15 Finance Internships for High School Students in North Carolina
If you're a high school student in North Carolina with an eye on a finance career, gaining hands-on experience early can make a real difference.
What finance internships are available for high school students in North Carolina?
North Carolina's finance internship landscape for high schoolers is more varied than most students realize. Charlotte, as one of the country's top banking centers, is home to programs tied to Bank of America, local government finance offices, and community nonprofits, while Raleigh's growing advisory and public sector scene adds programs tied to firms like CAPTRUST and state agencies.
Why pursue a finance internship in North Carolina?
Beyond the skills, these experiences help you figure out what direction within finance actually interests you, which can sharpen your college applications and major choices. Most programs covered below are either free or paid, and several actively recruit students without prior finance coursework, so don't rule yourself out if you're just starting.
For related opportunities, check out our guides on finance workshops for high school students and business internships for high school students in California.
Quick Look
6 paid, local internships: MeckPathways, NCDOT High School Internship Program, and Mayor's Youth Employment Program, among others, all tied to Charlotte or statewide North Carolina agencies.
1 fully virtual, entrepreneurship-focused option: Young Founders Lab, useful if you want to think through pricing, revenue, and financial decision-making by building a real startup rather than interning at an existing institution.
4 virtual work experience programs: Beacon Capital, Stripe, Big 4 Consulting Firm, and Perennial, all four-week programs ending in a certificate and referral letter.
2 fully free, scholarship-based programs: Central Piedmont Summer Bridge Program and INROADS College Links.
Most in-person paid internships are restricted to Charlotte-Mecklenburg or statewide North Carolina residency requirements.
15 Finance Internships for High School Students in North Carolina
1. NCCU School of Business Summer Camp, BASE (Business and Accounting Summer Enrichment) Camp
Location: North Carolina Central University, Durham, North Carolina
Cost: Free (includes meals and program materials)
Cohort Size: Not publicly disclosed
Program Dates: Typically held over one week in June
Application Deadline: Typically in May
Eligibility: Rising 10th to 12th grade students interested in business, accounting, or finance.
The NCCU Business Summer Camp introduces you to the fundamentals of accounting, finance, and business through a week of interactive workshops and hands-on activities. You explore topics such as budgeting, financial statements, business operations, and financial decision-making through a curriculum that includes discussions on college pathways and careers in accounting and business. You learn from NCCU faculty and industry professionals, participate in collaborative activities with other students, and develop a stronger understanding of financial literacy and business management. If you’re considering majoring in accounting, finance, or business, this camp offers an accessible way to explore these fields before college while demonstrating sustained interest in business-related subjects on your college applications.
2. Young Founders Lab
Cost: $2,900 (need-based financial aid available)
Location: 100% virtual, with live interactive workshops
Eligibility: Open to all high school students
Program Dates: 4-week program starting June 5th tentatively
Application Deadline: Early Decision: March | Regular Admission 1: April | Regular Admission 2: May
The Young Founders Lab is a real-world startup bootcamp founded and run by Harvard entrepreneurs. You will work towards building a revenue-generating startup that addresses a real-world problem, mentored by established entrepreneurs and professionals from Google, Microsoft, and X. Alongside building your startup, you'll participate in interactive classes on business fundamentals and ideation, workshops, skill-building sessions, case studies, and panel discussions. The program gives you a structured space to explore both theoretical and practical frameworks for building a successful business. You can check out the brochure here and access the application here.
3. MeckPathways Summer Internship Program
Location: Mecklenburg County departments, Charlotte, North Carolina, NC
Stipend: $15 per hour
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not publicly disclosed
Dates: June 11 - August 7
Application Deadline: March 2
Eligibility: Applicants must be current Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools (CMS) high school juniors or seniors, be at least 16 years old, and possess a Social Security Number. No prior work experience is required.
The MeckPathways Summer Internship Program is a partnership between Mecklenburg County Government and Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools that provides high school students with paid work experience in local government departments. You work between 20 and 40 hours per week and gain exposure to public service careers while developing professional skills in a real workplace setting. The program is designed to help you connect classroom learning with potential career pathways through hands-on projects and mentorship from county professionals. You can explore a variety of departments based on your interests and learn how local government serves the community.
