In high school, summers are often seen as a time to relax and take a break from academics, but they can also help you explore future options. Internships in San Francisco for high school students offer a practical way to gain real-world experience, explore potential career paths, and build skills that set you apart.

Imagine working alongside professionals in fields like biotechnology, public policy, environmental science, or engineering. You might find yourself contributing to research projects, assisting with city infrastructure initiatives, or helping visitors engage with science exhibits. These internships offer more than just work experience. They give you a chance to understand how industries operate.

Even if you already live in San Francisco, these internships can provide a fresh perspective. These experiences not only strengthen your resume but also help you make informed decisions about your future academic and career goals.

What kinds of internships in San Francisco for high school students are there?

Finding the right internship can be challenging. Not all programs provide meaningful work, and some may lean more toward classroom learning rather than real-world experience. That’s why choosing a verified, high-quality internship is essential.

San Francisco offers a wide range of internships across industries such as STEM, healthcare, public service, environmental science, and communications. In these internships, you might conduct scientific research, assist with engineering projects, support public outreach initiatives, or help manage real-world operations. Along the way, you’ll develop critical skills like communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and adaptability, skills that are essential for both college and future careers.

To help you navigate the options, we’ve curated a list of 15 internships in San Francisco for high school students. 

For adjacent opportunities, consider the internship in New York.

15 Internships in San Francisco for High School Students

1. WPX3 / MPACT Youth Media Internship

Location: San Francisco, CA (local public health/education partners)
Stipend: Paid, amount not specified
Dates: School Year: Late October – May
Application Deadline: September 30th
Eligibility: SF high school students; not open to international students

The WPX3 / MPACT Youth Media Internship is a paid, after-school program for San Francisco high school students that runs during the regular academic year. Throughout the program, you tackle important topics like the harms and risks of alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs, while also exploring community wellness, social issues, and youth perspectives.

You will spend your time doing hands-on activities like conducting research, practicing journalism, building community-focused media campaigns, and creating your own final multimedia project. The internship has a direct partnership with public health organizations, allowing you to earn money while doing meaningful advocacy work outside of school hours.

Why it stands out: It pays high school students to combine real-world journalism training with active public health advocacy directly in their own communities.

2. Immerse Education’s San Francisco Summer School

Location: University of Berkeley, Berkeley, San Francisco, CA
Cost: Varies; summer school scholarship available through our bursary programme
Dates: 2 weeks during the summer
Application Deadline: Multiple summer cohorts with rolling admissions
Eligibility: High school students aged 15-18; open to international students

The Career Insights Program allows high school students to explore careers in major global industry hubs. The Internships track is designed to give students direct exposure to real-world industry workflows and professional environments.

You engage in project-based learning with established companies, attend interactive workshops, and visit offices, factories, and headquarters. The program also includes weekly 1:1 career coaching sessions and personalized feedback on your resume and overall profile. You’ll present your findings to industry experts at the end of the program. You can find more details about the application here.

Why it stands out: You’ll gain direct industry exposure, build a professional network, and receive a certificate you can include in your college applications and work profile.

3. Careers in Science (CiS) Intern Program

Location: California Academy of Sciences, San Francisco, CA,
Cost: Paid internship (above SF minimum wage)
Dates: June-Ongoing (multi-year, year-round participation)
Application Deadline: Mid-April
Eligibility: 9th-10th grade students in SFUSD schools; GPA 2.5+; grade C or higher in science and math; must commit 2-3 years; authorized to work in the U.S.; not open to international students

In this internship, you’ll participate in a multi-year STEM internship focused on scientific research, fieldwork, and public engagement. You’ll examine ecological systems through activities like specimen collection, DNA barcoding, and environmental observation. The program emphasizes science communication, requiring you to teach visitors and facilitate learning on the public floor.

You’ll apply scientific methods during outdoor fieldwork and collaborative project groups led by researchers. You’ll build skills through bi-monthly training sessions, covering STEM careers, financial literacy, and college preparation. The structure includes weekend sessions during the school year and weekday work in summer. By the end of the program, you’ll gain sustained research experience, communication skills, and long-term exposure to STEM pathways.

Why it stands out: A long-term, paid internship that combines research, public engagement, and leadership development, offering progression into advanced roles, mentorship, and the opportunity to participate in real scientific projects over multiple years.

