15 Non-Profit Mentoring Programs for High School Students
If you are a high school student interested in exploring service careers and building connections with professionals, joining a non-profit mentoring program can be a good way to start. These programs pair you with mentors who guide you on academic choices, career pathways, and personal growth while helping you set goals and gain confidence.
Non-profit mentoring programs are especially valuable if you are thinking about careers in business or social impact. Just like internships, they give you practical experience outside the classroom. You get to see how organizations work, understand how decisions are made, and apply what you learn in school to situations.
For students interested in business, this kind of exposure helps you test whether a career path is right for you and teaches you skills like communication, leadership, and teamwork. If you care deeply about social issues, working with a non-profit also shows you how business skills can be applied to create change in communities. Joining one not only helps you learn from practical experiences but also strengthens your college applications by showing initiative beyond schoolwork.
To help you get started, here’s a list of 15 non-profit mentoring programs for high school students!
15 Non-Profit Mentoring Programs for High School Students
1. Ladder Internship Program
Location: Remote! You can work from anywhere in the world.
Cost: Varies by the program
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 highly selective, virtual internship program designed for ambitious high school students who want to gain real-world experience working with fast-growing startups. Founded by Harvard entrepreneurs, the program matches you with a startup in industries ranging from AI/ML, deep tech, and health tech to journalism, marketing, consulting, and more. These startups are typically high-growth companies, many have raised over $1 million, and some are led by Y Combinator alumni or former employees of tech giants like Google, Microsoft, and Facebook. As an intern, you work closely with your startup manager and a dedicated Ladder Coach on meaningful projects tailored to your interests and strengths. You’ll present your work to the company at last.
2. Young Founders Lab
Cost: Varies depending on program type
Location: This program is 100% virtual, with live, interactive workshops
Eligibility: The program is currently open to all high school students
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!
The Young Founder’s Lab is a real-world start-up boot camp founded and run by Harvard entrepreneurs. In this program, you will work towards building a revenue-generating start-up that addresses a real-world problem. You will also have the opportunity to be mentored by established entrepreneurs and professionals from Google, Microsoft, and X. Apart from building the start-up itself, you will also participate in interactive classes on business fundamentals and business ideations, workshops and skill-building sessions, case studies, panel discussions, and more. You can check out the brochure for the program here.
3. Youthbridge Fellowship
Cost: Free
Location: Various YouthBridge offices based in New York City
Dates: Not specified (program takes place over two academic years)
Application Deadline: Typically in the spring
Eligibility: Current high school sophomores; students based in the five boroughs of NYC plus Westchester, including neighborhoods like Bed-Stuy, Tribeca, Flushing, Harlem, Mott-Haven, Baychester, and more
The YouthBridge Fellowship is a two-year leadership development program based in New York City for high school students who care deeply about social impact, diversity, and community change. If you’re selected, you’ll join a cohort of peers from across the city and take part in workshops that help you build leadership skills, understand different perspectives, and learn how to organize and advocate effectively. In your first year, you’ll focus on developing core skills like public speaking, conflict resolution, and teamwork through interactive sessions and group projects. You’ll also explore issues like equity, identity, and civic engagement. In the second year, you’ll move into mentorship and experiential learning, where you’ll work more closely with professionals, take part in community initiatives, and apply what you’ve learned in real-world settings.
4. Teens in Public Service (TIPS)
Stipend: Paid
Location: Internships take place in various locations across the Greater Puget Sound region, WA
Dates: Program runs during the summer (exact dates not specified)
Application Deadline: Early March
Eligibility: Students between the ages of 15-19
Teens In Public Service (TIPS) is a nonprofit program that gives high school students the chance to make a real impact through paid summer internships at local nonprofit organizations. If you’re selected, you’ll be matched with a nonprofit based on your interests and strengths, and you’ll spend the summer working on meaningful projects that support your community. You’ll take on real responsibilities, collaborate with nonprofit professionals, and receive mentorship that helps you grow both personally and professionally. Before your internship begins, you’ll go through training that prepares you for the workplace and introduces you to key leadership and service concepts.