4. Ladder Internship Program
Cost: Starting at $2,490 (financial aid available)
Location: Remote, work from anywhere in the world
Application Deadline: Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), Winter (November)
Program Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year
Eligibility: Students who can work 10–20 hours/week for 8–12 weeks. Open to high school students, undergraduates, and gap year students!
Ladder Internships is a selective startup internship program for ambitious students. You'll work with a high-growth startup on real projects across industries including tech, AI/ML, health tech, marketing, journalism, consulting, and more. Ladder's startups are high-growth companies on average, raising over a million dollars; past founders include Y Combinator alums and former employees of Microsoft, Google, and Facebook. You'll work closely with your manager and a Ladder Coach and present your work to the company at the end of the internship. You can apply here.
5. NCDOT High School Internship Program
Location: Various North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) offices and divisions across North Carolina, NC
Stipend: Paid internship (hourly wage not specified)
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not publicly disclosed
Dates: Year-round; students may work for one or multiple semesters
Application Deadline: May 1
Eligibility: Applicants must be currently enrolled in a North Carolina high school, be at least 16 years old at the time of employment, maintain a minimum 2.3 GPA on a 4.0 scale, and submit a transcript with their application.
The High School Internship Program at the N.C. Department of Transportation is a year-round program that provides the opportunity for students to work one semester or consecutive semesters as a paid, part-time intern at NCDOT. As an intern, you are placed in various NCDOT divisions and units across the state, where you gain hands-on experience while learning about career opportunities in transportation, engineering, administration, and government operations. You work directly with NCDOT professionals and hiring managers to develop internship experiences that align with your interests and career goals. The internship is designed to help you explore potential career pathways in business and finance while building experience that can support future educational and professional pursuits.
6. Mayor’s Youth Employment Program (MYEP)
Location: Charlotte, North Carolina, NC
Stipend: At least $13 per hour
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not publicly disclosed; approximately 1,200 applications received for Summer
Dates: Two-week, four-week, or six-week summer work experiences (specific dates vary by placement)
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: High school students ages 16–18 who reside in the Charlotte area are eligible to apply.
The Mayor’s Youth Employment Program (MYEP) is a paid summer work experience program offered through the City of Charlotte’s Office of Youth Opportunities. You are matched with employers in the private, public, and nonprofit sectors and work a minimum of 25 hours per week. Through their placements, you can explore everything from marketing to business, and reputation management to customer service, leasing, fair housing, and day-to-day operations of an apartment community. You learn real estate business models, how to qualify prospective residents, give effective tours, complete leases, respond to resident needs, and use data and technology to support business operations. MYEP is designed to help young people prepare for future education and employment opportunities while earning a paycheck during the summer.
7. CLA High School Internship Experience
Location: In-person at participating CLA offices (location varies by office)
Stipend: Not specified
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not publicly disclosed
Dates: June 15 - July 16 (off June 29–July 3)
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: Applicants must be at least 16 years old by the start of the program, be able to attend all program days in person, have reliable transportation, be authorized to work in the United States without employment-based visa sponsorship, and submit any required working papers if under 18.
The CLA High School Internship Experience introduces students to careers in accounting, consulting, and professional services through a structured four-week program. You learn about the accounting industry while working through interactive case studies that simulate real client projects across different industries. You also shadow professionals at various career stages to gain insight into workplace responsibilities and career paths. The experience includes team-based projects that help you develop collaboration, communication, and problem-solving skills while learning about CLA’s workplace culture.
