (CSBI) is open to high school sophomores and juniors who reside in the City of Chicago. Students accepted into the program learn about the financial services sector and develop essential skills that prepare them for a career in business.
- The Met High School Internship Program: The Met High School Internship Program - as in, The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City - offers opportunities for high school sophomores and juniors who reside in and attend school (or home school) in New York, New Jersey, or Connecticut. Students in the program work with museum professionals on various projects, including curation, social media, design, imaging, and education - no experience or knowledge of art is required.
- Princeton’s Laboratory Learning Program: Princeton’s Laboratory Learning Program is an outreach program for New Jersey high school students that provides a free, full-time research experience in the sciences under the supervision of Princeton faculty and research staff. Internships typically last 5-6 weeks, and each research project operates on its own schedule.
Independent Research Opportunities
If you’re interested in pursuing independent research, consider applying to one of the Lumiere Research Scholar Programs, selective online high school programs for students founded with researchers at Harvard and Oxford. Also check out the Lumiere Research Inclusion Foundation, a non-profit research program for talented, low-income students.
tags: #paid #remote #internships #for #high #school
