Internships for High School Students Near Me: Your Ultimate Guide
- Estelle Reardon
- Sep 23
- 9 min read
Topics We Cover:
Completing a high school internship provides valuable experience, builds your resume, and opens doors to future career opportunities. It can also strengthen your college applications by showing your initiative and dedication.
Tips for Finding a High School Internship
Finding a high school internship isn’t always easy! Many students want an internship but don’t know where to start. The easiest way to find a high school internship is if you or someone in your family has a personal connection to someone who can hire you.
But what if you don’t have those connections? And what if you don’t live in a big city or near major companies? You might wonder, “Is it even possible to find an internship for high school students near me?”
Don’t worry—this guide has everything you need to get started! Here’s what you’ll learn:
How to find internships near you using StandOutSearch
How to find internships using LinkedIn
How to find internships at local businesses
How to write a high school resume to impress employers
How to write a cold email to find “hidden” internship opportunities
We’ve also included information about ten internships that are virtual or available in multiple locations across the U.S.
How to Find Internships for High School Students Near Me
Finding a high school internship can be challenging because many opportunities are limited, and competition is high.
Even for college students, securing an internship is often a competitive and overwhelming process. In fact, according to a recent report from the Business-Higher Education Forum, 43% of college students who wanted an internship in 2023 couldn’t find one!
So, how can you find a high school internship near you? The best way is to use one or all of the three methods below.
How to find high school internships on StandOutSearch
StandOutSearch is a free database containing hundreds of internships, research opportunities, and summer programs for high school students. It’s also incredibly easy to use.
The platform allows you to search by location, interest area, age, and several other factors. You also don’t have to worry about applying to internships that aren’t actually for high school applicants. Former high school interns have confirmed that every opportunity listed on StandOutSearch is open to high school students.
If you want a more tailored experience, there’s also the StandOut Connect program. This program connects high school students with mentors and matches them with a two-month internship at a company founded by alumni from top universities. Apply here!
How to find high school internships on LinkedIn
LinkedIn is the go-to platform for professionals to connect, network, and find career opportunities. You’re not alone if you feel like LinkedIn is intimidating or like it’s only for adults with years of work experience. You might be wondering how to navigate LinkedIn to find high school internship opportunities near me.
To start, you can use LinkedIn’s job search feature and filter for internships. However, there may not be many opportunities specifically for high school students. Still, you can use the platform to network your way into unique opportunities.
Here’s how:
Build your profile. Create a LinkedIn profile with a professional photo and a concise summary of your interests and goals as a high school student. Include any volunteer work, extracurricular activities, or projects that showcase your skills.
Expand your network. Search for local professionals or people working in fields you’re interested in. Send a polite connection request with a short, personalized message.
Request informational interviews. Once connected, ask if they’d be open to a brief virtual chat to discuss their career path and any advice they have for high school students interested in internships.
Join groups and follow companies. Engage with LinkedIn groups related to your interests and follow companies that you find appealing. Sometimes, opportunities are shared exclusively within these networks.
Learn more about leveraging this professional platform to find high school internship opportunities in our ultimate guide to LinkedIn for high school students.
How to find high school internships at businesses near you
This last option requires some initiative and stepping outside your comfort zone to connect directly with local businesses or organizations. How do you do that?
One excellent starting point is your local chamber of commerce. Many chambers offer directories of local businesses, and some also list internships or volunteer opportunities for students. Visit their website or office to ask if they can provide any leads. This method is a straightforward way to discover community-focused companies that may be more open to taking on high school interns.
Another approach is to visit businesses in person. For example, you can walk into small businesses, community organizations, or even local offices and ask to speak to a manager or HR representative. Then, you could say something like:
“Hi, my name is [Your name]. I’m a high school student interested in learning more about [industry/business]. I was wondering if you might offer internships or shadowing opportunities for students.”
Here are some tips to make the most of your effort:
Dress professionally.
Practice your introduction ahead of time.
Start with businesses you’re familiar with or passionate about.
Bring copies of a polished resume (we share tips on how to write one below).
Follow up if they express interest—send a thank-you email and attach your resume.
Even if a business doesn’t have formal internships, many will appreciate your enthusiasm and might offer to create an opportunity for you. If you had a meaningful conversation with them, connect with them on LinkedIn—just because they don’t have an opportunity for you now, doesn’t mean they won’t have one for you in the future.
10 High School Internships Near You
If you live in a metropolitan city like New York or Chicago, Googling “high school internships near me” might yield plenty of results with established programs tailored to high school students.
But what should you do if you live in a rural area or struggle to find companies willing to hire high school interns? Use StandOutSearch! It can help you find remote internships or internships held at locations nationwide.
Here are ten high school internship opportunities currently listed on our platform.
Ages: 15-19
Location: Virtual
Timeline: Summer, Spring, Fall, or Winter
Deadline: Various Deadlines
StandOut Connect is a program that matches high-achieving high school students with online internships in their industries, including:
Arts
Engineering
Finance
Law
Medicine
Science
Technology
StandOut Connect is supported by StandOutSearch—the largest free online database for high school internships—and has been featured in Forbes. The program was created with help from the University of Chicago’s Polsky Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation and is open to international students, provided they demonstrate English fluency and are prepared to work within a U.S. time zone.
Ages: 15-18
Location: Virtual, In-Person, and Hybrid
Timeline: Summer, Spring, Fall, or Winter
Deadline: Various Deadlines
Imagine interning at the world’s largest museum, education, and research institution: the Smithsonian. The Smithsonian Office of Internships offers high school students the chance to gain hands-on experience at renowned museums like the National Museum of Natural History, the National Portrait Gallery, and the National Museum of the American Indian.
