15 Business Internships for High School Students in Los Angeles
Kickstart your career with business internships for high school students in Los Angeles. Gain valuable experience and skills while exploring diverse professional opportunities.
If you’re a high school student interested in business, an internship is a great way to start exploring the field. Doing a business internship as a high schooler offers early exposure to the professional world. For students aiming to build careers in business, these opportunities provide experience that goes beyond classroom theory, allowing you to understand how organizations operate and what roles might suit your strengths.
Working alongside professionals helps you develop skills in communication, project management, and teamwork while offering insights into potential career paths. Los Angeles, with its diverse economy and corporate landscape, offers a wide range of internships that connect education with application. Here’s a list of 15 of the best business internships for high school students in Los Angeles to help you prepare for your future career.
1. Ladder Internship Program
Location: Remote! You can work from anywhere in the world.
Application deadline: Deadlines vary depending on the cohort
Program dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year
Eligibility: Students who can work for 10-20 hours/week, for 8-12 weeks. Open to high school students, undergraduates, and gap year students!
Ladder Internships is a selective start-up internship program for ambitious high school students! In the program, you work with a high-growth start-up on an internship. Start-ups that offer internships range across a variety of industries, from tech/deep tech and AI/ML to health tech, marketing, journalism, consulting, and more. You can explore all the options here on their application form. Ladder’s start-ups are high-growth companies on average, raising over a million dollars. Past founders have included YCombinator alums, founders raising over 30 million dollars, or founders who previously worked at Microsoft, Google, and Facebook. In the program, you will work closely with your managers and a Ladder Coach on real-world projects and present your work to the company. Here is the application form. You will be offered one-on-one training in communication, time management, and other such skills and will also have the opportunity to attend group training sessions with other interns in their cohort. The virtual internship is usually 8 weeks long.
2. The Intern Project (TIP)
Cost: Paid stipend; college credit available
Location in LA: The Majority of the program is virtual; internship placements across Los Angeles County
Dates: June 17 – August 9
Application Deadline: March 15
Eligibility: Open to 10th–12th grade students attending a high school in LA County; DACA/undocumented and foster youth encouraged to apply
The Intern Project is an eight-week program that places you in dynamic career pathways, including business, tech, and non-profit management. You’ll gain work experience, complete skills workshops in communication, project planning, and software, and participate in informational interviews with industry professionals. The program provides a paid stipend, college credit, and mentorship, with a mix of virtual workshops and in-person internships. Students in business-focused placements develop workforce skills, receive professional certification, and build a network of mentors and peers that can shape future career paths.
3. Young Founders Lab
Cost: Varies depending on program type
Location: This program is 100% virtual, with live, interactive workshops
Dates: Vary according to cohort
Application Deadline: Varies according to cohort. You can access the application link here!
Eligibility: All high school students can apply
The Young Founder’s Lab is a start-up boot camp founded and run by Harvard entrepreneurs. You will work towards building a revenue-generating start-up that addresses a real-world problem. You will also have the opportunity to be mentored by established entrepreneurs and professionals from Google, Microsoft, and X. Apart from building the start-up itself, you will also participate in interactive classes on business fundamentals and business ideation, workshops, skill-building sessions, case studies, panel discussions, and more. While this isn’t a traditional internship, it follows the same work-learn structure as the other programs on this list. You can check out the brochure for the program here.
4. Kaiser Permanente KP LAUNCH High School Internship
Cost: Paid; $23–24 per hour
Location in LA: Kaiser Permanente offices in Los Angeles County
Dates: June 16 – August 1
Application Deadline: January 6
Eligibility: Ages 16–19 by June 1; current high school students; priority to juniors and seniors; must provide proof of work eligibility in the U.S.
This seven-week internship gives you experience in administrative and business-supporting careers within one of the largest healthcare systems in the country. You’ll work full-time in professional office environments, take part in weekly workshops to develop workplace and leadership skills, and receive one-on-one mentorship from supervisors and senior leaders. The program emphasises exposure to non-clinical roles such as HR, finance, and operations, making it ideal for students interested in business careers within healthcare. You will also build professional networks and earn competitive pay while learning to navigate a corporate environment.
