50 Best Internships for High School Students: Paid, Prestigious & Life-Changing

Ever wonder how some students seem to have resumes packed with real-world experience before they even graduate high school? It’s not magic or some secret handshake society—it’s internships. And trust us, they’re not just for college kids anymore.

Admissions officers love students who dive into the deep end early. Why? Because internships show initiative. They’re living proof that you’re not just dreaming about a future in medicine, law, business, or the arts—you’re actually stepping into it. Internships give you more than just something impressive to write in your Common App activities section. They help you build real skills, clarify your career interests, and spark stories that turn into unforgettable college essays.

And let’s talk about confidence. There’s nothing quite like sitting in a real boardroom or shadowing a real doctor to remind you that, yes, you belong in these spaces. Plus, the mentors and professionals you meet? They often turn into recommendation writers and lifelong guides.

So, whether you’re curious about medicine, business, law, or the arts, there’s something in this list for you. The earlier you start exploring, the more your story stands out—and that’s what makes admissions committees lean in and pay attention.

Prestigious & Competitive Internships for High Schoolers

Let’s be real—some internships are in a league of their own. These are the programs that make admissions officers do a double take and spark serious “Wow, you did that?!” moments in interviews. They’re competitive for a reason: they offer unparalleled access to top-tier mentors, cutting-edge research, and real-world impact. Getting in isn’t easy—but if you do, you’re not just building your resume. You’re joining a community of high-achieving peers and pushing yourself in ways most high schoolers never experience. Ready to aim high? These elite programs are where future leaders, scientists, and changemakers get their start.

Research Science Institute (RSI) @ MIT
  • Age Requirements: Current juniors (high school seniors-to-be)
  • Location: Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA
  • Timeline: 6 weeks (June to August)
  • Application Deadline: Typically mid-January

If you’re the kind of student who geeks out over lab experiments and can’t get enough of STEM, RSI is your dream summer. Hosted at MIT, RSI brings together some of the brightest young minds from around the world for an immersive research experience. Students don’t just observe—they dive headfirst into original research alongside top scientists and Ph.D. mentors. From day one, you’re treated like a real researcher, learning how to ask bold questions and chase down real-world answers.

NIH High School Summer Internship Program (HS-SIP)
  • Age Requirements: 17+ by June 15 of the internship year
  • Location: NIH campuses, primarily Bethesda, MD
  • Timeline: 8 weeks (May to August)
  • Application Deadline: Typically early March

Imagine working side-by-side with scientists who are actively tackling some of the biggest challenges in health and medicine. At NIH’s HS-SIP, students get to be part of this mission—whether it’s in a molecular biology lab or assisting with public health data. You’ll gain hands-on experience, sharpen your scientific thinking, and see how your classroom knowledge translates to meaningful real-world work. This internship isn’t just about science—it’s about seeing yourself as part of the next generation of changemakers in healthcare.

Bank of America Student Leaders
  • Age Requirements: Juniors and seniors (16+)
  • Location: Local nonprofits + Washington D.C. summit
  • Timeline: 8 weeks (summer)
  • Application Deadline: Typically January

This program blends leadership, service, and policy in a way that’s as transformative as it is inspiring. Student Leaders spend their summer working with a nonprofit organization, taking on real community challenges and contributing to impactful solutions. Then, they gather in Washington, D.C. for a national summit that explores civic engagement, social justice, and policymaking. If you’re passionate about driving change and building your voice as a leader, this internship is a launchpad.

NASA Internships for High School Students
  • Age Requirements: 16+
  • Location: Various NASA centers across the U.S.
  • Timeline: Summer and year-round options
  • Application Deadline: Varies by center; typically late winter for summer sessions

Calling all aspiring engineers, coders, and space enthusiasts—NASA offers high school students the chance to contribute to real missions and research. Whether you’re working on coding projects, helping with satellite data, or learning about spacecraft design, you’ll be a part of a team that’s pushing the boundaries of innovation. This isn’t just about science fiction dreams; it’s about real-world experience in one of the most exciting fields on the planet (and beyond).

