As a high school student drawn to animation, the field can feel both magical and intimidating. You might love creating characters, sketching storyboards, or experimenting with motion, but still wonder what animation looks like beyond YouTube tutorials and classroom art projects. One of the best ways to truly understand the craft is by securing an animation internship.

Imagine spending your summer working on animated shorts, learning industry software, or collaborating with mentors who’ve worked on real productions. Through an animation internship, you could refine your drawing skills, explore 2D or 3D animation, understand visual storytelling, and experience how creative teams bring ideas to life. 

How do you find the right animation internships for high school students?

With so many opportunities advertised online, figuring out which programs are truly worthwhile can be tricky. Some internships may be overly general, focus more on theory than practice, or lack meaningful mentorship. That’s why having a clear understanding of what to look for and where to look matters.

Many studios, universities, nonprofits, and creative organizations now offer animation internships that emphasize hands-on learning and real-world exposure. Depending on the program, you might explore character design, storyboarding, motion graphics, visual effects, or 3D modeling. You’ll learn by doing, through guided projects, critiques, collaborative work, and industry-standard tools, while building a portfolio that reflects your skills and interests.

These internships vary in intensity and focus. Some mimic entry-level professional environments, while others are structured as introductory experiences for students just beginning their animation journey. Regardless of the format, they all demand creativity, commitment, and a willingness to learn.

To make your search easier, we’ve curated a list of the 15 Best Animation Internships for High School Students. Each opportunity has been selected for its educational value, mentorship quality, hands-on experience, and relevance to students passionate about animation and visual storytelling.

If you’re interested in art as well, you can check out summer art programs for high school students.

15 Animation Internships for High School Students

1. Arts for Learning Miami – ArtWorks Animation Internship

Cost: Free; interns earn 13 USD per hour for up to 180 hours over 6 weeks.
Location: Miami, Florida, at Lewis Arts Studio or the Koubek Center.
Dates: 6-week internship from June 15th – July 24th (dates may change)
Application deadline: Application will begin in Spring of 2026
Eligibility: High school students in Florida who are at least 14 years old, and they must be a resident of Florida, and who meet I9 work eligibility requirements. 

The ArtWorks Internship is one of the most hands-on animation internships for high school students, placing participants on discipline-specific teams, including animation, supervised by a Master Teaching Artist and Arts for Learning staff. You collaborate to plan and produce original animated pieces, gaining experience in concept development, storyboarding, and production workflows.

The six-week schedule helps you experience a regular creative workday while building time-management and collaboration skills. You also take part in workshops on professional skills such as communication, punctuality, and workplace conduct. The internship concludes with a showcase of completed work, which can be used in a portfolio for college applications and future opportunities. You can apply here!

Why it stands out: It combines paid work, mentor-led studio practice, and a structured schedule that mirrors professional production environments.

2. Immerse Education’s Film & Animation Summer School

Cost: Varies; summer school scholarship available through their bursary programme
Location: Tokyo
Dates: 2 weeks during the summer
Application deadline: Multiple summer cohorts with rolling admissions
Eligibility: High school students worldwide aged 15-18 

The Immerse’s Career Insights Program is one of the most immersive global animation internships for high school students, allowing participants to explore careers in major industry hubs. The Film & Animation track is designed to provide students with skills in 3D animation, storytelling, and film production under the guidance of leading academics and industry experts.

Participants engage in project-based learning with established companies, attend interactive workshops, and visit offices, factories, and headquarters. The program also includes in-person weekly 1:1 career coaching sessions and sessions where you will receive personalized feedback on your resume and overall profile. You’ll also 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: It’s a unique opportunity to study in Tokyo, a global hub for anime and cinematic innovation, with expert mentorship in storytelling, 3D animation, and production, while you create your own personal projects for a portfolio.

