15 Nonprofit Internships for High School Students in Philadelphia
Internships are a crucial stepping stone for high school students interested in pursuing careers in the nonprofit sector. These opportunities allow you to move beyond theoretical learning and gain insights into how organizations operate , whether through fundraising, community outreach, advocacy, or administration. If you’re considering long-term work in nonprofits, this early exposure can clarify your career goals and provide a sense of purpose grounded in experience.
Philadelphia, with its nonprofit organizations and national and regional headquarters, is a great place for these internships . From health and education nonprofits to arts and social justice organizations, the city presents diverse opportunities for you to contribute meaningfully.
Here are 15 non-profit internships for high school students in Philadelphia.
1. Ladder Internship Program
Location: Remote! You can work from anywhere in the world
Cost: Varies depending on program type
Application deadline: Deadlines vary depending on the cohort. Here is the application form.
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 program where you will work with a high-growth start-up, including options in finance, consulting, and related industries. Past companies have included Y Combinator-backed start-ups and founders with experience at Microsoft, Google, and Facebook. As an intern, you will work closely with your managers and a Ladder Coach on practical projects and present your work to the company. You are offered one-on-one training in communication, time management, and other such valuable skills and will also have the opportunity to attend group training sessions with other interns in their cohort. The virtual internship is usually 8 weeks long.
2. Young Founders Lab
Location: This program is 100% virtual, with live, interactive workshops
Cost: Varies according to program. There is need-based financial aid.
Application Deadline: Varies according to cohort. You can access the application link here!
Dates: Vary according to cohort.
Eligibility: The program is currently open to all high school students
The Young Founder’s Lab is a startup-focused program led by entrepreneurs from Harvard, designed to guide you through the process of turning a business idea into a working venture. Throughout the program, you’ll engage in sessions that introduce the fundamentals of entrepreneurship, including business planning, idea development, and essential skills for building and managing a startup. If you’re interested in nonprofits, the program can also offer relevant experience in identifying social challenges, developing sustainable models, and understanding how mission-driven organizations can operate effectively. You can check out the brochure for the program here.
3. Bank of America Student Leaders Program
Location: Local Philadelphia nonprofit partner organization, Philadelphia, PA
Cost/Stipend: Paid internship; stipend amount unspecified
Application Deadline: January 15 (tentative, based on previous years)
Dates: June – August ( eight weeks, tentative )
Eligibility: Current high school juniors and seniors
This program places selected students in paid summer internships at local nonprofits. You will contribute to community service projects and participate in a week-long Student Leadership Summit in Washington, DC. As an intern, you will also develop essential leadership skills and gain insight into nonprofit operations, policy, and community engagement while connecting with a cohort of nationwide participants.
4. Bloomberg Arts Internship
Location: Various arts/cultural organizations, Greater Philadelphia, PA
Cost/Stipend: Paid; $17.53/hour, plus meals and transport
Application Deadline: February 28
Dates: June 20 – August 15
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors residing in Philadelphia
In this internship, you are placed at numerous partnering arts and cultural organizations across Philadelphia, where you work on projects in marketing, event planning, and exhibit development. In addition to your paid assignments, you take part in training focused on college readiness, professional skills, and career exploration within the creative sector. The program encourages exploration of arts administration and hands-on engagement with the city’s cultural scene. Regular mentorship and cohort-based activities foster collaboration and allow you to build networks with both peers and professionals. You are also tasked with independently managing assignments and participating in reflective workshops upon completion of the program.
5. City of Philadelphia Department of Aviation Internship
Location: Philadelphia International Airport, Philadelphia, PA
Cost/Stipend: Unpaid
Application Deadline: February 14
Dates: 6 weeks – 8 weeks
Eligibility: Philadelphia high school juniors, seniors
This airport-based program assigns high school students to various departments such as Human Resources, Communications, Purchasing, and Community Relations. As an intern, you will gain experience in public administration and city government operations through team projects and shadowing staff. Emphasis is placed on service delivery, professional communication, and operational organization. The program encourages direct exposure to municipal structures and prepares you for future employment in city government or public service, with networking opportunities and mentorship embedded throughout.
