Career path
STEM Opportunities for High School Students
STEM fields reward early, hands-on exploration. These opportunities span science, technology, engineering, and math, helping students test where their curiosity leads before they get to college.
Junior Achievement of Western PA – Financial Literacy Mentor
Junior Achievement of Western Pennsylvania
High school volunteers attend a one‑hour training, then spend up to five hours guiding middle‑ and high‑school students through budgeting simulations, using JA’s interactive software and real‑world case studies in classroom settings.
DC Summer STEM Academy Competition
Washington Academy of Sciences
High‑school teams from DC, Maryland, and Virginia develop a prototype solution to an environmental challenge (e.g., water quality monitoring). Teams use Arduino, sensors, and data visualization tools, presenting their project to a panel of scientists for awards.
Partnership for Scientific Inquiry (PSI) Program
Jefferson High School College & Career Center
A 16‑week intensive course followed by a summer internship where students design and execute a biomedical research project, learning PCR, gel electrophoresis, and bio‑informatics pipelines in university labs partnered with the program.
Project Engage NJ
Project Engage NJ
Volunteers teach online STEM courses including math, computer science, chemistry, biology, and physics.
Liberty Science Center Volunteer
Liberty Science Center
Share your passion for STEM as a Liberty Science Center Volunteer! Volunteers interact directly with LSC’s guests, helping them get the most out of every visit. Our volunteers receive training and experience in customer service—and they have a lot of fun! Join us, and be a part of LSC’s mission to inspire the next generation of scientists and engineers.
Princeton Learning Experience International School
Princeton Learning Experience International School
Princeton Learning Experience (PLE) International School is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit K-12 school registered with the New Jersey Department of Education (NJDOE), USA. PLE helps youth and adults in the U.S. and other countries learn and develop advanced English reading/writing, STEM, liberal arts, and speaking skills via onsite or online classes, workshops, and communication media. PLE is located in the same city as Princeton University, a famous Ivy League school in the United States, and close to the American metropolitan cities of New York and Philadelphia. It has a high-quality educational environment and rich humanistic and historical resources.
Summer High School Internship Program - Fred Hutch
Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center
High school students participate in an eight-week summer internship, working alongside researchers and scientists on projects related to cancer research and public health.
Youth Conservation Corp Crew Member Application
Lake County Forest Perserves
Past work projects have included tasks like developing nature trails, planting native flora, and restoring stream banks. Participants also learn basic work and life skills, environmental construction skills, and environmental awareness.
Oschner STAR Summer Scholars Program
Oschner Health
The Ochsner STAR Program gives high school students from low-income backgrounds a chance to explore the healthcare industry for free.
Women Empowered Through Business (WEB) Institute
University Of Tennessee, Knoxville
The Women Empowered Through Business (WEB) Institute is a week-long summer program for high school female rising juniors, teaching skills in coding, entrepreneurship, and business, with guidance from university faculty and industry leaders.
Research in Science & Engineering (RISE) Internship/Practicum
Boston University Summer Term
Boston University's RISE program offers a 6-week internship or practicum for high school juniors interested in STEM subjects. Students will work on research projects, attend lectures, and participate in workshops to develop academic and professional skills.
Meta Summer Academy
Meta (Facebook)
Meta Summer Academy gives students the opportunity to work alongside the dynamic workforce of a leading social media network.
High School Program
Kaiser Permanente
At Kaiser Permanente's Oakland headquarters and Northern California medical offices, young adults can work on real projects in various roles, gaining experience in healthcare administration and support.
Vermont Adaptive’s Apprenticeship Program
Vermont Adaptive Ski & Sports
Vermont Adaptive's Apprenticeship Program is for students aged 14-17 who want to volunteer and gain experience working with athletes with disabilities. Participants will learn about non-profit management, share their passions, and potentially earn school credit and build their resume.
Empowered Professionals
Utah Valley University
Utah Valley University's Latinos of Tomorrow Bridge Programs aims to cultivate a diverse community of young scholars, preparing them to succeed in university education and meet its challenges.
Berkeley Lab K-12 - Experiences in Research
Berkeley Lab K-12
The Experiences in Research internship program offers high school students in Northern California paid internships at Berkeley Lab, working on cutting-edge projects in STEM fields for six weeks during the summer.
PrepareRI High School Internship Program
Skills for Rhode Island’s Future
The PrepareRI High School Internship Program is a 7-week work-based learning experience for Rhode Island public high school juniors. Selected students receive job readiness coaching, paid internships with employer partners, and the opportunity to earn up to $4,200 during the summer.
Three-Week Session Residential Precollege Studies Program
Cornell University
Students live on the Cornell campus while taking undergraduate courses and interacting with students from diverse backgrounds.
Next Gen High School Internship Program
Emory University School of Medicine
Emory University's paid summer internship program aims to increase representation of underrepresented minorities in STEM fields. High school students from the metropolitan Atlanta area participate in the program to explore STEM career possibilities.
Summer Student Research Program
UCSF Department of Pediatrics
This summer program pairs under-represented students with healthcare professionals and researchers for one-on-one mentorship and access to workshops, seminars, and networking opportunities. The program culminates in a research symposium where students present their project findings. The goal is to stimulate interest in health sciences and provide students with professional skills and confidence.
