When summer arrives, it often feels like a pause from the usual rhythm of classes, assignments, and exams. But it can also be a productive window to explore how what you learn in school connects to the real world, especially through hands-on business internships for high school students. These opportunities allow you to step outside the classroom and observe how organizations operate, make decisions, and solve practical problems.

Imagine spending your summer assisting on real projects, sitting in on meetings, or supporting teams in areas like finance, marketing, operations, or strategy. You might analyze data, help prepare presentations, or learn how professionals communicate ideas and manage deadlines. These experiences offer a closer look at how businesses function day to day, whether in startups, corporations, nonprofits, or public-sector organizations.

Even if you already have an interest in business, an internship can sharpen that curiosity by showing you what working in the field actually involves. Being part of a professional environment, learning from mentors, and taking responsibility for small but meaningful tasks can shape how you think about future studies and careers.

What kinds of business internships for high school students are available? 

Not all internships provide the same level of structure, mentorship, or learning value, so it’s important to look for programs that go beyond observation and offer real engagement. Some focus on academic exploration and career exposure, while others lean more toward industry experience and skill development.

These internships span a wide range of settings and disciplines, from consulting and finance to entrepreneurship, management, and business operations. Whether hosted by universities, private companies, or community organizations, they can help you test an interest or deepen an existing one.

To explore business beyond the school level, you can also have a look at summer business programs or online business programs for high school students.

While the internships themselves require commitment and effort, finding the right ones doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Below, we’ve compiled a list of 15 summer business internships for high school students that balance learning, exposure, and practical experience.

15 Summer Business Internships for High School Students

1. Bank of America Student Leaders

Location: Local non-profit organization that are selected by Bank of America
Cost/Stipend: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size:
Dates: TBD
Application Deadline: TBD
Eligibility: Juniors and seniors in high school, legally authorized to work in the United States

The Bank of America Student Leaders® programme is one of the most structured summer business internships for high school students, combining paid nonprofit work with leadership development. You will complete an eight-week internship at a local nonprofit, receive a stipend, and attend a fully funded national leadership summit in Washington, DC, gaining real-world experience alongside professional training.

Internships are held locally in eligible U.S. communities, while the leadership summit takes place in Washington, DC. Through hands-on nonprofit work and national-level leadership training, you will gain professional skills, real-world experience, and a strong foundation for college and future careers.

Why it stands out: It uniquely combines paid nonprofit work with a national leadership summit, offering both local impact and national-level exposure in one structured program.

2. Immerse Education Business Management Summer School

Location: Singapore, Sydney, San Francisco, New York, Cambridge, Tokyo, London, and Online
Cost/Stipend: Varies; summer school scholarship available through their bursary programme
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; average of 7 participants per class
Dates: 2 weeks during the summer
Application Deadline: Multiple summer cohorts with rolling admissions
Eligibility: Students aged 15-18 years old; international students welcome

If you are drawn to learning business and management, enrolling in the Immerse Education Business Management Summer School will give you the tools you need to step into the commercial world. The Career Insights pathway offers expert-led workshops, practical projects, and visits to industry settings to give you complete firsthand exposure to the business and entrepreneur world.

During the course, you will be gaining insights into business areas like management, marketing, business strategy, developing a personal project, experiencing real-world challenges, and eventually gaining a Certificate of Achievement to reflect your growth during this program. There will also be classes to improve your academic skills, such as writing a portfolio for your college application. Not only learning, but you will also get day trips and excursions to refresh your mind and strengthen your bond with your classmates.

Why it stands out: The program combines academic business fundamentals, real-world industry exposure, and college-preparatory skill building within an immersive summer school experience that balances structured learning with cultural excursions.

3. University of Colorado Boulder Business Leadership Program

Location: Boulder, CO
Cost/Stipend: Free of charge
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not disclosed
Dates: 21-27 June
Application Deadline: 13th March
Eligibility: High school students in junior year, Colorado residents, or attending high school in Colorado

The program is designed to deliver a unique learning experience through a case competition, where you’ll work on a real-world marketing challenge for the opportunity to earn a USD 1,000 scholarship to the University of Colorado Leeds School of Business. You’ll learn directly from Leeds School of Business faculty through hands-on classes that emphasise practical business thinking. You’ll also gain industry perspectives and career insights from leading business professionals.