8. Beacon Capital Virtual Work Experience Program: Delta Institute
Location: Virtual
Cost: Tuition-based program (fee not publicly listed on the program page)
Acceptance Rate: Selective; not specified
Program Dates: 4 weeks (multiple cohorts offered throughout the year)
Application Deadline: Varies by cohort
Eligibility: High school students
The Beacon Capital Virtual Work Experience Program places you in the role of a junior venture capital analyst, where you’ll evaluate AI startups and develop investment recommendations. Over four weeks, you’ll research emerging companies, analyze business models, assess market opportunities, and examine the commercial potential of new technologies. The program is structured into four stages: orientation, technical skill development, project work, and a final pitch, with students working in teams under the guidance of industry mentors. Along the way, you’ll strengthen skills in market research, strategic thinking, financial analysis, and professional communication while learning how venture capital firms assess investment opportunities. The program concludes with a presentation of your investment recommendations to Beacon Capital representatives, and successful participants receive a Certificate of Completion and a referral letter from Beacon Capital.
9. Peggy Ward Financial Education Center (PWFEC) Wealth Management Camp: North Carolina Central University
Location: North Carolina Central University, Durham, NC
Cost: $50
Acceptance Rate: Not specified
Program Dates: June
Application Deadline: May
Eligibility: Students entering grades 9–12
The Peggy Ward Financial Education Center (PWFEC) Wealth Management Camp is a week-long summer program that introduces high school students to the fundamentals of personal finance and wealth management. Throughout the camp, you’ll explore topics such as budgeting, investing, financial planning, and wealth-building through interactive workshops and instructor-led sessions. The program also includes group activities and case studies in which you apply financial concepts to real-world scenarios while working with other participants. As part of North Carolina Central University’s Business Summer Camps, the curriculum emphasizes practical financial decision-making rather than theory alone. Students complete the program with a certificate of completion and participate in team-based challenges that include opportunities to earn prizes.
10. Stripe Virtual Work Experience Program
Location: Online
Stipend: Not specified; completion awards include a referral letter and certificate of completion
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not publicly disclosed
Dates: Cohort I: August 1 - September 6; Cohort II: January 30 - March 6; Cohort III: July 31 - September 5
Application Deadline: June 28 (final summer application round)
Eligibility: Open to high school students interested in financial technology (FinTech), product development, business strategy, and entrepreneurship. Specific eligibility requirements are not publicly listed.
The Stripe Virtual Work Experience Program is a four-week online program that introduces students to the financial technology industry through project-based learning and collaboration. You spend approximately 10 hours per week exploring topics such as digital payments, product development, market analysis, and innovation in FinTech. Throughout the program, you learn about the Product Development Lifecycle (PDLC), design thinking, user research, and strategic decision-making. Working in teams, you analyze industry challenges and develop solutions within the context of Stripe’s business and products. The program concludes with a final presentation in which you pitch your recommendations to program representatives and receive feedback on your work. Students who complete the program earn a certificate of completion and a referral letter recognizing their participation.
11. Big 4 Consulting Firm Virtual Work Experience Program
Location: Online
Stipend: Not specified; completion awards include a referral letter and certificate of completion
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not publicly disclosed
Dates: Cohort I: June 20 - July 26; Cohort II: January 9 - February 13; Cohort III: June 19 - July 25
Application Deadline: June 28 (final summer application round)
Eligibility: Open to high school students interested in consulting, business, finance, strategy, and problem-solving. Specific eligibility requirements are not publicly listed.
The Big 4 Consulting Firm Virtual Work Experience Program is a four-week online program that introduces students to the consulting industry through a project-based business case study. You spend approximately 10 hours per week analyzing real-world challenges inspired by the electric vehicle industry, with a focus on sustainability, market competition, and strategic growth. Throughout the program, you develop skills in market research, financial analysis, strategic thinking, teamwork, and professional communication. Training sessions and mentor-led workshops help you understand how consulting firms approach client problems and deliver recommendations. Students work collaboratively to develop solutions and present their findings during a final pitch session to industry representatives. Those who complete the program receive a certificate of completion and a referral letter recognizing their participation and work.
12. Perennial Virtual Work Experience Program
Location: Online
Cost: Not specified; completion awards include a referral letter signed by Perennial and a certificate of completion
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not publicly disclosed
Dates: Cohort I: July 11 - August 16; Cohort II: October 31 - December 12; Cohort III: July 10 - August 22
Application Deadline: June 28 (final summer application round)
Eligibility: Open to high school students interested in finance, investing, asset management, quantitative analysis, and business. Specific eligibility requirements are not publicly listed.