With virtual, hybrid, and in-person opportunities, you can find a position that works for you. Whether you’re passionate about art, history, science, or culture, the Smithsonian’s variety of internships will inspire and challenge you.
Ages: 15-18
Location: Virtual or In-Person
Timeline: Summer, Spring, or Fall
Deadline: Various Deadlines
If you’re interested in foreign relations and working in a prestigious think tank, the Foreign Policy Research Institute (FPRI) offers an incredible internship opportunity. Internships are available during the summer, fall, and spring terms, giving you the chance to work alongside scholars and professionals in the field.
As an intern, you’ll develop industry-specific skills while sharpening essential workplace abilities like communication, collaboration, critical thinking, and time management. Internships are available in four tracks: Research, Special Events/Development, Communications, and Operations.
Summer interns enjoy weekly seminars on foreign policy and career development with guest speakers. Interns also have access to FPRI’s in-person, virtual, and hybrid events.
Ages: 15-18
Location: Virtual
Timeline: School Year and Summer
Deadline: Rolling
Medicine Encompassed, a student-led nonprofit organization, offers an internship opportunity for high school students in grades 9-12 from around the world. It’s a great opportunity if you’re passionate about biology, medicine, STEM, or related fields. As an intern, you’ll have the chance to make an impact while developing your knowledge and skills in STEM fields.
Medicine Encompassed also values diversity and seeks to build a team of students from various backgrounds who share a passion for the sciences.
Ages: 16-18
Location: N/A
Timeline: School Year and Summer
Deadline: Various Deadlines
If you’re interested in exploring a career in the federal government, consider the U.S. Department of State’s Pathways Internship Program. It includes the Internship Experience Program (IEP) and the Internship Temporary Program (ITEP). Both programs offer paid internships for high school students.
Pathways internships introduce students to careers in public service and provide hands-on learning in a professional environment. Whether you’re curious about diplomacy, international relations, or government operations, these internship programs allow you to build skills and gain insights while contributing to meaningful projects.
The U.S. Department of State’s Pathways Internship Program is limited to U.S. citizens. Interns must have the ability to obtain Secret or Top Secret security clearance and be willing to undergo random drug testing.
Ages: 16-18
Location: N/A
Timeline: Summer
Deadline: November 1
The Science and Engineering Apprenticeship Program (SEAP) is your chance to gain hands-on experience with the Department of Navy (DoN). This eight-week paid summer program places high school students in Navy laboratories to work on projects related to naval research and technology.
As a SEAP intern, you’d also get to collaborate with top scientists and engineers, sharpening your skills and learning about cutting-edge developments in science and engineering. It’s a great opportunity if you’re passionate about STEM and want to dive into real-world research.
U.S. citizenship is required to participate in this awesome high school internship opportunity.
Ages: 16-18
Location: In-Person and Virtual
Timeline: Summer, Spring, Fall, or Winter
Deadline: Various Deadlines
Want to work with NASA? A NASA High School Internship gives you a chance to contribute to real space projects. You’d work with a mentor from NASA and gain hands-on experience in STEM fields.
Learn more about the high school internship opportunities offered by NASA in our comprehensive guide to NASA high school internships.
Ages: 16-19
Location: In-Person
Timeline: N/A
Deadline: Contact for Details
The Southwest Airlines High School Internship program offers a unique opportunity to support Ground Operations at their headquarters. It’s a great chance to gain experience in the airline industry while working with a well-known company. You’d assist with essential tasks like payroll, staffing, maintaining records, and organizing events.
Ages: 16-18
Location: In-Person
Timeline: Summer
Deadline: January 25
The Hutton Junior Fisheries Biology Program offers an eight-week paid summer internship for high school students sponsored by the American Fisheries Society (AFS). This internship program gives you the chance to explore career paths in fisheries and aquatic science.
High school internship opportunities are available in all 50 states, plus Puerto Rico, Canada, and Mexico.
Ages: 17-18
Location: In-Person
Timeline: Summer
Deadline: Early January
The Emma Bowen Foundation Internship is a fantastic opportunity for students interested in media or tech careers. Whether you want to be a producer, journalist, web developer, engineer, or pursue another role in these fields, this internship helps you get started.
The program is open to graduating seniors with an interest in media or tech who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents, with a minimum 3.0 GPA. Recently, internships have been hosted in 37 states.
How to Write a High School Resume
You need a strong resume to secure an internship as a high school student. It might seem overwhelming to write a resume for the first time, but it’s simpler than you think. It’s also worth the effort. A well-structured resume can help you stand out, even if you don’t have much formal work experience yet.
Our high school resume template and tips guide you to create a winning resume, with proven advice to help it stand out.
Email Template for Finding a High School Internship Near Me
Reaching out to local businesses or professionals via email is an excellent way to uncover hidden internship opportunities. A clear and professional email can also leave a strong impression and increase your chances of getting a positive response.
Here’s a sample email template to help you get started:
Subject: Internship Opportunity
Dear [Recipient’s Name],
My name is [your name], and I’m a high school student at [your school’s name]. I’m very interested in [specific industry or area of interest, e.g., marketing, healthcare, technology] and am eager to gain hands-on experience in the field. I admire your organization's work and would love the opportunity to contribute while learning from professionals like you.
Do you offer internship opportunities for high school students? [Share more detail about your relevant skills and experience and why you’re interested in working for the organization].
Thank you for considering my request. I have included my resume here. Thanks so much!
Best regards,
[Your full name]
Conclusion
Finding a high school internship can be challenging, especially if you don’t have family connections or live in a metropolitan area. However, it’s not impossible! Use the tips we’ve shared in this guide to increase your chances of finding the right opportunity.
Platforms like StandOutSearch also make the process easier. It can help you discover high school internship opportunities you might not find anywhere else. Plus, it’s free to try!