Simons Summer Research Program @ Stony Brook
  • Age Requirements: 11th grade at time of application; 16 years old
  • Location: Stony Brook, NY
  • Timeline: 5 weeks (July-August)
  • Application Deadline: January 31 for school nominations, February 2 for application

This isn’t your average high school lab experience. At Simons, students are placed in active research groups and paired with university mentors working on projects ranging from cancer biology to sustainable energy. You’ll learn how to read scientific literature, develop hypotheses, and contribute meaningfully to complex research questions. It’s an intensive deep-dive into academic science that builds both your resume and your confidence as a future researcher.

Telluride Association Summer Seminar (TASS)
  • Age Requirements: Rising juniors and seniors, must be 15 years old
  • Location: Cornell University and University of Maryland
  • Timeline: 4 weeks (June-July)
  • Application Deadline: Closes early December

If you love big ideas, deep discussions, and challenging everything you thought you knew, TASS might be your intellectual playground. These rigorous humanities seminars—hosted at top-tier universities—give you the chance to explore race, power, justice, and identity through college-level texts and conversations. You’ll join a diverse group of students who aren’t afraid to question, debate, and grow. And best of all? It’s totally free—no tuition, no fluff, just transformative learning.

Anson L. Clark Scholars Program (Texas Tech)
  • Age Requirements: Must be 17 years old, summer going into or after senior year
  • Location: Taxes Tech (Lubbock, TX)
  • Timeline: 7 weeks (June-August)
  • Application Deadline: Late February

This is the kind of program that turns curious students into confident researchers. For seven weeks, you’ll be paired with a Texas Tech faculty member and dive headfirst into a research project that matters—whether it’s engineering, psychology, or something in between. Beyond the lab, the program includes seminars, service projects, and professional development. It’s intense, immersive, and designed for students ready to rise to the challenge.

Carnegie Mellon’s Summer Academy for Math and Science (SAMS)
  • Age Requirements: 16 years old and be in 11th grade
  • Location: Carnegie Mellon University (Pittsburgh, PA)
  • Timeline: 6 weeks (June-August)
  • Application Deadline: February 1 preferred deadline

SAMS is more than an academic enrichment program—it’s a launchpad for students historically underrepresented in STEM fields. You’ll live on campus, take advanced classes, and work on real projects that stretch your problem-solving skills. Along the way, you’ll connect with mentors and peers who share your drive and ambition. This is the place where future engineers, data scientists, and innovators get their start—and gain the confidence to thrive in college and beyond.

The United States Senate Page Program
  • Age Requirements: 16 or 17 years old, must be a rising Junior or Senior
  • Location: Washington DC
  • Timeline: Multiple session dates
  • Application Deadline: Varies per session

Few experiences offer a front-row seat to democracy in action like the Senate Page Program. Pages assist with real legislative tasks, work on the Senate floor, and interact with some of the most powerful leaders in the country. You’ll gain a firsthand understanding of government while building maturity, professionalism, and poise. If politics, public service, or law is on your radar, this opportunity is hard to top.

Paid Internships and Programs That Value Your Time

You’re putting in the work, so why shouldn’t you get paid for it? These programs go beyond the usual “good experience” pitch and back it up with real compensation. They know that your time is valuable and that not every student can afford to intern for free. Whether you’re coding at a tech giant, learning the ropes of corporate finance, or interning at a local nonprofit, these opportunities give you a paycheck and a purpose. For students who want to level up without sacrificing income, this is where hustle meets reward.