5. Smithsonian Young Ambassadors Program
Cost: Fully-funded
Location: Seminar takes place in Washington, D.C.; Internships take place in various locations across the U.S. and Puerto Rico
Dates: 5 weeks (exact dates not specified)
Application Deadline: Late March or Early April
Eligibility: High school senior; U.S. Citizen or permanent resident; minimum GPA of 3.25
The Young Ambassadors Program (YAP) is a college preparatory and leadership program for high school students with a focus on Latino culture and heritage. As part of the program, you’ll attend a week-long seminar in Washington, D.C., where you’ll engage in skill-building activities and explore various career pathways with a focus on Latino history and culture. The summit also includes interaction and mentorship opportunities with interdisciplinary experts. After your skill development training at the summit is completed, you’ll get to apply what you learn in a four-week program across different museums or cultural institutions.
6. YouthBuild
Cost: Free
Location: Various locations across the U.S.
Dates: Varies based on location (usually between six and twelve months)
Application Deadline: Varies based on location
Eligibility: Youth between the ages of 16–24, open to underrepresented youth groups such as low-income youth, foster youth, homeless youth, juvenile offenders, youth with disabilities, children of incarcerated parents, or migrant youth
YouthBuild is a transformative program for young people ages 16 to 24 who want to build real-world skills and create meaningful change in their communities. If you join, you’ll take part in hands-on training that blends academic learning with vocational experience. You’ll work on projects like building affordable housing, renovating community spaces, or supporting local development efforts. You’ll be guided by instructors and professionals who help you develop leadership skills, explore career pathways, and prepare for college or further training.
7. Chicago Scholars
Cost: Free
Location: Chicago, IL
Dates: Exact dates not specified (programs take place over 7 years from junior year of high school to college or students securing their first job)
Application Deadline: February 14
Eligibility: Current high school junior who attends school in Chicago; first-generation college student or from a low-income household; minimum of 3.0 GPA
Chicago Scholars is a long-term mentorship and college access program designed to support high-achieving high school students from underrepresented communities in Chicago. If you join, you’ll start in your junior year and receive personalized guidance through every step of the college application process. Mentors will help you build key skills, explore college options, and prepare strong applications. The support doesn’t stop after high school. Once you’re in college, your mentor stays in touch to help you navigate internships, career planning, and professional development. You’ll be part of a network of scholars who share your drive and ambition, and you’ll gain access to resources that help you succeed academically and professionally.
8. Project Exploration YSP Programs
Cost: Free (grant-supported)
Location: Select high schools in Chicago, IL
Dates: Not specified
Application Deadline: Various, based on location and program
Eligibility: High school students from underrepresented communities in STEM; students at a partner school or community site
Project Exploration is an impact-based organization that provides resources and practical experiences to students. Their YSP programs are for high school students interested in studying STEM and exploring various career paths. At the program, you’ll interact directly with STEM mentors who’ll engage you in various project-based activities and exploration of fields such as forensics, environmental sciences, engineering, aviation, medical sciences, coding, computer science, and sports sciences. The program also includes professional development and the chance for students to serve as mentors themselves.
9. Urban Alliance High School Internship Program
Stipend: Paid
Location: Various locations across the U.S.
Dates: Exact dates not specified (takes place over one academic year)
Application Deadline: Exact dates not specified (applications typically open at the start of the school year)
Eligibility: High school seniors from under-resourced or distressed communities
Urban Alliance’s High School Internship Program is a yearlong experience designed to help high school seniors build professional skills and explore career pathways. If you’re accepted, you’ll begin with six weeks of pre-employment training that covers workplace etiquette, communication, time management, and goal setting. After that, you’ll be matched with a paid, part-time internship where you’ll work up to 12 hours a week during the school year and full-time during the summer. You’ll be supported by two mentors throughout the program: a dedicated Urban Alliance staff member and a workplace mentor at your internship site. Together, they’ll guide you through your professional development, help you set goals, and offer feedback as you grow.
