15 Nonprofit Fellowships for High School Students
If you’re a high school student who wants to understand how nonprofit organizations function, joining a fellowship can give you useful experience and help you decide if this path fits your long-term goals. Nonprofit fellowships help you understand the work such organizations do and where your skills can fit in. You could support projects that address climate change, sustainability, conservation, or environmental justice while learning how decisions are made and results are measured.
These fellowships help you develop skills like proposal writing, project coordination, and communication. You’ll work with people who run programs, conduct research, or organize outreach, which can help you understand what kind of work fits your interests. Experiences like these can also strengthen your college applications by showing that you’ve contributed to a cause you care about.
With that, here are 15 nonprofit fellowships for high school students!
15 Nonprofit Fellowships for High School Students
1. Ladder Internship Program
Cost: Varies; financial aid available
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year (8–12 weeks each)
Application Deadline: Rolling; deadlines vary by cohort
Eligibility: High school students, undergraduates, and gap year students; must be able to commit 10–20 hours/week
Location: Remote (virtual)
Ladder Internships is a selective program that places you in a high-growth start-up, including those focused on education, nonprofits, and social impact. As an intern, you’ll work directly with managers on real-world projects, ranging from outreach and communications to program design and operations. You’ll receive guidance from a Ladder Coach and participate in one-on-one training in skills like communication, time management, and project execution. You’ll also attend group workshops with your cohort, giving you the chance to work with peers and share ideas. Many start-ups involved are founded by leaders with ties to Y Combinator or companies like Google and Microsoft, ensuring you gain insight into professional, fast-paced environments.
2. Research Fellows Program
Cost: Free; participants receive a $2,000 scholarship
Dates: Eight weeks (summer)
Application Deadline: Varies; typically in spring
Eligibility: Open to high school students worldwide with an interest in research and problem-solving
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective; small, mentored cohorts admitted annually
Location: Virtual (flexible schedule; 10+ hours/week)
The Research Fellows Program is a summer fellowship designed to help you lead impactful research projects on global challenges. Over eight weeks, you’ll work solo or in teams to identify a pressing problem, conduct deep analysis, and develop a proof of concept with guidance from university-affiliated mentors. The program structure includes weekly worksheets, one-on-one mentorship sessions, and access to a research toolkit that introduces interdisciplinary academic concepts. You’ll also engage in active discussions with peers via Discord and attend exclusive Q&A sessions with global experts. The fellowship concludes with a Demo Day, where you present your solution and receive feedback from a network of students and professionals.
3. Young Founders Lab (YFL)
Cost: Varies by program; need-based financial aid available
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year (Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter)
Application Deadline: Rolling; deadlines vary by cohort
Eligibility: Open to all high school students
Location: 100% virtual with live, interactive workshops
The Young Founders Lab is a start-up fellowship program where you will design and launch a project that generates real-world impact. Over four weeks, you’ll receive mentorship from Harvard entrepreneurs and professionals from companies like Google, Microsoft, and X. The fellowship combines skill-building workshops, case studies, and panel discussions with hands-on venture development, guiding you from idea generation to final pitch. You’ll strengthen your abilities in business ideation, problem-solving, and presentation while collaborating with peers in a supportive, interactive environment.
4. YouthBridge-NY Fellowship
Cost: Free
Dates: Two-year fellowship; begins each spring
Application Deadline: Spring (varies annually)
Eligibility: Open to high school sophomores in New York City
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective; small cohorts admitted annually
Location: New York City (in-person)
The YouthBridge-NY Fellowship is a two-year leadership program for high school students in New York City who want to make a difference. As a fellow, you take part in workshops on diversity, equity, and inclusion, and work on team projects that address issues in your community. You also do community service and get mentorship from nonprofit leaders and professionals. You meet students from different backgrounds and learn how to work together. The program helps you grow your leadership and communication skills.
5. Davidson Fellows Scholarship
Cost/Stipend: $25,000, $50,000, or $100,000 scholarships awarded
Dates: Annual awards; applications open in the fall and close the following year
Application Deadline: Feb 12
Eligibility: U.S. citizens or permanent residents, 18 years old or under; individual or teams of two; must complete a “significant piece of work” recognized by experts in the field
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Highly selective; only a small number of students are recognized annually
Location: Awards ceremony held in Washington, D.C. (travel and lodging provided)
The Davidson Fellows Scholarship is a prestigious program for students under 18 who have completed a significant, expert-recognized project in science, mathematics, technology, literature, music, philosophy, or interdisciplinary research. Your project is judged on its originality, real-world impact, and contribution to society. Past winners have developed medical devices, published research, composed original music, and written award-winning literature. If selected, you receive a scholarship of $25,000, $50,000, or $100,000 and are honored at an awards ceremony in Washington, D.C.