Microsoft High School Discovery Program
  • Age Requirements: High school seniors planning to attend a four-year college
  • Location: Virtual and various Microsoft locations
  • Timeline: Summer (typically 4 weeks)
  • Application Deadline: Typically mid-March

This program is for students who are curious about tech but haven’t had many opportunities to explore it—yet. You’ll spend time learning about computer science, engineering, and careers in STEM while also building soft skills like teamwork and communication. It’s a paid program, which means Microsoft values your time as much as your potential. Plus, you’ll get a firsthand look at one of the most iconic tech companies on the planet.

Facebook Summer Academy
  • Age Requirements: Current sophomores, juniors, and seniors (16+)
  • Location: Menlo Park, CA (Meta HQ)
  • Timeline: 6 weeks (June to August)
  • Application Deadline: Typically February

Imagine being mentored by professionals at Meta while getting paid to learn about everything from marketing to product development. That’s what Facebook Summer Academy offers—especially for students from underrepresented communities in the Bay Area. Interns build professional skills, expand their networks, and get real exposure to what it’s like to work in one of the world’s most influential companies. If you’re into tech and want a supportive on-ramp, this one’s gold.

The Intern Project (TIP LA)
  • Age Requirements: Be within grades 10-12
  • Location: LA County
  • Timeline: 8 weeks (June-August)
  • Application Deadline: Mid-march

TIP opens the door for Los Angeles high school students to explore careers in fields like tech, arts, healthcare, and even government. Students are matched with local businesses or public sector organizations for paid internships that reflect their interests and goals. Along the way, you’ll attend workshops on topics like financial literacy and career readiness. It’s hands-on learning, plus a paycheck—and a big step toward figuring out what you want post-high school.

NYC Ladders for Leaders
  • Age Requirements: 16–24 in high school (junior/senior) or college
  • Location: NYC 
  • Timeline: 6–8 weeks (June–Aug)
  • Application Deadline: Early February

This program connects highly motivated New York City students with paid internships at leading companies like Deloitte, Major League Baseball, and Bloomberg. But it’s not just about the names—it’s about giving students the tools to succeed in high-demand careers. Interns attend pre-employment training and receive ongoing support throughout the summer. If you’re serious about your future and ready to hustle, this program gives you the platform—and the paycheck—to do just that.

Seattle Youth Employment Program (SYEP)
  • Age Requirements: 16–24
  • Location: Seattle
  • Timeline: 6–8 weeks (July–Aug)
  • Application Deadline: Mid-March

SYEP helps Seattle teens get a foot in the door with job experience that actually pays. Whether you’re interested in city government, community organizations, or private companies, the program connects you to placements that match your interests. You’ll also receive career-readiness training to help you build the skills that matter—like communication, time management, and workplace professionalism. It’s a powerful way to start building your future, with support and a paycheck.

Genesys Works (Various Cities)
  • Age Requirements: Rising high school seniors
  • Location: Major metro areas (e.g., Bay Area, Houston, Chicago, D.C.)
  • Timeline: Summer training (June–Aug) + school-year internship (Sept–May)
  • Application Deadline: Late February

This isn’t your typical high school internship—it’s a full-year commitment that comes with real-world responsibility and professional pay. High school seniors in Genesys Works train in IT, business operations, and professional skills before being placed in paid corporate internships. It’s ideal for students who want to break into tech or business but need a serious boost in access and experience. You’ll walk away with a year of on-the-job training, a stronger resume, and a clearer path forward.

Kaiser Permanente LAUNCH Program
  • Age Requirements: 16–19 years old
  • Location: Northern & Southern California Kaiser Permanente facilities.
  • Timeline: 7-weeks (mid‑June to early August)
  • Application Deadline: Mid to late December

Healthcare isn’t just about doctors and nurses—and LAUNCH proves it. This program introduces students to a range of roles in healthcare while providing professional development, mentorship, and pay. It’s focused on supporting youth from underserved communities and helping them imagine themselves in medical and health-related careers. If you’re even a little curious about healthcare, this program makes it real—and reachable.