10. Teen Philanthropy Initiative
Cost: Free
Location: Naperville, IL
Dates: The Program starts in September and takes place over 2 academic years
Application Deadline: May 3
Eligibility: High school juniors based in Naperville
The Teen Philanthropy Initiative is a hands-on leadership and service program that helps high school students understand how nonprofits operate and how philanthropy can drive real change. If you join, you’ll work directly with foundation officers and nonprofit professionals who mentor you through projects in fundraising, donor outreach, communications, and marketing. You’ll take part in site visits, volunteer work, and actual campaigns that support local organizations. Throughout the program, you’ll develop skills in teamwork, decision-making, and public speaking while learning how to identify gaps in your community and create solutions. You’ll also explore how to evaluate nonprofit impact and build partnerships that make a difference.
11. Step Up Mentorship Program
Cost: Free
Location: Various cities in the U.S.
Dates: Program lasts 12 weeks (exact dates not specified)
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: High school teens ages 14-18 who identify with girlhood and attend a Step Up partner high school.
Step Up is a supplemental high school program for teens dedicated to professional development. As part of the program, you’ll get to explore different career paths, receive mentorship from professionals, and contribute to your community. You’ll get to network with like-minded peers, build confidence in your abilities, and explore different interests and career pathways. The program includes field trips, workshops on financial literacy, and education on mental health and well-being.
12. Community for Youth
Cost: Free
Location: South Seattle, WA
Dates: October–June (meetings happen once a week)
Application Deadline: October 13
Eligibility: Current or incoming high school student residing in Washington State
Community for Youth (CfY) is a Seattle-based nonprofit that offers a yearlong mentorship and leadership development program for high school students. If you join, you’ll be matched with a dedicated adult mentor who’ll support you as you set goals, explore career paths, and build confidence. The program is built around trust, connection, and growth, helping you develop the skills you need to succeed both in and beyond school. You’ll take part in monthly workshops and group activities that focus on leadership, communication, and personal development.
13. Apex for Youth National Virtual Mentoring Program
Cost: Free
Location: Virtual
Dates: Mentoring lasts for at least 2 years
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: Low-income Asian American high school students
Apex for Youth hosts the National Virtual Mentoring Program (NVMP) for Asian American youth, providing access to mentorship and growth opportunities. When you join the program, you’ll be paired with a mentor who’ll guide you through goal setting, provide guidance, and help you through challenges. You’ll be part of a cohort of Asian American students across the US, sharing experiences and learning together. Mentees will also get the chance to join an all-expense-paid trip to interact with their peers and mentors in person. The program also includes guidance on college applications, scholarships, and summer internship opportunities.
14. GirlForward Mentoring Program
Cost: Free
Location: Chicago, IL, and Austin, TX
Dates: Mentoring takes place over one school year
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: Girls between the ages of 14-21 in grades 9-12; must identify as a refugee, immigrant, or asylum seeker
The GirlForward Mentoring Program pairs high school girls with a mentor to support their growth. In the program, you’ll be paired with a woman mentor who will support you for at least one school year. Your mentor will meet with you weekly for at least 2 hours and guide you in areas such as education, goal setting, financial literacy, and well-being. They will help you explore your passions, explore what’s best for you, and help you graduate high school.
15. Aspirnaut Summer Research Internship Program
Cost: Free
Location: Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN
Dates: June 1–July 12
Application Deadline: January 15
Eligibility: Open to high school students at least 15 years old; students from rural geographic areas
Aspirnaut offers a Summer Research Internship Program that offers STEM opportunities and mentorship to students from rural backgrounds. In the program, you’ll undergo professional and personal skill development while gaining full-time research under the mentorship of scientists. The program focuses on self-discovery and skill development, where participants gain access to long-term mentorship, wellness coaching, and one-on-one advice on college counselling. You’ll be equipped with skills that will help you succeed in professional environments and in a competitive workforce, such as in STEM.