Internships are an excellent way for high school students to gain practical experience, build resumes, and explore potential career paths. Whether you are passionate about STEM, the arts, government, or business, internships for high schoolers provide opportunities to develop new skills, network with professionals, and get a taste of real-world work environments.

In today’s competitive academic and job market, having internship experience can set you apart from other applicants. It demonstrates initiative, curiosity, and a willingness to learn beyond the classroom. Additionally, many internships for high schoolers offer stipends or financial compensation, making them an attractive option for students looking to gain experience while earning money.

If you’re wondering which programs are worth applying to, we’ve compiled a list of the top 10 internships for high schoolers in 2025. These programs span various industries, from technology and science to government and the arts, ensuring an opportunity for every aspiring student.

Top 10 Internships for High Schoolers in 2025 to Boost Your Future

1. Meta (Facebook) Summer Academy

📍 Location: California

🕒 Timeline: Summer

📅 Deadline: March 2025

Meta’s Summer Academy is one of the most prestigious internships for high schoolers in the tech industry. This program offers students an immersive experience in social media, digital communication, and software development. Participants get the chance to work alongside industry professionals, learning about coding, design, and business operations within one of the biggest tech companies in the world.

High school interns will engage in hands-on projects, attend workshops, and learn how Meta develops its platforms and services. This internship is especially beneficial for computer science, marketing, or digital content creation students.

🔹 Why it’s great:

• Exposure to cutting-edge technology
• Mentorship from industry leaders
• Real-world projects to add to your portfolio

2. Fermilab TARGET Program

📍 Location: Illinois

🕒 Timeline: Six-week summer internship

The Fermilab TARGET Program is designed to encourage underrepresented minorities to pursue careers in STEM fields. It is one of the top internships for high schoolers in science and engineering, offering hands-on research experience in one of the leading physics laboratories in the U.S.

Students work with scientists and engineers on real projects, gaining experience in physics, engineering, and computer science. The program includes coursework and lab activities, allowing students to develop theoretical and practical knowledge.

🔹 Why it’s great:

• Focus on diversity and inclusion
• Hands-on research experience
• Opportunity to network with top scientists

3. Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) Scholar Program

📍 Location: Various U.S. locations

The AFRL Scholar Program is one of the best internships for high schoolers interested in aerospace, engineering, and defense. This internship provides students with opportunities to work alongside Air Force scientists and engineers on groundbreaking research projects.

Participants receive stipends and get involved in real-world problem-solving within national security. This experience is especially valuable for students considering careers in engineering, physics, cybersecurity, or the military.

🔹 Why it’s great:

• Paid internship with government funding
• Opportunity to work with top defense experts
• Hands-on engineering and research experience

4. U.S. Department of State Pathways Internship Program

📍 Location: Various locations across the U.S.

Government internships offer unique exposure to public service and diplomacy, and the U.S. Department of State’s Pathways Program is one of the most prestigious internships for high schoolers in this sector.

This program allows students to work on real government projects, learning about international relations, public policy, and the inner workings of U.S. embassies and agencies. Participants may assist with research, administrative tasks, or even policy analysis.

🔹 Why it’s great:

• Opportunity to work in government agencies
• Valuable experience for students interested in politics, law, or international affairs
• Exposure to real-world policymaking

5. NASA Internships at Goddard Space Flight Center

📍 Location: Maryland

🔬 Eligibility: Open to students aged 16+

NASA offers some of the most competitive and sought-after internships for high schoolers in STEM. Through its Pathways IEP program, high school students can gain experience in engineering, space research, and astrophysics.

Interns work on hands-on projects related to space exploration, data analysis, and scientific research. This is a fantastic opportunity for students who dream of working in space science or aerospace engineering.

🔹 Why it’s great:

• Work alongside NASA scientists
• Involvement in actual space missions
• Looks impressive on college applications

6. The Met High School Internship Program

📍 Location: New York

If you have a passion for art and culture, The Met’s internship is one of the best internships for high schoolers interested in creative careers. This paid internship allows students to engage with professionals in museum curation, art conservation, and exhibition design.

Participants can explore how museums operate, gaining insights into fine arts, history, and public engagement.

🔹 Why it’s great:

• Hands-on experience in the creative field
• Paid opportunity
• Work inside one of the world’s top museums

7. Zuckerman Institute’s BRAINYAC Program

📍 Location: Columbia University, New York

The BRAINYAC Program is a free neuroscience research internship for high school students interested in studying the human brain. It provides students with stipends and the chance to work with leading researchers.

🔹 Why it’s great:

• Focus on brain research and networking
• Free participation with stipend
• Exposure to Ivy League research

8. Georgia Tech Research Institute (GTRI) Internship

📍 Location: Georgia

For students interested in engineering and technology, the Georgia Tech Research Institute offers one of the best internships for high schoolers. Interns work in labs on real-world projects, exploring robotics, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence.

🔹 Why it’s great:

• Paid internship
• Work with top researchers
• Ideal for future engineers

9. Walt Disney Animation Studios Internship

📍 Location: California

This unique program provides students with experience in animation, design, and storytelling. If you’re interested in pursuing a career in film, gaming, or digital art, this is one of the best internships for high schoolers in the creative industry.

🔹 Why it’s great:

• Work on actual animation projects
• Learn from Disney professionals
• Gain insights into storytelling and design

10. Benjamin Lawless Internship at the Smithsonian

📍 Location: Washington, D.C.

This five-week paid internship focuses on audience engagement and exhibition design. High school students work with museum professionals to curate exhibits and organize educational programs.

🔹 Why it’s great:

• Paid internship
• Hands-on museum experience
• Great for students interested in history and culture

Conclusion

These top 10 internships for high schoolers in 2025 offer incredible opportunities for students to gain hands-on experience in their desired fields. Whether you are passionate about science, technology, government, or the arts, there is an internship that can help you develop skills, build your resume, and prepare for your future career.

If you’re serious about your future, don’t miss out on these life-changing internships for high schoolers. Start preparing your applications today!