Johns Hopkins CARES Summer Program
  • Age Requirements: High school juniors and seniors (around 16–18)
  • Location: Baltimore, MD
  • Timeline: 7 weeks (Summer)
  • Application Deadline: Mid-February

Designed for students in the Baltimore area, CARES gives you a front-row seat to public health in action. You’ll learn about community health, social justice, and the systems that shape well-being—all while getting paid for your time and effort. The program includes mentorship from Johns Hopkins professionals and opportunities to explore careers in research, advocacy, and clinical care. It’s a meaningful way to learn while giving back to your community.

  • Age Requirements: 14–18 (summer jobs), 19–24 (leader roles)
  • Location: Boston, MA
  • Timeline: ~10 weeks (Late June–Late August)
  • Application Deadline: Mid-July

SuccessLink connects Boston teens with paid summer jobs in everything from government to the arts to environmental science. It’s a great chance to explore career interests, build workplace skills, and earn money while school’s out. The city provides support every step of the way, making sure you’re not just working—but growing. Whether you’re leading a youth project or supporting a city initiative, you’ll walk away with confidence and connections.

Local Gems – City & State-Based Opportunities

Not every standout internship has to come with national buzz. Sometimes, the best opportunities are right in your own backyard. These city- and state-based programs may not make headlines, but they’re packed with purpose, mentorship, and hands-on learning. They connect you to your community, help you build local networks, and let you make an impact where you live. Whether you’re researching history in Manhattan or building robots in Chicago, these internships prove that “local” can be just as life-changing as “elite.”

New York City
CLA High School Internship
  • Age Requirements: 16–18 years old
  • Location: Multiple U.S. offices (e.g., Baltimore, Chicago, Seattle)
  • Timeline: 4 weeks in summer (mid-June to mid-July)
  • Application Deadline: Typically January

This program gives students the rare chance to get involved in legislative work at the state level. Interns assist with policy research, communications, and constituent services, providing behind-the-scenes access to how government actually runs. It’s a crash course in civic engagement and political professionalism—perfect for students who want to move from talking about change to making it happen. Plus, you’ll build relationships with lawmakers and mentors who can help guide your next steps.

New York Historical Society Student Historian Program
  • Age Requirements: High school students in grades 10–12 (approx. 15–18)
  • Location: New York City metro area (NYC + parts of NY, NJ, CT)
  • Timeline: 6 weeks in summer (mid‑July to mid‑August)
  • Application Deadline: Late winter/early spring (typically Feb – Mar)

History buffs, this one’s for you. Interns at the New-York Historical Society dig into archives, lead public tours, and design educational content that brings history to life. You’ll sharpen your research and presentation skills while working alongside museum professionals who make the past feel urgent and alive. It’s a chance to turn your passion for storytelling and inquiry into real-world experience.

Chicago
After School Matters
  • Age Requirements: 14–19 (internships start at 16)
  • Location: Chicago, IL
  • Timeline: ~6 weeks (Late June–Early August for summer)
  • Application Deadline: Mid-February

After School Matters is where creativity, curiosity, and community come together. This program offers paid internships in areas like visual arts, media production, technology, culinary arts, and even sports leadership. You’re not just learning skills—you’re applying them in meaningful, project-based work that reflects your interests. It’s built for Chicago teens who want to grow, explore, and get paid while doing it.

Adler Planetarium Internships
  • Age Requirements: 14–18 (current high school students, grades 9–12)
  • Location: Chicago, IL (Adler Planetarium Museum Campus)
  • Timeline: ~6 weeks (June 30 – August 8, 2025)
  • Application Deadline: Early March

Ever wonder what it’s like to explore the cosmos from a job on Earth? Adler’s internships let you do just that. You might assist with astronomy programs, support public events, or help researchers with real space science projects. It’s a mix of education, discovery, and stargazing—and a perfect fit for any teen with big questions about the universe.