Throughout the week, you’ll connect with peers, build professional networks, and experience daily life on the University of Colorado Boulder campus. The program is supported by corporate partners such as EY, Deloitte, KeyBank, and other regional and national organisations. Upon completion, you can reference their participation as a meaningful academic and leadership experience in their college applications.

Why it stands out: It stands out for combining a real-world case competition with direct faculty instruction and the chance to earn a university scholarship while engaging with major corporate partners.

4. Emma Bowen Foundation Summer Internship Application

Location: Different partner offices of EBF
Cost/Stipend: Fellows will get a stipend
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 150 fellows
Dates: May – June
Application Deadline: Early January
Eligibility: A high school senior, planning on attending a four-year university or US college, with a GPA of at least 3.0, must be 18 years of age prior to the start of the internship

The Emma Bowen Foundation (EBF) Summer Internship is one of the most career-driven summer business internships for high school students, particularly for those interested in media, entertainment, and technology. This paid programme runs for at least eight weeks and places you in professional roles aligned with your long-term career interests.

The program is held across the United States, as you will be placed with EBF’s partner companies in various states, depending on role availability. As a Fellow, you work full-time (35–40 hours per week) in a real professional setting, gaining hands-on experience aligned with your career interests in media or tech.

Why it stands out: EBF distinguishes itself through its long-standing industry partnerships and highly selective fellowship model that places students directly into paid, career-building roles at leading media and technology organisations.

5. JP Morgan Chase & Co Work Experience Program

Location: London, Bournemouth, Glasgow, and Edinburgh
Cost/Stipend: Not disclosed
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not disclosed
Dates: One week
Application Deadline: Application is now closed
Eligibility: Students in year 10-11 in England or S3-S4 in Scotland, aged 14 to 16 years old

The JP Morgan Chase Work Experience Program is a one-week work experience in the UK for high school students that aims to develop core knowledge and transferable skills. During this week-long program, the company will guide you through in-person and virtual sessions with practical expertise such as CV and interview techniques, networking skills, and the opportunity to practice these skills with JPMorgan staff.

The program starts with a virtual session to prepare you for the in-person program. It will be followed by a two-day program at the JPMorgan office of your choice, where you will learn deeper through interactive learning, networking, and skill-building classes. After the in-person experience, you can apply your new skills in a further virtual workshop to fine-tune your professional portfolio.

Why it stands out: It stands out for offering early, structured exposure to global finance through a blend of in-person office experience, virtual skill-building, and direct interaction with JPMorgan professionals.

6. Meta Summer Academy

Location: Meta
Cost/Stipend: Not disclosed, but usually there is a stipend that varies from year to year
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not disclosed
Dates: 15th June – 24th July for 30 hours per week
Application Deadline: 14th February
Eligibility: High school sophomores must live in the area of East Palo Alto, Belle Haven, North Fair Oaks, or Redwood City, with a minimum 2.0 GPA

Are you a high school student who would like to spend the summer learning by doing at Meta, one of the biggest social media companies on earth? Every summer, Meta opens its doors to high school sophomores through a program called Meta Summer Academy. During these six weeks, you are able to get inside the day-to-day operations of Meta, learn coding and financial literacy, explore careers at Meta, and develop new skills that will help boost your future career.

Not only learning how a company works, but you will also get to network with Meta employees and experience Meta like walking in their shoes. What makes this program interesting is that it is seen as an internship; you will get a stipend for every hour you work. The stipend amount varies per year and will be announced to chosen students.

Why it stands out: It stands out as a paid, internship-style program that immerses high school students in the real operations of a global tech company while building both technical and career-readiness skills.

7. Ladders for Leaders

Location: New York, NY
Cost/Stipend: Participants will get a stipend
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not disclosed
Dates: Every summer
Application Deadline: 27th February
Eligibility: High school and college students aged between 16 and 24 years old, residents of one of the five boroughs of New York City, with prior work experience, and legally able to work in the United States

Ladders for Leaders is one of the most accessible summer business internships for high school students, offering paid placements across corporations, nonprofits, and government agencies in New York City. The programme provides structured professional roles at no cost to participants, making real-world business experience available to a wide range of students. The program typically runs during the summer months under NYC’s Summer Youth Employment Program, with application deadlines set in the spring, and all internships are held across the five boroughs of New York City.