5. NASA OSTEM High School Internship
Cost: Paid stipend
Location in LA: NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory (Pasadena, CA); some virtual placements available
Dates: Summer (exact dates depend on placement); full-time or part-time options
Application Deadline: February 28
Eligibility: U.S. citizens; must be at least 16 years old at the time of application; GPA of 3.0 or higher; enrolled as a high school student
NASA’s Office of STEM Engagement (OSTEM) internships give you experience working alongside scientists, engineers, and business professionals supporting the agency’s mission. Not limited to engineering, placements include finance, accounting, procurement, IT, and program management, making it a strong choice for business-focused students. You will gain workplace experience, one-on-one mentoring, and career readiness training while contributing to high-profile NASA projects. These internships provide a chance to explore federal careers, build technical and professional skills, and earn a stipend while working at NASA centres.
6. Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office High School Internship
Cost: Unpaid, volunteer position
Location in LA: Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office locations throughout LA County
Dates: Summer and year-round opportunities available; schedules vary by placement
Application Deadline: April 15 for the Summer session
Eligibility: Open to high school students; background investigation and parental consent required
The LA County District Attorney’s Office offers a rare look inside the nation’s largest local prosecutorial agency. As a high school intern, you’ll assist with special projects, administrative tasks, and victim support services while gaining insight into the legal system and public service operations. The experience builds professional workplace skills such as case documentation, confidentiality protocols, and organisational workflow. For students exploring business, law, or government careers, this internship provides direct exposure to large-scale organisational management and networking with public sector professionals.
7. California Science Centre Youth Volunteer Internship
Cost: Unpaid
Location in LA: California Science Centre, Exposition Park, Los Angeles, CA
Dates: Summer (12-week program; weekend shifts)
Application Deadline: Accepting applications for Fall; summer application dates to be announced
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors (ages 16–17); must commit to at least 50 hours over the program
The California Science Centre’s Youth Volunteer Program offers high school students a structured summer placement in guest services or retail operations. You’ll gain experience assisting visitors, working in the IMAX theatre and galleries, or supporting retail and customer service in the ExploraStore. The internship emphasises teamwork, communication, and customer engagement - core business skills transferable to future careers. You will complete over 50 hours of service while learning about nonprofit operations, public-facing roles, and the business side of running a major cultural institution.
8. Sony Pictures Emerging Talent Internship – Culver City
Cost: Paid
Location in LA: Sony Pictures Entertainment, Culver City, CA
Dates: Summer session (40 hours/week; exact dates vary by team)
Application Deadline: Typically 1–4 months before the program starts
Eligibility: Open to undergraduate and graduate students; some positions accept high school seniors transitioning to college; must meet age and work authorisation requirements
Sony Pictures’ Emerging Talent Program offers a summer placement in the heart of LA’s entertainment business scene. Interns work full-time on projects across finance, marketing, production, and corporate operations, gaining exposure to the business side of a global studio. You’ll participate in educational workshops, skill development sessions, and networking events with industry professionals. This internship provides experience in media business operations and is ideal for students interested in entertainment, management, or finance careers.
9. High School Insider (HSI) Paid Summer Internship
Cost: Paid
Location in LA: Los Angeles Times Headquarters and community-based reporting locations
Dates: Summer; exact dates vary by location
Application Deadline: Typically late April
Eligibility: Open to current high school students in Los Angeles; requires adviser recommendation and parental consent if under 18
High School Insider’s summer internship offers the chance to work inside a professional newsroom in partnership with the Los Angeles Times. You’ll spend the summer producing stories, covering community events, and learning from experienced journalists while developing business-relevant skills such as project planning, deadline management, and collaborative workflow. The program includes access to professional mentors, free LA Times digital subscriptions, and media workshops. For students interested in business, communications, or entrepreneurship, this internship provides a real-world experience in managing content, audience engagement, and organisational processes.
