14 Venture Capital Internships in New York for High School Students
If you're curious about business or finance, internships are one of the most effective ways to start exploring while still in high school. In fast-paced fields such as venture capital, where decision-making is driven by data, trends, and innovation, early exposure can help you understand how startups grow from simple ideas into successful companies.
What do venture capital internships in New York involve?
As an intern, you might work on tasks such as market research, startup scouting, and business model analysis, giving you a practical understanding of how capital flows through the innovation ecosystem. You also develop transferable skills such as research, financial analysis, communication, and critical thinking: skills that are highly valued in both college and professional environments.
Why pursue a venture capital internship in New York?
New York's density of venture firms, accelerators, and funded startups means you are not just learning about the industry in theory. You are working alongside people who are actively making investment decisions, which gives you a clearer and more honest picture of how the field actually operates. That kind of direct exposure is difficult to replicate through coursework alone.
Below are 14 venture capital internships in New York for high school students. For related opportunities, check out our guides on11 startups offering internships for high school students and15 pitch competitions for high school students in New York.
Quick Look
8 paid or stipended programs: Futures and Options, Ladders for Leaders, CLA (both listings), JPMorgan Chase (select programs), SC Johnson, Young Founders School x BSD, and Bossgirls (free, no stipend)
2 fully virtual or remote programs: Young Founders Lab (financial aid available, all high school students) and Ladder Internship (remote, multiple cohorts year-round)
1 program restricted to women: Invest in Her at Fordham (female high school students only) and Bossgirls (girls and nonbinary students, NY tri-state area)
2 programs with the most direct VC or investment focus: NYC Venture Capital Internship Program (note: primarily college-level) and 1435 Capital Management (rising juniors/seniors, hybrid NJ/NY)
3 programs restricted to NYC residents or NYC school students: Futures and Options (NYC schools, authorized to work in US), Ladders for Leaders (NYC residents ages 16-24), and Bossgirls (NY tri-state area, grades 9-12)
Earliest deadlines: Ladders for Leaders (January 16), Wall Street in the Classroom (priority April 1), and Invest in Her (priority April 1)
14 Venture Capital Internships in New York for High School Students
1. Futures and Options – Internship Program
Location: New York City, NY (in-person, hybrid, and remote internships; workshops in Manhattan)
Cost/Stipend: Paid
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective; limited placements
Program Dates: July–August (6 weeks; 120–150 hours total)
Application Deadline: Rolling until spots are filled
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors enrolled in NYC schools; must be authorized to work in the U.S.
The Futures and Options Internship Program is a structured, paid internship opportunity designed to help you gain real-world work experience while still in high school. You are matched with a business partner based on your interests and skills, so you can explore fields such as finance, business operations, and entrepreneurship in a real workplace setting. During the internship, you work 20–30 hours each week, gaining practical experience while developing workplace skills such as communication, time management, and problem-solving. A key component of the program is its strong emphasis on career readiness and mentorship. Beyond your internship, you participate in orientations and weekly career development workshops that focus on your professional growth and long-term career planning. You also receive guidance from mentors and supervisors throughout the experience.
2. Young Founders Lab
Location: 100% Virtual (live, interactive workshops)
Cost/Stipend: Varies by program type; full financial aid available
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective
Program Dates: Multiple cohorts offered in summer, fall, winter, and spring
Application Deadline: Varies by cohort
Eligibility: Open to high school students
The Young Founders Lab is a startup-focused boot camp founded and led by Harvard entrepreneurs, designed to help you build a revenue-generating venture from the ground up. You work on identifying a real-world problem and developing a startup to address it, combining theoretical learning with practical execution. Throughout the program, you are mentored by experienced professionals, including entrepreneurs and experts from companies such as Google, Microsoft, and X, giving you insights into how successful businesses are built and scaled. In addition to building your startup, you participate in interactive classes on business fundamentals, ideation, and strategy. You will learn about finance, the basics of investing, and understand the financial aspects of running a business.