UB/Experiential Learning in Emerging STEM Technologies
University of Buffalo
UB/National Grid Camp invites students with math and science aptitude to experience campus life and explore STEM careers. The camp focuses on underrepresented groups in STEM professions. Students spend three nights in North Campus dorms, work on an engineering challenge, and participate in a field trip, business lunch, and UB laboratory hours.
Hands on Experience and Internships
Missouri Innovation Campus
The Missouri Innovation Campus program provides students with a three-year, paid internship and job-ready skills through a curriculum developed by industry partners. Students work with professional mentors and are positioned to excel in their chosen careers.
Young Scholars Program (YSP)
Northeastern University
The Young Scholars Program at Northeastern University offers Massachusetts high school seniors hands-on research experience in science and engineering, with topics ranging from active particles to cancer therapies. Participants also attend seminars, workshops, and corporate site visits. Applications open in January for the following summer.
The Summer Bridge Programs
University of Illinois Chicago's Office of the Vice Provost for Undergraduate Affairs and Academic Programs
The University of Illinois Chicago's Summer Bridge Programs offer high school students and admitted first-year students hands-on experience, workshops, field trips, and mentorship support in fields like health care, computer science, and engineering. Programs are designed to prepare students for college and career success.
The Columbia Climate School in the Green Mountains
Columbia University
The Columbia Climate School's 2-week program in Castleton, Vermont, brings together high school students to learn about climate innovations and effect change. Students will engage with experts, collaborate with peers, and develop skills to drive impact and mobilize action.
Summer Internship
Museum of the Rockies
The Museum of the Rockies is a research and history museum affiliated with Montana State University. It features a vast collection of dinosaur fossils, including a complete T. rex skeleton. The museum offers various exhibits, planetarium shows, educational programs, and camps for members and visitors.
Center for Imaging Science Summer High School Intern Program
Rochester Institute of Technology
High school juniors can participate in a research internship program at a top scientific institution, working alongside world-class scientists on imaging-related projects and gaining valuable hands-on experience in a laboratory setting.
Pre-College Research Internship for Students from Minority Backgrounds [PRISM]
The University of Alabama at Birmingham
The PRISM program at UAB provides minority high school students with hands-on research experiences guided by surgeon mentors, exposing them to medical careers and enhancing college applications.
Summer Program
BESt Healthcare Institute
BESt summer programs are four-week programs that focus on STEM subjects. The goal is to inspire students to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and math, and to create opportunities for diverse healthcare providers in the St. Louis area.
Research Mentorship Program (RMP)
The University of California Santa Barbara
The University of California, Santa Barbara offers a 6-week research program for high school students. Participants are paired with a mentor and work on a research project. They also attend lectures and network with peers and university researchers.
Volunteer Services
Marin Health
About 80 volunteers help raise funds and build connections between the community and the hospital through fundraising efforts.
Pathways Internship Program
U.S. Department of State
The U.S. Department of State's Pathways Internship Program offers paid internship opportunities to U.S. citizens in high school through graduate school, allowing them to explore Federal careers.
The Norman Mineta Bay Area Summer Academy
Metropolitan Transportation Commission
MTC provides Bay Area high school students with the chance to learn about metropolitan planning and government service careers through hands-on experience.
Summer Programming
San Francisco Unified School District
High school students in the San Francisco Unified School District can participate in stipend-based internships related to their interests, but placements are limited and not all students will be offered a spot.
Student Internship Job
Aztec Municipal School District
The Work-Based Learning Program offers internships that connect classroom learning to real-world experiences. These internships are available to Aztec Municipal Schools High School students and are linked to their career goals and Next Step Plan.
Anchorage Fishing Intern
Alaska Geographic
This program teaches urban youth and their caregivers how to fish in their local area, promoting secure fishing abilities.
Einstein Montefiore Summer High School Research Program
Albert Einstein College of Medicine
High school students aged 16 and older can participate in a summer research program at the Einstein-Montefiore institution. During the program, students engage in leading-edge research projects. The experience aims to inspire students to consider science as a career path.
Odysea Aquarium Internship Program
Odysea Aquarium
The OdySea Aquarium offers unpaid internships in various departments, lasting 3-4 months with a minimum of 3-5 days a week. Interns can gain valuable experience and skills in their chosen field.
Youth Summer Program
Brigham and Women's Hospital
The Brigham and Women's Hospital internship program is a 7-week paid experience for students. They work in various departments, focusing on professional development, healthcare career exposure, and community health.
Laboratory Learning Program
Princeton University
High school students participate in a full-time research experience in sciences or engineering at Princeton University. They work closely with faculty and research staff on ongoing projects, with customized participation dates based on the schedules of the research personnel and project specifics.
Summer Camp Counselor
West Virginia Baptist Camp at Cowen
Counselors at camp volunteer for the duration of the camp and are responsible for supporting campers. This is a different experience from being a staff member, who is employed for the entire summer.