6. Summit STEM Fellowship
Cost/Stipend: Free
Dates: Session I: June 23–July 11 | Session II: July 14–August 1 (3-week programs)
Application Deadline: Spring (see Summit STEM admissions page for updates)
Eligibility: Rising 9th–12th graders passionate about STEM and social impact
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective; limited spots per session
Location: Virtual; live evening and weekend programming
The Summit STEM Fellowship is a three-week summer program that helps you explore science, technology, engineering, and math while building useful skills for school and beyond. You spend 10 to 15 hours a week joining live sessions like Fireside Chats with young professionals, short lessons about research, study tips, and career talks with experts in medicine, AI, and business. You learn how to manage your time, take better notes, speak clearly, and understand different STEM fields. You also meet mentors who have done well in competitions and research, and they share advice you can use right away.
7. Bill of Rights Institute Student Fellowship
Cost/Stipend: Free
Dates: Six-month school-year program with twice-monthly 90-minute sessions; concludes with a week-long capstone in Washington, DC (with a day trip to Philadelphia)
Application Deadline: Oct 15–Nov 30
Eligibility: 15–18 years old; current high school juniors or seniors
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: ~20 fellows selected annually
Location: Virtual seminars + in-person capstone (Washington, DC & Philadelphia, PA)
The Bill of Rights Institute Student Fellowship is a civics leadership program where you’ll study how civil society functions and how citizens shape their communities. Over six months, you’ll complete short readings, engage in seminar-style discussions, and submit reflective writing that connects constitutional principles to real-world challenges. You will also design and lead public virtual events, practicing outreach, facilitation, and clear communication. The experience culminates in a week-long capstone in DC (with a Philadelphia day trip), where you explore historical sites, meet practitioners, and synthesize what you’ve learned about leadership, entrepreneurship in civil society, and the roles of government and charity.
8. Albrecht Fellowship for High School Students
Cost: $495; scholarships available on a competitive basis
Dates: Eight Saturdays, January–June
Application Deadline: November 23
Eligibility: Open to high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors interested in global careers and nonprofit or mission-driven work
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: 30 Fellows selected annually
Location: Baltimore, MD
The Albrecht Fellowship connects you with global business leaders, nonprofit professionals, and policy experts to prepare for careers with international impact. As a Fellow, you’ll participate in eight Saturday sessions covering topics such as sustainability, cross-cultural awareness, and global disinformation. The program also includes leadership training, personal branding workshops, and a day of community service. Sessions are hosted by organizations like Soccer Without Borders, Global Refuge, and the Institute of Marine Environmental Technology, giving you firsthand exposure to nonprofits and businesses addressing worldwide challenges.
9. Jackson Laboratory Academic Year Research Fellowship
Cost/Stipend: Free; no stipend provided
Dates: Academic year (fall–spring); minimum 180 hours
Application Deadline: Rolling (most fellowships awarded in fall)
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors (16+) in good standing at schools within commuting distance of Bar Harbor, ME, or Farmington, CT campuses; must earn academic credit through an independent study or research program
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective; limited spots available
Location: Bar Harbor, ME or Farmington, CT (in-person or hybrid; limited remote options for undergraduates)
The Jackson Laboratory (JAX) Academic Year Research Fellowship gives you the chance to do biomedical research with professional scientists. You join an active lab group and learn technical skills like experimental design, data analysis, and lab techniques. You also build important professional skills such as teamwork, problem-solving, and scientific communication. With support from faculty, postdocs, or graduate students, you design and complete your own research project that connects to the lab’s larger goals. During the year, you attend lab meetings, share your results, and become part of a scientific team.
10. The Lundquist Institute (TLI) High School Summer Fellows Program
Cost/Stipend: Competitive paid stipend; no tuition
Dates: Eight weeks in summer
Application Deadline: Announced annually by TLI
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors (Fall) from Los Angeles or Orange Counties; strong academic performance with emphasis on science coursework; must attend all required activities (no more than three absences)
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective; limited placements available
Location: Torrance, CA (on-site at TLI)
The High School Summer Fellows Program at The Lundquist Institute (TLI) has introduced ambitious students to research careers since 1978. Over eight weeks, you will conduct an independent project under the guidance of faculty and physician mentors while receiving hands-on training in a laboratory environment. You will explore research areas such as cancer biology, infection and immunity, neurotherapeutics, translational genomics, respiratory medicine, and women’s and children’s health. Successful completion of the program earns you a Certificate of Completion and a stipend, making it a competitive and rewarding fellowship for aspiring biomedical researchers.
