STEM Internships for High School Students: How to Get Started and Succeed

In today’s technology-driven world, STEM—short for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics—has become the cornerstone of innovation and progress. From designing smarter cities to developing life-saving medicines, STEM fields are shaping our future. But what many students and parents don’t realize is that the journey toward a successful STEM career can—and should—start in high school.

High school is a critical period for exploration and skill-building. One of the most impactful ways for students to gain real-world experience and develop essential skills is through internships. STEM internships for high school students are not just resume boosters; they are transformative experiences that offer early exposure to complex problems, mentorship from professionals, and insight into potential career paths.

This article provides a comprehensive guide to STEM internships tailored specifically for high school students. We’ll explore what these internships are, why they’re valuable, how to find them, and how students can maximize their experience. Whether you’re a student eager to dive into research, a parent guiding your teen, or an educator supporting STEM initiatives, this guide will help you navigate the journey to securing a meaningful internship.

With this information, you’ll be better prepared to take action, finding opportunities that align with interests, developing standout applications, and preparing for a future in one of the fastest-growing sectors of the global economy.

What Are STEM Internships for High School Students?

STEM internships for high school students are structured opportunities that allow young learners to gain practical experience in one or more of the STEM fields—science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Unlike shadowing or volunteering, internships often include specific projects, mentorship, evaluations, and sometimes stipends. These experiences provide hands-on learning that complements the theoretical knowledge students gain in school.

A STEM internship might involve assisting with lab research at a university, coding software in a tech startup, building robots at an engineering firm, or analyzing environmental data for a nonprofit. These internships can take place over summer breaks, during the school year part-time, or even virtually.

Importantly, STEM internships are designed to be educational, not just administrative. Students are expected to participate in meaningful activities, such as collecting data, presenting findings, or contributing to team projects. These experiences help students understand how abstract classroom concepts apply to real-world challenges.

Internships also expose students to workplace dynamics—collaboration, communication, deadlines—which are essential skills regardless of the career path they choose. For those still undecided on their future, an internship offers a chance to test-drive different fields and roles.

Finally, many high school STEM internships are linked with institutions aiming to support diversity and equity in STEM. Programs like Girls Who Code or the STEM Enhancement in Earth Science (SEES) encourage participation from underrepresented communities, making internships a tool not just for education, but for empowerment.

Benefits of STEM Internships in High School

STEM internships offer a wide array of benefits that extend far beyond classroom learning. First and foremost, they provide real-world experience. Instead of reading about scientific concepts in a textbook, students get to participate in actual research or development projects. This experiential learning deepens understanding and builds retention of academic concepts.

Another major advantage is skill development. STEM internships help students build both hard and soft skills. Hard skills include programming, lab techniques, data analysis, and scientific writing. Soft skills—such as teamwork, time management, critical thinking, and effective communication—are also cultivated. These are the transferable skills that colleges and employers look for in candidates.

Participating in internships also gives students a competitive edge in college admissions. Admissions officers favor applicants who demonstrate initiative, curiosity, and commitment to a field. A well-executed internship signals all three. Furthermore, students often get recommendation letters from mentors who are experts in their field, enhancing college and scholarship applications.

Read Also: Top 30 Business Internships for High School Students

Networking is another hidden gem. Internships connect students with professionals who can offer career guidance, job leads, or continued mentorship. These connections can last well beyond the internship period and often play a critical role in shaping future opportunities.

Finally, internships can clarify career goals. By working in a real-world environment, students can determine whether a particular STEM path is truly right for them. They might discover a new passion or decide that a specific role isn’t a good fit—both of which are invaluable insights to gain early.

Who Can Apply for STEM Internships?

One of the most appealing aspects of STEM internships is that many programs are open to motivated high school students regardless of socioeconomic status or background. While eligibility criteria can vary by program, most internships require applicants to be currently enrolled in high school, typically between the ages of 15 and 18.

Many programs prioritize juniors and seniors because they are closer to making post-secondary decisions. However, some internships welcome sophomores or even freshmen, especially those who demonstrate strong interest and aptitude in STEM subjects. In most cases, a minimum GPA—often 3.0 or above—is required, though exceptions are sometimes made based on enthusiasm or teacher recommendations.

What really makes an applicant stand out isn’t always academic performance—it’s passion, curiosity, and commitment to learning. Students who have participated in science fairs, coding bootcamps, robotics clubs, or STEM-related volunteer work often have an advantage. However, even students without formal extracurriculars can be strong candidates if they show initiative, such as self-taught programming or independent science projects.

