10 Online Internships for High School Students
4 minute read
Are you highly motivated, but don't necessarily have the time or resources to travel? Do you wish you could intern at a company located on the opposite side of the country? Don’t worry! Whether you’re interested in politics, journalism, medicine, conservation, or business, there are lots of online internships for high school students that you can consider.
In this article, we will discuss 10 top-tier remote internships for high school students. We will also review the many benefits of online internships, as well as provide you with tips on how to make the most out of an online internship program. So if you have a busy schedule, but are eager to develop job skills, you may want to consider the many opportunities available to you online!
Why Online Internships Are Valuable for High School Students
From skill development and career exploration to networking opportunities and scheduling flexibility, there are lots of reasons why online internships are valuable for high school students. Consider some of the reasons listed below:
Flexibility: Since you don’t need to worry about travelling or commuting for a remote internship, you can manage your schedule much more easily. This means that you can gain practical work experience while managing school and extracurricular activities. Remote internships also offer students diverse internship options since they don’t need to travel. This means that a student living in Orlando can have an internship in NYC without having to leave the house.
Skill Development: Interns learn valuable technical and soft skills, such as communication, time management, and problem-solving. In virtual internships, students can not only gain but also build on their existing skills. So even if you’re not sure what career you’d like to pursue, an internship can still give you valuable work experience and help you build a professional network. Overall, internships are a great way to prepare for college and beyond.
Career Exploration: Exposure to different fields helps students discover interests and potential career paths. And even if you know which field you’d like to enter, having an internship can give you more insight into the ins and outs of that industry so that you can have a better idea of what kinds of jobs may be available to you in that field in the future. Internships are also a great way to network, which can lead to more opportunities in the future.
College & Resume Boost: By showcasing a positive work ethic and hands-on work experience, internships make students stand out in college applications and job searches. It’s no secret that college admissions are becoming increasingly competitive, so anything you can do to bolster your resume is well worth the time and effort!
10 Best Online Internships for High School Students
There are lots of remote internships for high school students listed on typical job platforms, like LinkedIn and Indeed, but if you’re interested in applying for some of the best online internships, you may want to consider these 10 internships:
1. Forage
Forage offers virtual work experience programs that allow high school students to gain insight into various industries by completing real tasks from top companies within the context of various work simulations. These online internships are skill-focused, providing students with valuable exposure to career paths in fields such as finance, fashion, real estate, and more. By allowing participants to explore their interests without the commitment of a formal internship, students can bolster their resumes with flexibility. Most programs last approximately 5-6 hours and are open to high school students worldwide. Register on the Forage website to access available programs.
2. Intern Abroad HQ
Intern Abroad HQ specializes in global virtual internships, allowing high school students to connect with organizations around the world without having to leave their homes. Students can choose from a variety of fields such as environmental conservation, healthcare, and human rights, gaining international experience and a global perspective that enriches their educational journey. Open to high school students aged 16 to 18. Application deadlines and durations vary by program.
3. Green Scholars Program by Seaside Sustainability
The Green Scholars Program offers high school students hands-on experience in environmental sustainability projects. Participants engage in research, community outreach, and practical conservation efforts while learning about the importance and real-world impact of ecological preservation. This internship fosters passion for environmental science and develops skills applicable to future careers in sustainability. Apply through the Seaside Sustainability website, providing relevant project interests, so that you can be matched with your ideal project. The duration of internships varies, but they typically will take place over several months.
For more Environmental Studies opportunities, click here!
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4. Johns Hopkins Internship in Brain Sciences (JHIBS)
The Johns Hopkins Internship in Brain Sciences (JHIBS) offers high school juniors and seniors, living in the US or Canada, the chance to work with leading researchers in neuroscience at Johns Hopkins University. During this immersive program, interns explore topics like cognitive function and mental health, engaging in meaningful research projects that can shape their understanding of brain science and inspire future educational endeavors. Applications for summer programs are open annually from December 1st – March 1st.
Interested in learning more about other medical research opportunities? Check out these Top 10 Medical Summer Research Opportunities for High School Students.
5. George Mason University’s Aspiring Scientists Summer Internship Program (ASSIP)
The Aspiring Scientists Summer Internship Program (ASSIP) provides high school students (ages 15+) with the opportunity to conduct scientific research alongside faculty mentors. Participants engage in hands-on lab work, learn research methodologies, and present their findings, making it an excellent way to cultivate scientific inquiry skills and explore potential careers in STEM fields. This program is free to attend (with a $25 application fee) and takes place over the course of 8 weeks, from June 18th – August 9th.