10. Los Angeles Public Library – Teens Leading Change (TLC)
Cost: Unpaid
Location in LA: Los Angeles Public Library branches across LA County
Dates: Projects typically begin in September; summer participation depends on branch scheduling
Application Deadline: Rolling; contact your local branch for dates
Eligibility: Open to high school students; must join a participating Teen Council
Teens Leading Change allows you to design and manage a civic action project addressing an issue you care about in your community. You’ll research, plan, and implement a project alongside librarians and stakeholders, building skills in leadership, teamwork, and project management. The program culminates in a showcase where you present your work, reflect, and evaluate outcomes. For students interested in business and entrepreneurship, TLC offers a hands-on chance to practice organisational planning, budgeting, and community engagement while making a tangible impact.
11. Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department – Deputy Explorer Program
Cost: Unpaid
Location in LA: LASD stations throughout Los Angeles County
Dates: Year-round; academy training sessions are scheduled throughout the year
Application Deadline: Rolling; apply through the local LASD station
Eligibility: Ages 14–20; must maintain a minimum 2.0 GPA and pass background screening
The Deputy Explorer Program offers a career-development track for high school students interested in law enforcement and public service. You’ll receive academy-style training, participate in ride-alongs, and assist deputies in community outreach and administrative work. The program builds leadership, communication, and operational skills while fostering maturity and responsibility. For students interested in business, law, or government, the experience provides insight into large-scale organisational management and the importance of structured teamwork in high-pressure environments.
12. CliftonLarsonAllen (CLA) High School Internship Program
Cost: Paid
Location in LA: CLA Los Angeles office and select Southern California locations
Dates: Summer
Application Deadline: Typically open in early spring
Eligibility: High school students ages 16–18; must have an interest in business, accounting, or professional services
CLA’s High School Internship Program gives you early exposure to the business and accounting world in a professional services firm. You’ll gain experience working on real projects, shadow professionals, and build core business skills while earning a paycheck. As interns, you will learn about client service, teamwork, and the range of career options within professional services. This program is ideal for students looking to explore business, finance, or accounting careers while developing workplace readiness in a real office setting.
13. Warner Bros. Discovery Reach Honorship Program
Cost: Paid internship plus scholarship package
Location in LA: Warner Bros. Studios, Burbank, CA, and Los Angeles County offices
Dates: Summer
Application Deadline: Typically early spring
Eligibility: Graduating high school seniors in Los Angeles County, passionate about media and entertainment business careers; must demonstrate academic achievement and career interest.
The Reach Honorship Program combines a paid internship with a scholarship for students exploring careers in the business side of entertainment. Honorship recipients gain experience in departments such as finance, HR, operations, marketing, and communications while working on real studio projects. The program includes mentorship from Warner Bros. executives, exposure to corporate and studio workflows, and financial support for continuing education. For LA students, this prestigious program offers a direct pathway into the business and management side of the entertainment industry.
14. MOCA Teen Program – Museum of Contemporary Art Los Angeles
Cost: Paid
Location in LA: Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA), Grand Ave & Geffen locations, Los Angeles, CA
Dates: September – June
Application Deadline: June 1
Eligibility: Open to high school juniors and seniors; interest in contemporary art and collaboration; applications reviewed for diversity of backgrounds
The MOCA Teen Program offers paid positions for high school students to collaborate on museum projects, plan events, and engage with professionals in the arts. You’ll work with local artists, manage components of Teen Night, and gain experience in event planning, project coordination, and social media management. The program emphasises teamwork, communication, and creative problem-solving in a professional cultural institution. You will also develop transferable business skills while learning about nonprofit and arts administration, making it a strong option for those exploring business, management, or creative industry careers.
15. Bank of America Student Leaders® Program
Cost: Paid
Location in LA: Partner nonprofit organisations across Los Angeles County
Dates: Eight-week summer program; includes national Student Leaders Summit in Washington, D.C.
Application Deadline: Typically due in January each year
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors; must demonstrate community involvement and leadership potential
Bank of America’s Student Leaders® program combines paid work experience with leadership development for community-minded students. You’ll spend eight weeks interning with a Los Angeles nonprofit, gaining practical skills in project management, operations, and teamwork while addressing local community needs. The program also includes an all-expenses-paid trip to Washington, D.C. for the National Student Leaders Summit, offering training, networking, and exposure to business and public policy leaders. This highly selective program is ideal for students interested in business, leadership, and social impact careers.