Some programs focus on increasing diversity in STEM and give priority to underrepresented groups such as women, minorities, and low-income students. This is especially true for federally funded initiatives or nonprofit programs aimed at bridging opportunity gaps in STEM fields.

Language skills, computer proficiency, and strong writing abilities are additional pluses. Above all, students who are self-motivated, reliable, and open to feedback are ideal candidates, as internships often require working independently and collaboratively on real-world problems.

How to Find STEM Internships for High School Students

A. Local Opportunities

Start by looking close to home. Local universities, community colleges, hospitals, and businesses often host summer programs or internship initiatives for high school students. Research labs at nearby colleges may offer assistant roles or shadowing opportunities in biology, chemistry, physics, or engineering.

Public libraries and science museums may also offer youth research programs or STEM-focused outreach that function like internships. Tech companies in your city—whether startups or established firms—might be open to taking on interns or letting students observe workplace operations for a few weeks.

B. National and Online Programs

Several prestigious national programs offer STEM internships specifically for high school students:

• NASA Internships: Offers high school students hands-on experience with space and aerospace projects.

• NIH Summer Internship Program (SIP): Great for students interested in biomedical research.

• Google CSSI: Focuses on computer science for underrepresented students.

• MIT RSI (Research Science Institute): A highly competitive and prestigious program for future researchers.

• Stanford’s SIMR: Research in medicine, often involving lab work and clinical exposure.

Online platforms like Chegg Internships, LinkedIn, Zippia, and Handshake offer searchable databases of available opportunities. Websites like Pathways to Science and TeenLife also curate internships by field and location.

C. School and Counselor Resources

High school counselors and STEM teachers can be valuable allies in finding internships. They often have connections with past students, community partners, or district-wide internship programs. Many schools also host college and career readiness fairs that feature internship recruiters. Don’t hesitate to ask your counselor for a letter of recommendation or guidance on your resume and cover letter.

Application Process and Tips for Success

Applying for a STEM internship can feel overwhelming, especially for students new to the professional world. However, with the right preparation, any motivated high school student can create a competitive application.

1. Prepare a Strong Resume and Cover Letter

Your resume should highlight relevant coursework, extracurricular activities, honors, and STEM-related experiences, such as science fair participation, coding camps, or volunteer work. Even if you have no formal job experience, focus on transferable skills: problem-solving, teamwork, leadership, and time management.

The cover letter is your chance to show your passion and align your interests with the goals of the internship program. Be specific about what excites you about the role, what you hope to learn, and how it connects to your career aspirations.

2. Get Recommendation Letters

Most competitive programs ask for one or two letters of recommendation, usually from a STEM teacher or school counselor. Choose someone who knows you well and can speak to your abilities, work ethic, and character. Give them plenty of time and provide details about the internship to help them write a strong, targeted letter.

3. Ace the Interview (If Applicable)

Some internships require a short interview, either in person or virtually. Prepare by researching the organization, reviewing your application, and practicing responses to common questions like “Why are you interested in this internship?” or “Tell me about a time you solved a difficult problem.”

4. Deadlines and Organization

Internship applications typically open 4–6 months before the start date. Most summer programs have deadlines between December and March. Use a spreadsheet to track applications, requirements, and due dates. Missing a deadline could mean losing a valuable opportunity.

5. Customize Each Application

Avoid sending a generic application. Tailor each resume and cover letter to fit the specific internship and its goals. Mention the name of the program and show that you’ve researched the organization. This attention to detail can set you apart from dozens of other applicants.

Top STEM Internship Programs for High School Students

High school STEM internships provide students with transformative, real-world experiences. Below are eleven (11) of the most reputable and impactful STEM internship programs designed specifically for high school students in the U.S. and globally:

1. NASA High School Internships

Through NASA’s Office of STEM Engagement, high school students can apply for in-person or virtual internships at various NASA centers. These programs focus on aerospace, engineering, computer science, and environmental science. Interns work alongside professionals on current NASA missions, gaining valuable hands-on experience and insight into careers in space and research.

Location: Multiple NASA centers (some virtual)
Eligibility: High school students aged 16+
Compensation: Paid and unpaid opportunities available

2. Research Science Institute (RSI) at MIT

Hosted by the Center for Excellence in Education and MIT, RSI is one of the most elite STEM internships globally. It selects about 80 students annually for an intensive, six-week summer program combining coursework and cutting-edge research under MIT faculty guidance.

Location: MIT, Cambridge, MA
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors globally
Compensation: Fully funded (no cost to participants)

3. NIH Summer Internship Program (SIP)

The National Institutes of Health offers research internships in fields like genetics, oncology, neuroscience, and infectious diseases. Students gain lab experience, attend scientific seminars, and may participate in poster presentations at the end of their internship.

