14 Free Nonprofit Internships for High School Students
If you’re thinking about working for a cause or studying something related to social impact, interning at a nonprofit during high school can be a great first step. Nonprofit internships give you a closer look at how organisations run when their goal is service rather than profit. You’ll get to work on things like event planning, fundraising, communications, or outreach while learning how teams come together to solve community problems.
Across the country, many nonprofits welcome high school students who want to gain real-world experience. These internships let you apply what you learn in school to actual projects, understand how programs are managed, and build skills that will help you in college and your career.
To help you get started, here are 14 free nonprofit internships for high school students!
14 Free Nonprofit Internships for High School Students
1. Ladder Internship Program
Location: Remote! You can work from anywhere in the world.
Cost: Varies by the program. Financial aid available
Application deadline: Deadlines vary depending on the cohort
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 competitive program where high school students get to work directly with fast-growing start-ups in fields like technology, artificial intelligence, health, marketing, journalism, and consulting. These start-ups are serious about growth; many have raised millions of dollars and are led by founders with experience at places like Microsoft, Google, Facebook, or YCombinator. As an intern, you’ll be matched with one of these companies and work on projects that matter. You’ll collaborate with your manager and a Ladder Coach, learning how start-ups solve problems, build products, and grow their business. You’ll also present your work to the company, gaining experience in communication and leadership.
2. DOROT Summer Internship Program, Manhattan
Location: DOROT Office, 171 W 85th Street, Manhattan, NY
Cost: Free
Application Deadline: Applications are accepted on a rolling basis from December through April of the application year
Dates: One four-week session; July 23 – August 14
Eligibility: Must be a rising sophomore, junior, or senior in high school and able to commute to the Manhattan location
DOROT’s summer internship is a solid way for high school students to connect with older adults and explore topics like social justice, Jewish life, and creative arts. The program takes place in Manhattan and runs for four weeks, with two different sessions to choose from. One session focuses on community and social issues, while the other is all about theater and storytelling with seniors. As an intern, you’ll be part of a small group and spend your days doing things like workshops, group discussions, art projects, and planning fun events that bring generations together. You’ll learn how to listen, share, and build relationships through creative and thoughtful activities.
3. Young Founders Lab
Location: This program is 100% virtual, with live, interactive workshops
Cost: Varies according to program. There is need-based financial aid
Application Deadline: Varies according to cohort. You can access the application link here!
Dates: Vary according to cohort
Eligibility: The program is currently open to all high school students
The Young Founder’s Lab is a work + learn program where you can learn the steps involved in starting a business. Led by experienced entrepreneurs, the program guides you through developing an idea and turning it into a working project. You’ll take part in sessions that introduce the fundamentals of entrepreneurship, including how to plan, test, and improve your ideas, as well as the basics of running a small venture. If you’re interested in nonprofit work, the program also touches on how to approach social issues through sustainable and mission-focused models. You’ll explore how organizations with a social purpose are structured and what’s involved in building one from the ground up. You can check out the brochure for the program here.
4. Bank of America Student Leaders Program
Location: Multiple U.S. cities with Bank of America nonprofit partners
Cost/Stipend: Paid internship; all expenses covered for the Student Leaders Summit in Washington, D.C.
Application Deadline: January 15
Dates: Eight-week internship from June to August, including a weeklong summit
Eligibility: Current high school juniors and seniors who are in good academic standing, legally authorised to work in the U.S.
The Bank of America Student Leaders Program is a summer opportunity for high school students who want to make a difference in their communities. You’ll be placed at a local nonprofit organization where you’ll work on projects that help people and support important causes. Alongside your daily work, you’ll build leadership skills and learn how nonprofits function, including how they handle policy, teamwork, and community outreach. You’ll also attend a week-long Student Leadership Summit in Washington, DC, where you meet other students from across the country, share ideas, and learn from experts in social impact and civic engagement.