4. SFUSD Summer Internships with Industry Partners

Location: San Francisco, CA. Internship placements are at various industry host sites across the city (e.g., public agencies, tech firms, healthcare facilities, and local businesses) supplemented by weekly seminars
Stipend: Paid, exact amount not specified
Dates: 6-8 weeks between early June and late July
Application Deadline: Mid-February
Eligibility: High school sophomores and juniors enrolled in SFUSD (priority to 11th grade students); not open to international students

This program offers structured, paid internships across multiple industry sectors, including information technology, healthcare support, urban agriculture, and office management. You’ll work alongside industry mentors and engage in hands-on tasks aligned with your assigned field. The program emphasizes applied learning through real workplace responsibilities and weekly work-based learning seminars.

You’ll build professional skills such as communication, collaboration, and time management while completing a minimum of 20 work hours per week. You’ll also gain exposure to workplace expectations and career pathways within public and private sector organizations. By the end of the program, you’ll develop practical experience and a clearer understanding of entry-level professional environments.

Why it stands out: You’ll gain paid, hands-on industry experience while participating in structured weekly learning seminars.

5. UCSF High School Intern Program (HIP)

Location: San Francisco (Hosted by University of California, San Francisco)
Stipend: $4,500
Dates: June 8th – July 31st
Application Deadline: February 8th
Eligibility: Current high school juniors (rising seniors) enrolled in SFUSD or SF public charter schools; not open to international students

This program is an intensive biomedical research internship focused on experimental science and scientific communication. You’ll examine research methodologies while working on an original project under a scientist mentor. The program emphasizes hands-on lab experience in areas such as neuroscience, immunology, and molecular biology.

You’ll apply scientific concepts through data collection, analysis, and interpretation, and build communication skills by presenting research findings and engaging with peers and mentors. The program also includes college counseling sessions, writing workshops, and academic guidance. By the end of the program, you’ll gain research experience, technical skills, and a clearer understanding of STEM pathways.

Why it stands out: You’ll complete a full-time mentored research project while receiving structured college counseling support.

6. High School Explainer Program – Exploratorium

Location: San Francisco (Pier 15, Exploratorium)
Stipend: Paid, exact amount not specified
Dates: Spring, Summer, and Fall. Each session typically lasts about 4 months
Application Deadline: Summer: March; Spring/Fall: July
Eligibility: Students aged 15-18; completed at least their first year of high school Students must also be able to obtain a valid work permit; international students must obtain a valid work permit

This program is a science communication and museum-based internship focused on public engagement and informal learning. You’ll examine scientific concepts by facilitating exhibits and guiding visitor interactions. The program emphasizes hands-on training in science communication, demonstration techniques, and visitor engagement, and you’ll apply learned concepts by leading demonstrations and supporting daily museum operations.

You’ll build skills in communication, collaboration, and real-time problem solving. Training includes over 60 hours of structured instruction in science content and professional development. By the end of the program, you’ll gain experience in explaining complex ideas clearly and working in a dynamic public learning environment.

Why it stands out: You’ll develop science communication skills by directly engaging with visitors in a live museum setting.

7. High School Internships – San Francisco Public Utilities Commission

Location: Various San Francisco sites, including SFPUC Headquarters (525 Golden Gate Ave), Southeast Treatment Plant, and Oceanside Treatment Plant
Stipend: Paid hourly, varies by internship
Dates: 8 weeks in the summer from June to early August
Application Deadline: Typically mid-February
Eligibility: Must be a high school junior or senior (or incoming college freshman); must reside in or attend high school in San Francisco; have a valid Social Security Number and legal authorization to work in the U.S.; minimum 2.75 GPA required for Project Pull; not open to international students

This set of programs includes structured public-sector internships across engineering, environmental science, finance, and public administration. You’ll examine how municipal systems operate through hands-on roles in departments such as water management, infrastructure, and communications.

The programs emphasize applied learning through real workplace responsibilities and mentorship from professionals, where you’ll build technical and professional skills while contributing to ongoing city projects. You’ll apply concepts in areas like engineering, planning, and policy within a public service context. Some programs include cohort-based learning and exposure to multiple departments. By the end of the program, you’ll gain practical insight into government careers and interdisciplinary work environments.

Why it stands out: You’ll gain hands-on experience working on real city infrastructure and public service projects.

