15 Nonprofit Internships for High School Students in Los Angeles
Nonprofit internships are a good way to see how business skills apply outside of traditional companies. Instead of focusing on profit, nonprofits use those same tools to run programs, manage budgets, and serve communities. If you’re a high school student interested in business or social impact, these internships give you experience with how mission-driven organizations operate.
In Los Angeles, nonprofits work in areas like education, the environment, health, and the arts, and many of them welcome high school interns. You might help with projects, support events, or assist staff with everyday tasks. Along the way, you’ll build skills such as teamwork, communication, and organization that will be useful in any career. Participating in a nonprofit internship can also strengthen your resume and college applications by showing that you’ve already gained practical experience. It highlights both your interest in business and your willingness to contribute to a cause.
With that in mind, here are 15 nonprofit internships for high school students in Los Angeles you can check out!
15 Nonprofit Internships for High School Students in Los Angeles
1. Ladder Internships
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies depending on the program; financial aid is available
Acceptance Rate: About 19%, though the exact percentage varies by internship and cohort
Application Deadline: Deadlines vary by cohort
Dates: Programs run year-round in 8–12 week sessions during spring, summer, fall, and winter
Eligibility: High school students, undergraduates, or gap year students who can work 5–10 hours a week for 8–12 weeks
Ladder Internships is a remote program that connects high school students with startups and nonprofits worldwide, including many backed by Y Combinator and run by professionals from companies like Google, Microsoft, and McKinsey. Founded by Harvard graduates, the program offers internships in areas such as finance, consulting, health tech, nonprofits, mental health, environmental science, AI, software engineering, and journalism. As an intern, you’ll work on real projects for your host organization and present your results at the end. You’ll also join group sessions with other interns, strengthen skills like communication and time management, and receive guidance from a Ladder coach and site manager. You can check the application form to see which internships are currently open.
2. Young Founders Lab
Location: Virtual, with live workshops
Cost: Varies by the program; Financial aid is available
Cohort Size: 6–12 students (group program)
Dates: Varies by the cohort
Application Deadline: Varies based on the cohort
Eligibility: All high school students
The Young Founder’s Lab is a startup boot camp designed by Harvard entrepreneurs for high school students interested in launching real businesses. You’ll work on building a startup that addresses a real-world problem, with help from mentors at companies like Google, Microsoft, and X. You’ll participate in hands-on sessions on researching markets, learning business basics, brainstorming and refining ideas, creating prototypes, and preparing for launch. It ends with a demo day where you’ll pitch your startup to potential investors. You can choose between two formats: a 30-hour, team-based online program or a flexible individual track with 12 hours of personalized, one-on-one coaching. Apply here.
3. LA Promise Fund’s The Intern Project (TIP)
Location: Various locations across Los Angeles, CA
Cost/Stipend: Free | Paid
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Around 115 students participated this year
Dates: June 17 – August 9
Application Deadline: January 13 – March 15
Eligibility: LAUSD and LA County 10th–12th grade high school students
The Intern Project (TIP) from the LA Promise Fund connects high school students across LA County with paid internships in fields like arts and media, STEM, finance, hospitality, and nonprofits. During the 8-week program, you’ll gain work experience and participate in skill-building workshops, informational interviews, and small projects. You will also get to study topics such as communication, project management, planning, and software fundamentals. Through mentorship, networking, and hands-on learning, you’ll develop your confidence, professionalism, and social capital. You’ll also earn college credit and receive a stipend for your work.
4. MOCA Teen Program
Location: Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA), Los Angeles, CA
Cost/Stipend: Free | Paid (amount not specified)
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Over 100 students
Dates: The program runs for an academic year, typically from September to May
Application Deadline: June 3; applications will open in late April
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors
The Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA), a nonprofit institution in Los Angeles, offers the MOCA Teen Program for students interested in studying contemporary art and museum management. Your projects could range from working with local artists to planning and hosting an in-person Teen Night event, building digital content for Virtual Teen Night, or managing a social media account. You’ll sharpen communication and teamwork skills while exploring paths in art curation, museum education, and other creative fields. You could help with setting up exhibitions, planning public events, or researching artists and their work. You’ll work with museum staff and artists, as well as learn how museums operate, from marketing to educational outreach.
5. INSPIRE High School Program at Cedars Sinai
Location: Cedars-Sinai main campus, Los Angeles, CA
Cost/Stipend: Free | Interns earn LA city minimum wage
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: 25 students
Dates: All internships start on June 30 and run for at least six weeks, ending no earlier than August 8 and no later than September 5.