5. Bloomberg Arts Internship
Location: Various arts and cultural organizations across Greater Philadelphia, PA
Cost/Stipend: Paid stipend of $17.53/hour; free meals and transportation provided
Application Deadline: Opens January 8; closes February 28
Dates: June 20 – August 15 (eight weeks); interns work up to 35 hours/week
Eligibility: Rising public high school seniors residing in Philadelphia
The Bloomberg Arts Internship in Philadelphia is a paid summer program that helps high school students explore careers in the arts. You’ll be placed with a local arts or cultural organization and help with tasks like planning events, promoting exhibitions, and supporting creative projects. This gives you a close-up look at how arts organizations work day to day. Alongside your internship, you’ll join sessions that help you prepare for college, understand workplace expectations, and learn about different jobs in the creative world. You’ll also take part in group activities, meet other interns, and get advice from mentors who work in the arts.
6. Smithsonian Young Ambassadors Program
Location: One-week seminar at the National Museum of the American Latino, Washington, D.C., followed by a four-week practicum at a partner museum or cultural institution in the U.S. or Puerto Rico
Cost/Stipend: No cost; meals, lodging, and travel for the seminar are covered. Participants receive a $2,350 stipend upon completion.
Application Deadline: April 11
Dates: Seminar: July 8–12; Practicum: July 14 – August 9
Eligibility: Graduating high school seniors with a minimum weighted GPA of 3.25 on a 4.0 scale
The Smithsonian Young Ambassadors Program is a summer opportunity for graduating high school seniors who are interested in leadership, culture, and careers in the arts, sciences, or humanities. The program starts with a one-week seminar in Washington, D.C., where you’ll join workshops, meet professionals, and explore museums and cultural institutions. You’ll learn about different career paths and how culture connects to leadership and public service. After the seminar, you’ll take part in a four-week practicum at a museum or cultural organization in the U.S. or Puerto Rico. During this time, you’ll work on community-based projects, often related to education, outreach, or cultural programming.
7. Project Write Now Teen Internship Program
Location: Virtual (remote participation)
Cost: Free of cost
Application Deadline: Applications typically open in March and close in April
Dates: June – August (exact dates vary by year)
Eligibility: High school students aged 15–18
The Project Write Now Teen Internship Program is a great opportunity for high school students who love writing and want to build experience. There are three different tracks to choose from, each focused on writing, editing, and communication. If you join as a teaching assistant intern, you’ll help lead summer writing classes for younger students. You’ll learn how to plan lessons, guide creative writing activities, and support kids as they develop their stories and ideas.
As an editorial assistant intern, you’ll work on teen writing programs. You might write blog posts, help with editing, and organize Bridge Ink, the group’s literary magazine for young adults. You’ll also learn how to create marketing materials and share writing with a wider audience. In the interview project internship, you’ll find people to interview, ask thoughtful questions, and write articles based on their stories.
8. The Young Writers Initiative (TYWI)
Location: Virtual (remote participation)
Cost/Stipend: None; unpaid volunteer roles
Dates: Year-round volunteer opportunities available
Application Deadline: Rolling deadlines based on department needs
Eligibility: Students aged 13–25, including high school and college students
The Young Writers Initiative (TYWI) is a student-run nonprofit that supports writing programs in schools across the country. All of its services are volunteer-based, and internships play a key role in helping the organization operate. As an intern, you can take on roles such as editing, beta reading, or leading writing workshops. These positions give you a chance to develop practical skills tied to different stages of the writing and revision process. You’ll also work with a wider community of writers from both the U.S. and abroad, gaining experience in a collaborative, writing-focused environment.
9. Interns 4-Good
Location: Virtual (remote participation)
Cost/Stipend: Free to participate; internships are unpaid
Application Deadline: Rolling; students may apply year-round
Dates: Typically 6–12 weeks, depending on the project and nonprofit partner
Eligibility: High school students in Grades 9–12
Interns 4-Good is a nonprofit organization that connects high school students with remote volunteer internship opportunities. Positions include roles such as outreach intern, finance assistant, graphic designer, social media coordinator, HR support, executive team member, research writer, and regional representative. As an intern, you’ll be placed with a nonprofit that needs help with communication or administrative tasks. You may work directly with staff members and take part in projects that involve writing, design, or outreach.
