15 Free Nonprofit Summer Programs for High School Students
What would I do at nonprofit summer programs for high school students?
These programs take you beyond the classroom and into the daily operations of organizations that address community needs. You might help plan local events, assist in fundraising campaigns, contribute to outreach initiatives, or support administrative work, all of which give you a realistic sense of how nonprofits function and the challenges they face.
Why should I enrol in nonprofit summer programs as a high school student?
Non profit summer programs help you develop skills that are valuable in any career, such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. You’ll build a network of mentors and peers who share your interest in social impact. Because these programs are free, they remove financial barriers, allowing motivated students from all backgrounds to explore the nonprofit world, gain meaningful experience, and better understand whether this is a path they want to pursue.
If you’re looking for nonprofit internship opportunities, you can check this and this out.
Let’s explore 15 free nonprofit summer programs for high school students!
(Note: All the programs on this list are not free, but the alternatives offer need-based financial aid.)
15 Free Nonprofit Summer Programs for High School Students
1. Bank of America Student Leaders Program
Location: Various U.S. cities (local nonprofit placement)
Stipend: Paid
Cohort Size: ~300
Dates: 8 weeks in summer & a conclusion summit in Washington, DC (July 21-26)
Application Deadline: January 15
Eligibility: Currently a junior or senior in high school, legally authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship.
In this free nonprofit summer program, you’ll spend eight weeks working at a nonprofit in your community, supporting projects that address local challenges. You will assist with outreach, event coordination, and service initiatives while learning how community organizations create impact. You’ll gain hands-on experience in teamwork, communication, and civic leadership under the guidance of nonprofit mentors. The program also includes a fully funded week-long summit in Washington, D.C., where you’ll meet peers, explore policy issues, and engage with public leaders.
2. Caminos al Futuro at the George Washington University
Location: George Washington University's Cisneros Hispanic Leadership Institute, Washington, D.C.
Cost: Free
Cohort Size: 14
Dates: July (3 weeks)
Application Deadline: Registrations open on December 8
Eligibility: Rising seniors at any U.S. high school with a high-level of academic achievement and a demonstrated commitment to leadership in service of the Latino/Hispanic community
Through this three-week summer program, you’ll study the social, political, and economic issues affecting Latino communities at George Washington University. Your projects will focus on leadership, civic engagement, and policy analysis. You will work under the guidance of GW faculty and mentors who will train you in research and presentation skills. Along with your coursework, you’ll attend workshops on college readiness and visit Capitol Hill, government agencies, and nonprofits. You will also collaborate with other scholars on community-based projects. At the end of the program, you will present your findings and action plan to faculty and peers.
3. Young Founders Lab
Location: Remote
Cost: Varies according to program type; Financial aid available
Cohort Size: Small cohorts
Dates: Varies according to program type, including summer cohorts
Application Deadline: Varies according to program type
Eligibility: High school students; International students are welcome to apply
In the Young Founders Lab, you work in small teams to design and launch your own startup that addresses real-world problems. You will receive mentorship from business leaders, startup founders, and investors who guide you through ideation, market research, and pitching. The program includes workshops on marketing, finance, and leadership, giving you practical exposure to entrepreneurship. You will also collaborate with peers from around the world, gaining insights into global business practices and innovation. At the end, you will pitch your venture to industry experts, gaining feedback and exposure that will help you grow as a young entrepreneur ready to drive change.
4. Ladder Internship Program
Location: Remote. You can work from anywhere in the world.
Cost: Varies depending on program type. Full financial aid available.
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 span a variety of industries, including tech/deep tech, AI/ML, health tech, marketing, journalism, consulting, and more. Past founders have included YCombinator alums, founders who have raised over $ 30 million, and founders who have previously worked at Microsoft, Google, and Facebook. In the program, you work closely with your managers and a Ladder Coach on practical projects and present your work to the company. As an intern, you are offered one-on-one training in communication, time management, and other such valuable skills. You will also have the opportunity to attend group training sessions with other interns in your cohort.
