Summer Internships in Portland, Oregon: A Guide for High School Students

For high school students in the Portland area eager to explore their interests beyond the classroom, internships offer a valuable pathway. These experiences provide hands-on learning opportunities, foster the development of essential workplace skills, and allow exploration of potential career paths. Internships also build a stronger resume for college applications and future employment.

Choosing a local internship in Portland has several advantages. The city boasts a diverse range of industries, including environmental science, urban planning, healthcare, education, and technology. Portland's strong network of nonprofits, research centers, public institutions, and innovative companies makes it a great place for students to find mentorship and explore a wide variety of career interests close to home. Local internships also reduce logistical barriers, making them more accessible for students during the school year or summer. Many organizations in Portland offer flexible, student-friendly programs designed to support early career exploration and learning.

Diverse Internship Opportunities in Portland

Here's a curated list of internship opportunities in Portland, Oregon, tailored for high school students, selected for their educational value, mentorship opportunities, and accessibility.

1. Ladder Internship Program

Location: Remote
Acceptance Rate: Selective
Program Dates: Seasonal cohorts (Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter)
Application Deadlines: Vary by cohort - January (Spring), May (Summer), September (Fall), November (Winter)
Eligibility: Open to high school students, undergraduates, and gap-year students

Ladder Internships connects motivated high school students with fast-growing startups and NGOs for remote internships. During this 8-week experience, you’ll contribute to projects while getting guidance from both your startup manager and a dedicated Ladder Coach. You will get to choose from a wide range of fields, including AI/ML, tech, healthcare, media, consulting, and environmental science. The projects are designed to give you a closer look at the startup world while helping you build practical skills in a collaborative setting. You will also be receiving a letter of completion from the company at the end of the internship. Dhruva Bhat, one of the co-founders of Ladder and a Harvard College graduate, founded Ladder Internships with a vision to bridge the gap between ambitious students and real-world startup experiences.

2. Knight Cardiovascular Institute Summer Program

Location: Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU), Portland, OR
Stipend: Unpaid
Acceptance Rate: Selective
Program Dates: June- August
Application Deadline: May 12
Eligibility: Open to Oregon high school students enrolled in the spring semester who are at least 16 years old by May 30; no prior cardiology experience required

This Program invites high school students to explore the inner workings of cardiovascular medicine through practical learning and mentorship. As a participant, you’ll learn about the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of heart disease while gaining insight into the healthcare system. Whether you're shadowing professionals or engaging in structured activities, the experience is designed to give you an early look at potential careers in cardiology and medicine more broadly.

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3. Department of State’s Pathways Internship Program

The Department of State’s Pathways Internship Program is a gateway to experience in federal service. Through placements in the Internship Experience Program (IEP) or Internship Temporary Program (ITEP), you’ll support work tied to diplomacy, public affairs, international policy, and more. Whether you're based in D.C. or another federal office across the country, this is a chance to contribute meaningfully while learning how government systems operate behind the scenes.

4. Stanford Center for AI in Medicine & Imaging (AIMI) Summer Research Internship

Location: Remote
Cost: Application Fee - $40; Program Fee - $850; Financial aid available
Cohort Size: 25 students selected
Program Dates: June 16 - 27
Application Deadline: February 28
Eligibility: Open to high school students entering grades 9-12 in Fall

If you're curious about how artificial intelligence is being used in healthcare, this two-week virtual program is a solid starting point. Designed and led by Stanford-affiliated mentors, it blends technical learning with practical application. You’ll explore coding, data science, and biomedical challenges through guided lectures and collaborative research. Beyond academics, the experience includes informal career chats with professionals in the field, as well as opportunities to pursue independent research after the program ends.

5. Apprenticeships in Science & Engineering (ASE) program

Location: Oregon and Southwest Washington (including Portland)
Stipend: Paid; exact stipend varies by placement
Acceptance Rate: 25%
Cohort Size: 100 interns
Program Dates: 8-week internships; dates vary by placement
Application Deadline: March 7
Eligibility: Rising high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors in the Pacific Northwest

Through the ASE (Apprenticeships in Science & Engineering) program, you’ll work alongside scientists, engineers, doctors, or tech professionals in a full-time or part-time summer internship tailored by your mentor. These placements span research labs, hospitals, private firms, and universities, giving you direct exposure to STEM careers. With interns regularly contributing to product development, published studies, and fieldwork, this program is designed to be rigorous and collaborative.