Location: Various NIH campuses across the U.S.
Eligibility: Students aged 16+
Compensation: Paid

4. Stanford Institutes of Medicine Summer Research Program (SIMR)

SIMR offers high school juniors and seniors the opportunity to engage in biomedical research with Stanford University’s faculty and researchers. The program spans areas such as bioengineering, cancer biology, and regenerative medicine.

Location: Stanford University, CA
Eligibility: Juniors and seniors in high school
Compensation: Stipend provided

5. Google Computer Science Summer Institute (CSSI)

CSSI targets graduating seniors from underrepresented groups in tech. Students learn programming fundamentals and participate in real-life coding projects while connecting with mentors from Google and the tech industry.

Location: Various Google campuses (may vary)
Eligibility: Graduating high school seniors
Compensation: All expenses paid

6. Bank of America Student Leaders Program

Although not strictly STEM, this program places students in nonprofit internships while engaging them in leadership and civic engagement. Students interested in STEM public policy, environmental science, or tech-for-good initiatives will find it rewarding.

Location: Various U.S. cities
Eligibility: Juniors and seniors in high school
Compensation: Paid with a leadership summit in Washington, D.C.

Read Also: How to Get Grad School Paid For?

7. Broad Institute Summer Research Program for High School Students (BSSP)

Hosted by the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, BSSP offers six-week internships in genomics and biomedical science. Students work with mentors and participate in lectures, research projects, and data analysis.

Location: Cambridge, MA
Eligibility: Rising seniors in the Greater Boston area
Compensation: Paid

8. Princeton Laboratory Learning Program

This highly selective program allows high school students to spend 5–6 weeks conducting research under Princeton faculty in areas such as physics, chemistry, biology, and environmental science.

Location: Princeton University, NJ
Eligibility: Rising juniors and seniors
Compensation: Unpaid but prestigious

9. MIT Lincoln Laboratory Radar Introduction for Student Engineers (RISE)

RISE is a one-week summer workshop focused on radar systems and engineering fundamentals. Students build their own radar systems, explore signal processing, and connect with MIT engineers and scientists.

Location: MIT Lincoln Laboratory, MA
Eligibility: Rising seniors with a STEM interest
Compensation: Free, with application required

10. JPL Summer High School Internship Program (NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory)

Offered by Caltech in Pasadena, California, this program allows students to work on robotics, planetary exploration, and machine learning projects with some of NASA’s leading engineers and scientists.

Location: Pasadena, CA
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors
Compensation: Paid

11. The Garcia Summer Research Program at Stony Brook University

Focused on polymer and materials science, this program is ideal for students interested in chemistry, nanotechnology, and engineering. Interns conduct hands-on research, write reports, and present findings at a symposium.

Location: Stony Brook University, NY
Eligibility: Juniors and seniors in high school
Compensation: Tuition-based with scholarships available

Succeeding During and After Your Internship

Getting the internship is just the beginning. To make the most of the experience, students must go in with the right mindset and strategies.

1. Be Proactive

Don’t wait to be told what to do—take initiative. Ask questions, volunteer for tasks, and show interest in learning more. Whether you’re working in a lab or coding software, your enthusiasm and curiosity will stand out.

2. Build Relationships

Internships are an excellent time to network. Get to know your mentors, supervisors, and peers. Ask them about their career paths, what they studied, and what advice they’d offer a high school student. These connections could lead to future opportunities or mentorship.

3. Take Notes and Reflect

Keep a journal of what you’re learning each day—new skills, challenges, and projects. This not only helps you track progress but also provides content for your college essays or LinkedIn profile.

4. Seek Feedback

Don’t be afraid to ask for feedback on your work. Learning how to accept and implement constructive criticism is a critical professional skill.

5. Document Your Work

Save presentations, research papers, and any work products you create during the internship. These can become part of a portfolio for college or scholarship applications.

6. Stay in Touch

Once the internship ends, send a thank-you note to your supervisor and keep in touch periodically. A well-maintained professional relationship can lead to future job offers, recommendations, or additional internships.

Conclusion

STEM internships for high school students are more than just a summer activity—they’re a launchpad for future success. These programs allow students to apply classroom knowledge in real-world settings, explore career paths, develop crucial skills, and build valuable professional networks.

Whether you’re passionate about biology, curious about coding, or intrigued by engineering, there’s a STEM internship out there for you. By starting early, being proactive, and making the most of these opportunities, students can gain a competitive edge in college admissions and career planning.

Investing time in a STEM internship now sets the foundation for a lifetime of achievement and innovation. It’s never too early to explore, learn, and grow in the world of STEM.