5. Columbia University: Empowering Change - An Introduction to Social Entrepreneurship
Location: Columbia University campus, NYC
Cost/Stipend: $12,454; financial aid available
Cohort Size: 27
Dates: Summer A (June 29 – July 17) & Summer B (July 21 – August 07)
Application Deadline: April 2
Eligibility: High school students
At Columbia University’s free nonprofit summer program, you’ll learn how social ventures can drive real change. Your projects will focus on identifying community challenges and designing solutions with measurable impact. You will work under the guidance of Columbia faculty and mentors who will train you in research, strategy, and social innovation. Along with your daily coursework, you will attend seminars on entrepreneurship, ethics, and leadership. You will also connect with local changemakers and visit social organizations across New York City. At the end of the program, you will present your venture proposal to instructors and peers.
6. Summer Entrepreneurship Program for High School Students
Location: Suffolk University, Boston, MA
Cost: Free
Cohort Size: Not specified
Dates: July 7 - 24
Application Deadline: Registrations will open in January
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors
Suffolk University’s three-week free nonprofit summer program helps you understand how entrepreneurs create and grow successful ventures. Your projects will focus on innovation, marketing, and business strategy. You will work under the guidance of Suffolk faculty and guest mentors who will train you in market research, financial planning, and pitching. Along with your daily coursework, you’ll attend workshops on college readiness, career skills, and leadership. You will also visit local startups and Boston business hubs to see entrepreneurship in action. At the end of the program, you will present your final business plan to faculty, mentors, and peers.
7. IPS Summer Internships
Location: Paired with non-profit organizations throughout the Greater Seattle Area, USA
Stipend: $21.30/hour
Cohort Size: 86 in the last cohort
Dates: June 15/June 29 - August 22
Application Deadline: March of the application year
Eligibility: Aged 15-19 and must be eligible to work in the U.S.; must be enrolled in a high school with an address in the state of Washington
In this free nonprofit summer program, you’ll spend the summer working with community-based organizations across the Seattle area. You will assist with daily operations, outreach programs, and local initiatives in areas like youth mentorship, environmental advocacy, and social services. You’ll gain hands-on experience in teamwork, communication, and leadership, and see how nonprofits create community impact. You will be paired with mentors who guide you in your professional growth and civic engagement. You’ll also attend orientation and reflection sessions designed to help you understand social responsibility.
8. Community Teen Interns by the California Science Center
Location: 700 Exposition Park Drive, Los Angeles, CA
Stipend: $17.87/hour
Cohort Size: Competitive
Dates: School year, including summer
Application Deadline: Opens in August
Eligibility: High school students in grades 10-12 who reside in the Science Center's immediate geographic community (0-3) mile radius with a minimum 2.0 grade point average
Through this paid internship at the California Science Center, you’ll join the Education Department and bring science to life for museum visitors. As a Community Teen Intern, you’ll lead hands-on STEM activities, assist with exhibits, and inspire curiosity through programs in marine biology, SCUBA diving, and aviation. During the course, you’ll gain experience in public engagement, teamwork, and communication while exploring real-world careers in science. Additionally, you will also help design educational materials, represent the Center at community events, and learn how science connects to everyday life.
9. Energymag Internships
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: Free
Cohort Size: Selective
Dates: 2-8 weeks during the summer for half-time interns (approx 20 hours per week). 1-9 months for quarter-time interns (approx 8 hours per week). Quarter-time internships run year-round
Application Deadline: Rolling application deadline
Eligibility: High school sophomores, juniors, and seniors only, with at least one honors science or honors English class and a GPA over 3.25
In this remote and free nonprofit summer program, you’ll work with the editorial team at EnergyMag, a publication focused on energy storage and sustainability. You will research renewable technologies, analyze market trends, and contribute to reports or articles published on the platform. During the internship, you’ll learn to evaluate data, interview industry experts, and write with clarity and purpose, and expect mentors to provide feedback on your research and guide your professional growth. This experience builds skills in critical thinking, writing, and environmental awareness.
