14 Business Internships for High School Students in Missouri
If you’re a high school student in Missouri interested in building a business career, gaining practical experience through internships is one of the best ways to start. Business internships provide valuable insights into the day-to-day workings of companies, expose you to practical challenges, and allow you to apply concepts from your classes in practical settings.
Whether your interests lie in marketing, finance, entrepreneurship, or management, these internships can help you develop critical skills like communication, problem-solving, and teamwork while expanding your professional network. Here are 14 business internships for high school students in Missouri, including both in-person and virtual opportunities, as well as programs with work-learn components that provide learning experiences in startup environments.
1. Ladder Internship Program
Location: Remote
Cost: Free of cost
Program Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year
Application Deadline: Varies by cohort
Eligibility: High school students, undergraduates, and gap year students who can work 10–20 hours/week for 8–12 weeks
Ladder Internships partners with high-growth startups across industries, including tech, marketing, health tech, and consulting, to offer virtual internships to ambitious students. As an intern, you’ll work closely with company managers and Ladder Coaches on practical projects. You will receive one-on-one mentorship and group training in communication, time management, and other professional skills. The internship culminates in a presentation of your work to the startup team, giving you valuable feedback and experience in pitching ideas.
2. Young Founders Lab (YFL)
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies by program; need-based financial aid available
Program Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year (summer, fall, winter, spring)
Application Deadline: Varies by cohort
Eligibility: Open to all high school students
In this 100% virtual internship program, you will build a revenue-generating startup that tackles a practical problem while participating in live, interactive workshops covering business fundamentals, ideation, and skill development. The program includes case studies and panel discussions, alongside mentorship from experienced entrepreneurs and professionals from top companies like Google and Microsoft. Founded and run by Harvard entrepreneurs, YFL’s unique work-learn model combines hands-on startup experience with structured learning. You’ll also gain access to valuable networking opportunities with startup founders, helping you develop critical skills in business strategy, leadership, and problem-solving.
3. Missouri Innovation Campus (MIC) Internship Program
Location: Warrensburg, MO (University of Central Missouri campus and corporate partners)
Cost: Paid internship
Program Dates: Summer after junior year through senior year (summer full-time + two days/week during school year)
Application Deadline: Varies; students must secure an internship before senior year
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors enrolled in The MIC program
The Missouri Innovation Campus offers a unique, applied learning experience combining a three-year paid internship with coursework designed alongside industry partners. Starting the summer after your junior year, you’ll complete a full-time paid internship each summer and continue part-time (two days a week) during the fall and spring semesters through graduation. Internships are with leading corporate partners and provide consistent mentorship, helping you build job-ready skills and gain in-depth experience in your chosen field. Transportation to internship sites is your responsibility, and successful performance is required to remain in the program.
4. St. Louis Internship Program (SLIP) & Workforce Readiness
Location: St. Louis, MO
Cost: Paid internships
Program Dates: Summer and year-round programming
Application Deadline: Varies (typically early spring for summer internships)
Eligibility: High school students in the St. Louis region
The St. Louis Internship Program (SLIP), now operated by the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater St. Louis, provides paid summer internships and year-round workforce readiness training for high school students. SLIP aims to equip you with employability skills, career planning support, and college preparation through a combination of intensive training, credentialing, and hands-on work experience with local businesses and community organizations. The program’s mission is to build a pipeline of motivated, diverse, and skilled future employees for the St. Louis region. SLIP’s comprehensive approach ensures that you graduate ready for college and careers, helping shape the workforce of tomorrow.
5. Young Entrepreneurs Program (YEP)
Location: Kansas City, MO & Columbus, OH
Stipend: $12 per hour + $2,550 scholarship
Program Dates: Session 1: June 2 – June 27, Session 2: July 7 – August 1
Application Deadline: February 17
Eligibility: High school juniors or seniors residing in Kansas City or Columbus
The Young Entrepreneurs Program offers a paid internship where you’ll gain hands-on experience in finance, marketing, engineering, and other business-related fields. Working alongside local business professionals, you’ll build practical skills and receive mentorship designed to prepare you for future leadership roles. The program also includes valuable networking opportunities, helping you establish connections that can support your career development.
6. Emma Bowen Foundation (EBF) Summer Internship
Location: Varies partner companies across the U.S., including Missouri
Cost: Fully funded, paid internship with stipend
Program Dates: Typically May to June; minimum eight continuous weeks (35–40 hours/week)
Application Deadline: September - January
Eligibility: High school seniors or undergraduate students graduating in Spring or later
The Emma Bowen Foundation Summer Internship provides students of color with paid, hands-on experience in media, entertainment, and technology sectors. You will work with leading partner companies in areas such as journalism, production, business, public relations, sales, and web development. This program aims to foster professional growth and build long-term career foundations through mentorship and industry networking.
