15 Summer Nonprofit Internships for High School Students
Studying business in school teaches you theories, but internships allow you to see how they are applied to real situations. An internship is one of the easiest ways to make that connection, and summer gives you the time to do it without the pressure of regular classes.
Nonprofits offer high schoolers a unique internship experience. Unlike companies that have plenty of money to spend, nonprofits usually have to work with very limited resources. That means you get to watch how teams stretch every dollar, plan projects carefully, and think hard about how to reach people. This mix of skill-building and impact can help you decide what you want to pursue in college and eventually in your career.
With that in mind, here are 15 summer nonprofit internships you can explore as a high school student! (Note: Some internships are run by nonprofits, others by partners, so check each program’s details for the exact nonprofit connection.)
15 Summer Nonprofit Internships for High School Students
1. Ladder Internship Program
Cost: Varies according to program. There is need-based financial aid.
Location: This program is 100% virtual, with live, interactive workshops
Program Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year, including summer, fall, winter, and spring
Application Deadline: Varies according to cohort. You can access the application link here!
Eligibility: The program is currently open to all high school students
Ladder Internships connects high school students with start-ups for an 8-week virtual internship. You can choose from companies in fields like tech, AI/ML, health tech, marketing, journalism, and consulting. Many of these start-ups are fast-growing, with founders who have raised millions or worked at companies like Microsoft, Google, or Facebook. During the internship, you’ll work on real projects with guidance from your manager and a Ladder Coach. You’ll also present your work to the company. Alongside the internship, you’ll get one-on-one training in skills like communication and time management, plus group training sessions with other interns in your cohort. You can explore all the options here.
2. Young Founder’s Lab
Location: This program is 100% virtual, with live, interactive workshops
Cost: Varies depending on program type. There is need-based financial aid
Application Deadline: Varies according to cohort. You can access the application link here!
Program Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year, including summer, fall, winter, and spring
Eligibility: The program is currently open to all high school students
The Young Founder’s Lab is a work-and-learn program developed by entrepreneurs from Harvard. As a student, you’ll have the opportunity to build a business idea from the ground up, focusing on solving a real-world problem and exploring the potential to generate revenue. Along the way, you’ll receive guidance from mentors with experience at companies like Google, Microsoft, and X. The program combines practical learning with hands-on work. You’ll take part in sessions that introduce core business concepts, participate in workshops, and develop your own startup project. You’ll also learn how to present your ideas, analyze real case studies, and hear from founders who share insights based on their own experiences. You can check out the brochure for the program here.
3. Community Engagement Internships - Changing The Present
Location: Remote (US-based)
Cost/Stipend: Unpaid (possible school credit)
Application Deadline: Rolling
Program Dates: Flexible scheduling; ongoing, 3 hours/week minimum
Eligibility: Open to high school students in the U.S.
The Community Engagement Internship at Changing The Present is a flexible, low-commitment opportunity for high school students who want to make a meaningful impact while building real-world skills. You’ll dedicate about three hours per week to promoting charitable causes you care about, whether that’s education, climate change, mental health, animal welfare, or any other issue that resonates with you. As an intern, you’ll use social media, email, and in-person outreach to raise awareness about the organization’s mission and help nonprofits attract new funding. You’ll receive ready-to-use marketing materials, message templates, digital graphics, and mentorship from program staff to guide your efforts.
4. Enterprise for Youth Internship Program
Location: San Francisco, CA
Cost/Stipend: Paid ($20/hour after paid job readiness training)
Application Deadline: Rolling (workshops and placements year-round)
Program Dates: Varies; year-round with summer cohorts
Eligibility: Open to all high school students, with a focus on rising juniors and seniors (typically 15-18)
The Enterprise for Youth Internship Program is a paid, career-building opportunity for San Francisco high school students who want to explore professional pathways in nonprofit and corporate sectors. You’ll begin with job readiness training, where you’ll earn $125 while learning workplace skills like communication, time management, and professionalism. After completing training, you’ll be matched with a paid internship, earning $20 per hour, at a partner organization in fields like healthcare, climate justice, art and design, retail, or community service. Once you complete your first internship, you’ll gain access to additional job opportunities and career resources that can support you through high school and beyond.