Field Museum Teen Programs
  • Age Requirements: High school students (ages 14–18)
  • Location: Chicago, IL
  • Timeline: ~5 weeks (Late June–Early August)
  • Application Deadline: Early March

Get ready to go behind the scenes of one of Chicago’s most iconic museums. As a teen intern at the Field Museum, you might help develop exhibits, assist in community outreach, or even work directly with scientists and curators. It’s hands-on, immersive, and ideal for students curious about natural history, anthropology, or museum careers. You won’t just learn about the past—you’ll help tell its story.

Seattle
Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center Internships
  • Age Requirements: Rising high school seniors
  • Location: Seattle, WA
  • Timeline: 8 weeks (Late June–Mid August)
  • Application Deadline: Late March

This program is a deep dive into the world of biomedical research, giving students the chance to work in professional labs tackling real health challenges. Interns assist with experiments, analyze data, and learn directly from scientists who are on the front lines of cancer research. It’s an intensive experience designed for students with a serious interest in science and a passion for discovery. If you’ve ever dreamed of wearing a lab coat for real, this is your chance.

City of Seattle Summer Internship Program
  • Age Requirements: 16–22
  • Location: Seattle, WA
  • Timeline: ~8 weeks (Mid-June–Late August)
  • Application Deadline: April

This program opens the door to careers in public service by placing students in city departments ranging from human services to parks and recreation. It’s about more than just office work—you’re contributing to the city’s mission while learning how local government operates. You’ll gain professional skills, build confidence, and see how your work can make a difference in your own community. It’s a solid starting point for anyone curious about civic leadership.

San Antonio
Ambassador Summer Internship
  • Age Requirements: College students (1+ year completed)
  • Location: San Antonio, TX
  • Timeline: ~8 weeks (Mid-June–Early August)
  • Application Deadline: Early March

Through this program, high school students get the chance to step into the world of local government. Interns are placed in city offices and work on community-driven projects that foster leadership and civic engagement. You’ll learn what it takes to serve a city—and how your voice can shape public policy. It’s a great fit for students who want to make an impact where they live.

Witte Museum High School Interns
  • Age Requirements: 14–18
  • Location: San Antonio, TX
  • Timeline: ~8 weeks (June–August)
  • Application Deadline: Early April

At the Witte Museum, interns take on meaningful roles in everything from educational programming to artifact care. Whether you’re guiding guests through exhibits or assisting with event planning, you’re part of a team that brings science and culture to life. It’s an exciting way to explore museum careers while developing communication and organizational skills. Plus, you’ll gain a behind-the-scenes view of what it takes to keep a museum running.

Industry-Focused Internships for Every Passion

Whatever you’re into—whether it’s architecture, journalism, fashion, or finance—there’s an internship out there that speaks your language. This section is all about matching your specific interests with real-world opportunities that help you explore, test, and grow your passion. These programs connect you with professionals doing the work you dream about, giving you hands-on experience in industries that usually feel miles away from high school. So whether you’re a future architect sketching city skylines or a budding journalist chasing your first big story, these internships are your chance to step into the field and see what it’s really like.

STEM & Engineering
Engineering Tomorrow
  • Age Requirements: High school students (grades 9–12)
  • Location: Virtual (U.S.)
  • Timeline: Self-paced; optional live sessions
  • Application Deadline: Varies

This program is all about making STEM real and exciting. You’ll work alongside professional engineers to tackle hands-on projects—from designing wind turbines to exploring biomedical innovations. It’s designed to show you what engineering looks like in the real world, with the added bonus of mentorship and insight from people who do it every day. If you like building things, solving problems, and getting your hands dirty, this one’s for you.

MIT Lincoln Laboratory Radar Workshop
  • Age Requirements: Rising high school seniors
  • Location: Cambridge/Lexington, MA
  • Timeline: 2 weeks (mid‑July)
  • Application Deadline: Mid‑March

This workshop pulls back the curtain on the world of electrical engineering and radar systems. You’ll dive into complex topics like signal processing and systems design—but in a way that’s guided and accessible for motivated high schoolers. Working with real scientists and engineers, you’ll go from theory to practice in just a few weeks. It’s challenging, eye-opening, and incredibly rewarding.

