Can You Get an Internship in High School?
The short answer? Absolutely.
More and more high school students are discovering that internships aren’t just for college kids anymore. Whether you’re a freshman exploring your interests or a senior polishing up a resume, internships offer a real-world way to test-drive careers, build skills, and stand out in the college admissions process.
If you’re wondering whether it’s possible to land a high school internship while still juggling high school, the good news is yes. There are plenty of opportunities out there. Even better, many of them are designed to fit into a student’s existing academic schedule without adding stress. In this article, we’ll walk through how internships for high school students work, why they’re worth pursuing, and how to find one that aligns with your goals.
Why Do an Internship in High School?
High school internships are more than just resume boosters. They’re a launchpad for your future. Here are a few of the biggest benefits:
1. Discover Your Interests
You may think you’re interested in a tech, health care, or business career, but how do you know until you’ve experienced it? Internships give you hands-on exposure to the day-to-day work in a field, helping you figure out what you love (and what you don’t).
2. Build Practical Skills
Interns can learn tools, software, and communication strategies used in professional environments. These aren’t just soft skills but tangible abilities you’ll carry into college and beyond.
3. Stand Out on Applications
Admissions counselors and scholarship boards love seeing students who take initiative. A high school internship tells them you’re serious, curious, and willing to go above and beyond. It’s proof you’re not just following the path, but creating your own.
4. Make Connections
Networking starts early. A great internship can lead to letters of recommendation, mentorship opportunities, and insight into what it takes to succeed in a given field.
What Kind of Internships Are Available for High School Students?
The truth is, internships for high school students come in many forms, and you don’t need to land a fancy position at a Fortune 500 company for it to count.
Opportunities range from working at local nonprofits, startups, hospitals, and research labs to participating in virtual or remote internships in tech, marketing, journalism, and more. Some are paid, while others are volunteer-based or provide academic credit. The key is to find something that helps you grow.
If you’re aiming for a future in tech, for example, there are coding-focused internships like the one offered by CodeWizardsHQ, a structured, remote internship program designed for high school students who’ve already built a foundation in programming. These internships let students work on real-world projects, collaborate with peers, and apply their skills in a meaningful way.
You can learn more about these types of tech internships in the article Top Computer Science Internships for High School Students, which provides a comprehensive overview of computer science programs specifically designed for high school students.
Can You Balance an Internship With School?
One of the biggest concerns high school students (and their parents) have is time. With classwork, extracurriculars, and social lives to manage, adding an internship into the mix might seem overwhelming.
That’s where flexibility comes into play.
Some internships are structured around school hours, while others offer evening or weekend opportunities. And many modern internships, especially in fields like computer science, are remote. That means you can participate from home, on your schedule.
Programs like the CodeWizardsHQ Internship are designed specifically with busy students in mind. Students complete project-based assignments at a pace that fits into their high school routine. It’s not a full-time job, it’s a meaningful addition to what you’re already learning.
There are other programs, too, that integrate easily into student schedules. Local government youth boards, for example, often meet after school or on weekends and offer valuable leadership and civic engagement experience. Nonprofit internships or volunteer roles may only require a few hours per week and can sometimes be counted toward service hour requirements. Virtual assistant roles and independent research projects are great options for self-motivated students with flexible schedules.
Some structured internships for high school students are also adaptable. Ladder Internships, for example, connects high school students with startup companies and nonprofit organizations for remote, research-driven roles in fields like software development, data analysis, and entrepreneurship. For students interested in government or national security, the NSA’s High School Work Study Program allows rising seniors to split their day between attending classes and working part-time at an NSA facility, making it one of the few paid programs designed to fit into a student’s school-year schedule.
The key is looking for internships that recognize you’re a student first but also give you space to stretch beyond the classroom.
How to Find a High School Internship
Finding your first high school internship might take a bit of research, but it’s not as difficult as it may seem. Here’s how to start:
- Reflect on What Interests You – Start by thinking about what excites you. What classes do you love? What are you curious about? Whether it’s coding, biology, creative writing, or community organizing, that’s your jumping-off point.
- Use Your Network – Tell your teachers, guidance counselor, or club advisors you’re looking for an internship. They might have connections to local businesses or alumni who’d love to mentor a motivated student.
- Look for Online Listings – Websites like Handshake, Idealist.org, and LinkedIn often include listings for high school internships, especially in virtual roles. There are also internship databases dedicated to teens and pre-college programs.
- Reach Out to Organizations Directly – Even if a company or nonprofit doesn’t list a high school internship, don’t be afraid to email them. Explain who you are, what you’re interested in, and how you’d love to learn more by helping out. You’d be surprised how many opportunities are created simply by asking.
What If I Don’t Have a Lot of Experience Yet?
Here’s a little secret: internships for high school students are meant to be learning experiences.
You don’t need a long resume or a perfect GPA to get started. What matters most is your enthusiasm, willingness to learn, and ability to communicate why you’re interested in the role.
If you’ve taken a coding class, written for the school newspaper, helped design a website for a club, or volunteered in your community, you’ve already started building the kind of experience that makes you internship-ready.
Not sure where to begin preparing for a tech-related career? The High School Freshman Guide to Preparing for a Tech Career is packed with tips on how to build your path early and confidently.
How to Make the Most of Your Internship
Once you land an internship, the real fun begins. Here are a few ways to make it count:
Set goals. What do you hope to learn? Having a clear purpose can help guide your experience.
Be curious. Ask questions, volunteer for projects, and don’t be afraid to admit when you need help.
Document your work. Keep track of what you do. It will help when you update your resume or write a college essay later.
Stay connected. If you meet a great mentor or enjoy working with a team, stay in touch. Relationships you build now can lead to new opportunities down the road.
Final Thoughts: Take the First Step Toward Your Future
Getting an internship in high school isn’t just possible, it’s smart. Whether you’re pursuing a competitive career, trying to build your resume, or just want to explore what’s out there, an internship gives you a front-row seat to the real world.
The best part? You don’t have to wait for summer. With so many remote, flexible options available that integrate easily into your class schedule, you can take the first step any time of year.
So if you’re asking, “Can I really get an internship in high school?” the answer is yes.
And you absolutely should.
Want to Learn More?
🔗 Top Computer Science Internships for High School Students
🔗 The High School Freshman Guide to Preparing for a Tech Career
