14 Nonprofit Internships for High School Students in Houston
Nonprofit internships are a strong option for high school students who want to gain practical skills while supporting organizations that make a community impact. These opportunities enable you to explore fields such as healthcare, education, business, and environmental advocacy while developing professional skills. You’ll learn teamwork, communication, and project management, which will be useful in college and beyond. Since most nonprofit internships are part-time or seasonal, they offer meaningful exposure without disrupting your school year.
For students in Houston, nonprofit internships allow you to work with impact-focused professionals in one of the country’s most diverse metropolitan areas. You may find yourself contributing to initiatives in medical research, community development, or sustainability, areas that reflect Houston’s role as a healthcare hub and a centre for innovation. Nonprofit internships also help build strong college applications as they show initiative, leadership, and a commitment to social good.
Some programs offer mentorship, structured training, or site visits that give you a deeper understanding of how nonprofit organisations function. Others allow you to take on independent projects, present your work to supervisors, or collaborate with peers on community-focused initiatives. To help you identify the right fit, we’ve compiled a list of 14 nonprofit internships for high school students in Houston!
1. Emma Bowen Foundation Internship
Location: Multiple sites, including Houston, TX
Cost/Stipend: No cost; stipend details vary by partner company
Dates: May – June (minimum 8 weeks; start/end set by placement)
Application Deadline: September – April
Eligibility: High school seniors with a minimum 3.0 GPA, planning to attend a four-year accredited U.S. college/university; must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents; must be at least 18 years old before internship start
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Highly competitive; ~150 students selected annually
The Emma Bowen Foundation Internship is a nonprofit-led program that places students in full-time summer internships at leading media and tech companies. You will work 35–40 hours per week for at least eight weeks, gaining exposure to fields such as business, journalism, public relations, sales, production, web development, and engineering. Houston placements connect students with partner organisations like Comcast, Spectrum, and Hearst. Beyond day-to-day tasks, you receive mentorship, career coaching, and interview preparation through the Foundation’s Launch Program. You will also attend the EBF Summer Conference, where you will network with executives and explore industry trends. This program is highly selective and offers both technical training and professional mentorship within the nonprofit’s media and tech pipeline initiative.
2. Young Founders Lab (YFL)
Location: Virtual (live, interactive workshops; open to students in Houston and beyond)
Cost: Tuition-based; need-based financial aid available
Dates: Four-week cohorts offered year-round (next session begins June 5)
Application Deadline: Early Decision: March | Regular Admission 1: April | Regular Admission 2: May
Eligibility: Open to all high school students
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective; limited spaces available per cohort
The Young Founders Lab is a nonprofit-led virtual internship that provides high school students with practical experience in entrepreneurship. Over four weeks, you work on developing a revenue-generating start-up that addresses a real-world problem. Guided by Harvard entrepreneurs and mentors from companies like Google, Microsoft, and X, you’ll gain exposure to business ideation, market analysis, financial planning, and strategy. The program also includes interactive workshops, case studies, and panel discussions with industry professionals. As a flexible virtual opportunity, it is accessible to Houston high school students who want to strengthen their entrepreneurial and nonprofit management skills while building a strong project for their résumé or college applications.
3. Interns4Good – Nonprofit Internship Program
Location: Virtual; placements available nationwide (including Houston-based nonprofits)
Cost: Free
Dates: Year-round; internship length and weekly hours vary by placement
Application Deadline: Rolling; most applicants hear back within one week
Eligibility: Open to high school students in grades 9–12
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Open enrollment; placement depends on nonprofit needs and applicant fit
Interns4Good connects high school students with remote nonprofit internships across the U.S., including opportunities with organizations serving the Houston area. Depending on your placement, you may assist with marketing, graphic design, social media management, video editing, or communications projects. You are expected to complete weekly assignments and progress reports while receiving structured feedback from supervisors. The platform also offers internal projects such as tutoring, blogging, and curriculum development for students seeking additional roles. This virtual program allows Houston students to gain résumé-building experience, verified service hours, and professional mentorship in a flexible online setting.
4. Ladder Internship Program
Cost: Varies depending on program type. Full financial aid available.
Location: Remote! You can work from anywhere in the world.
Application Deadline: Deadlines vary depending on the cohort. Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), and Winter (November).
Program Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year, including Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter.
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 range across a variety of industries, from tech/deep tech and AI/ML to health tech, marketing, journalism, consulting, and more. Ladder’s start-ups are high-growth companies on average, raising over a million dollars. Interns work closely with their manager at the startup on real-world projects and present their work to the company. The virtual internship is usually 8 weeks long.