3. UNCSA Animation Summer Intensive

Cost: Application fee is $50; Session 1 & 2 fee is $2,638 and $1,552 for Residential and Commuter Students, respectively. The 4-week session fee is $5,162 & $2,985 for Residential and Commuter students, respectively.
Location: In-person, Winston-Salem, NC.
Dates: Rolling admissions; Session 1: June 21st – July 3rd; Session 2: July 5-17
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions; application deadline is May 1st.
Eligibility: Rising and current high school students from around the world.

You engage in critiques during the two-week session, culminating in a final screening festival and reception for families and friends. The Advanced program, for returning students and offered only in the second session, develops greater skills in storyboarding, character design, cinematography, directing, production, editing, sound design, screenwriting, and acting.

You sign up for both sessions sequentially to strengthen your animation foundation for college and beyond. This program immerses you fully in animated storytelling tools, techniques, and audience impact. You can fill out the application form here!

Why it stands out: Faculty-led projects in traditional and digital techniques from a top film school.

4. SVA Pre-College Animation Program

Cost: $2,900 online (3D Animation course), $3,400 in-person Animation course; financial aid is available.
Location: Virtual or NYC campus.
Dates: July 13-31 (Around 2 weeks)
Application Deadline: No applications required, just registration and fee payment. Rolling admissions on a first-come, first-served basis.
Eligibility: Domestic and international high school students ages 14-18. 

School of Visual Arts Pre-College Program lets students explore the essentials of computer animation, 3D modeling, and real-time production using industry-standard software through structured weekday classes. Instructors guide you in developing short films or character stills, complete with editing and sound design.

The curriculum begins with a week of intensive drawing and motion exercises, followed by a focus on character development, narrative creation, and practical application. By merging traditional artistry with digital tools, you gain hands-on experience with the industry-standard production pipeline. You can start the registration-agreement process here!

Why it stands out: Offers up to 3 college credits & you will study important creative principles at an advanced standard that you usually won’t find in high school curriculum.

5. Gobelins Paris Summer School (Character Animation)

Cost: €2800 (for package 2 only)
Location: Paris, Saint-Marcel
Dates: 2-week program; June 29th to July 10th & June 29th to July 17th (for students who opted for an extra week for VFX).
Application Deadline: Varies by session.
Eligibility: Students around the world under 18 with a good command of English and existing drawing/animation skills.

Gobelins’ Summer School in Character Animation is an intensive, pre-professional course designed for students who already possess a foundation in art and software (TVPaint or Maya).

The curriculum focuses on advanced acting for animation, body mechanics, and character design, delivered by industry experts along with participation in intensive masterclasses and workshops. You can start applying here!

Why it stands out: It provides direct instruction from the world’s leading animation school, offering a pre-professional environment that mimics the rigor of a top-tier studio.

6. The Metropolitan Museum of Art High School Internship

Cost: Fully funded (Interns receive a stipend, approx. $1,100).
Location: New York City, NY.
Dates: February to early Spring.
Application deadline: Early spring.
Eligibility: Rising juniors and seniors (Grades 10-11) residing in NY, NJ, or CT.

This program connects students directly with creative professionals in fields such as Editorial & Design, Digital Department, and Education. While not exclusively an animation studio, in the creative tracks, you’ll work on digital assets, media projects, and visual storytelling initiatives for the museum’s vast audience.

You will participate in department-specific work, professional development labs, and “Teen Fridays,” gaining concrete work experience in arts administration and content creation. Once applications begin, you can apply here!

Why it stands out: A highly selective, paid museum internship that allows students to work within design, digital media, and education departments at one of the world’s most prestigious institutions.

7. California State Summer School for the Arts (CSSSA) Animation Track

Cost: $5,174 for CA residents & 10,475 for non-CA residents; Application fee is $20 + other charges (Financial Aid is available).
Location: Valencia, CA (CalArts campus).
Dates: Four weeks (July 6th – August 1st).
Application Deadline: The application deadline is strictly February 28th.
Eligibility: Students from Grade 8 through 12 (California residents given priority, but open to out-of-state).

This rigorous program invites students to explore the full spectrum of animation, bridging the gap between fine art and digital media. Through an intensive curriculum, you master both traditional and experimental techniques under the mentorship of industry leaders.