8. CURE Research Internship Program – University of California, San Francisco

Location: San Francisco, CA
Stipend: Paid, amount not disclosed
Dates: June 15th – August 7th
Application Deadline: February 8th
Eligibility: Current 11th-grade high school students or City College of San Francisco students, age 16+, GPA 2.5+, completion of Biology or Chemistry with a grade B or better; not open to international students

This 8-week biomedical research internship is focused on basic, clinical, and population health sciences. You’ll examine research processes through hands-on participation in UCSF labs and research teams. The program involves mentorship from faculty, postdoctoral researchers, and graduate students, where you’ll apply scientific concepts by conducting research and analyzing findings.

You’ll build skills in data interpretation, scientific communication, and research methodology. The curriculum also includes college advising and application support. By the end of the program, you’ll present your research at a formal symposium and gain clarity on pursuing biomedical research pathways.

Why it stands out: It pairs rigorous, hands-on laboratory research at a world-renowned medical institution with a structured curriculum of college-readiness workshops and professional mentorship.

9. Youth Art Exchange (YAX) – Summer Media Arts Internship

Location: YAX Studios, San Francisco, CA
Stipend: Paid, amount not specified
Dates: Summer (4 weeks in July); Spring (Late January/Early February – May twice a week after school)
Application Deadline: Summer: late April or May; Spring: Mid-January
Eligibility: Current San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD) high school students; typically ages 14-21; not open to international students

In this program, you will explore a broad range of artistic topics, including animation, architecture, fashion design, digital music production, mural arts, dance, printmaking, and darkroom photography. Throughout the program, your hands-on activities will involve assisting instructors with preparing art materials, providing one-on-one guidance to younger students, and helping to maintain an inspiring workspace.

A compelling feature of this opportunity is its deep commitment to equity, providing a completely free, accessible environment that authentically reflects the local community. By participating, you will build technical art proficiencies, classroom leadership abilities, and program coordination experience.

Why it stands out: It empowers you to transition from a traditional student into a paid community leader and mentor, actively shaping the creative growth of your own neighborhood.

10. I-YEL (Inspiring Young Emerging Leaders)

Location: Crissy Field Center, Presidio of San Francisco, CA
Stipend: Paid, amount not specified
Dates: October through May (Academic school year)
Application Deadline: Typically mid-September
Eligibility: Students in grades 9-12 attending a San Francisco or Marin County public high school; not open to international students

The Inspiring Young Emerging Leaders (I-YEL) program is a paid high school internship based in the Bay Area that empowers you to tackle environmental and social justice issues within your local community. As a participant, you will dive deeply into topics like urban ecology, resource management, and community advocacy.

You will engage in several hands-on activities, including coordinating community events, executing natural inventory service projects, teaching educational lesson plans, and participating in immersive outdoor trips like snowshoeing or backpacking. The program challenges traditional activism by putting you in charge; you actually initiate and manage the projects yourself instead of just following along.

Why it stands out: It treats national parks not just as recreational spaces, but as active community classrooms where young people are trusted with genuine authority and paid to create real change.

11. Youth Employment Programs for Students with Disabilities – Jewish Vocational Service

Location: Various SFUSD high schools (e.g., George Washington, John O’Connell) and JVS San Francisco HQ
Stipend: Paid, amount not disclosed
Dates: Summer: Mid-June through late July/August; also operates throughout the Academic Year
Application Deadline: Early February
Eligibility: Youth with disabilities enrolled in or recently graduated from high school (often through SFUSD programs); not open to international students

This set of programs provides workforce training and internship opportunities focused on career readiness and employment skills. You’ll examine workplace expectations through structured training in communication, job search strategies, and technical skills. The programs involve applied learning through internships, job shadowing, and employer site visits.

You’ll apply skills using tools such as Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint in training modules like REACH. You’ll build competencies in professional communication, teamwork, and workplace adaptability. Some pathways include technology-focused training and supported job placements. By the end of the program, you’ll gain foundational skills and experience to support transition into employment or further education.

Why it stands out: Its deep integration with the San Francisco Unified School District, offering students with disabilities highly personalized job-readiness coaching and paid internships that bridge the gap between high school education and long-term economic mobility.

12. Youth Workforce Development Programs – San Francisco Department of Children, Youth and Their Families

Location: Various locations throughout San Francisco, including city departments (SF Public Library, SFPUC, SFO Airport), non-profit partner sites, and the main DCYF office
Stipend: Paid, amount not disclosed
Dates: Academic Year and summer programs (varies by provider)
Application Deadline: Summer: April; Academic Year: Mid-September
Eligibility: Youth aged 14-17 and young adults aged 18-24 in San Francisco; some programs linked to SFUSD; not open to international students

This initiative offers workforce development programs focused on job training, internships, and career readiness across multiple sectors. You’ll examine workplace skills through structured training and hands-on job placements. The programs emphasize applied learning through partnerships with community organizations and city agencies.