7. St. Charles County Internship Opportunities
Location: St. Charles County, MO
Cost: Paid internships available; may offer college credit
Program Dates: Spring, Summer, and Fall sessions
Application Deadline: Varies by session. December for Spring, April for Summer, July for Fall
Eligibility: College students and high school students in the CAPS program
St. Charles County offers a variety of paid internships across more than 30 departments, including Finance, Auditor, and other government divisions. While primarily designed for college students, the CAPS program administered by the City of St. Charles School District provides local high school students with workplace experience through internships in businesses and government agencies, including county government. You will gain practical skills, build portfolios, develop professional contacts, and strengthen resumes. Applications open seasonally and remain open until positions are filled.
8. Partners in Education (PIE) Summer Internship
Location: Rockwood School District, Missouri (various local business partners)
Cost: Unpaid
Program Dates: Summer (dates vary yearly)
Application Deadline: Application typically closes early spring for the following year
Eligibility: Rockwood juniors entering senior year; students must demonstrate relevant coursework and career interest
The PIE Summer Internship program provides Rockwood juniors a chance to gain practical work experience by partnering with professionals in local businesses aligned with their career interests. You will work on custom projects that allow you to explore business challenges and develop valuable skills. Successful completion earns ½ credit in Career and Technical Education (CTE). Reliable transportation and self-directed work habits are required. Past interns have gained hands-on experience in fields ranging from healthcare to engineering and cybersecurity.
9. Gateway to Business Program
Location: Hybrid, Virtual + Residential at WashU Campus, St. Louis, MO
Cost: $4,850, need-based scholarships available, $1,100 deposit required
Program Dates: Virtual Sessions: June 5, 12, and 19, Residential Session: July 13–18
Application Deadline: March 10
Eligibility: Rising high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors, U.S. residents
The Gateway to Business Program offers a hybrid course designed to introduce high school students to fundamental business concepts, leadership, and professional communication skills. You’ll engage in three mandatory virtual sessions followed by an immersive one-week residential experience on the Washington University campus. The curriculum covers entrepreneurship, career strategies, problem-solving with clients, and the development of a personal brand, including resume and LinkedIn profile building. Successful completion earns you 3 units of college credit (pre-matriculation) and deepens your understanding of business and teamwork.
10. Rawlings Sport Business Management Summer Institute
Location: Maryville University, St. Louis, MO
Cost: $750
Program Dates: June 9 – June 14
Application Deadline: Spring
Eligibility: Rising juniors and seniors in high school
This immersive, week-long summer institute connects you with over 30 industry professionals from organizations like Rawlings Sporting Goods, the St. Louis Blues, St. Louis Cardinals, and more. You’ll work on practical projects and explore diverse career paths within the sports business industry. The overnight program requires on-campus residence at Maryville University, offering a unique opportunity to experience college life while building sports business skills and networks.
11. RGA Summer Internship
Location: Chesterfield, MO (in-person)
Cost: Paid internship
Program Dates: 7–8 weeks during the summer
Application Deadline: Rolling; interview required
Eligibility: High school and college students interested in communications, business, finance, economics, or accounting
RGA offers a paid summer internship for high school and college students interested in life and health-related reinsurance and financial solutions. You’ll gain hands-on experience in communications, business, finance, and related fields while working in RGA’s Chesterfield office. The program lasts 7 to 8 weeks, and you must submit a resume and complete an interview. To apply, send your resume to Jen Glassmeyer.
12. Learn & Earn Internship Program
Location: St. Louis, MO (local businesses, nonprofits, government agencies, Fortune 500 companies)
Cost: Paid internship
Program Dates: Senior year
Application Deadline: September 18
Eligibility: High school seniors in good academic standing (minimum C average)
The Learn & Earn Internship Program offers high school seniors a paid internship matched to their interests and skills. This program aims to transform the senior year by providing career exposure, job readiness training, financial literacy education, and hands-on mentorship. You will balance academic progress with professional responsibilities and receive ongoing support from counselors and job coaches throughout the experience.
13. Bank of America Student Leaders® Program
Location: Internships at local nonprofit organizations (various locations); Leadership Summit in Washington, D.C.
Stipend: Paid
Program Dates: 8-week internship (dates vary); Student Leaders Summit July 21–26
Application Deadline: January 15
Eligibility: High school juniors or seniors legally authorized to work in the U.S., able to attend the Summit, permanent residence in eligible locations
The Bank of America Student Leaders® Program offers paid internships at local nonprofits where you’ll gain hands-on experience serving your community while developing leadership and civic skills. This eight-week program provides exposure to organizational operations and professional development, culminating in a week-long national Student Leaders Summit in Washington, D.C. There, you’ll explore how businesses, nonprofits, and government collaborate to solve community challenges and build your network with peers and leade
14. Smithville High School Internship Program
Location: Smithville, MO
Cost: Unpaid
Program Dates: Varies by placement; typically during the school year or summer
Application Deadline: Varies by school year
Eligibility: Smithville High School students interested in exploring career fields
The Smithville High School Internship Program offers students firsthand experience working at professional sites in various industries, allowing you to explore potential career paths before committing to extensive training. This program bridges classroom learning with practical application by providing opportunities to observe professionals, practice workplace behaviors, develop leadership and technical skills, and solve problems creatively. Internships include reflective components to help you evaluate your growth and learning throughout the experience.
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!