15 Nonprofit Mentorship Programs for High School Students
If you’re a high school student thinking about working in the nonprofit field, mentorship programs are a great way to get started. These programs will help you connect with professionals or community leaders who can offer advice, answer your questions, and guide you as you explore your interests. You might participate in one-on-one meetings with your mentor, join group sessions, or even work with peers on projects.
Mentorship is especially useful if you’re considering a career in business or social impact. Like internships, these programs provide you with experience outside of the classroom, and they allow you to develop your communication, leadership, and teamwork skills. If you care deeply about social issues, you’ll get to see how those skills can be used to create change in communities. Participating in a nonprofit program in high school is also a great way to show initiative on your college applications.
To help you begin your search, here are 15 nonprofit mentorship programs for high school students.
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; Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), and Winter (November)
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 10–20 hours a week for 8–12 weeks
Ladder Internships is a remote program that matches high school students with nonprofits and startups worldwide. Many of these organizations are supported by Y Combinator or run by professionals with experience at companies like Google, Microsoft, and McKinsey. Created by Harvard graduates, the program offers internships in various fields, including nonprofits, finance, consulting, health tech, mental health, software engineering, AI, environmental science, and journalism. As an intern, you’ll work on real projects for your host organization and share your results at the end of the program. You’ll also participate in group sessions with other interns, practice communication and time management skills, and get guidance from both a Ladder coach and site manager throughout the internship. If you’re interested, you can review the application form in advance to see which internships are currently available.
2. Young Founders Lab
Location: Virtual, with live workshops
Cost: Varies depending on the program; need-based financial aid is available
Cohort Size: 6–12 students (group program)
Dates: Multiple cohorts on various dates
Application Deadline: Varies depending on the cohort; you can access the application link here.
Eligibility: All high school students
The Young Founders Lab is a startup incubator created by Harvard and Stanford alumni for high school students interested in launching a business or nonprofit. In this program, you’ll work with a team to design a startup that tackles a practical problem, with guidance from mentors at companies like Google, Microsoft, and X. You’ll learn about idea development, market research, business fundamentals, prototyping, and planning a launch, as well as network with professionals. The program wraps up with a Demo Day, where you’ll present your project to potential investors. You can join either a 45-hour online group program in the summer or a 12-week individual program during the school year, which includes 12 hours of one-on-one coaching. For more details, you can check out the program brochure.
3. Step Up on Campus
Location: Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas, Los Angeles, Nashville, and New York
Cost/Stipend: Free | Unpaid
Cohort Size: Around 800–1,000 students
Dates: The program runs during the school year, typically from September to May
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: Teens aged 14–18 who identify as girls and attend a Step Up partner school
Step Up is a nonprofit that offers free mentorship programs to help girls and those who identify with girlhood explore their goals and work toward them. One such opportunity, Step Up on Campus, is a national program for high school students aged 14–18 that focuses on career exploration and personal growth. Led by an on-campus educator, the program will allow you to explore different career paths, develop your social and emotional skills, and connect with mentors in your community. You’ll participate in workshops on financial literacy, mental health, and well-being, go on a corporate field trip, and join activities that build your confidence and help you discover new interests. You’ll also meet peers with similar goals and gain experiences that prepare you for the future.
4. ACE Greater New York Mentor Program
Location: A host firm or university in Manhattan, Queens, Brooklyn, White Plains, Long Island, or Riverdale; remote options are also available
Cost/Stipend: Free | Unpaid
Cohort Size: Over 2,300 students participated in last year’s program
Dates: The program runs for a full year from late October to May, with some options to begin in January
Application Deadline: Applications close in October
Eligibility: High school students in grades 9–12 from NYC, Long Island, or Westchester can apply
The ACE Mentor Program is a nonprofit that introduces high school students to careers in architecture, engineering, and construction through guidance from industry professionals. ACE GNY runs through the school year and is organized into teams of about 25 students and 15–20 mentors. Mentors include architects, engineers, and construction managers who guide you through career paths, industry basics, and design software. After you have learned the fundamentals, your team will undertake a mock design project and present it to an audience of family, mentors, school staff, and industry leaders. You’ll get a real look at the design and construction fields, visit offices and job sites, and connect with alumni and professionals for ongoing support. The program will also introduce you to college pathways, degree requirements, and career opportunities. It also offers scholarships, internships, and post-graduation job prospects.
5. Apex for Youth National Virtual Mentoring Program
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: Free | Unpaid
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Dates: The program takes place from September to April and spans two academic years
Application Deadline: May 31 (priority deadline); rolling admissions
Eligibility: Asian American high school students can apply, with priority given to those from low-income backgrounds
Apex for Youth, a nonprofit organization, operates the National Virtual Mentoring Program (NVMP) for Asian American high school students, particularly those from low-income or immigrant backgrounds. You’ll be paired with a mentor who’ll support you for at least two years, helping with goal setting, challenges, and planning for the future. You’ll get to connect with Asian American peers from across the country through monthly Zoom workshops. You’ll meet with your mentor twice a month and have regular check-ins with the Apex staff. The program offers free counseling for mental health support, guidance on college applications, and access to scholarships of up to $40,000, as well as paid summer internships. Mentees are also invited on an all-expenses-paid trip to New York City to meet mentors and peers in person.