The course integrates figure drawing, historical studies, and professional workshops, creating a demanding environment designed for dedicated artists ready to push their creative boundaries. You can fill out the application form here!

Why it stands out: Designated “California State Scholars” receive pre-professional training that is legally recognized as a talent distinction, often leading to scholarships at major art colleges.

8. CalArts Summer Animation Residency

Cost: Full course fee is $6,120, and the application fee is $25. CalArts Alumni Tuition Fee 25% Discount Code & Early Bird Discount of $400 available till Feb 15th.
Location: Valencia, CA.
Dates: May 31st – July 2nd (4 weeks).
Application Deadline: The application deadline is April 8, 2026.
Eligibility: Domestic high school seniors (Age 18 and above)

Led by CalArts faculty and industry professionals, this immersive residency develops a strong animation foundation through the integrated study of Life Drawing, Design, and Story. You refine their observational skills to create an expressive portfolio while learning to translate narratives into compelling visual worlds through layout and composition.

The curriculum also covers character development and storyboarding mechanics, culminating in a professional studio-style pitch. By mastering these core areas, you emerge with a comprehensive body of work suitable for college applications and future design endeavors. You can begin your application process here!

Why it stands out: Hosted by the top animation school in the US, this residency offers an intensive work-learn structure focused on producing a high-quality portfolio film.

9. Vancouver Film School (VFS) Summer Intensives

Cost: Approx. $825 CAD
Location: Vancouver, BC, Canada.
Dates: July 27th – July 31, 2026
Application Deadline: 1-week prior to the start of the workshop.
Eligibility: Domestic and international students aged 16 with a minimum band of 6.0 in IELTS. 

VFS’s 5-day Summer Intensives stands out as one of the most fast-paced, industry-aligned animation internships for high school students, beginning with a strong foundation in the 3D and VFX production pipeline before advancing to narrative application through pre-visualization techniques. Guided by industry mentors, you transition into a simulated studio environment to execute your demo reels with professional supervision.

The workflow emphasizes an iterative production process, utilizing one-on-one feedback and group reviews to thoroughly refine specific shots. Final stages involve technical polishing through lighting, rendering, and compositing to ensure high production values. The experience culminates in an industry night, where you debut your completed portfolios to potential employers and professionals. You can apply here!

Why it stands out: A fast-paced, industry-aligned crash course located in Hollywood North, giving students access to professional facilities and standard studio software.

10. Academy of Interactive Entertainment (AIE) Work Experience Program

Cost: Free / Nominal registration fees may apply.
Location: Campuses in Seattle, Lafayette (USA), and Sydney, Melbourne, Canberra (Australia).
Dates: Rolling throughout the year (check specific campus blocks).
Application Deadline: Rolling throughout the year and varies by campus.
Eligibility: High school students worldwide (Years 10-12).

The AIE Work Experience program is designed to open the door to the interactive entertainment industry for secondary students. Over the course of a week, you work on practical tasks involving 3D animation, programming, and QA testing, using the same tools as professional developers.

This program is particularly valuable for students in Australia or the US looking for a confirmed “work experience” credit for their resume, as it focuses on the collaborative and technical aspects of studio employment. Start your application process here!

Why it stands out: It provides a realistic view of studio life in game development and 3D animation.

11. The Experiment in International Living: Japan Anime & Manga

Cost: $8,413 is the program fee
Location: Tokyo and other locations in Japan.
Dates: July 12th – July 31st.
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions (apply early).
Eligibility: High school students worldwide

This program goes beyond tourism by enrolling students in Japanese language and digital arts classes at a local specialist school. You will learn techniques such as color blending, inking, and digital animation from Japanese professionals, gaining insight into the specific production methods of the anime industry.

The experience includes a family homestay and visits to animation museums, offering a study abroad experience that builds both cultural competency and technical artistic skills. You can begin applying here!

Why it stands out: It combines technical animation training at a Tokyo design school with immersive cultural learning and homestays, providing a holistic view of the Japanese animation industry.