3. NYC Venture Capital Internship Program
Location: New York City, NY
Cost/Stipend: Paid
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Highly selective; 20 interns placed annually
Program Dates: 10 weeks (Summer)
Application Deadline: Varies by year
Eligibility: Primarily NYC-based students, typically college-level; limited applicability for high school students
The NYC Venture Capital Internship Program gives you an opportunity to step inside real venture capital firms across New York City and see how investment decisions are made. As an intern, you'll gain hands-on experience in key areas such as market research, deal sourcing, due diligence, portfolio support, and fundraising. Working within active investment teams, you develop a clear understanding of how venture capital firms identify and evaluate startups, as well as how they support companies after investing. A key highlight of the program is its strong emphasis on mentorship and professional development. In addition to your internship, you participate in networking sessions and receive guidance from experienced venture capital professionals. You also gain insights into the broader VC ecosystem in New York, one of the world's largest startup funding hubs.
4. Ladder Internship Program
Location: Remote (work from anywhere)
Cost/Stipend: Varies by program; financial aid may be available
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective
Program Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year
Application Deadline: Varies by cohort
Eligibility: High school students (also open to undergraduates and gap year students; must commit 10–20 hours/week for 8–12 weeks)
The Ladder Internship Program is a selective startup internship that lets you work with high-growth companies across industries including finance, consulting, marketing, and technology. You contribute to real-world projects within startups that are often backed by significant funding and led by experienced founders from organizations such as Google, Microsoft, and Y Combinator-backed ventures. This helps you understand how startups operate, grow, and secure investment in competitive markets. During the internship, you collaborate with a startup team, receive guidance from a dedicated manager and a Ladder Coach, and build practical skills in research, communication, and business strategy. Though you won’t be enrolled in a venture capital program, you will learn investing, trading, and finance skills if you pursue an internship in these fields.
5. Ladders for Leaders
Location: New York City, NY
Cost/Stipend: Paid
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Highly selective
Program Dates: Summer (typically July–August)
Application Deadline: January 16
Eligibility: Students aged 16–24 enrolled in high school or college; must be NYC residents and authorized to work in the U.S.
Ladders for Leaders is a highly competitive, paid internship program that connects you with top corporations, nonprofits, and government agencies across New York City. As part of NYC’s Summer Youth Employment Program, this program is designed to provide high-achieving students with meaningful professional experience in fields such as finance, business, and public service. You are placed in roles that align with your interests, so you can step into a professional environment and see how different industries operate day to day. A key feature of the program is its strong focus on career readiness. Before starting your internship, you'll complete 30 hours of pre-employment training that covers essential skills such as résumé building, interview preparation, and workplace etiquette. During the internship, you'll develop professional skills, expand your network, and receive mentorship from experienced professionals.
6. CLA High School Internship Program
Location: Multiple locations, including New York City, NY (availability varies by office)
Cost/Stipend: Paid
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective
Program Dates: Summer (typically June; varies by location)
Application Deadline: Varies by location (many sites fill early)
Eligibility: High school students (requirements vary by office)
The CLA High School Internship Program is a great way to explore careers in accounting, finance, and advisory services. As an intern, you'll work within a leading professional services firm, gaining a behind-the-scenes look at how businesses manage finances, operations, and client relationships. Instead of just observing, you'll take part in real workplace tasks that show the role of financial advisors and how organizations support companies, families, and communities. A key highlight of the program is its emphasis on mentorship and early career development. You work alongside experienced professionals, receive guidance on career pathways, and build skills in communication, problem-solving, and business analysis. You'll also gain insights into how the financial industry is evolving, including the growing role of technology, automation and AI in finance.
7. JPMorgan Chase High School Programs
Location: Multiple U.S. locations (including New York; some virtual/hybrid options)
Cost/Stipend: Varies by program; some are paid, others are exploratory
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective; varies by program
Program Dates: Year-round and summer opportunities
Application Deadline: Rolling or program-specific
Eligibility: High school students (requirements vary by program and region)
JPMorgan Chase’s high school programs give you an early look into the world of finance through structured learning, mentorship, and hands-on experiences. You gain insights into how a global financial institution operates, exploring areas such as investment banking, asset management, operations, and financial technology. These programs are designed to help you understand the wide range of roles aavailabl in finance, while developing a strong foundation in business concepts. A key highlight of these programs is their focus on your professional development and future opportunities. You'll participate in workshops, networking sessions, and mentorship opportunities that help you build communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills. You also gain a clear understanding of workplace expectations and career pathways within one of the world’s largest financial institutions.