6. Hutton Junior Fisheries Biology Program

Location: U.S. and Canada
Stipend: $3,000
Acceptance Rate: 12%
Cohort Size: 100 students
Program Dates: 8 weeks during summer (specific dates vary by placement)
Application Deadline: January 19
Eligibility: Open to high school students entering 11th or 12th grade

If you’re drawn to environmental science and want to explore the field, the Hutton Junior Fisheries Biology Program could be a great fit. For eight weeks, you’ll work one-on-one with a mentor-typically a fisheries or aquatic biologist in your region-helping with everything from habitat restoration to fish tagging and data collection. You might spend your days wading through streams, testing water quality, or tracking local species. It’s an outdoors-focused introduction to conservation science and the people working to protect aquatic ecosystems.

7. Partnership for Scientific Inquiry (PSI) Program

Location: Portland, Oregon
Cost: Free
Acceptance Rate: Not specified; prioritizes students without built-in academic advantages
Program Dates: January - May (academic-year course) with optional summer research internship
Application Deadline: November 24
Eligibility: Open to high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors in Oregon; students must be at least 16 by summer to participate in the internship

The Partnership for Scientific Inquiry (PSI) program offers a unique pathway into biomedical research for students who may not have easy access to scientific opportunities. Through a 16-week course during the school year, you’ll learn how to navigate the scientific process, connect with research professionals from institutions like OHSU, and explore topics in medicine and biology. The experience often culminates in a summer internship where you can assist a research mentor in an academic or clinical setting, giving you exposure to a career in science.

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8. Internships at the American Psychological Association (APA)

Location: Remote
Stipend: Paid and unpaid opportunities available
Acceptance Rate: Competitive
Program Dates: Typically 8-12 weeks during summer (varies by position)
Application Deadline: Varies by position (check APA listings for updates)
Eligibility: Open to high school seniors, college students, and graduate students

Offered by the American Psychological Association, the APA Internship Program introduces you to a range of psychology-focused careers through project-based work. Depending on your placement, you might work on policy research, data analysis, communications strategy, or administrative support. You will learn how psychology shapes both academic research and practical decision-making. Interns also benefit from seminars led by APA professionals and access to tools and resources used across the field.

9. Ted R. Lilley CURE Program

Location: OHSU Knight Cancer Institute, Portland, Oregon
Stipend: $11/hour; bus pass included
Acceptance Rate: Highly Selective
Program Dates: June 23 - August 15
Application Deadline: Usually due in December
Eligibility: Open to Portland-area high school students from socially or economically disadvantaged backgrounds; strong academic performance required

The Ted R. Lilley Continuing Umbrella of Research Education (CURE) Program offers an introduction to biomedical research for high school students interested in science and health equity. During this eight-week internship, you’ll join a lab at the Knight Cancer Institute, contribute to ongoing research, and attend weekly seminars covering science, health disparities, and career development. You’ll wrap up your experience by presenting your findings at a formal poster session alongside scientists and institute staff-a chance to share your work and grow your professional network.

10. Portland General Electric (PGE) Student Internship Program

Location: Portland General Electric (PGE), Portland, Oregon
Stipend: Paid; competitive hourly wage
Acceptance Rate: Moderately Competitive
Program Dates: Summer (typically 8-12 weeks); school-year internships also available for high school students
Application Deadline: Applications open in January and are accepted through March or until filled
Eligibility: Open to students 18+ who are recent high school graduates (including GED), current college/trade school students, or recent college graduates

PGE’s Summer Internship Program offers training across engineering, IT, operations, and finance, giving students experience at a utility company. Interns gain valuable skills, connect through networking events, and explore career pathways in the energy sector. In partnership with De La Salle High School, PGE also provides year-round paid internships to juniors and seniors, allowing them to work one day per week for course credit and often continue through summer.