Brookhaven National Lab High School Research Program
  • Age Requirements: 16+, typically completed 11th grade
  • Location: Upton, NY (Brookhaven Lab)
  • Timeline: ~6 weeks (Early July–Mid August)
  • Application Deadline: Early April

Here, you’re not watching science happen—you’re part of it. Students assist with ongoing research in areas like physics, chemistry, and environmental science, all at one of the country’s most respected national labs. You’ll learn how to read scientific literature, contribute to real experiments, and collaborate with researchers at the cutting edge. It’s serious work—but also seriously inspiring.

Business & Finance
Youth About Business Summer Conference
  • Age Requirements: High school students
  • Location: Nashville, NYC, Chicago, Houston, Atlanta (and virtual)
  • Timeline: 1 week (Late June–Mid July)
  • Application Deadline: Late May

If you’ve ever wanted to run a company—or at least try—this program simulates the full experience. You’ll form executive teams, analyze mock companies, and make strategic decisions in real time. The highlight? Competing in a national business tournament where your leadership and critical thinking are put to the test. It’s fast-paced, competitive, and an incredible way to learn how business really works.

Girls Who Invest High School Scholars
  • Age Requirements: High school seniors
  • Location: Virtual + select campuses
  • Timeline: Feb–Aug (online); May–Aug (in-person + internship)
  • Application Deadline: Mid-October

This program is creating space for young women in the world of finance—and that starts early. Through online courses and virtual mentorship, students get a primer in investing, markets, and financial literacy, all while gaining confidence in a field that’s still too often male-dominated. It’s not about having a finance background—it’s about having the drive to learn and lead. If you’re curious about business, this is a strong and supportive first step.

Junior Achievement High School Heroes
  • Age Requirements: High school students (Grades 9–12)
  • Location: Varies (implemented via local JA chapters, in-class or virtual)
  • Timeline: 4 sessions (~45 minutes each)
  • Application Deadline: Varies by chapter & school

This program flips the script—high schoolers become the teachers. You’ll visit elementary and middle schools to lead lessons in financial literacy, entrepreneurship, and career readiness. It’s a powerful way to build public speaking and leadership skills while giving back to your community. Plus, you’ll walk away with a better grasp on financial concepts yourself—because teaching is often the best way to learn.

Law & Public Policy
  • Age Requirements: Rising 9th graders
  • Location: New York City
  • Timeline: 5 weeks (Early July–Early August)
  • Application Deadline: Late February/Early March

This program gives rising high school students a head start in the world of law. You’ll learn legal reasoning, develop public speaking skills, and participate in a mock trial where you argue a case in front of real judges. It’s more than a summer course—it’s an immersive introduction to justice, advocacy, and what it means to use your voice with purpose. If you’ve ever imagined yourself in court or crafting policy, this is your proving ground.

National Youth Leadership Forum: Law & CSI
  • Age Requirements: Grades 9–12 
  • Location: Washington, DC
  • Timeline: ~8 days (early to mid‑July)
  • Application Deadline: Varies (typically spring; check site)

This residential program is tailor-made for teens fascinated by law, forensics, or criminal justice. You’ll explore courtroom procedure, criminal investigation, and legal ethics through simulations, workshops, and site visits. While fee-based, the program offers an engaging way to see whether a legal or public service path might be in your future. You’ll come away with new friends, professional insights, and a deeper understanding of how justice gets done.