Health Careers Summer Internship Program
Hawaii Pacific Health
Hawaii Pacific Health's Health Careers Summer Internship is a 6-week paid internship for high school juniors and seniors. Participants work in various health care professions, interact with professionals, and explore different health care careers.
SAGE Summer Camp Director's Apprenticeship Program
Berkeley Lab K-12
The Science Accelerating Girls' Engagement in STEM Summer Camp is a one-week program hosted by National Laboratory scientists and engineers, aiming to engage high school students in Northern California in hands-on STEM projects and professional development.
Engineering High School Intern
Lockheed Martin Corporation
Lockheed Martin is seeking candidates for a job opportunity that includes on-the-job training and mentorship in computer, electrical, or mechanical systems, software development, integration, and testing.
QCaMP (Quantum, Computing, Mathematics, & Physics)
Berkeley Lab
This week-long camp introduces high school students and teachers to quantum information science and technology through hands-on experiments and career talks. It's free, with stipends available, and requires only basic algebra. The camp is held both online and in-person, with the next session starting in Summer 2023.
California State Parks Student Employment Program
California State Parks
The California State Parks Student Employment Program offers students various roles, including youth aides, student assistants, and graduate assistants, to explore career paths, develop skills, and earn money. Students can work in Sacramento headquarters, district offices, and facilities, and may earn credit towards graduation.
Youth Employment Services (YES) Program
City of Santa Clarita
The Youth Employment Services Program provides job training for low-income or high-risk teens aged 16-18 in Santa Clarita, partnering with local businesses and agencies for on-the-job experience.
Aspirnaut Summer Research Internship at U-M
University of Michigan
The Aspirnaut Summer Research Internship Program at the University of Michigan provides six weeks of hands-on science research experience for high school students from under-resourced areas, including a stipend, housing, and meals, as well as professional development opportunities.
UChicago Summer Session Pre-College Program
University of Chicago
The University of Chicago's Pre-College Programs provide high school students with opportunities to delve deeper into subjects, discuss complex questions, and take intellectual risks in a supportive community. Programs include immersion, research, and language studies, with world-class faculty and instructors.
Woodland Ecology Research Mentorship (WERM)
Wave Hill
The Woodland Ecology Research Mentorship program at Wave Hill provides New York City high school students with 14 months of training in academic science, research mentorship, and ecological monitoring in local woodlands.
Environmentor Program
Rockaway Initiative for Sustainability and Equity
High school students from the Rockaway Peninsula can participate in the Environmentor Program, conducting research on local environmental projects with scientist mentors.
UW Allen School Changemakers in Computing
University of Washington Allen School
Changemakers in Computing is a free summer program hosted by the University of Washington's Allen School. It serves Washington State high school students from marginalized backgrounds, teaching coding skills and exploring the impact of technology on society.
Summer Neuroscience Program
The Rockefeller University
For two weeks, NYC public high schoolers participate in a neuroscience course led by Rockefeller graduate students. Students explore ongoing research and learn how the brain functions in everyday life. They also discover how to investigate brain mysteries in their own unique ways.
New York Bioforce
Columbia Engineering
New York Bioforce provides NYC high school students with 100 hours of lab training to meet the needs of biomedical research labs, biotech start-ups, and biopharmaceutical companies. Students learn hands-on biomedical research skills and science communication and networking skills.
Summer Science Research Program
The Rockefeller University
The RockEDU team introduces a research program where students design and conduct their own projects within a themed research track.
HighTech Bound
University of New Hampshire InterOperability Lab (UNH-IOL)
The seven-week HighTech Bound program at the University of New Hampshire InterOperability Lab offers hands-on experience in computer science, electrical engineering, and computer engineering, with opportunities to work with global companies and UNH-IOL engineers.
Office of Workforce Development Student Training Program
Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
The Office of Workforce Development Student Training Program at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute provides paid internships in hospital departments, focusing on professional development, mentorship, and community relationships.
Environmental Education Internship
Save The Bay
Save The Bay offers internships for students interested in education. Interns assist with environmental educational programs for kindergarten through high school and perform administrative tasks. They also have the opportunity to work at the Newport Aquarium or afterschool programs.
Mining & Explosives Camp
The South Dakota School of Mines & Technology
High school juniors and seniors attend a free one-week program to learn about the science behind explosives and their applications in mining, engineering, and art. Hands-on activities, field trips, and workshops teach students about explosives' chemistry and usage.
The AEOP High School Apprenticeship
Army Educational Outreach Program
The AEOP High School Apprenticeship provides high school students with access to university research labs and U.S. Army Research Laboratories. Participants work alongside professional scientists and engineers on cutting-edge research projects.
Frequently asked questions
What STEM opportunities exist for high schoolers?
Research programs, coding and engineering internships, science competitions, and summer intensives across science, technology, engineering, and math. This page gathers ones open to students.
Do I need to be top of my class for STEM programs?
Not usually. Many programs value curiosity and effort over perfect grades, and beginner-friendly options exist alongside selective ones.
Are STEM programs for high schoolers free?
Many university- and government-funded ones are free or paid; some private programs charge tuition with aid available. Check each listing.