8. Wall Street in the Classroom
Location: Fordham University, Bronx, NY (hybrid: in-person or virtual)
Cost/Stipend: $1,300 (includes $100 non-refundable deposit)
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective; limited seats per session
Program Dates: June 15–19, June 22–26, July 20–24, July 27–31
Application Deadline: Priority by April 1 (rolling thereafter)
Eligibility: High school students
The Wall Street in the Classroom program at Fordham’s Gabelli School of Business is a one-week program designed to introduce you to the core principles of finance and investing. You'll explore topics such as financial markets, personal finance, time value of money, and investment analysis, helping you build a strong understanding of how money and markets function. The program also goes beyond the basics, giving you exposure to advanced areas such as hedge funds, private equity, and cryptocurrency. A key highlight of the program is its direct connection to industry expertise. You learn from a former Wall Street trader and interact with guest speakers from top financial firms, gaining insights into real-world applications of finance. The program also focuses on discussion-based learning, helping you develop analytical thinking and confidence in understanding complex financial concepts.
9. Bossgirls
Location: City College of New York, New York, NY
Cost/Stipend: Free (no stipend)
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective; limited cohort
Program Dates: June 29 – July 30
Application Deadline: Closed for 2026 (typically spring)
Eligibility: High school girls and nonbinary students (grades 9–12) in the NY tri-state area
Bossgirls is a 5-week entrepreneurship program that lets you explore business, innovation, and startup thinking by actually building something on your own. Hosted by the Zahn Innovation Center at CCNY, the program helps you identify real-world problems and develop business ideas using human-centered design principles. You work in teams to explore opportunities, build solutions, and understand how businesses are created from the ground up. A key highlight of the program is its emphasis on pitching and practical application. You develop your idea throughout the program and present it at the end in a format similar to a startup pitch competition. Along the way, you engage with mentors, participate in workshops, and connect with a community of like-minded peers interested in entrepreneurship.
10. Invest in Her: Financial Literacy and Leadership for Women
Location: Fordham University, Bronx, NY
Cost/Stipend: $1,300 (includes $100 non-refundable deposit)
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective; limited seats
Program Dates: July 13–17
Application Deadline: Priority by April 1 (rolling thereafter)
Eligibility: Female high school students
The Invest in Her program at Fordham’s Gabelli School of Business is a one-week program that introduces you to finance, accounting, and leadership through the lens of women in business. You explore key topics such as financial markets, financial statements and accounting principles, while building analytical and problem-solving skills through collaborative activities. The program also emphasizes professional development, helping you understand workplace expectations and develop confidence in leadership settings. A key highlight of the program is its focus on mentorship and representation. You learn from experienced faculty and connect with guest speakers and alumni from top firms, gaining insights into career pathways for women in finance and business. Through discussions and practical exercises, you build technical knowledge, leadership skills and executive presence.
11. Athena Summer Innovation Institute
Location: Barnard College, New York, NY
Cost/Stipend: $10,771 (residential); $8,160 (commuter)
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective; limited cohort
Program Dates: June 29 – July 17
Application Deadline: Typically spring (varies annually)
Eligibility: High school students
The Athena Summer Innovation Institute is a 3-week entrepreneurship program that helps you turn your ideas into ventures that create meaningful social impact. Hosted in collaboration with the Athena Center for Leadership at Barnard College, the program guides you through building ventures such as startups, nonprofits, or advocacy campaigns. You explore key areas of entrepreneurship, including product development, customer research, branding, marketing, and startup finance, thereby gaining a comprehensive understanding of how ideas become meaningful and sustainable. A key highlight of the program is its emphasis on mentorship and experiential learning. You work in teams to develop a venture from ideation to execution, receiving guidance from instructors, a mentor-in-residence, and experienced entrepreneurs. The program also includes workshops, site visits to startups, and training in public speaking through Barnard’s Speaking Fellows. The experience culminates in a final pitch presentation, where you showcase your idea and receive feedback.