Application Deadline: February 8
Eligibility: High school students who are at least 16 years old by the program start date and legally eligible to work in the U.S.
The INSPIRE program at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, a nonprofit academic healthcare organization, offers 6– to 10–week paid internships that provide students with hands-on research experience. You will typically work about 20 hours a week, with schedules set by both the mentor and student. You’ll work with a faculty mentor, use advanced technology, and explore areas like basic, translational, and clinical research. You will learn research principles, lab safety, and handling of protected health information (PHI). You will also explore study design, hypothesis development, data collection, analysis, and literature review. You will develop practical skills by writing abstracts, citing sources, and presenting at lab meetings or journal clubs.
6. Bank of America Student Leaders
Location: Local nonprofit organizations across Los Angeles, CA. You can view the available sites here.
Cost/Stipend: Free | Paid (rates vary by internship)
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: The program accepts only 5–8% of applicants, with over 300 juniors and seniors from approximately 100 communities, grouped in cohorts of 2–5 students.
Dates: The internship runs for about eight weeks in the summer and includes a Leadership Summit in Washington, D.C., from July 21–26
Application Deadline: October 14 – January 15
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors who live in designated locations, are in good academic standing, are legally authorized to work in the U.S., and have not participated in the program before
Bank of America’s Student Leaders Program allows students to participate in an eight-week paid summer internship at a local nonprofit organization, such as Habitat for Humanity or the Boys and Girls Clubs. You’ll work around 35 hours a week on real projects that help your community as well as build skills in teamwork, leadership, and problem-solving. If selected, you’ll be paired with a nonprofit partner and get hands-on experience learning how organizations address community challenges and collaborate with government and businesses. The program also includes a week in Washington, D.C., for the Student Leaders Summit, where you’ll learn how different sectors work together to create change. This program will help you grow as a leader, gain experience, and make a difference in your community.
7. Samuels Family LA-HIP Internship Program
Location: Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA
Cost/Stipend: Free | Interns earn a stipend
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Highly competitive
Dates: June 16 – August 1 (in-lab internships); college counseling begins in May and continues through the senior year
Application Deadline: November 4 – February 7
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors at public schools in Los Angeles County who are legally eligible to work in California, are in good academic standing, and have a passion for science
The Samuels Family LA-HIP Internship Program is a year-long experience that blends college prep with hands-on biomedical research. During the school year, you’ll get college-level biology classes, SAT prep, and one-on-one support with your college applications. In the summer, you’ll spend seven weeks working full-time in a research lab at the Saban Research Institute of Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, a nonprofit medical center. Guided by professional scientists, you’ll learn lab techniques, carry out experiments, write a scientific abstract, and present your findings at a symposium.
8. Los Angeles World Affairs Council (LAWAC) Internships
Location: Downtown Los Angeles, CA
Cost/Stipend: Free | Unpaid
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective
Dates: The schedule varies by opportunity, with multiple cohorts offered year-round in fall, winter, spring, and summer
Application Deadline: Varies depending on the cohort and the opportunity
Eligibility: Current high school and college students
The Los Angeles World Affairs Council (LAWAC) is a nonprofit offering internships for students interested in global affairs and politics. You’ll gain hands-on experience in nonprofit management, event planning, marketing, research, and outreach while receiving mentorship and professional development. Tasks may include event coordination, administrative support, donor research, branding and outreach, community partnerships, or helping with LAWAC’s High School Program. You’ll also have the opportunity to request a letter of recommendation from LAWAC leadership. Internships require a 6-month commitment, with 12–15 hours per week over 2–3 days. Specific qualifications depend on the role.
9. Habitat for Humanity of Greater Los Angeles Youth Programs
Location: Various locations across Los Angeles, CA
Cost/Stipend: Free | Unpaid
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Varies depending on the opportunity
Dates: Vary by opportunity; for more information about any of the programs, you can reach out at volunteers@habitatla.org
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Eligibility: Local high school students aged 14 and above
Habitat for Humanity of Greater Los Angeles, a nonprofit organization, offers volunteer opportunities for students interested in the field of construction and participating in community service. If you’re 16 or older, you can join in hands-on construction by helping build or renovate homes for families in need. Teens aged 14–15 can volunteer at Habitat ReStores, where tasks include assisting with inventory and providing customer service. If your school doesn’t already have a Habitat Campus Club, you can apply to start one and work with Habitat LA on advocacy, fundraising, and raising awareness about affordable housing. The organization also organizes youth campaigns, like Nickels for Nails, where you can help raise funds to sponsor a Habitat home.