6. Elmwood Park Zoo Education Volunteer Program
Location: Elmwood Park Zoo, Norristown, near Philadelphia, PA
Cost/Stipend: Unpaid
Application Deadline: Rolling
Dates: minimum 80 hours annually
Eligibility: Ages 14+
Zoo education volunteers guide guests, lead animal exhibit activities, and support nonprofit programming aimed at conservation awareness. Responsibilities include organizing hands-on public learning sessions, supporting camps and volunteer events, and participating in professional workshops. You gain exposure to nonprofit environmental advocacy and animal welfare programming. The commitment builds skills in public speaking, customer service, and teamwork, while also offering opportunities for you to engage in seasonal service projects and outreach initiatives. All volunteers receive access to networking, workshops, and zoo passes as part of the program.
7. Foreign Policy Research Institute Internships
Location: FPRI, Center City, Philadelphia, PA or Remote
Cost/Stipend: Unpaid
Application Deadline: July (Fall), November (Spring), March (Summer) (tentative)
Dates: September – December (Fall), February – May (Spring), June – August (Summer)
Eligibility: High school students with the legal right to work in the US
Through this internship, high school students support nonprofit initiatives in public policy research, publication, and event management with a focus on international affairs. Tasks include drafting reports, marketing, and collaborating on outreach projects. Weekly seminars introduce students to think tank analysis and nonprofit advocacy strategies. Research, communication, and policy analysis skills are developed throughout the internship. The experience emphasizes professionalism and provides opportunities for networking with scholars, policy makers, and nonprofit staff.
8. The Philadelphia Project Summer Internship
Location: The Philadelphia Project, 7500 Germantown Ave, Philadelphia, PA
Cost/Stipend: No cost; compensation is contingent on participant-led fundraising, with all raised funds supporting the intern up to an agreed amount
Application Deadline: Unspecified; typically early spring
Dates: May 19 – August 8
Eligibility: High school students and early college students committed to service, youth ministry, or community work
The Philadelphia Project Summer Internship immerses high school students in community-based nonprofit ministry, where you serve as team leaders for groups of youth engaged in local service, outreach, and church partnership work. As an intern, you will reside at the organization’s permanent housing site and coordinate activities for youth groups participating in week-long service through the Summer of Service Program. Responsibilities include leading service projects, facilitating games and worship, and guiding youth in discussions addressing community needs and spiritual growth. Assignments are available across specialized ministry areas such as church outreach, construction, kids’ camps, administrative logistics, media, and mercy ministry (supporting shelters, food pantries, and more).
9. WorkReady | PYN Inc.
Location: Multiple nonprofit and community-based worksites throughout Philadelphia, PA
Cost/Stipend: Paid internships; compensation varies by placement
Application Deadline: Rolling; varies by program (tentative, check current status)
Dates: Year-round opportunities with a concentration on summer programs
Eligibility: Philadelphia youth ages 12–24
WorkReady is Philadelphia’s premier career development program offering paid internships and comprehensive career readiness training to youth and young adults. WorkReady operates several tailored initiatives, including BOOST, which focuses on occupational skills and job site training, and VIP, which emphasizes violence intervention and prevention through social-emotional learning and conflict resolution strategies. Throughout their placement, you will gain hands-on experience in varied nonprofit and community settings, build workplace competencies, and receive structured career exposure designed to open pathways to future employment and education opportunities.
10. Career Connected Learning | Mural Arts Philadelphia
Location: Mural Arts Philadelphia, Center City and neighborhoods, Philadelphia, PA
Cost/Stipend: Unpaid (stipends may be available for qualifying participants)
Application Deadline: Varies by program cycle
Dates: Summer, fall, and spring sessions available
Eligibility: Philadelphia high school students interested in arts, community engagement, and nonprofit service
Mural Arts Philadelphia’s Career Connected Learning program offers youth the opportunity to develop professional skills through hands-on experiences in public art, community service, and arts education. You engage in mural creation, community outreach, and arts-based social impact projects, learning collaboration, project management, and communication skills. The program emphasizes art as a tool for community building and social change, allowing students to connect with local neighborhoods through creative service initiatives. You will work under the guidance of professional teaching artists and benefit from mentorship, skill-building workshops, and exposure to nonprofit arts operations.
