14 Business Internships for High School Students in Houston
If you're a high school student thinking about a future in business, internships can help you get practical experience early. You get to see how business works, whether it's budgeting, marketing, planning, or leading a team. Doing this during high school can give you a better idea of what path in business actually interests you.
Houston is home to the headquarters of several major companies, making it a good place to look for business internships. If you live in or near Houston, choosing a local program can also help you work with professionals in your area and save on travel or housing costs. Some of the programs in this list are not traditional internships, but they all offer practical learning opportunities in business.
With that, here are 14 business internships in Houston for high school students!
14 Business Internships for High School Students in Houston
1. Ladder Internships
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies by program; financial aid is available
Acceptance Rate: Around 19%, which can vary depending on the internship and cohort
Application Deadline: Deadlines vary by cohort; the next deadline for the fall cohort is August 24
Dates: Programs last 8 to 16 weeks and are offered year-round, with cohorts in spring, summer, fall, and winter
Eligibility: High school students, undergraduates, or gap year students who can work 5–15 hours a week for 8–16 weeks
Ladder Internships is a remote program for high school students. It connects you with startups and nonprofits around the world. Many of these organizations are backed by Y Combinator, and their founders have worked at companies like Google, Microsoft, and McKinsey. You can find internships in areas like software engineering, AI, health tech, environmental science, journalism, mental health, finance, consulting, and nonprofit work. During the internship, you work on real projects and present your work at the end. You also join group sessions with other interns and get guidance from a site manager and a Ladder coach. You can review the application form to see which internships are currently available.
2. Young Founders Lab
Location: This program is 100% virtual, with live, interactive workshops
Cost: Varies by program. There is need-based financial aid.
Cohort Size: 6–12 students for the summer group program
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year, including summer, fall, winter, and spring
Application Deadline: Varies according to cohort. You can access the application link here!
Eligibility: The program is currently open to all high school students
The Young Founder’s Lab is a startup boot camp for high school students, created by Harvard entrepreneurs. You'll build a real startup aimed at solving a real-world problem, with mentorship from professionals at companies like Google, Microsoft, and X. The program combines hands-on startup development with interactive sessions on business basics, idea generation, market research, prototyping, and launching your product. It ends with a demo day where you pitch to potential investors. You can view the program brochure here.
3. Emma Bowen Foundation Internship
Location: Multiple locations, including Houston, TX
Cost/Stipend: No cost | Details about a stipend are not provided
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Highly competitive; around 150 students
Dates: May – June (minimum 8 weeks), with exact start and end dates set by the partner company
Application Deadline: September – April
Eligibility: High school seniors with a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 who plan to attend a four-year accredited U.S. college or university, are U.S. citizens or permanent residents, and will be at least 18 years old before the start of the internship
Emma Bowen Foundation Internship is a full-time summer program for high school and college students interested in media and tech careers. You work 35 to 40 hours per week for at least 8 weeks with a partner company. Internships are available in various fields, including business, public relations, journalism, web development, engineering, sales, and production. If you’re interested in business, you might be placed with companies like Comcast, Forbes, Spectrum, TVB - Local Media Marketing Solutions, Discovery, and Hearst. You’ll learn how media companies operate and also hear directly from business executives about how different departments work and what they do. The program includes hands-on work, mentoring, interview prep, and job search support through the Launch Program. You also attend the EBF Summer Conference to network and learn from professionals.
4. City of Houston Youth Summer Jobs Program
Location: Various locations across Houston, TX
Cost/Stipend: No cost | Students earn $14 per hour
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Competitive
Dates: June 9 – July 31
Application Deadline: March 31
Eligibility: Students between the ages of 16 and 24 who live in the Greater Houston Area and are legally eligible to work in the U.S.
The City of Houston Youth Summer Jobs Program gives you paid work experience in city government offices across Houston. You can find roles in departments like Finance, Legal, and the Office of Business Opportunity that focus on business-related tasks. You might handle data entry, help with accounting tasks, work on communication materials, or support admin operations. It runs for 8 weeks at 32 hours per week, and roles vary by department. If you’re exploring careers in business, public administration, or finance, this program can help you build basic office and communication skills in a structured setting.