5. Smithsonian NMNH Summer High School Internship
Location: Washington, D.C. (Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History)
Cost/Stipend: $3,600 ($600/week for 6 weeks); lunch and field trip transportation included
Application Deadline: February 28
Program Dates: June 24 - August 5
Eligibility: High school students ages 14–18, currently enrolled in high school
The NMNH Summer High School Internship at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History is a six-week, paid opportunity for high school students aged 14 to 18 who want to explore museum science, entomology, and exhibit development. You’ll work in departments like Entomology, where you’ll learn how to manage collections, sort and classify specimens, and engage the public in science education. You’ll also take part in enrichment activities and field trips that give you a behind-the-scenes look at museum operations and research. You’ll receive mentorship from museum staff and build skills in communication, teamwork, and college preparation.
6. Urban Alliance High School Internship Program
Location: Baltimore, Washington, DC, Northern Virginia, Chicago, Detroit
Cost/Stipend: Paid; varies by city/placement and includes training, mentoring, and post-program support
Application Deadline: Program start is in the school year; deadlines vary by city
Program Dates: School year + summer (internships run during and after senior year)
Eligibility: High school seniors, no GPA restriction (targeted for 2.0–3.0 but open to all)
Urban Alliance High School Internship Program is a yearlong, paid experience designed for high school seniors who want to build professional skills and explore career paths. You’ll start with six weeks of job-readiness training, where you’ll learn workplace etiquette, communication, and goal setting. After training, you’ll be matched with a part-time internship during the school year, working up to 12 hours a week, and transition to full-time work in the summer. You’ll receive mentorship from two adults: a dedicated Urban Alliance staff member and a workplace mentor who’ll guide you through your internship and help you plan for life after high school. You’ll also earn bonuses for engagement, take part in weekly workshops, and complete a final presentation to showcase what you’ve learned.
7. City of Austin Summer Youth Internship Program
Location: Austin, Texas (various city departments)
Cost/Stipend: Paid ($13/hour, ~20 hours/week for 7 weeks)
Application Deadline: February 22
Program Dates: June 2— July 11
Eligibility: Austin city residents enrolled in high school (ages 15–18, rising sophomores–seniors or seniors)
The City of Austin Summer Youth Internship Program is a seven-week paid opportunity for high school students living in the Austin area. If you’re accepted, you’ll be placed in a city department like Planning, Finance, Aviation, or Economic Development, based on your interests. You’ll work 20 hours per week, earn $13 per hour, and take part in field trips and enrichment activities that help you build leadership and workplace skills. Applications are submitted through the City of Austin portal, and you’ll choose from five internship tracks when applying.
8. High School Student Internship - JSSA
Location: JSSA (Jewish Social Service Agency), likely in the Washington, DC metro area; check for specific site placements
Cost/Stipend: Unpaid (earning of service-learning hours possible)
Application Deadline: Not specified; application and interview required
Program Dates: Flexible, with recommended commitment of 12–16 hours per week
Eligibility: High school students who can live and work in the National Capital Region (MD, DC, VA)
High School Student Internship at JSSA is a flexible, service-learning opportunity for students in the National Capital Region, including parts of Maryland, Washington, D.C., and Northern Virginia. You’ll explore careers in human services while contributing to real projects across departments like mental health, youth programs, and community outreach. Your tasks might include joining case consultations, helping with summer camps, analyzing data, coordinating training, or developing presentations on topics like mental health and wellness. You’ll work closely with JSSA staff and attend meetings that expose you to nonprofit operations and cross-department collaboration.
9. City of San Pablo Summer Internship Program
Location: San Pablo, California (various city departments)
Cost/Stipend: Paid (not specified, but confirmed paid)
Application Deadline: March 16
Program Dates: Summer; past programs ran for at least 6 weeks
Eligibility: High school students 15.5 years or older, in school or recent grads, must live in or attend school in San Pablo or nearby areas
The City of San Pablo Summer Internship Program is a six-week paid opportunity for high school students. You’ll be placed in a city department, like Community Services, Planning, or Finance, where you’ll take on real assignments and learn how local government works. You’ll work up to 20 hours per week, earning $16.50 per hour, with a mix of in-person and remote tasks depending on your placement. You’ll also attend professional development workshops and receive support for college and career planning. The program begins with a mandatory orientation and ends with a final presentation to the City Council.
10. Brooklyn Botanic Garden Garden Apprentice Program (GAP)
Location: Brooklyn, NY
Cost/Stipend: Paid ($600+ reimbursement, increases with years/Tier)
Application Deadline: Fall application (upcoming cycle opens in fall)
Program Dates: March–November (9-month program, includes spring, summer, and fall)
Eligibility: Open to NYC students in grades 9–12
Garden Apprentice Program (GAP) at Brooklyn Botanic Garden is a nine-month urban agriculture and environmental education internship for high school students. You’ll learn about botany, sustainable gardening, and environmental stewardship while working directly with children and teaching your peers. Your responsibilities include maintaining the garden, growing produce, and leading hands-on lessons in plant science. The program runs weekly throughout the school year, and you’ll need to commit to regular attendance.
