The best internships for high school students in New York teach valuable professional skills and prepare students for college and their future careers. These New York high school internships are a great starting point that allow aspiring young professionals to kickstart their careers.
There are several summer internships in New York that provide comprehensive training and good salaries. These programs also offer access to a mentor and opportunities to gain hands-on experience in your chosen field. If you are a high school student, this guide will provide you with all you need to know about the best summer internships in New York.
Are There Summer Internships in New York for High Schoolers?
Yes, there are summer internships in New York for high schoolers. They’re offered by either private or public institutions and provide a wide range of on-the-job training opportunities. Some organizations pay their interns, while others do not. However, an unpaid internship will offer students the chance to enhance their skills and receive useful feedback from professionals through seminars and training programs.
Top Internships for High School Students in New York
| Internship Program | Organization | Compensation | Type |
| Administrative Internship Program | Apollo Theater Academy | Paid (Undisclosed) | After school |
| Center for Excellence in Youth Education 2022 High School Summer Program | Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Senai | Paid(Undisclosed) | Summer |
| Futures and Options Internship Program | Futures and Options | $240 stipend | Summer |
| Garden Apprentice Program (GAP) | Brooklyn Botanic Garden | Tier 1: $250Tier 2: $350Tier 3: $450Tier 4: $15 per hour | Spring/Summer |
| Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Summer Student Program | Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC) | $1,200 bi-weekly | Summer |
| Ladders for Leaders Internship Program | The Pencil Fellows | Paid (Undisclosed) | Summer |
| Student Historian Internship Program | New York Historical Society | Unpaid | Summer |
| Summer Teen Internship Program | DOROT | Unpaid | Summer |
| Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP) | NYC Department Of Youth And Community Development | $700 stipend | Summer |
| The Met High School Internship Program | The Metropolitan Museum of Art (The Met) | Paid (Undisclosed) | Summer |
Summer Internships in New York for High Schoolers: More Info
Administrative Internship Program | Apollo Theater Academy
- Compensation: Paid (undisclosed amount)
- Application Requirements: Online application
The Apollo Theater Academy offers a summer internship program for young and aspiring creative professionals who want to learn about the entertainment industry. Interns will have several daily responsibilities and learn about digital media and production.
Center for Excellence in Youth Education 2022 High School Summer Program | Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Senai
- Compensation: Paid, but the amount is determined each year
- Application Requirements: In-depth analysis of a scientific article and a podcast, high school transcript, proof of the student’s economic eligibility (if applicable)
There are several internships offered by this organization, both virtual and in-person, which last for four weeks. These programs are for underrepresented communities and low-income students that want to pursue a career in medicine and science. These internships are funded through the New York State Education Department.
Futures and Options Internship Program | Futures and Options
- Compensation: $240 stipend after the program is finished
- Application Requirements: School transcripts and resume
This competitive internship program equips students with essential business skills by providing them access to several firms and multinational corporations. Students work closely with business professionals and are given several hands-on activities and responsibilities. They’re also provided with workshops and seminars to guide them in their budding career journey.
Garden Apprentice Program | Brooklyn Botanic Garden
- Compensation: Tier-based starting at $250
- Application Requirements: Online application and referrals
The Garden Apprentice Program (GAP) provides high school students that are in eighth to 11th grade an experiential learning journey about gardening and agriculture. In this internship, the hours you clock in are also considered community service hours for any school requirements that you may have. This program is divided into different levels, and you go up by one tier as you finish each course.
Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Summer Student Program | MSKCC
- Compensation: $1,200 bi-weekly
- Application Requirements: Online application, latest resume, school transcripts, and recommendation letters
With a rigorous application process, this program for students provides a comprehensive course where they have access to several scientific disciplines. This program has a time commitment of over eight weeks. During this time, students study AI and machine learning tools and learn how AI is changing the healthcare industry. Through this internship experience, students will enhance their research and critical-thinking skills.
Ladders for Leaders Internship Program | The Pencil Fellows
- Compensation: Paid
- Application Requirements: Online application, students must have a cumulative GPA of 3.0, updated resume, recent transcript
This is a summer internship program that lasts for six weeks. Students aged 16 to 21 who are accepted into this program will have the opportunity to work with several government agencies and large organizations in New York City.