5. DPR Construction’s Build Up Internship in Construction Management
Location: Multiple active construction sites across the country, including Houston, TX
Cost/Stipend: Free; Interns are paid an hourly rate weekly and also receive transportation stipends.
Cohort Size: 38 students participated last year
Dates: The internship lasts 8 weeks, with exact dates depending on the specific opportunity
Application Deadline: April 18
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors, seniors, or recent graduates who are legally eligible to work in the U.S. and come from families earning below the HUD Median Family Income for the area
DPR Construction Build Up Internship is an 8-week, full-time program (35–40 hours/week) where high school students support the management of a live commercial construction project. You’ll work from the job trailer with the project team on business-related tasks such as subcontractor coordination, schedule updates, document control, quality tracking, and safety compliance. You’ll also complete a final presentation at the end of the 8 weeks, build confidence speaking in a professional setting, and get comfortable asking questions and receiving feedback.
6. Sewa Houston Year-round LEAD Program
Location: Sewa Houston Main Office and other locations across Houston, TX
Cost/Stipend: $100 fee per candidate | Unpaid
Cohort Size: Over 175 students
Dates: January 11 – November 30
Application Deadline: January 10
Eligibility: Students entering 9th–12th grade who are over 13 years old
Sewa International LEAD Program is a year-round leadership and service program where you complete at least 50 community service hours, usually by volunteering 8 to 15 hours each week. You’ll help organize events, support local projects, and represent Sewa in community outreach. The program includes leadership sessions with speakers from business, media, and public service. If you complete 100 hours, you can apply for the Presidential Volunteer Service Award. Past speakers have included NASA scientists, mayors, and members of Congress from the Greater Houston area. Sewa also offers a Lead Houston Internship specifically during the summer.
7. Wharton Global Youth Program - Future of the Business World
Location: Virtual
Cost: $4,099 + $100 non-refundable application fee; scholarships are available
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not officially stated, but the program likely has a high acceptance rate
Dates: June 16 – June 27 | July 7 – July 18 | July 21 – August 1
Application Deadline: April 2 (priority deadline) | May 1 (final deadline)
Eligibility: High school students in grades 9–12 with a minimum 3.3 unweighted GPA
Future of the Business World is a two-week online summer program from Wharton that helps you explore global business and leadership. You’ll attend live sessions, work independently, and work on a final group project that predicts the future of business. You’ll use tools from Wharton’s undergraduate and MBA programs to dive into scenario planning, design thinking, and teamwork strategies. The program includes two interactive simulations where you’ll apply what you learn to solve real-world challenges.
8. Business Scholars Summer Program
Location: Prairie View A&M University, Prairie View, around 47 miles from Houston, TX
Cost: Prairie View A&M covers mandatory fees and tuition for eligible students. You’ll need to cover deposits, textbooks, and other expenses.
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: No fixed cohort size
Dates: July 14 – August 11
Application Deadline: N/A
Eligibility: Graduating high school seniors planning to attend Prairie View A&M University in the fall
The Business Scholars Summer Program is a five-week academic experience for graduating high school seniors who’ve been admitted to Prairie View A&M University. It gives you a head start on college coursework before the fall semester, especially if you’re planning to major in business. The Introduction to Business course explores how businesses operate and their role in today’s world, addressing current topics relevant to the business community. If you’ve already completed ENGL 1301 or 1302 through dual credit or AP, a different course that fits your degree plan will be assigned. Along with classes, you’ll join virtual workshops to boost your academic and professional skills and connect with faculty, staff, and other students.
9. Free Enterprise Leadership Challenge at Houston Christian University
Location: Multiple locations, including Houston Christian University, Houston, TX
Cost: $225 (early bird registration $200)
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: High acceptance rate
Dates: June 9 – June 13
Application Deadline: April 24; rolling admissions
Eligibility: Rising 9th–12th grade students
Free Enterprise Leadership Challenge (FELC) is a five-day summer program that gives you hands-on experience running a business and earning real money. Virtual sessions are also available throughout the year. You’ll learn how America’s free enterprise system works, how to start and manage a business, and how leadership and ethics play a role in success. You’ll explore how business connects with the government and gain a practical understanding of how the economy functions.