11. Teen Leadership Corps — Cradles to Crayons Philadelphia
Location: Cradles to Crayons, East Falls, Philadelphia, PA
Cost/Stipend: Unpaid volunteer leadership program
Application Deadline: April 30
Dates: July – April (minimum 24 volunteer hours plus training and event participation)
Eligibility: Students entering grades 9–12 in the fall
The Teen Leadership Corps (TLC) at Cradles to Crayons is a year-long volunteer and leadership development program for high school students passionate about community service. You receive extensive training, including a three-day orientation in June, before volunteering a minimum of 24 hours at the Giving Factory. As a TLC member, you will assist with organizing volunteer activities at major events such as Ready for Learning Backpack-A-Thon and Gear Up for Winter’s Un-Gala Family Day. You will also engage in fundraising efforts, striving to raise at least $500 through creative campaigns. The program encourages you to develop public speaking, organizational, and fundraising skills while representing the organization within their schools and communities.
12. Youth Volunteer Corps of Philadelphia
Location: Philadelphia metropolitan area, PA
Cost/Stipend: Unpaid
Application Deadline: Rolling, with seasonal projects
Dates: Varies by volunteer project; sessions available year-round
Eligibility: Youth aged 11–18
This corps creates youth-driven volunteer opportunities addressing local community needs, including environmental cleanups, elderly assistance, and organizing charity events. Projects foster teamwork, leadership, and a commitment to lifelong service. As a volunteer, you will participate in training sessions and are encouraged to propose and lead service initiatives. The program emphasizes civic responsibility and delivers impactful experiences that build social awareness and community engagement.
13. Fox Chase Cancer Center High School Volunteer Program
Location: Fox Chase Cancer Center, Northeast Philadelphia, PA
Cost/Stipend: Unpaid
Application Deadline: Typically begins early spring; varies annually
Dates: Summer session runs approximately 10 weeks, June through August
Eligibility: High school students aged 15 or older with parental consent
High school volunteers at Fox Chase support hospital staff by assisting with administrative tasks, patient services, and educational outreach programs. As a volunteer, you will contribute approximately one full day per week throughout the summer session. The program requires a commitment to the full 10-week schedule and includes an orientation, training, and supervision by experienced staff.
14. YouthBuild Philadelphia Volunteer Opportunities
Location: Philadelphia, PA
Cost/Stipend: Unpaid
Application Deadline: Rolling
Dates: Flexible, based on availability and volunteer role
Eligibility: Individuals and groups supportive of youth empowerment
YouthBuild volunteers assist with tutoring, career mentoring, and college guidance for participants in educational and workforce development programs. Roles include helping students with homework, conducting mock interviews, and guiding college application processes. As a volunteer, you will also contribute to a supportive learning environment by fostering academic achievement and career readiness. The organization welcomes individuals and groups committed to youth development and social equity.
15. Philadelphia Zoo Summer Volun-TEEN Program
Location: Philadelphia Zoo, Philadelphia, PA
Cost/Stipend: Unpaid volunteer program
Application Deadline: May 16
Dates: June 20 – August 15
Eligibility: Youth aged 14–17, committed to volunteering 2 shifts per week
The Summer Volun-TEEN Program at Philadelphia Zoo engages high school-aged youth as ambassadors for wildlife conservation. Volunteers are trained to lead interactive visitor activities focused on important conservation topics such as climate change and pollination. The program develops public speaking, advocacy, cooperation, time management, and leadership skills in participants, who serve as proactive environmental educators to Zoo guests of all ages. The program fosters youth engagement with wildlife and environmental stewardship, empowering participants to spread the message that conservation begins with awareness and action.