12. Ringling College of Art and Design Pre-College

Cost: $7,480 (Residential Program); $5,345 (Commuter Program)
Location: Sarasota, FL.
Dates: 4 weeks (June 21st – July 18th).
Application Deadline: The application deadline is May 1st or when the seats are full, whichever comes first.
Eligibility: High school students worldwide aged 16-18.

The Ringling Pre-College program is one of the most studio-intensive animation internships for high school students, offering a rigorous academic immersion where participants take four college-level courses, including specific tracks in Computer Animation.

You will live on campus and work with the same technology and faculty as the degree-seeking students, gaining a transparent view of the workload and expectations of a top-tier art school. The program emphasizes the mastery of the 3D pipeline, ensuring that you leave with a portfolio that demonstrates not just creativity, but technical proficiency and discipline. You can apply here!

Why it stands out: Students earn 3 college credits upon successful completion while mastering the 3D animation pipeline at one of the top computer animation schools in the world.

13. Pratt Institute Pre-College Intensive – 3D Animation Track

Cost: $8,192 (Resident Student); $5,452 (Commuter Student)
Location: Brooklyn, NY campus.
Dates: July 6-31
Application Deadline: Applications due May 1st.
Eligibility: High school students ages 16-18; international students are accepted

This introductory studio course teaches industry-standard 3D production using Maya and Unreal Engine, guiding you from fundamental modeling to advanced rendering without requiring prior experience. Through hands-on assignments, you create detailed environments and animate characters by applying core principles like timing, weight, and staging.

The curriculum emphasizes the use of texture, lighting, and camera techniques to establish atmosphere and depth in every scene. The program culminates in a comprehensive final project where you combine these elements into a cohesive animated sequence. The result is a professional-quality demo reel suitable for a creative portfolio. Applications can be filled here!

Why it stands out: Portfolio-focused projects in a professional art institute with daily faculty critiques.

14. NYU Tisch Summer High School Animation Workshop

Cost: Tuition fees for 4 units are $8,008; other charges are applicable. The online application fee is $75. Scholarship is available here.
Location: NYU Tisch, New York City.
Dates: Program dates are July 5th to August 1st.
Application Deadline: The Summer 2026 application is closed
Eligibility: At least 15 years old and must be a high school sophomore or junior student during the application. A cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 unweighted scale. International students are welcome to apply

This course provides high school students with a comprehensive introduction to animation through a blend of lectures, peer critiques, and hands-on projects. You will experiment with diverse techniques while gaining proficiency in industry-standard software like Dragonframe, Adobe Photoshop, and Premiere Pro.

The curriculum focuses on developing core competencies in storytelling, performance, and technical production, allowing you to transform your concepts into reality. The program concludes with the creation of a final animated film, presented at the workshop’s close. No previous experience in drawing or animation is necessary.

Why it stands out: A comprehensive introduction to animation blending lectures, peer critiques, and hands-on projects using industry-standard software.

15. Building U Internships

Cost: No program fee is listed; Unpaid opportunity
Location: Online
Dates: Internships run throughout the year (3-month opportunity)
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Eligibility: Students worldwide who are currently enrolled in high school.

You will focus on creating branding content, including writing stories and developing storyboards. This opportunity emphasizes peer collaboration, allowing you to strengthen your communication skills while working with other students. You can reach out to internships@building-U.com for more details. 

Why it stands out: This opportunity emphasizes peer collaboration, allowing you to strengthen your communication skills while working with other students.

From Storyboards to Stronger Portfolios

Animation becomes real when your ideas face deadlines, feedback, and revisions, turning sketches into scenes that move with purpose and polish today consistently.

In a studio-style team, you storyboard, animate, and refine shots, learning pipelines, critique habits, and collaboration that tutorials rarely teach well at scale.

The best animation internships for high school students also build professional confidence through mentors, portfolio milestones, and clear storytelling choices you can explain.

Want your next step to be obvious? Visit our Career Exploration blogs for paths, skill checklists, and study routes to follow right now.