10. Teens In Public Service (TIPS) Internship
Location: Various nonprofit organizations across the Greater Seattle Area, WA
Cost/Stipend: No cost to participate; interns are paid Seattle’s minimum wage (estimated $20.76/hour), with potential earnings up to $3,300
Application Deadline: Applications open in November and close in February for the upcoming summer
Dates: Internship runs from late June through mid-August (typically 6–8 weeks)
Eligibility: Open to current high school sophomores and juniors who will be at least 15 years old by the start of the program
The TIP Internship Program places high school students in nonprofit organizations where they work on projects that match their interests and strengths. Interns are guided by mentors and supervisors, helping them build professional, leadership, and life skills while learning how nonprofits serve their communities. You’ll gain experience in areas like outreach, research, event planning, communications, and more, depending on your placement. Interns also receive a stipend and become part of a larger network of TIP alumni and public service leaders, which can open doors for future opportunities.
11. EnergyMag Remote Internship
Location: Virtual (remote participation)
Cost/Stipend: Free to participate; unpaid
Application Deadline: Rolling basis throughout the year
Dates: Half-time internships: 2–8 weeks during summer; Quarter-time internships: 1–9 months, available year-round
Eligibility: High school sophomores, juniors, or seniors with a GPA above 3.25 and at least one honors-level science or English class
EnergyMag is a nonprofit that focuses on energy storage and renewable energy. Their internship helps high school students build research and analysis skills in science and business. You’ll study topics like clean energy, battery technology, and market trends. Your work might include writing about a company, exploring a new technology, or analyzing data related to energy systems. There are two options. The half-time internship runs during the summer and usually takes about 20 hours per week for 2 to 8 weeks. The quarter-time internship is available all year and takes around 8 hours per week for 1 to 9 months. You’ll work with a mentor who guides your research and helps you improve your writing and thinking. If your work is strong, it may be published on the EnergyMag website.
12. Fox Chase Cancer Center High School Volunteer Program
Location: Fox Chase Cancer Center, Northeast Philadelphia, PA
Cost/Stipend: Unpaid; no cost to participate
Application Deadline: Typically opens in early spring (February–March); varies annually
Dates: Summer session runs approximately 10 weeks, from June through August
Eligibility: High school students aged 15 or older with parental consent; must complete health clearance, background check, and orientation
The Fox Chase Cancer Center High School Volunteer Program gives students a chance to support hospital work while learning about healthcare and community service. During the 10-week summer session, you’ll volunteer one full day each week, helping with tasks like organizing paperwork, assisting with patient services, and joining educational outreach efforts. You’ll be part of a team that values care and communication. Experienced staff will guide you through orientation and training, and you’ll receive support throughout your time at the hospital. This program helps you build responsibility, teamwork, and a deeper understanding of how hospitals serve patients and families.
13. Changing The Present Community Engagement Internship
Location: Virtual (remote participation)
Cost: Free; unpaid internship with possible college credit
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions throughout the year
Dates: Year-round; flexible scheduling available
Eligibility: High school students who are high-achieving and community-minded
Changing The Present offers a flexible and impactful internship for high school students who want to make a difference. As a Community Engagement Intern, you’ll work just 3 hours per week on your own schedule, helping spread the word about how donations can be meaningful gifts that support important causes. You get to choose the issue you care about most, like environment, animals, climate change, hunger, education, mental health, or veterans’ support. The organization gives you everything you need to succeed, including clear instructions, message templates, flyers, and digital graphics.
14. STEM·E Youth Career Development Program Internship
Location: Houston, Texas (with virtual components available)
Cost: Free; volunteer-based internship program
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions; year-round opportunities
Dates: Flexible scheduling throughout the year
Eligibility: Middle school, high school, and college students interested in STEM fields
The STEM·E Internship Program is a virtual opportunity for students who want to explore careers in science, technology, engineering, math, or entrepreneurship. As an intern, you’ll work on projects that support STEM education and community outreach, gaining hands-on experience while building your resume. You’ll receive mentorship from professionals in STEM fields and take part in exclusive events and training sessions that help you grow your skills. The program focuses on developing communication, leadership, and workplace readiness, all in a supportive online environment.
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