Arts, Media, & Communication
New York Times Summer Academy
  • Age Requirements: 15–18 (rising 10th–12th graders & seniors)
  • Location: NYC & DC
  • Timeline: Multi-week summer sessions (June–July)
  • Application Deadline: Late April

This program gives students the rare opportunity to study journalism with some of the best in the business—NYT reporters and editors. Through writing workshops, field assignments, and editorial feedback, you’ll explore how great stories are crafted and why journalism matters. Whether you’re interested in investigative reporting, photojournalism, or op-eds, this academy sharpens your storytelling voice. It’s a front-row seat to media-making in action.

Smithsonian Internships for High School Students
  • Age Requirements: High school students (varies by program)
  • Location: Washington, D.C.
  • Timeline: Summer (6–8 weeks)
  • Application Deadline: Typically February to March (varies by department)

From exhibit design to educational programming, these internships place students in roles that explore history, culture, and creativity. Whether you’re supporting visitor engagement or diving into museum collections, you’ll learn how museums function behind the scenes. It’s a chance to build communication and research skills while working alongside experts in art, anthropology, and more. If you love learning and sharing ideas, this program turns passion into practice.

  • Age Requirements: High school students
  • Location: Washington, DC
  • Timeline: 9 weeks full-time (June-August)
  • Application Deadline: Mid-February

At the National Gallery in D.C., teen interns get to immerse themselves in the art world from the inside out. You’ll help with exhibitions, assist in educational programming, and work with museum staff to understand how large cultural institutions operate. It’s ideal for students curious about art history, museum studies, or creative careers. Plus, you’ll connect with other teens who love art just as much as you do.

Tech & Coding
Girls Who Code Summer Immersion Program
  • Age Requirements: Current 9th–11th graders
  • Location: Virtual (U.S.)
  • Timeline: 2 weeks (July 7–18 or July 28–Aug 8)
  • Application Deadline: Early deadline mid‑February; final deadline mid‑April

This free program introduces high school girls to computer science in a supportive, empowering environment. Over the course of a few weeks, you’ll build apps, develop websites, and work in teams to solve real-world problems through tech. You’ll also meet female leaders in the industry and build a network that lasts beyond summer. If you’re new to coding but eager to learn, this program is a game-changer.

AI4ALL High School Programs
  • Age Requirements: Rising 10th–12th graders
  • Location: Virtual + select campuses
  • Timeline: ~3–4 weeks (June–July)
  • Application Deadline: March–April

AI4ALL goes beyond just teaching code—it introduces students to artificial intelligence through a lens of ethics, diversity, and social impact. You’ll work on projects that tackle real-world problems and explore how AI can be a tool for equity and innovation. Taught by university professors and industry professionals, the program is ideal for students who want their tech skills to make a difference.

Miscellaneous & Unique
The Smithsonian Folklife Internship
  • Age Requirements: 14+
  • Location: Washington, DC
  • Timeline: ~6 weeks (Late June–Early July)
  • Application Deadline: Early March

This internship is for students who love stories, community, and culture. Interns support the Smithsonian Folklife Festival by working on everything from event planning and outreach to research and multimedia documentation. It’s a dynamic role that shows how art, culture, and tradition shape our shared human experience. If you’re passionate about storytelling or social anthropology, this is a rare and rewarding opportunity.

Your Next Steps Toward a Transformational Summer

Whether you’re shadowing a doctor, coding your first app, or building solar panels with a team of engineers, every experience adds a powerful chapter to your story. These internships aren’t just boxes to check—they’re launchpads for growth, discovery, and purpose.

Now’s the time to take action. Start by pulling together a simple résumé that highlights your interests, school activities, and any part-time work or volunteer experience. Reach out to a teacher or mentor for a strong recommendation. Most importantly, mark those deadlines—early birds don’t just get the worm, they get the opportunity.

Dream big. Apply boldly. Even if it feels like a stretch, go for the programs that light you up. You don’t have to navigate it alone.

Need help building your resume, writing essays, or picking the right-fit programs? Book a free consultation with Admit Advantage. We’ll help you take the next step with confidence.