5. City of Houston – Youth Summer Jobs Program (General Office Intern)
Location: Various departments across Houston, TX
Cost/Stipend: Paid; $14/hour
Dates: June 9 – July 31
Application Deadline: June 3
Eligibility: Ages 16–24; must be able to pass a background check
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Competitive; placements across multiple city departments
The City of Houston’s Youth Summer Jobs Program offers high school and college students paid office internships across departments such as the Controller’s Office, Houston Health Department, Police Department, Public Library, Parks & Recreation, Housing & Community Development, and more. You will typically assist with administrative tasks like data entry, preparing Word and Excel documents, filing, and mail distribution. Positions are available both in offices and outdoors, giving you exposure to varied work environments. You must be at least 16 years old, with Microsoft Office skills preferred. This internship is designed to provide meaningful work experience while allowing you to contribute to the daily operations of the city.
6. EnergyMag Virtual Internship Program
Location: Virtual
Cost: Free
Dates: Half-time: 2–8 weeks in summer (≈20 hours/week) | Quarter-time: 1–9 months year-round (≈8 hours/week)
Application Deadline: Rolling; summer placements fill early
Eligibility: High school sophomores, juniors, and seniors with a GPA of 3.25+
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective; varies by mentor availability
EnergyMag offers flexible virtual internships for students interested in renewable energy research and sustainability. As an intern, you will work under the supervision of a mentor to investigate companies, technologies, or markets within the energy storage sector. You’ll build skills in data analysis, scientific and business research, technical writing, and professional outreach while preparing a publishable research report. Some projects also contribute to EnergyMag’s website, giving you experience with industry-facing publications. The program is highly adaptable, with part-time quarter-length internships available during the school year and more intensive half-time roles in the summer. On successful completion of the internship, you will receive a formal Letter of Accomplishment recognising your contributions.
7. Build Up High School Internship – DPR Construction
Location: Various U.S. construction sites, including Houston, TX
Cost/Stipend: Paid; hourly wages with a weekly pay cycle
Dates: 8-week summer program; 35–40 hours per week
Application Deadline: Opens early in the year; program details for upcoming sessions released in January
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors, seniors, or recent graduates; family income must fall below HUD Median Family Income (MFI) in the county; must be legally entitled to work in the U.S., and able to commute daily to a job site
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective; placements vary by project and location
DPR Construction’s Build Up Internship places high school students directly on active commercial construction projects for eight weeks each summer. As an intern, you’ll work side by side with project teams in jobsite trailers, learning how multi-million-dollar projects are planned, scheduled, and executed. You’ll gain experience with construction management software such as BIM 360, CMiC, HammerTech, and Primavera, while also developing professional skills in communication, safety, and time management. The program includes mentorship from professionals in construction, engineering, and architecture, along with a final presentation assignment to demonstrate what you’ve learned. You are paid hourly and may also receive transportation stipends, making this a strong option for Houston students interested in the construction environment.
8. Sewa Houston – LEAD Program
Location: Houston, TX
Cost: $100 registration fee
Dates: January 11 – July 31 (year-round program)
Application Deadline: January 10
Eligibility: Open to high school students in Houston
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective; small cohorts admitted each year
The Sewa Houston LEAD Program is a year-round youth engagement initiative designed to develop leadership and community service skills among high school students. Over seven months, you will take part in structured workshops, volunteer activities, and mentorship opportunities that emphasise social responsibility and civic engagement. You’ll explore topics such as leadership development, public speaking, and teamwork, while actively contributing to nonprofit projects that support Houston communities. The program combines training with hands-on service, preparing you to become socially conscious leaders who balance academic success with community involvement. By the end of the program, you will have both leadership experience and a record of meaningful nonprofit service.
9. DiverseWorks Internships
Location: Houston, TX
Cost/Stipend: Paid, amount not specified
Dates: September – December
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: Open to all high school students
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective; small cohorts admitted each term
DiverseWorks, a nonprofit arts organization in Houston, offers internships that provide students with direct experience in curatorial practice, arts administration, and nonprofit operations. You will typically work two days per week (five hours per day) with occasional evening or weekend commitments for performances and exhibition openings. Responsibilities include researching artists, assisting with marketing and promotion, updating membership databases, and supporting gallery maintenance. You may also help prepare for live events and public programs, giving you insight into the coordination required for arts nonprofit management. In addition, you join a reading group with peers to explore contemporary art spaces and practices, enhancing both academic and professional understanding of the field.
