12 Fall Internships for High School Students

For many students, fall means shopping for school supplies, trying out for sports teams, and unearthing your backpack from the back of your closet. Fall is also a time to reunite with your friends and share stories from your summer. But fall isn’t just about going back to school. Fall can also mean the start of a new internship!

While many high school internships take place during the summer, there are plenty of opportunities in the fall, too. Internships are a great way to explore potential careers, find mentors, and develop valuable skills like teamwork, problem-solving, time management, and organization. Internships also look great on college applications. 

That being said, applying for internships can be a lot of work, especially when you’re getting ready for school. This is why we’ve done some of the research for you! In addition to exploring how to make the most out of your fall internship, we’ve also come up with a list of 12 of the best fall internships for high school students. So whether you’re interested in government, psychology, AI, or anything in between, there’s sure to be a program that strikes your interest!

Why Fall Internships Are Crucial for High School Students

Fall internships offer a unique opportunity for high school students to gain valuable exposure to professional environments, all while balancing their academic schedules. Unlike summer internships that often last only a few weeks, many fall internships provide a longer, more immersive experience, which can make them a powerful stepping stone for students looking to build a competitive college application or gain career clarity. These internships allow students to learn from real-world experiences, connect with professionals, and begin forming a network that could benefit them in the future.

Real-World Exposure: A Window Into Your Future Career

One of the main benefits of fall internships is the real-world exposure they provide. Whether you're working in a corporate office, a research lab, or a creative environment, these internships allow you to step into a professional setting and understand the intricacies of the industry you're interested in. This experience will help you gain insights into the day-to-day responsibilities of a job, whether it’s analyzing data, assisting in research, or collaborating on projects.

The exposure you get through internships also helps to solidify your career aspirations. Sometimes, you may think you’re interested in a certain career, but after working on real projects, you may find that your true passion lies elsewhere. This clarity early on can be incredibly valuable when choosing a college major or career path.

How to Choose the Right Fall Internship

There are lots of things to think about as you research and apply to internships. The most important being: does this internship sound interesting? 

While any internship may look impressive on your college applications, the best internships will relate to your interests and career goals. That means if you’re interested in studying politics in college, you should prioritize political internships for high school students. Similarly, if you’re interested in publishing and literature, you should be on the lookout for literary internships for high school students. 

The purpose of an internship is to help prepare you to enter the workforce, so if you choose an internship that relates to one of your career interests, you’ll be able to get a better sense if that career will be a good fit for you. You’ll also have the opportunity to network and find potential mentors who can provide you with valuable career advice.

Next, you’ll want to gauge the quality of the internship. After all, not all internships are created equally! In order to assess whether an internship will be worthwhile, you’ll want to consider several factors, including the reputation of the company, whether you’ll have the opportunity to do hands-on work, and if the internship prioritizes mentorship opportunities. 

And last but not least, you’ll need to consider the logistics. That means looking at factors like location, eligibility, schedule, and compensation to make sure they are compatible with your needs.

12 Best Fall Internships for High School Students

There’s no shortage of summer internships for high school students, but what about internships offered in the fall? While these internships may be fewer and farther between, that doesn’t mean they are any less exciting! In fact, a lot of internships that start in the fall last the whole school year, making them an excellent choice for passionate and committed students who are looking for year-round learning opportunities.

1. NASA OSTEM Internships

NASA's OSTEM Internships offer high school students the chance to contribute to real-world space missions and cutting-edge research. Interns work alongside scientists, engineers, and mentors on projects related to aerospace, robotics, data science, and more. These internships provide hands-on experience and are available in-person or virtually, depending on the role.

Eligibility: Students ages 16+

Location: Multiple locations across the U.S., including Houston, TX

Timeline: Spring: Mid-January – Early May (16 weeks) | Summer: Late May/Early June – August (10 weeks) | Fall: Late August/Early September – Mid-December/January (16 weeks)

Deadline: Spring internships – August | Summer internships – October | Fall internships – January

Cost: Free (Most interns receive a stipend based on academic level and session length)

2. US Treasury Economics Student Intern

The U.S. Treasury offers high school internships focused on economics, finance, and public policy. Students assist with research, data analysis, and administrative tasks that support the Treasury's mission. This program is a unique opportunity for students interested in government, economics, and public service to gain insight into national fiscal policy.

Eligibility: Students who are U.S. citizens

Location: Washington D.C.