Before they are placed within an establishment, students will work on enhancing their hard and soft skills. Students can earn a minimum wage of $15 per hour, and participation in this program can help them with future college applications.
The Met High School Internship Program | The Metropolitan Museum of Art
- Compensation: Paid (undisclosed amount)
- Application Requirements: Online application, short essay responses, and a recommendation letter
The Met High School Internship Program provides paid internship opportunities in the different departments of the museum. As an intern, you will get to attend Career Labs and seminars, which will allow you to network with creative museum professionals and learn about the art industry. This internship is a gateway to a myriad of amazing opportunities for students because they have access to the museum’s facilities.
Student Historian Internship Program | New York Historical Society
- Compensation: Unpaid
- Application Requirements: Online application, must live in and go to school in the New York City metro area, must have the consent of a guardian to apply
This program is for students in grades 10 through 12. As an intern, you will choose the topics you care about the most and conduct research on events that may not have been given enough attention by historians in the past. You will also be assigned a mentor and travel throughout different archives in the city to find more information to help you with your research.
Summer Teen Internship Program | DOROT
- Compensation: Unpaid
- Application Requirements: Online application, must identify as Jewish or have Jewish parents or grandparents
DOROT’s four-week program allows interns to visit Jewish senior citizens and socialize with them. Students who partake in the program will get to know more about Jewish heritage, history, and family stories. They will also be tasked with creating art-based projects through creative writing or videography.
Summer Youth Employment Program | NYC Department of Youth And Community Development
- Compensation: $700 stipend after the internship is finished
- Application Requirements: Online application, reside within the five boroughs of New York City
The Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP) is an on-the-job training course that lasts for six weeks. It provides a career exploration field trip to various government agencies and businesses. The internship also offers financial literacy training and project-based learning tasks. This course is applicable for students aged 14 to 24.
Benefits of New York High School Internships
Develop Job-Ready Skills
Summer programs and NY coding bootcamps are a great way to gain meaningful job experience, which will set you up for future success. These internships provide a robust foundation that will equip you with essential career skills. An internship will help you become more involved with actual work tasks and business activities that professionals perform on a daily basis.
Gain Access to a Mentor
When you enroll in internships or after-school programs, rest assured that you’ll be properly guided throughout these programs. Mentorship is a key facet in self-development and academic excellence. The opportunity of having a mentor is not one that you’d want to pass on. Advice and direction from professionals in your desired industry are great tools for your career growth.
Boost Your Productivity
Internships can train your productivity muscles as you attempt to kickstart your career. They help you learn how to manage your time, stay organized, and become responsible young professionals. Career-oriented students can utilize these programs to improve their output in school activities or personal projects.
Should I Apply to New York High School Internships?
Yes, you should apply to New York high school internships. An internship can aid you in your college application process by providing key career skills and knowledge. It can also provide you with essential real-world experience that you can carry over to your professional life.
Some internships for high school students in New York pay interns or provide community service or college credit. According to ZipRecruiter, interns get paid an average of $15 an hour across the US, but in New York, this is slightly higher at $17.59 per hour. Internships are a great way to gain first-hand experience in a career or field you’re interested in.
New York High School Internships FAQ
Yes, high school internships are worth it. They help you become more productive, give you access to mentors, and can help jumpstart your career. The 2019 Internship & Co-op Survey Report from the National Association of Colleges and Employers states that over 70 percent of interns receive a permanent job offer from the company they interned for.
To make a high school student resume, you must first create a document with your contact information on the header. Second, list each club or organization that you participate in. Third, highlight the types of skills that fit the internship that you’re applying for, such as technical and soft skills. Also, note down awards or recognitions that you’ve received. Finally, you can include your hobbies and recreational activities to add color and personality to your resume.
To find a high school internship that is right for you, you must list your interests and SMART career goals. Go online and research different institutions that offer programs that match your endeavors. Check the application deadline and requirements to see if you’re eligible. Another option is to ask your school if they’re in partnership with organizations that offer high school internships.
To maximize your time in a high school internship, you must be proactive and take initiative in any task that you perform in the internship. Ask a lot of questions to really immerse yourself and become knowledgeable in the field. Complete each task to the best of your abilities and provide as much value as you can to the people around you.
About us: Career Karma is a platform designed to help job seekers find, research, and connect with job training programs to advance their careers. Learn about the CK publication.