11. Student Conservation Association National High School Crews
Location: US national parks, forests, and public lands nationwide
Cost/Stipend: Volunteer (travel support available based on need); gear required
Application Deadline: Varies, typically early spring
Program Dates: Summer; 2–5 weeks, usually June–August
Eligibility: High school students, ages 15–19 (including graduating seniors)
SCA’s National Crews are immersive summer programs that place you in national parks, forests, and wildlife refuges across the U.S. to work on conservation projects. You’ll live on-site with other high school students, camping in tents, cooking your own meals, and spending your days restoring trails, removing invasive species, and preserving natural habitats. This is a hands-on experience in environmental stewardship and teamwork, ideal if you’re passionate about ecology, sustainability, or park management. You’ll be supervised by trained adult leaders and take part in outdoor recreation on non-work days.
12. Summer High School Internships - The Metropolitan Museum of Art
Location: New York, NY (The Met)
Cost/Stipend: Paid; stipend aligned with New York State minimum wage law
Application Deadline: March 7
Program Dates: July 7 — August 8
Eligibility: Students in grades 10 and 11 as of the application deadline, and must live in or attend school in NY, NJ, or CT
The Metropolitan Museum of Arts’ Summer High School Internships is a paid, hands-on experience for rising juniors and seniors who live or attend school in New York, New Jersey, or Connecticut. You’ll be placed in departments like editorial, marketing, education, social media, or conservation, where you’ll work alongside museum professionals and learn how a world-class institution operates. You’ll start with orientation and training, then complete at least 40 hours of departmental work while participating in cohort meetings and professional development workshops.
13. Amnesty International USA Youth Leadership Roles and Student Groups
Location: Nationwide (school-based, flexible/virtual options)
Cost/Stipend: Volunteer, no cost to participate
Application Deadline: Ongoing; leadership positions open in March for YoCo
Program Dates: Academic year; one-year leadership terms
Eligibility: High school students (some roles for ages 15+; must be in a student group or chapter)
Amnesty International USA Youth Programs give you the chance to take action on human rights while building leadership and advocacy skills. You can start by forming or joining a student group at your school, where you’ll lead campaigns, organize events, and raise awareness about global and local issues. As you gain experience, you can apply for national roles like Student Group Coordinator, Peer Trainer, or join the Youth Collective (YoCo), a team of youth leaders who help shape Amnesty’s strategy and outreach. You’ll receive training, mentorship, and access to activism resources that support your growth as a community organizer.
14. High School Summer Internship — Library of Congress
Location: Washington, D.C. (Library of Congress; virtual and hybrid options)
Cost/Stipend: Unpaid; may arrange academic or community service credit with the school.
Application Deadline: February 28. More info here
Program Dates: June 23 — July 17
Eligibility: Current high school students aged 16 or older; U.S. Citizen, Permanent Resident, or Visa Holder
High School Summer Internship – Library of Congress is a four-week, unpaid opportunity for students aged 16 and older to explore careers in libraries, museums, and public programming. You’ll work directly with Library staff to help shape content and activities for a new experiential learning space. Your tasks may include research, exhibition advisory, and developing programs for youth and families. You can participate virtually or, if you’re local to Washington, D.C., attend in person once a week. You’ll build written and oral communication skills, collaborate with peers, and contribute to meaningful projects that reflect the Library’s mission. You can earn up to 60 service hours, which may count toward school requirements.
15. National Park Service Youth Conservation Corps and Other Youth Programs
Location: Various national parks and public lands across the US
Cost/Stipend: Paid positions available, typically minimum wage or higher; some volunteer positions exist
Application Deadline: Varies by park and program, generally early spring for summer roles
Program Dates: Summer (typically 8–10 weeks) or year-round, depending on program
Eligibility: Youth aged 15–18 (including high school students)
The National Park Service Youth Programs offer a wide range of opportunities for high school students to explore careers in conservation, public service, and environmental education. You can join programs like the Youth Conservation Corps (YCC), which provides paid summer work maintaining trails, removing invasive species, and restoring habitats. Beyond YCC, you can apply for internships and volunteer roles in areas like historic preservation, museum collections, public health, communications, and STEAM fields. Many internships are paid and may offer federal hiring advantages after completion, such as the Public Lands Corps Hiring Authority or Direct Hire Authority for Resource Assistant Internships.