The Perennial Virtual Work Experience Program is a four-week online program that introduces students to the investment management industry through hands-on projects and guided learning. You will explore topics such as investment advisory services, value investing, financial statement analysis, and portfolio management. You will also learn how investment professionals evaluate companies, identify potential investment opportunities, and communicate recommendations to clients. The program also includes a quantitative portfolio optimization project, where you analyze market data and construct a model investment portfolio under realistic constraints. Throughout the experience, you work in teams, receive mentorship, and apply financial concepts to practical scenarios. The program concludes with a final presentation to Perennial representatives, and students who complete the program receive a certificate of completion and a referral letter.
13. Central Piedmont Summer Bridge Program
Location: Central Piedmont Community College campuses in Charlotte, NC
Cost: Free; tuition, books, and fees are covered through a full scholarship (no stipend provided)
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not publicly disclosed
Dates: June 15 - July 23
Application Deadline: May 1
Eligibility: Graduating high school seniors who attend a participating Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools (CMS) public or private school. Applicants should have a minimum GPA of 2.0, although students with lower GPAs may still be considered through an interview process.
The Summer Bridge Program at Central Piedmont Community College is a six-week academic enrichment program designed to help graduating high school seniors transition successfully to college. Participants can earn up to seven college credits while taking classes in a structured, in-person learning environment. There are various programs to pick from, including Accounting and Finance, that help develop communication, computer applications, financial analysis, and critical thinking skills. You will learn to create and maintain an accounting system and apply U.S. generally accepted accounting principles, and prepare basic personal and business income tax forms. Those who enroll at Central Piedmont after completing the program can continue accessing student support services throughout their college experience. The program is fully funded, covering tuition, books, and fees for all accepted students.
14. INROADS College Links
Location: Nationwide; in-person sessions available in cities including Charlotte, NC, and others
Cost: Free (no stipend listed)
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Dates: October - May; monthly Saturday sessions (2–4 hours per session)
Application Deadline: December 31 for consideration in the current program year (applications accepted year-round)
Eligibility: High school students nationwide; rising 9th graders may apply after receiving their final report card of the school year
INROADS College Links is a college and career readiness program designed for high school students interested in exploring STEAM and business-related fields. You attend monthly sessions focused on professional development, goal setting, college preparation, financial literacy, and career exploration. You gain exposure to a variety of academic and career pathways through career immersion activities and workshops. The program also helps you build soft skills such as communication, accountability, and planning for future educational goals. You can participate either in person at select locations or virtually from anywhere in the United States.
15. JA Finance Park® Advanced
Location: Charlotte, North Carolina, NC (on-site at JA Finance Park), mobile locations, or virtual participation available
Cost: Free program; no stipend provided
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Dates: Available throughout the school year
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: High school students in grades 9–12; prior completion of JA Finance Park Entry Level is recommended but not required
JA Finance Park Advanced is a financial literacy and career exploration program designed for high school students. Through classroom lessons and a hands-on budgeting simulation, participants explore how education, career choices, savings habits, and credit decisions affect their long-term financial goals. You select a career path, build a future lifestyle scenario, and make financial decisions across different stages of adulthood. The program can be completed in person, through a mobile learning center, or virtually. You also gain exposure to career readiness concepts and practical money-management skills while interacting with community volunteers and industry professionals.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Are there paid finance internships for high school students in North Carolina?
Yes. MeckPathways, the NCDOT High School Internship Program, and the Mayor's Youth Employment Program in Charlotte all offer paid positions, typically requiring North Carolina residency.
2. Is there an option that lets me build financial skills through my own venture instead of interning somewhere?
Young Founders Lab lets you do exactly that, guiding you through pricing, revenue, and business strategy as you build a real, revenue-generating startup, fully virtually, with need-based financial aid available.
3. Which programs are virtual work experiences rather than in-person internships?
Beacon Capital, Stripe, Big 4 Consulting Firm, and Perennial are all four-week virtual work experience programs that end with a final presentation, certificate of completion, and referral letter.