12. SC Johnson Summer Internship Program
Location: U.S. business hubs (some remote/hybrid opportunities)
Cost/Stipend: Paid; may include housing support and flexible scheduling
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective
Program Dates: Summer (10–12 weeks)
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: High school seniors entering college (select roles)
The SC Johnson Summer Internship Program offers you the opportunity to experience what it's like to work in a global consumer goods company, while still in high school. You work in areas such as finance, marketing, supply chain, sales, or human resources, contributing to real projects that impact business operations. This helps you understand how large corporations make strategic decisions and manage products at scale. A key highlight of the program is its strong emphasis on mentorship and professional development. You'll participate in training sessions, networking events, and collaborative projects that build your skills in communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. By working alongside experienced professionals, you gain insights into corporate structure, brand strategy, and day-to-day business operations.
13. Young Founders School x BSD Education – High School Internship Program
Location: Virtual (projects with companies worldwide)
Cost/Stipend: Varies by placement; some sponsored spots available
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective
Program Dates: Year-round (typically 4–6 weeks per internship)
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: High school students in grades 9–12
The High School Internship Program by Young Founders School, in partnership with BSD Education, gives you the opportunity to work on real business challenges with global companies across industries such as finance, consulting, healthcare, and technology. You'll begin with a training module that covers essential skills such as business writing, marketing, and professional communication, preparing you for real-world work environments. After completing the training, you’ll be matched with a company and assigned to a team working on live business challenges. Throughout the internship, you collaborate with peers, receive mentorship, and contribute to projects that require problem-solving and strategic thinking. You can choose from multiple career pathways, including finance and business management, allowing you to tailor the experience to your interests. The program concludes with a final presentation to company partners, giving you the opportunity to showcase your work and build confidence in a real-world business environment.
14. CLA High School Internship Program
Location: Select CLA offices nationwide
Cost/Stipend: Paid internship
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective
Program Dates: Summer (6–8 weeks, beginning in June)
Application Deadline: Varies by location
Eligibility: High school students ages 16–18
The CLA High School Internship Program gives you the opportunity to work inside a professional accounting and consulting firm while still in high school. You contribute to real projects in areas such as financial management, operational efficiency, and client service, while learning how business decisions are made in a professional services environment. During the internship, you collaborate with teams in tax, audit, and wealth advisory, which helps you understand the different career paths available in finance and consulting. A major highlight of the program is its structured mentorship and team-based learning model. You receive a laptop, attend in-person sessions Monday through Thursday, and build practical skills in communication, teamwork, and problem-solving.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Are there paid venture capital or finance internships for high school students in New York?
Yes, most programs on this list are paid. Ladders for Leaders pays minimum wage for the full internship period. CLA provides hourly compensation at both its NYC and nationwide offices. Futures and Options is a paid placement with 20-30 hours per week over six weeks. SC Johnson and JPMorgan Chase also offer paid programs, though eligibility varies by program and year. For students who want a remote paid alternative with financial aid, Young Founders Lab and Ladder Internship are both accessible regardless of location.
2. Which programs are best for students interested in finance and investing specifically?
Wall Street in the Classroom at Fordham is the most directly finance-focused option, covering financial markets, time value of money, hedge funds, and private equity through a former Wall Street trader. Invest in Her covers financial statements, accounting principles, and investment analysis specifically, making it a strong option for students interested in the analytical side of finance. The 1435 Capital Management internship offers the most hands-on investing experience, placing you inside a real private investment firm working on market research, company evaluation, and due diligence.
3. How can I strengthen my application for competitive VC and finance internships in New York?
Most programs look for demonstrated interest in finance or business rather than prior experience. Building a basic understanding of how startups are valued, how venture capital funds operate, and how to read a simple financial model will set you apart. Participating in pitch competitions or business case competitions before applying gives you concrete experience to reference in interviews. The Young Founders Lab includes training in startup building, financial modeling basics, and pitching, making it a strong preparation program before applying to more selective finance internships.