You will be paid for your work, making this a fully compensated opportunity rather than a tuition-based program. You must be between 16 and 24 years old, enrolled in high school or college, reside in NYC, have prior work or volunteer experience, and be legally authorised to work in the United States. Before placement, you will have to complete 30 hours of pre-employment training covering résumé writing, interviewing, and workplace readiness to ensure you are job-ready.

Why it stands out: It combines paid, real-world internships with structured professional training and access to an exclusive alumni network within one of the largest youth employment programs in the U.S.

8. Idaho National Library Internships

Location: Eastern Idaho
Cost/Stipend: Interns are paid a national wage, paid holiday, housing stipend
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not disclosed
Dates: Typical university term from 10 to 16 weeks
Application Deadline: 28th January (Priority deadline), 18th March (Final deadline)
Eligibility: Full-time high school students with a minimum GPA of 3.0 who are US citizens

The Idaho National Laboratory (INL) Internship Program offers paid internships, with compensation varying by role and education level, making it an accessible option for you who are seeking funded, real-world experience. Program dates and application deadlines vary by posting, with most internships taking place during the summer and applications typically opening several months in advance through INL’s official internship listings.

The program is held at Idaho National Laboratory facilities, where you will work on-site alongside scientists, engineers, and operational professionals. During the internship, you will work closely with mentors, attend career-focused seminars and networking events, and complete a final project tied directly to your assigned role.

Why it stands out: It combines paid, mission-driven research with hands-on mentorship at a U.S. Department of Energy national laboratory, giving students exposure to large-scale scientific and strategic problem-solving rarely available at the high school level.

9. CLA High School Internship Program

Location: Nationwide in the USA
Cost/Stipend: Students get a stipend
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not disclosed
Dates: 17th June – 19th July
Application Deadline: 4th March
Eligibility: High school students aged 16 to 18 years old who are US citizens

CLA’s High School Internship Program offers paid, hands-on exposure to the professional services and accounting industry, making the cost barrier low since you will earn compensation for your work. During the internship, you will work on real projects and interactive case studies, shadow professionals at different career levels, and collaborate on team-based assignments that reflect CLA’s workplace culture.

The internship typically runs for four weeks starting in June, with exact dates and application deadlines varying by location and announced ahead of the summer intake. The program is held in person at select CLA offices across the United States, and you are expected to attend fully on-site each day. 

Why it stands out: It combines paid, real-client experience with structured career exploration, giving students a realistic preview of professional services before they enter college.

10. 1435 Capital Management Internship

Location: Princeton, NJ
Cost/Stipend: Not disclosed
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not disclosed
Dates: Summer
Application Deadline: Rolling admission
Eligibility: High school students aged 16-18 entering junior and senior year who are US citizens

The Venture Analyst Internship at 1435 Capital Management offers you a hands-on introduction to the world of venture capital through real exposure to investment research, startup analysis, and financial decision-making.

It is held in a hybrid format, with in-person attendance required in Princeton, New Jersey, alongside remote work components. Throughout the internship, you will work alongside professionals in a specialised venture capital firm, gaining insight into real-world financial processes.

Why it stands out: This internship provides rare, early exposure to venture capital in a professional setting, a field that is typically inaccessible to high school students.

11. Jimerson Birr School Internships

Location: Jacksonville, FL
Cost/Stipend: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not disclosed
Dates: Not disclosed
Application Deadline: Not disclosed
Eligibility: High school seniors who are US residents

Are you interested in the intersection between business and law? Jimerson Birr, a popular business law firm in Florida, often open their doors for a high school internship program. It is a full-service business law firm that offers proactive legal and business counsel to clients of all sizes.

The High School Summer Internship gives you a chance to experience a career in a business law firm that focuses on your personal and professional growth from day one. For 4 to 6 weeks, you can assist in different departments of the firm, giving you enough experience to taste different parts of the office to figure out what you want to do in college or as a career.

Why it stands out: It stands out for offering hands-on exposure to business law across multiple departments, helping students explore the intersection of legal practice and business strategy early on.