10. Seaside Sustainability Internship
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: None
Dates: Rolling start dates; typical terms last 5 months
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Eligibility: High school students (grades 9–12); no prior experience required
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Open application; placements are selective based on interest and fit
The Seaside Sustainability Internship offers high school students a flexible, fully online opportunity to work with a nonprofit focused on environmental advocacy and education. You will commit 15–40 hours per week, with schedules designed to fit around schoolwork. You’ll join at least two project teams, which may involve climate action, grant writing, curriculum design, or digital outreach. You will gain practical experience in project leadership, teamwork, and nonprofit operations while contributing to real sustainability initiatives. Weekly virtual meetings encourage collaboration across teams, and course credit can be requested. This internship is ideal for Houston students looking to build leadership skills and gain applied experience in global sustainability without leaving home.
11. Houston Methodist Hospital – High School Emerging Researcher Experience
Location: Houston Methodist Hospital, Texas Medical Center, Houston, TX
Cost/Stipend: Free; unpaid opportunity
Dates: June 9 – August 1
Application Deadline: January 31
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors; must be at least 16 years old
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective; limited placements available
The High School Emerging Researcher Experience at Houston Methodist Hospital is an eight-week summer internship designed to immerse students in medical research and translational science. As an intern, you will collaborate with undergraduate students and researchers on independent projects while gaining practical lab experience. You will also participate in seminars and lectures focused on professional development and healthcare innovation. The program emphasizes mentorship, scientific inquiry, and exposure to the research process from hypothesis to data analysis. The experience culminates in a symposium where you present your findings to faculty, peers, and Houston Methodist staff, building both research and communication skills.
12. Medicine Encompassed High School Internship
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: None
Dates: Year-round; fall participation begins in September
Application Deadline: Rolling for general positions
Eligibility: High school students (grades 9–12) interested in STEAM, biology, or medicine
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Open-enrollment; competitive for executive roles
Medicine Encompassed is a student-led nonprofit that offers Houston high school students the chance to engage in medical education and outreach through virtual internships. You can join one of 18 committees as writers, editors, or content creators, producing articles, study guides, and infographics to support inclusive science communication. Beyond academic content, there are opportunities in marketing, partnerships, social media, and graphic design, allowing you to match roles to your strengths. General roles are filled on a rolling basis, while selective executive positions are available to active contributors. The program emphasizes flexibility, mentorship, and leadership development, making it an accessible nonprofit internship for Houston students seeking experience in science communication and teamwork.
13. League of Women Voters of Houston – Youth Engagement & Volunteer Internships
Location: Houston, TX (various libraries, schools, and community events)
Cost/Stipend: Unpaid; volunteer-based internship
Dates: Year-round; flexible scheduling aligned with community events
Application Deadline: Rolling; students can sign up anytime through the Volunteer Interest Form
Eligibility: Open to high school students in Houston with an interest in civic engagement and community outreach
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Open-enrollment; placement depends on volunteer needs
The League of Women Voters of Houston offers high school students hands-on opportunities to engage in civic life through its youth-focused volunteer and internship programs. You will participate in activities such as voter registration drives, election day helplines, community event outreach, and educational programming in local libraries and schools. Roles emphasize public speaking, event coordination, and community engagement while promoting nonpartisan civic education. You’ll also collaborate with League members on projects in development, marketing, and voter services, gaining insight into nonprofit operations. This flexible, service-oriented internship allows students to make a tangible impact in their communities while building leadership and communication skills.
14. Moran Ecoteen Volunteer Program – Houston Museum of Natural Science
Location: Houston Museum of Natural Science (Hermann Park, Sugar Land, George Observatory sites)
Cost/Stipend: Free; volunteer-based
Dates: Summer sessions; two-week minimum commitment
Application Deadline: Spring (interest form required before application)
Eligibility: Rising 9th–11th grade students
The Moran Ecoteen Volunteer Program is the Houston Museum of Natural Science’s largest summer initiative for high school students. As an Ecoteen, you will assist teachers in the Museum’s Summer Camps @ HMNS and engage with visitors in exhibit halls. First-year Ecoteens commit to at least one two-week session, during which you’ll support classroom activities, guide younger campers, and may even be trained to deliver hands-on presentations with museum specimens. The program emphasizes communication, teaching, and teamwork skills while connecting you with peers who share an interest in science. This volunteer opportunity is a strong fit for Houston students eager to gain early nonprofit and community science engagement experience.
Image source - YFL logo