You’ll apply skills in areas such as communication, teamwork, and basic technical competencies. You’ll build experience through real work environments, including internships and entry-level roles. Some pathways include first-job preparation through programs like MYEEP. By the end of the program, you’ll gain foundational work experience and exposure to different career pathways.

Why it stands out: It offers you a rare opportunity to gain professional experience directly within city government agencies, bridging the gap between classroom learning and public service careers.

13. Hutton Junior Fisheries Biology Program

Location: Available across all 50 U.S. states, Puerto Rico, Canada, Mexico, and the Pacific Islands; participants are assigned a location that is within a 45-minute commute of their home.
Stipend: $3,000
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive; 27-33 students make it to the final cohort each year
Dates: June – August (flexible, 8 weeks)
Application Deadline: January 25th
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors; at least 16 years old by the internship start date; not open to international students

The Hutton Junior Fisheries Biology program is an eight-week paid summer internship where you explore fisheries science, aquatic conservation, and habitat management alongside an expert mentor. During this immersive experience, you will do hands-on field activities like stream sampling, electrofishing, fish tagging, and seining.

The program pairs you with a local professional within a short commute and awards you a stipend upon successful completion. Through these daily projects, you will learn practical skills like collecting water quality data, analyzing fish age in a lab, and communicating ecology to the public. By the end, you will gain a realistic view of what a marine or freshwater biology career actually entails.

Why it stands out: It actively works to diversify the fisheries profession by offering paid mentorship to underrepresented students to help fill an anticipated industry shortage.

14. OFA Young Architects and Landscape Architects High School Internship

Location: San Francisco, CA (San Francisco Public Works offices and various city project sites)
Stipend: Paid, amount not disclosed
Dates: 6- to 8-week session running from June to August
Application Deadline: April 10th
Eligibility: High school students (typically ages 13-24) who live and/or attend school in San Francisco; not open to international students

The OFA Young Architects and Landscape Architects High School Internship is a paid opportunity where you explore the field of public-sector design. Hosted by San Francisco Public Works, the program covers core topics in both architecture and landscape architecture, teaching you exactly how civic spaces are planned and developed.

Throughout the internship, you will engage in practical activities like attending active construction-site visits, navigating industry-standard design software, and executing real design processes. The program gives you direct exposure to genuine city projects that serve local neighborhoods, such as public parks, libraries, and plazas. Ultimately, you will acquire practical design skills and complete hands-on exercises to build a professional portfolio for your future career.

Why it stands out: It completely immerses you in the public sector, allowing you to earn a paycheck while actively learning how to shape the infrastructure and eco-friendly spaces of a major city.

15. Enterprise for Youth Internship Program

Location: San Francisco, California (various sites across the city depending on the internship placement)
Stipend: Paid, amount not specified
Dates: Typically June through August (Summer cycle); exact dates vary by specific placement
Application Deadline: Usually mid-March
Eligibility: High school students aged 14-18 living or attending school in San Francisco; not open to international students

The Enterprise for Youth Internship Program prepares you for the professional world through paid, hands-on workforce development. You will explore diverse sectors like healthcare, technology, design, finance, legal services, environmental stewardship, government, communications, and retail. During the program, you will complete job-readiness training, attend weekly professional development workshops, and tackle real-world tasks like coding websites or restoring native plants.

The program utilizes a three-phase model, allowing you to earn a training stipend before securing an internship that can even grant college credit. Ultimately, you will master essential skills such as resume building, interviewing, and networking, alongside hands-on technical abilities tailored to your specific role.

Why it stands out: It removes initial barriers to employment by paying you to learn job-readiness fundamentals while instantly plugging you into a robust, long-term professional network.

Turn Real-World Experience Into Career Clarity

A strong internship can make the future feel less abstract, especially when your work involves labs, public agencies, museums, media, or design teams.

The internships in San Francisco for high school students featured here show how different workplaces build different strengths, from research discipline to public communication.

You may discover that you enjoy fieldwork, advocacy, visitor engagement, technical problem-solving, or the rhythm of contributing to a real organisation.

Not sure where that experience could lead? Our Career Exploration blogs can help you connect your interests to possible futures, from medicine and law to software engineering and international relations.