Timeline: Spring Internship Period (January-May): Apply in October | Summer Internship Period (May-August): Apply in December | Fall Internship Period (September-December): Apply in June

Deadline: Rolling

Cost: Free

3. Veritas AI Internship Program

The Veritas AI Internship Program allows motivated high school students to explore artificial intelligence through research-based learning. Interns are guided by mentors from top universities (such as Harvard University) and work on independent or group projects, exploring topics like machine learning, computer vision, and AI ethics. This 8-week program is primarily virtual, making it accessible to students worldwide.

Eligibility: High school students with prior AI/Machine Learning experience

Location: Virtual

Timeline: 8 weeks

Deadline: Depends on specific internship

Cost: $1990 – $5400 (depending on program)

4. EnergyMag Research Internship

The EnergyMag Research Internship offers high school students the chance to explore renewable energy and cleantech industries through investigative research. Interns gather and analyze data, write short reports, and learn about sustainable energy solutions. This remote internship is perfect for students interested in environmental science and green technology.

Eligibility: High school and college students

Location: Remote

Timeline: Half-Time Internships: Summer (2–8 weeks, ~20 hours/week) | Quarter-Time Internships: Year-round (1–9 months, ~8 hours/week)

Deadline: Rolling (apply early due to competitiveness)

Cost: Free

5. Wildlife Conservation Society | Bronx Zoo Project TRUE 

Project TRUE (Teens Researching Urban Ecology) is a fall internship at the Bronx Zoo for high school students interested in wildlife conservation and ecological research. Interns engage in hands-on fieldwork, scientific inquiry, and data collection in New York City’s urban ecosystems. This program fosters environmental stewardship and research skills under the guidance of professional scientists.

Eligibility: High school sophomores and juniors

Location: WCS Headquarters, Bronx, New York

Timeline: Fall Program (September – December) | Summer Program (Late June – August)

Deadline: February 24 (applications reviewed on a rolling basis)

Cost: Free (Provides a stipend: $350 for Fall Interns and $750 + MetroCard or $16/hour for Summer Interns)

6. Ladder Internships

Ladder Internships connects high school students with startups and nonprofits around the world for virtual, research-based internships. Students work under the guidance of mentors from top universities and gain experience in fields like business, technology, social impact, and science. The program emphasizes global collaboration, real-world skills, and professional development.

Eligibility: All high school students

Location: Virtual

Timeline: 8-weeks (sessions throughout the year)

Deadline: Rolling

Cost: $2,490+ (financial aid available)

 7. Tech Flex Leaders 

Offered by The Knowledge House, the Tech Flex Leaders program is a tech career exploration and internship opportunity for high school juniors and seniors in New York City. Students attend weekly workshops, receive mentorship from industry professionals, and develop technical skills in areas like web development, data science, and cybersecurity. The program culminates in a paid internship or capstone project with a tech company.

Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors enrolled in a New York City, Los Angeles, or Miami high school are eligible to apply. 

Location: New York City, Miami, and Los Angeles (hybrid format)

Timeline: 9 months, starting in September

Deadline: August 20th

Cost: Free (provides a $1,000 stipend)

8. Harvard-MIT’s Science Research Mentoring Program (SRMP) 

The Science Research Mentoring Program (SRMP) offers Boston-area high school students the chance to conduct original science research with guidance from Harvard and MIT researchers. Students are paired with mentors and work on projects in fields such as astrophysics, biology, and climate science. The program builds scientific thinking, communication skills, and prepares students for college-level research.

Eligibility: High school sophomores, juniors, and seniors. International and US students are eligible to apply. 

Location: Boston, MA

Timeline: September – May

Deadline: May (exact date TBA)

Cost: Free (stipend provided)

9. Internships at American Psychological Association (APA) 

The American Psychological Association (APA) offers a variety of internships to high school students interested in psychology, behavioral science, or public health. Interns support various departments through research assistance, writing, and administrative work, gaining exposure to psychological science and advocacy. This opportunity is ideal for students considering psychology as a future career path.

Eligibility: Varies based on specific internship

Location: Washington D.C. (remote option as well)

Timeline: Year-round

Deadline: Rolling

Cost: Free

10. Student Historian Internship at the New York Historical Society 

The Student Historian Internship at the New York Historical Society allows high school students to explore New York City's rich history through hands-on research and public history projects. Interns learn to work with historical documents, conduct oral histories, and curate digital or physical exhibitions. The program develops archival research skills, critical thinking, and public presentation abilities.

Eligibility: High school students (rising sophomores, juniors, and seniors) who attend school in the New York City metro area.