6. YouthBridge-NY
Location: YouthBridge-NY and its community partner offices in Manhattan, NY
Cost/Stipend: Free | Unpaid
Cohort Size: About 60 fellows in total, with 30 juniors and 30 seniors
Dates: The program lasts two academic years, running from late August through June; you can check the important dates here
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Eligibility: Current high school sophomores from NYC’s five boroughs and Westchester County
YouthBridge-NY is a nonprofit that offers a two-year fellowship for high school sophomores from NYC and Westchester, which focuses on leadership and social justice. You’ll attend workshops, connect with peers, and learn how to organize and advocate for change in your communities. The program starts with an overnight orientation retreat in late August. In the first year, you’ll attend monthly evening workshops to build skills, solve real problems, handle conflicts, and design a social justice project. You’ll also meet NYC professionals, volunteer for community causes, and join one of three social action teams on topics like Health Care Disparities, Criminal Justice Reform, or Food Justice.
7. JCYC SF YouthWorks
Location: Various government agencies and departments in San Francisco, CA
Cost/Stipend: Free | Interns earn $19.18 per hour
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Competitive
Dates: The program runs once during the school year (September–May) and once in the summer (June–August)
Application Deadline: September 12 (school-year program); summer program applications open in the spring
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors who live and attend school in San Francisco and have a valid work permit
SF YouthWorks offers opportunities for local high school juniors and seniors to explore the public sector. It’s run by the Japanese Community Youth Council (JCYC), a nonprofit organization. You’ll participate in paid internships, training, and workshops across city departments like the Public Utilities Commission, Real Estate Division, Fire Department, Department of Technology, Youth Commission, Public Library, and SF International Airport. You’ll build skills and confidence to prepare for college and future careers. Professional workshops will teach you job readiness, and you’ll be paired with a mentor from a city department to guide you. The program includes career exploration events, college campus visits, and community service opportunities. You can also join the Youth Leadership Team (YLT), where returning interns help plan workshops, assist with programming, and develop leadership skills.
8. 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); counseling starts in May and continues throughout your senior year
Application Deadline: November 4 – February 7
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors in Los Angeles County public schools who have good grades, are legally allowed to work in California, and are interested in science
The Samuels Family LA-HIP Internship Program is a year-long program where you will participate in biomedical research and college preparation. It’s offered by Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, a nonprofit organization. During the school year, you’ll get SAT prep, take college-level biology courses, and receive one-on-one guidance for 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, Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Under the mentorship of professional scientists, you’ll learn lab techniques, write a scientific abstract, carry out experiments, and present your results at a symposium. The program is designed to provide you with real lab experience and intensive college counseling, helping you develop both academic and career skills before your senior year, and making medicine and science more accessible.
9. Urban Alliance High School Internship Program
Location: Baltimore, Chicago, Detroit, and the Greater DC Region
Cost/Stipend: Free | Paid (amount not specified)
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Competitive
Dates: Nine months; part-time during the school year and full-time over the summer
Application Deadline: March 28 (priority deadline) | April 4 (final deadline)
Eligibility: High school seniors on track to graduate with a 2.0 GPA or higher, approved for off-campus or early-release, and who attend a Title I or CEP school or qualify for Free and Reduced Lunch
Urban Alliance is a nonprofit organization that helps young people gain paid work experience, develop professional skills, receive mentoring, and establish networking connections to enhance their career opportunities. Their High School Internship Program is a year-long, paid internship for high school seniors. You’ll work part-time during the school year (up to 12 hours/week) and full-time in the summer (up to 32 hours/week). The program begins with approximately six weeks of job readiness training, followed by weekly workshops on workplace skills, communication, and post-high school planning. You’ll gain hands-on experience in various industries, including construction and property management, as well as pre-apprenticeship opportunities for older students. Throughout the program, you’ll have two mentors, a program lead from Urban Alliance and a workplace mentor, who will guide you, help you set goals, and give you regular feedback.
10. Teen Philanthropy Initiative (TPI)
Location: Teen Philanthropy Initiative (TPI), Naperville, IL
Cost/Stipend: Free | Unpaid
Cohort Size: 30 students
Dates: The program takes place from September to April and spans two academic years
Application Deadline: May 30
Eligibility: Naperville rising high school juniors
KidsMatter, a nonprofit organization, runs the Teen Philanthropy Initiative (TPI) for rising juniors in Naperville. You’ll get hands-on experience working with foundation officers and nonprofit professionals, who will mentor you through projects in fundraising, donor outreach, communications, and marketing. You’ll also explore the nonprofit world by reviewing grant requests, visiting local organizations, and deciding how to distribute over $10,000 in grants. In your senior year, you’ll plan and run an 8-month fundraising campaign using proven strategies to raise funds for local nonprofits. You’ll develop skills in teamwork, decision-making, and public speaking as well as learn to identify needs in your community and devise solutions. The program requires a two-year commitment, so you’ll participate during both your junior and senior years. Completing the program can also help you earn college credit from North Central College.