10. California Science Center Community Teen Interns High School Program
Location: California Science Center, Los Angeles, CA
Cost/Stipend: Free | Interns earn $17.87 per hour
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Highly competitive
Dates: The year-long internship begins October 25, with about 7 hours a week during the school year and up to 35 hours a week in the summer
Application Deadline: September 12
Eligibility: High school sophomores and juniors with at least a 2.0 GPA who live or attend school within 3 miles of the California Science Center
The California Science Center Community Teen Interns High School Program is a paid internship for students interested in STEM and science communication. You’ll get training in inquiry-based learning and work directly with museum visitors by leading hands-on STEM activities, guiding guests through exhibits, and organizing in-person programs like fire simulations and dive shows. You’ll also help design exhibits and educational programs, represent the Science Center at community events, and design future floor programs and galleries.
11. Expanding Horizons Institute (EHI)
Location: Various locations across Los Angeles, CA
Cost/Stipend: Free | Paid
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Competitive
Dates: June 16 – July 28
Application Deadline: March 21; the first round of interviews is on March 28–29, with second-round interviews at job sites in April
Eligibility: Current high school sophomores and juniors who attend a Title I high school in Los Angeles County, have parents who did not graduate from a four-year college, and are authorized to work in the U.S.
The Expanding Horizons Institute (EHI), run by Teach Democracy (a nonpartisan nonprofit), helps first-generation, college-bound high school students in Los Angeles develop the skills they need for college, careers, and civic life. The program begins with interactive seminars and concludes with a paid summer internship at a law firm, government agency, corporation, or nonprofit organization. Through EHI, you’ll explore different career paths, connect with professionals and peers, and strengthen your communication, collaboration, and leadership skills. You’ll also grow more confident, independent, and responsible, while getting expert college admissions guidance and opportunities to get involved in your community.
12. Children’s Hospital Los Angeles High School Summer Volunteer Program
Location: Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA
Cost/Stipend: Free | Unpaid
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective
Dates: June 16 – August 1; mandatory orientation takes place on June 8
Application Deadline: February 3 – February 10
Eligibility: High school students who have finished freshman year and are 15–17 years old by the program start date
Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, a nonprofit medical center, runs a summer volunteer program for high school students interested in healthcare administration. You will assist patients, families, and staff by greeting visitors, escorting them to their appointments, handing out age-appropriate gifts to patients, and offering administrative support. The program is strictly volunteer-based, not a job shadow or internship, and direct contact with inpatients will be limited. You must commit to 16 hours each week, spread across four scheduled shifts, usually Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
13. Interns 4-Good
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: Free | Details about a stipend are not available
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: High acceptance rate
Dates: Year-round opportunities are available; flexible work hours
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Eligibility: High school students in grades 9–12
Interns 4-Good connects high school students with remote internships at U.S. nonprofits. You will earn certified volunteer hours by choosing projects that align with your interests and schedule. After a quick online application, you’ll get access to a regularly updated list of opportunities in areas like education, social media, finance, HR, music, business, graphic design, and web design. You’ll undertake tasks such as budgeting, creating infographics or blog posts, researching environmental issues, writing articles, and supporting marketing campaigns. You might also help design comic books, magazines, and flyers, or collaborate with a team to build an organization’s online presence.
14. Changing The Present High School Community Engagement Internship
Location: Remote
Cost/Stipend: Free | Unpaid
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: High acceptance rate
Dates: Year-round opportunities are available; flexible schedule
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Eligibility: High school students who can work for around 3–4 hours per week
The Changing the Present High School Community Engagement Internship is a virtual program for students interested in creating social impact. You’ll help promote charitable giving by running social media campaigns, creating nonprofit gift registries, partnering with student clubs, and even starting campus chapters. You’ll also work with teachers, schools, and nonprofits to raise awareness and funding. You’ll get to focus on causes you care about, like climate change, mental health, animals, education, hunger, veterans, or another community issue.
15. The Borgen Project — Youth Ambassador/Advocate
Location: Multiple locations across the U.S., U.K., and Canada, including Los Angeles, CA
Cost/Stipend: Free | Unpaid
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Competitive
Dates: Three months; year-round opportunities are available
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions; To apply, email your resume to hr@borgenproject.org
Eligibility: High school students can apply, including those with limited availability
The Borgen Project Youth Ambassador/Advocate program is a three-month volunteer opportunity for high school students interested in solving global poverty. You’ll spend around four hours a week organizing fundraisers, contacting government leaders, and raising awareness in your community. You’ll represent The Borgen Project in your city by attending events, talking with people about the cause, and encouraging them to get involved. You’ll also support poverty-reduction efforts by contacting elected officials and organizing fundraisers.