11. Port of Portland Internship Program

Location: Port of Portland, Oregon
Stipend: $16-25/ hour
Acceptance Rate: Selective
Program Dates: Typically 12 months; full-time in summer, part-time during the academic year
Application Deadline: Rolling; varies by position
Eligibility: Must be enrolled in school during internship term (or the following term if during summer); minimum 2.5 GPA; coursework must align with internship area

The Port of Portland’s Internship Program offers year-round opportunities across fields like business, law, IT, public affairs, transportation planning, and engineering. Interns work full-time in the summer and part-time during the academic year, gaining exposure to professional environments while applying classroom knowledge in projects. With structured mentorship, regular feedback, and professional development, the program helps you build career skills while learning from industry experts. The Port offers opportunities in a wide range of disciplines including business, finance, transportation and land use planning, public affairs, legal, engineering, construction and information technology. Interns receive professional support, leadership, training and development from corporate mentors. As interns perform job assignments, they will receive guidance and feedback on work activities. A student must be enrolled in school during the term of employment. If school is not in session (for example, during summer term), the student must be enrolled in classes the following term. Confirmation of enrollment or a letter of intent to enroll must be provided. Interns are paid an hourly wage that corresponds to, and is commensurate with, their year in school (i.e., a college senior is paid more than a college junior). Applications are only accepted for open positions.

12. Future of Nursing Mentorship Program- Portland Workforce Alliance

Location: Portland, Oregon (various nursing schools and hospital sites)
Cost: Free
Acceptance Rate: Not specified
Program Dates: November - December
Application Deadline: October 17
Eligibility: Open to high school sophomores and juniors

The PWA Future of Nursing Mentorship Program gives you a look at the nursing profession by placing you inside healthcare and academic environments. Over five weeks, you’ll visit multiple nursing schools-including OHSU, University of Portland, Linfield, and PCC-as well as a local hospital, connecting with nursing students, admissions officers, and faculty. Whether you’re just beginning to consider a career in healthcare or already leaning toward nursing, this free program offers a practical glimpse into the path ahead.

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13. Trackers Earth- Weekend Apprenticeship

Location: Portland, Oregon
Cost: Tuition varies by program; financial aid may be available
Acceptance Rate: Not specified
Program Dates: Fall to Spring (monthly weekend sessions); summer programs also available
Application Deadline: Rolling, based on program availability
Eligibility: Open to students in Grades K-12; Leader-in-Training (LIT) program available for Grades 10-12

Trackers Earth offers weekend apprenticeships and outdoor education programs that teach traditional wilderness and folk skills through learning. Whether you're drawn to blacksmithing, archery, homesteading, survival techniques, or nature-based role-play, you’ll learn from experienced mentors and join a tight-knit community of outdoor enthusiasts. Older students in Grades 10-12 can apply for the Leader-in-Training program, where you’ll deepen your skills while gaining experience mentoring younger campers.

14. Northwest Youth Corps - Youth Community Program

Location: Portland, OR
Cost/Stipend: $200 tuition fee (tuition assistance available); base stipend of $450/week plus up to $50/week in bonuses (total up to $2,500)
Acceptance Rate: Moderate
Program Dates: Session I: June 23 - July 25; Session II: July 22 - August 22
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Open to high school students ages 15-18

The Youth Community Program introduces you to environmental conservation through service projects in the Portland area. You'll spend your days working on urban green spaces, habitat restoration, and trail maintenance-all while gaining leadership skills, learning about ecological issues, and collaborating with field professionals. This structured day program combines outdoor work with educational workshops and offers a stipend for your participation, making it a practical way to give back to your community while building your resume.

15. United Planet Virtual Internship

Location: Remote
Cost: Program fee varies by duration
Acceptance Rate: Open-enrollment; not selective
Program Dates: Flexible start dates; 4-24 weeks, part-time or full-time
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Eligibility: Open to high school students (typically age 16+), college students, and recent graduates; requires English proficiency and internet access

United Planet’s Virtual Internship Program offers a flexible way to gain professional experience while working with international nonprofits. Depending on your interests, you can contribute to projects in public health, sustainability, education, or community development. Interns take on meaningful work like designing outreach materials, supporting environmental research, or teaching classes-all while learning cross-cultural collaboration and remote work skills.

Benefits and Testimonials

Internships provide invaluable real-world experience. Annie Neal, a Marketing and Creative Design Intern at GladRags, shared, "Throughout my internship, I was engaged in a diverse array of projects, including product photography, in-depth research, campaign leadership, and the curation of collections. This has been an unforgettable experience, allowing me to grow both personally and professionally." GladRags, focused on positively transforming the experience of menstruation through reusable products and relevant education, has hosted Portland Internship Experience students every year since 2021 and were able to grow their small team by offering a job to Annie in 2023.

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