11. Exploring Complex Solutions for a Complex World Fellowship
Cost/Stipend: Free; fellows receive a stipend of up to $750 and all required readings.
Dates: Semester-long fellowship (one academic term per cohort)
Application Deadline: September 30
Eligibility: High school students (public, private, or homeschool); must be at least 16 years old at the start of the fellowship
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Competitive; selective renewable fellowship
Location: Virtual (online seminars and discussions)
The Exploring Complex Solutions for a Complex World Fellowship is a semester-long virtual program where you explore political, economic, and social issues through readings, discussions, and mentorship from scholars at the Mercatus Center. Each week, you take part in online reading groups and discussions on topics like economic tradeoffs, planning challenges, and how communities respond to problems. You receive all the books you need for the program. These may include titles like Applied Mainline Economics, Do Markets Corrupt Our Morals?, or Community Revival in the Wake of Disaster. The time commitment is about two hours per week, so it fits easily with your school schedule.
12. Forward Montana High School Fellowship
Cost/Stipend: Free. $500 stipend awarded upon completion
Dates: July 8–11
Application Deadline: May 30
Eligibility: High school students interested in civic engagement, equity, and community organizing
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective; 10 fellows chosen annually
Location: Lubrecht Forest, Montana (in-person retreat)
The Forward Montana High School Fellowship is a four-day civics retreat that brings together a small group of students to build leadership and civic engagement skills. You take part in hands-on workshops about community organizing, relationship building, and equity, while also enjoying outdoor activities like hiking, water games, and team challenges. The program uses Civic Templates to help you learn through hands-on projects. You work closely with other students, have meaningful conversations, and build strong connections.
13. Washington World Fellowship (WWF)
Cost/Stipend: Free; all travel, academic, and program costs covered
Dates: 2.5-year fellowship, beginning sophomore year and continuing through high school graduation; includes summer programs between junior and senior year
Application Deadline: Nominations and applications due during sophomore year
Eligibility: Washington state residents in 10th grade; must be nominated by a teacher, counselor, or mentor; U.S. citizens or permanent residents required for the International Ambassadors track
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective; small cohorts admitted annually
Location: Washington state + international travel to Spain (International Ambassadors) or state-based immersion (Domestic Advocates)
The Washington World Fellowship is a 2.5-year leadership program that helps high school students in Washington prepare for college and global citizenship. You choose one of two tracks. As an International Ambassador, you take part in a fully funded summer study abroad in Spain, live with a host family, and practice Spanish through daily immersion. As a Domestic Advocate, you focus on statewide advocacy, cultural exchange, and a civic engagement project in your local community. Throughout your junior and senior years, you also join college prep activities, leadership workshops, and service opportunities.
14. International Festival of Arts & Ideas High School Fellowship
Cost/Stipend: Free; fully funded; students earn 3 college credits
Dates: January–June (semester-long); includes immersive June Festival experience
Application Deadline: Fall (announced annually by the Festival)
Eligibility: New Haven high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective; small cohorts admitted annually
Location: New Haven, CT (weekly classes at CT State Community College Gateway + Festival participation)
The International Festival of Arts & Ideas High School Fellowship is a semester-long program that helps you grow as a leader while exploring the arts and making a difference in your community. Each week, you join three-hour college-level seminars and earn 3 transferable college credits. You learn about creative fields and how a major cultural festival works behind the scenes. You meet and work with local artists, get hands-on experience in event planning and arts management, and volunteer at neighborhood festivals to connect with people across New Haven. The program ends with two weeks inside the Festival itself, where you attend over 30 events and work with professionals in the arts.
15. Social Impact Fellowship – Children’s Medical Foundation (CMF) & Yale Dwight Hall Collaboration
Cost/Stipend: Free; program supported by CMF and partners
Dates: Four-week summer program (intensive; includes weekend/evening sessions); shorter two-day versions offered in some years
Application Deadline: Announced annually; varies by cohort
Eligibility: High school students (grades 9–12) passionate about nonprofit leadership, social impact, and finance
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective; limited cohort per year
Location: Hybrid model with programming in Hong Kong and online; collaboration with Yale University, Dwight Hall, SRI Fund
The Social Impact Fellowship is a nonprofit leadership program that helps you understand how ethics, finance, and community work come together to create a change. Started in 2018, the program brings together mentorship from Yale University’s Dwight Hall Socially Responsible Investment Fund, CMF’s nonprofit experience, and leaders from the Hong Kong business world. As a fellow, you join enrichment seminars, service-learning projects, and workshops with senior executives from places like Goldman Sachs, Capital Group, and Neo Risk Investments. You build skills in nonprofit leadership, public speaking, teamwork, and socially responsible investing. You also work on projects that show how financial decisions can support sustainability and social good.
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