12. KP Launch Internship

Location: Northern California and various KP offices
Cost/Stipend: USD 24/hour
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not disclosed
Dates: 15th June – 31st July
Application Deadline: 9th January
Eligibility: High school students in junior and senior year, aged between 16 to 19 years old by 1st June 2026, available to work full-time from Monday to Friday between 8 AM to 5 PM during the duration of the internship; check here for geographic requirements

For high school students who are interested in working in the business side of a health care company, joining Kaiser Permanente (KP) Launch Internship in the summer could be a good idea. This is a full-time, seven-week, 40-hour per week, paid working experience where you get the taste of working and networking in KP and earn USD 24 per hour.

This program can be joined from the headquarters of KP in Northern California, or you can choose any KP office that is closest to you. In the internship, you get to experience weekly workshops, as well as networking activities through work-based activities and social events.

Why it stands out: It stands out for being a well-paid, full-time internship that provides deep insight into the business side of healthcare through structured workshops, real work experience, and professional networking.

13. Building-U High School Internships

Location: Online
Cost/Stipend: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not disclosed
Dates: Year-round internship with a duration of between 1 and 3 months
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Eligibility: High school students in grades 9 to 12; international students welcome

Building-U is an online company that provides resources for high school students, such as education programs, skill-building opportunities, and funding options, in order to help students figure out their future. Every year, they host an online internship program for high school students. In this program, you will be assigned to a certain department, such as R&D, Marketing, Coding, Business Development, Social Media, Animation, or Data Privacy.

Each department has its own outcome and internship objective, so you can choose which one based on what you like. Beyond project skills, you will build essential teamwork and communication skills. This project is not only suitable for US and Canadian high school students, but also for students around the world.

Why it stands out: It stands out for its flexible, global online format that allows students to choose department-specific projects while building practical skills and cross-border collaboration experience.

14. San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD) Summer Internship

Location: Diverse locations (industry partners) of SFUSD
Cost/Stipend: Stipend fora  minimum of 20 hours per week
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not disclosed
Dates: TBA, program is held for 6 weeks
Application Deadline: TBA
Eligibility: Sophomores and juniors in high school; priority will be given to rising seniors (11th graders); international students welcome

The San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD) holds an annual internship program where students get to work together with their partner industry. During the internship, you get to work alongside industry mentors, network with professionals, attend a Work-Based Learning seminar with your SFUSD mentor, and get paid for working a minimum of 20 hours per week.

The summer internships will take place for six weeks in the areas of architecture, automotive, computer science, finance, law, and many more. Sophomores and juniors can apply, but priority will be given to rising seniors in the current academic year. The 2026 SFUSD Summer Internship intake will open in February 2026.

Why it stands out: It stands out for pairing paid, industry-based work experience with mentorship and career seminars across a wide range of professional fields, all within a structured public school framework.

15. Microsoft Discovery Program

Location: Microsoft Office
Cost/Stipend: Free, and students will get a stipend at a base rate of USD 20/hour
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not disclosed
Dates: 10th July – 4th August
Application Deadline: March
Eligibility: High school graduating seniors who live and attend high school within 50 miles of Redmond, WA or live and attend high school around Atlanta, Georgia

Who doesn’t want to get the summer experience of working inside Microsoft? The Microsoft Discovery Program is among the most competitive summer business internships for high school students, offering project-based exposure inside one of the world’s leading companies. During the four-week internship, you work alongside Microsoft employees on real projects, gaining insight into professional workflows across technology, design, and management teams.

These projects come from various disciplines within the company, so you don’t have to be interested in tech to be admitted to the program. You will work in a small team to complete a small project, and while working on the project, you will touch base with areas such as Software engineering, project management, and UX design disciplines. Meaning there will be plenty of opportunities to attend discussions about Microsoft and pick the brains of their employees.

Why it stands out: It stands out for its project-based approach across multiple disciplines, allowing students to explore technology, design, and management roles inside one of the world’s leading tech companies.

From Boardrooms to Breakthroughs

A business internship turns classroom concepts into lived experience. You begin to see how ideas are tested, decisions are made, and teams collaborate in professional settings.

The summer business internships for high school students featured in this article show how early exposure to real organisations can build practical skills and deepen your understanding of how businesses operate.

By taking part in meaningful tasks and learning from professionals, you gain clarity about your interests, strengths, and potential career directions.

To explore these pathways further, visit our Career Exploration blogs for insights into industries, key skills, and study routes that can help you plan your next steps with confidence.