10. Young Business Leaders Summer Program for High School Students
Location: Prairie View A&M University, Prairie View, around 47 miles from Houston, TX
Cost: $500; scholarships are available
Dates: One-week program in June
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Eligibility: Students currently in grades 9–11, aged 14–18, with a minimum 3.0 GPA
Young Business Leaders (YBL) Summer Program is a one-week residential experience for high school students (grades 9–11) with a strong academic record and interest in business. You’ll explore career paths in marketing, accounting, entrepreneurship, management, finance, and information systems. You’ll solve real-world challenges using business principles taught by PVAMU faculty and current business students. The program includes hands-on activities, presentations, and visits to local businesses.
10. The Foundation for Teaching Economics’ Economics for Leaders (EFL)
Location: Multiple locations and virtual options are available, including Rice University, Houston, TX
Cost: $2,300 + a $35 non-refundable application processing fee; need-based scholarships usually range from $100 to $1,800
Cohort Size: Each site accepts around 25–40 students, depending on campus-specific limits
Dates: June 2 – June 8 | June 9 – June 15
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Eligibility: Current high school sophomores and juniors
Economics for Leaders (EFL) is a six-day summer program for high school sophomores and juniors, hosted on college campuses across the U.S. and virtually. Run by the Foundation for Teaching Economics, it teaches you how to apply economic reasoning to real-world decisions and public policy. You’ll study key topics like economic growth, scarcity, opportunity cost, inflation, incentives, and open markets. The curriculum includes interactive simulations and discussions led by economics professors. You’ll also receive leadership training based on the Leadership Pyramid Matrix, a framework used in college-level courses, and practice team-building in economic contexts.
11. ACA Remote Internship Program
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: $2,495 | Information about a stipend is not provided
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: High acceptance rate
Dates: 4–12 weeks; year-round opportunities are available
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Eligibility: High school students
Through the ACA Remote Internship Program, you can intern remotely with companies in fields like entrepreneurship, marketing, finance, and consulting. You’ll work on real projects - market research, business development, and financial analysis and set your own learning goals. You’ll be matched with a mentor who supports your growth during and after the internship. Internships are flexible, run year-round, and usually last 4–12 weeks. You’ll build professional skills, strengthen your resume, and earn a letter of recommendation. ACA can also provide job references when needed.
12. Columbia Business School Enrichment Program — The Business of Hospitality: Travel and Dining
Location: Virtual
Cost: $1,995 per program; need-based financial aid is available
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not officially stated, but the program likely has a high acceptance rate
Dates: Multiple 2-week and 4-week sessions run throughout the year
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Eligibility: Students who are at least 13 years old
Columbia Business School’s online enrichment program allows you to explore business topics such as luxury, TV and film, sports, and hospitality at your own pace. You’ll watch pre-recorded lectures, get help from a mentor, and complete about 20–25 hours of assignments. In the Business of Hospitality: Travel and Dining course, you will dive into how hotels and restaurants work, what drives customer experiences, and how top brands stand out. You’ll study the difference between customer service and hospitality, explore careers in the field, and learn how tech is changing the industry. Guest speakers will share their insights, and you’ll wrap up with a final project. You’ll also earn a Certificate of Participation from Columbia Business School.
13. Northwestern University’s Business: Strategies, Innovation, and Success Online Program
Location: Virtual
Cost: $1,795–$1,895; need-based scholarships are available
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: High acceptance rate
Dates: 2-week and 4-week sessions are available; the next course starts on August 10
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Eligibility: Students aged 13 or older
Northwestern University’s Business: Strategies, Innovation, and Success program covers the basics of business strategy, sales, marketing, and operations. You'll learn how real companies develop products, connect with customers, and create value. For your final project, you’ll study a well-known company and come up with a new product or service idea that fits its goals and market. Whether you’re just curious about business or thinking of it as a career, this course gives you a solid, practical starting point. You’ll complete a final capstone project and earn a Certificate of Completion for each course.
Krishnapriya, or KP, is the Head of Partnerships at the YFL and an LSE graduate. She is super passionate about the environment (especially nonhumans with 3+ limbs) and considers walking her dogs as the most important part of her day!