10. DOROT Summer Teen Internship
Location: DOROT’s Manhattan office, NY
Cost/Stipend: Free
Cohort Size: Selective
Dates: July 23 – August 14
Application Deadline: Rolling; Beginning in December and ending in April
Eligibility: Rising high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors
Through this summer internship, you’ll spend four weeks working with older adults in New York City to strengthen intergenerational connections. You will assist with visits, tech tutoring, creative workshops, and discussion groups that bring companionship and learning to seniors. You’ll gain hands-on experience in communication, empathy, and community service while developing leadership and teamwork skills. Expect mentors to guide your daily activities and lead reflection sessions to help you understand the social impact of your work.
11. Clarify Youth Program
Location: New York City, NY
Stipend: Paid
Cohort Size: Selective
Dates: Six-week summer program
Application Deadline: Varies by session; announced in spring for summer cohort
Eligibility: New York City high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors
In the CLARIFY Youth Program, you’ll spend six weeks working with a nonprofit newsroom on public-service stories about New York City. You’ll research local issues, conduct interviews, write articles, and collaborate with seasoned journalists. You’ll build skills in reporting, writing, critical thinking, and communication while contributing to published pieces. Through mentorship from professional reporters, you’ll learn newsroom workflows and story editing. Additionally, you will also go on site field trips and team discussions that give you a glimpse into the real journalistic work.
12. DOROT’s The B-Mitzvah Experience
Location: DOROT’s Manhattan office, NY
Cost: No charge
Cohort Size: Approximately 16
Dates: Varies by cohort
Application Deadline: Varies by cohort
Eligibility: High school sophomores, juniors, and seniors who identify as Jewish or have a parent or grandparent who identifies as Jewish
Through this seven-session program, you’ll partner with older adults in a vibrant intergenerational setting. You’ll participate in home visits, creative-arts workshops, tech-tutorial sessions, and discussion groups that explore both community and Jewish identity. You’ll develop skills in leadership, communication, and service while planning and leading meaningful activities. Alongside hands-on projects, you will be guided by mentors, build friendships across generations, and engage with themes of communal responsibility and social justice.
13. High School Volunteer Program by Aspire
Location: Aspire Afterschool Learning, Arlington, VA
Cost/Stipend: Free
Cohort Size: Not specified
Dates: 6-week summer learning camp
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: High school students
Through this free nonprofit summer program, you’ll work with younger students in 3rd-8th grades, helping them with reading, math, and homework during after-school or summer sessions. You’ll run tutoring sessions, assist in STEM and art projects, and support program activities tied to the year’s theme. You’ll build vital skills in mentoring, communication, and leadership while making a direct impact in your community. Staff will guide you and pair you with younger learners.
14. Children’s Hospital Los Angeles High School Summer Volunteer Program
Location: Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles, CA
Cost/Stipend: Free
Cohort Size: 20
Dates: June 16 - August 1
Application Deadline: February 10
Eligibility: Students who have completed their freshman year; 15-17 years of age by June 16
In this summer volunteer program, you’ll serve alongside hospital staff in a leading pediatric facility. You’ll escort patients, assist visitors, support administrative tasks, and help in playrooms or waiting areas. You’ll gain key skills in communication, empathy, teamwork, and service while immersed in a healthcare setting. Expect mentors to guide your orientation and weekly schedules. Additionally, you’ll take part in in-hospital activities and see how patient care, hospital operations, and volunteers collaborate.
15. Social Entrepreneurship Boot Camp
Location: Held in different countries and not restricted to a single physical location
Cost/Stipend: Not specified
Cohort Size: 250 approx
Dates: Varies according to your program type
Application Deadline: Varies according to your program type
Eligibility: Teens aged 8-16
Through this one-week nonprofit summer program, you will explore how social entrepreneurship addresses real-world challenges. You’ll work in teams to design and develop startup projects focused on sustainability, education, or social equity. Under the mentorship of university faculty and social enterprise leaders, you will learn business modeling, pitching, and project management. In addition to daily workshops, you will attend seminars on leadership, ethics, and global development. You will also collaborate with peers from different countries and visit local organizations. At the end of the program, you will present your venture proposal to a panel of professionals and educators.
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