6. Foreign Policy Research Institute
The Foreign Policy Research Institute offers interns the chance to engage with critical issues in international relations and policy analysis. High school students can assist with research, writing, and event planning, providing a comprehensive understanding of foreign policy and its implications while developing analytical and communication skills vital for future academic pursuits. Interns are paired with their own mentor; this ensures that they will have sufficient resources to grow meaningfully within this position. Internships are offered in the spring, summer, and fall.
7. Project Write Now Teen Internship
The Project Write Now Teen Internship allows high school students (ages 15-18) to develop their writing skills while working on meaningful projects that promote literacy and communication within their communities. Interns engage in various activities, including assisting with writing workshops, mentoring younger students, and contributing to newsletters or social media content. Currently, there are two unpaid virtual internships offered, one focusing on editorial work, while the other focuses on journalism and interviewing skills.
Skilled writers may also want to check out these writing contests for high school students.
8. Ladder Internships
Founded by Harvard entrepreneurs, Ladder Internships connects high school students with unique online internships across diverse industries. This platform emphasizes skill development, networking opportunities, and mentorship, allowing students to tailor their internship experiences to suit their career aspirations. Participants gain practical experience and insights that can guide their future educational and professional paths. Interns can expect to work 5-10 hours per week for 8 weeks at a high-growth start-up company that best matches their interests. Applications for summer internships are due May 11th, 2025.
9. American Psychological Association (APA) Internships
The APA offers year-round remote internships for high school students living in the US*. Throughout the course of these internships, participants engage in psychological research, program development, and education outreach. The APA internships provide critical exposure to various psychology disciplines while helping students develop essential research and analytical skills. Internships are either paid or provide academic credit.
* Students living in Alaska, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Guam, Hawaii, Iowa, Louisiana, Mississippi, Montana, Nebraska, New York, North Dakota, Ohio, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, U.S. Virgin Islands, Washington, and Wyoming are not eligible for internships.
10. Smithsonian Science Education Center Internship Program
The Smithsonian Science Education Center Internship Program offers high school students the opportunity to delve into science education through a well-rounded internship experience. Interns work on projects related to science curriculum development and educational resources. This program fosters an understanding of the intersection of education and science, inspiring students to cultivate future careers in teaching and research. Interns are offered a modest stipend and are eligible to receive academic credit or volunteer hours for their work.
How to Choose the Right Online Internship
From finding something you’re truly interested in, to application requirements, to time commitment, there are lots of factors you’ll need to consider as you decide which online internships may be a good fit for you.
Identify Interests: First, choose an internship that aligns with personal passions or future career aspirations. If you’re interested in psychology, for instance, you may want to explore online internships with the APA. If you’re interested in journalism, however, the Project Write Now may be a better fit.
Consider Time Commitment: Ensure the program fits in with your school and extracurricular schedules. Does this internship take place during the summer or the school year? Is the internship self-paced, or will you need to be available during certain hours of the day? How many hours are you expected to work each week?
Look for Skill Development Opportunities: There are lots of online internship opportunities out there, but ideally, you want to find one that is going to invest in you as much as you invest in them. Since many internships are unpaid, you’ll want to prioritize internships that offer hands-on experience and mentorship opportunities.
Check Application Requirements: Review eligibility criteria, deadlines, and necessary materials before applying. Make sure you meet the age requirement and are living in an eligible location. (Even though these are remote internships, certain opportunities may not be available for international applicants.)
Tips for a Successful Online Internship
Being proactive and staying organized is essential for online internships. From managing real-world tasks to engaging in virtual environments, make the most of your opportunity. Use digital tools such as project management apps and calendars to manage deadlines and track tasks efficiently. Not only will these tools help you maintain focus, but they will also significantly reduce stress and enhance your productivity, allowing you to make the absolute best out of the experience. You’ll also want to make sure that you have a reliable computer with internet access and a quiet place to work.
Effective communication is another key to success. Engage actively with mentors and peers by asking questions and seeking constructive feedback via email, chat, or video conferencing. Not only will this help foster a collaborative environment, but it will also enhance your overall learning experience. Finally, reflect on your experiences by taking notes and journaling. Keep track of achievements, lessons learned, and projects for future resumes and college applications.
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Final Thoughts
Online internships allow high school students to gain work experience, develop essential skills, and explore career paths while balancing their academic commitments and eliminating the need to travel. By participating in these programs, students can enhance their resumes, build professional networks, and gain insights into the workforce — all in the comfort of their own homes! Online internships for high school students can be competitive, so it’s important to start researching and applying to internships early.
In addition to the remote internship outlined in this article, motivated high schoolers may also want to check out our online Research Mentorship Program. During this program, Polygence pairs students with a PhD-level expert with shared interests who can help students design and execute an independent research project on a topic of their choosing. For more information, check out our list of research mentors and take a look at past student projects.