Location: New York City, NY

Timeline: October – June

Deadline: September (exact dates TBA)

Cost: Free (low-income students may be eligible for a stipend)

11. New York City Mayor’s Office Internship 

The New York City Mayor's Office Internship gives high school students the opportunity to work within various city agencies and offices under the Mayor of New York City. Interns gain exposure to public policy, civic engagement, and local government operations while contributing to meaningful projects. It’s a great fit for students interested in politics, law, or community leadership.

Eligibility: Students ages 16+ who are NYC residents and are enrolled in high school or have been accepted to college.

Location: New York City, NY

Timeline: June – August (Summer session) | October – April (Fall – Spring session)

Deadline: March (Summer session) | August (Fall–Spring session)

Cost: Free (interns are paid $15/hour)

12. The Met Internship Program for High School Students 

The Metropolitan Museum of Art offers high school students paid internships that combine art education with professional experience. Interns participate in workshops, explore museum careers, and work on projects with Met staff. The program encourages creativity, collaboration, and a deeper understanding of art, history, and cultural institutions.

Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors

Location: New York City, NY

Timeline: January 14 – June 9 (school-year internship) | June 25 – August 12 (summer internship)

Deadline: October (school-year internship) | March (summer internship)

Cost: Stipend provided

Building a Competitive College Application Through Internships

Fall internships aren't just about gaining experience—they’re also a strategic move for building a standout college application. Colleges seek well-rounded candidates who have demonstrated leadership, initiative, and a commitment to learning. Internships are a perfect way to showcase these qualities, especially when you can demonstrate how you applied what you learned in real-life situations.

The Power of Mentorship

Many fall internships come with the added benefit of mentorship. A mentor not only provides valuable career advice but also helps you navigate challenges, refine your skills, and introduce you to new opportunities. Having a mentor means you have someone who believes in your potential and can guide you through your personal and professional development.

Your mentor’s feedback will help you reflect on your work, set meaningful goals, and recognize areas of growth. This reflection process is critical for understanding your learning and growth during the internship. Moreover, mentors can offer recommendations that can enhance your college applications or future job opportunities.

A Long-Term Investment in Career Clarity

Internships help you gather clarity on your career before making major decisions about your education or future profession. Rather than entering college uncertain about your career direction, you can use your internship experience to confirm what excites you and what you’d like to avoid. This clarity helps you make more informed choices about your academic path, and it can shape your future career decisions in powerful ways.

By participating in a fall internship, you're taking an important step in the process of self-discovery. You’re actively exploring various industries, gaining valuable skills, and building connections that will guide you through the next stages of your education and career. These internships also provide the groundwork for future internships or jobs, creating a professional foundation that will serve you well as you enter the workforce.

Making the Most of Your Fall Internship

The key to making the most out of your high school internship is to set clear goals for yourself and to actively reflect on your progress throughout the course of the internship. So, before you begin your internship, take some time to journal and come up with some goals for yourself. Goals may include: increasing your confidence, gaining a particular skill set, exploring potential careers, and networking with professionals in your prospective industry.

Next, you’ll have to find ways to balance your internship responsibilities with your schoolwork. This means being organized and staying on top of deadlines. You’ll also want to limit distractions while you’re studying or working on your internship by turning off your phone or leaving it in another room. Set yourself up for success by having a quiet place to work and using organizational tools like daily planners, calendars, folders (physical and virtual), binders, etc.  

Finally, the most successful interns communicate regularly with their supervisors in order to seek feedback and advice. After all, you don’t want to just do the bare minimum — you want to thrive and impress! And the key to impressing your supervisors is to ask questions, build relationships with the people around you, take pride in your work, and focus on improving the quality of your work.

Conclusion: Gain Valuable Experience with a Fall Internship

Internships promote job readiness by teaching important life skills like communication, confidence, creativity, teamwork, organization, and more. They also help students explore potential career paths, so that when they enter college, they can make informed decisions about their course of study. Not only do year-long and fall internships for high school students look great on college applications, but they also provide lots of networking and mentorship opportunities. And everyone knows that networking and mentorships are paramount for any successful career!

In addition to the 12 fall internships for high school students outlined in this article, students may also want to look into Polygence’s Research Mentorship Program. Here at Polygence, we believe that following your passion and curiosity is a powerful way to learn and grow. This is why we offer personalized mentorship and project-based learning that fits busy schedules. So whether you’re interested in lab-grown organs, the stock market, environmental sustainability, or anything in between, Polygence has the tools and motivation to help you succeed!

For more information about our programs, peruse our database of research program mentors and check out some of our past student projects.