11. Community for Youth Learning Community Program
Location: Community for Youth, Seattle, WA
Cost/Stipend: Free | Unpaid
Cohort Size: Small cohort size
Dates: October – June (meetings take place once a week)
Application Deadline: October 8 (priority deadline)
Eligibility: High school students, either incoming or currently enrolled, who live in Washington state
Community for Youth (CfY) is a Seattle nonprofit that runs a yearlong mentorship and leadership program for high school students. You’ll be paired with an adult mentor who will help you set goals, explore careers, and build confidence. You’ll participate in monthly workshops and group activities focused on leadership, communication, and personal development. You’ll also get to connect with mentors, peers, and staff who are committed to your success. The program kicks off in late October with a Student Welcome Night, followed by a weekend getaway to YMCA Camp Colman, where you will meet mentors, play games, and bond with your cohort. The Learning Community Program meets weekly, usually on Tuesdays, for approximately eight months. You will spend 2–3 hours a week with your mentor, and activities rotate between one-on-one sessions, small group “Family Group” activities, student-mentor workshops, and mentor-only workshops.
12. GirlForward Mentoring Program
Location: Chicago, IL, and Austin, TX
Cost/Stipend: Free | Unpaid
Cohort Size: 200 girls
Dates: The program lasts at least one school year, usually running from September to May
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: Girls aged 14–21 in grades 9–12 who identify as immigrants, refugees, and asylum seekers
GirlForward, a nonprofit organization, offers a mentoring program for high school girls aged 14–21 who identify as refugees, immigrants, or asylum seekers. During the program, you’ll be paired with a local woman mentor for at least one school year. You’ll meet weekly for approximately two hours, focusing on areas such as education, goal setting, financial literacy, and well-being. You’ll also get to explore your passions and get help graduating from high school. The program uses “4W” activities (Wellness, Wisdom, Wallet, and World) to help you grow, discover new opportunities, and stay on track to graduate. Mentors act as friends, teachers, role models, and confidants, committing around six hours a month to support you throughout the year.
13. New Roots Institute Summer Leadership Academy
Location: Virtual (live)
Cost/Stipend: Free | Unpaid
Cohort Size: Small cohort size
Dates: Six weeks between June and August
Application Deadline: Applications will open in December
Eligibility: High school and college students
The New Roots Institute, a nonprofit organization, runs the Summer Leadership Academy. It is a six-week fellowship for high school and college students interested in developing sustainable and ethical food systems. You’ll learn about the impacts of factory farming on people, animals, and the planet, and connect these issues to your own values and interests. During the program, you’ll work with and be mentored by policymakers, organizers, journalists, innovators, and health experts across fields like law and policy, health and wellness, business and innovation, media and journalism, education and leadership, and environmental sustainability. You’ll strengthen your leadership skills, explore your leadership style, and design an advocacy campaign that promotes plant-based eating and challenges factory farming. You’ll also have the opportunity to launch your campaign during the academic year, driving change on your campus and in your community.
14. JCYC Opportunities For All (OFA)
Location: Various organizations across San Francisco, CA
Cost/Stipend: Free | Paid
Cohort Size: Each year, 2,500–3,000 youth are placed in internships
Dates: Dates vary by opportunity, but internships usually run between June and August
Application Deadline: April 16
Eligibility: Students aged 13–24 who live and attend school in San Francisco
Opportunities For All (OFA) offers internships for high school students, youth, and young adults aged 13–24. It is run by the Japanese Community Youth Council (JCYC), a nonprofit organization. The program gives San Francisco youth opportunities for career exploration and workforce development, including paid internships and mentorship. It also provides pathways to employment through career development, job readiness training, and apprenticeships. OFA aims to make these opportunities accessible by connecting you with resources, support, and local employers. Internships are offered at a variety of local organizations and businesses, including the YMCA, Architectural Foundation San Francisco, Boys & Girls Clubs of San Francisco, Horizons, San Francisco Recreation & Parks, Community Youth Center, and more.
15. Enterprise for Youth Internship Program
Location: Various locations across San Francisco, CA
Cost/Stipend: Free | Interns earn $20 per hour
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not listed
Dates: June 10 – June 14 (Pre-internship training week) | June 17 – July 26 (Internship); the internship expo will take place on July 31
Application Deadline: March 1
Eligibility: High school students
Enterprise for Youth in San Francisco is a nonprofit that helps high school students build job skills and gain paid work experience. Through its Internship Program, you can explore roles in fields like nonprofits, healthcare, retail, small business, architecture, tech, culinary arts, and climate careers. Internships last about 75 hours and begin with a pre-training week in June. You’ll visit worksites, take part in weekly professional development workshops, and attend the Climate Career Summit. Each week, you’ll also check in with a job coach for personalized guidance. The program will help you practice interviewing, job searching, and networking while developing teamwork, confidence, and goal-setting skills. After your internship, you’ll continue to receive mentorship and career planning support. You can apply online, visit the Career Lab, or connect through your school if it is a partner of the program.
Image Source - Opportunities for All