Young students face the predicament of knowing what career they want to pursue when transitioning into college. Luckily, many internships for high school students in San Francisco can help them make informed decisions. Such programs are sponsored by established companies and organizations and provide students with valuable experience.
In this article, we’ll go through some of the best summer internships in San Francisco spanning various industries. We’ll also discuss other periodic programs offering students opportunities to gain work experience, and address a few important frequently asked questions concerning high school internships.
Are There Summer Internships in San Francisco for High Schoolers?
Yes, San Francisco is home to many institutions that offer summer internships dedicated to empowering younger generations to succeed in careers of their choice. These summer internship programs provide students with a platform to gain real-world work experience. In addition, some internship programs focus on diverse communities and under-represented groups.
Top Internships for High School Students in San Francisco
| Internship Program | Organization | Compensation | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Art Speak Internship | Asian Art Museum | $15/hr | 10 Months |
| Bay Area Summer Academy | Metropolitan Transportation Commission | $15/hr | Summer |
| Galaxy Explorer Program | Chabot Space & Science Center | Unpaid | Year-long |
| High School Explainers Program | Exploratorium Museum | $15.59/hr | Summer |
| KP LAUNCH Program | Kaiser Permanente Organization | $15/hr | Summer |
| Sandia Summer Internship | Sandia National Laboratories | $24/hr | Summer |
| San Francisco YouthWorks | JCYC Workhub | $17.34/hr | Summer |
| SFUSD Summer Internship | San Francisco Unified School District | $17.34/hr | Summer |
| Student Leader Program | Bank of America | $12/hr | 8 Weeks |
| Teen Art Connect (TAC) Internship | The Contemporary Jewish Museum | $15/hr | Year-long |
Summer Internships in San Francisco for High Schoolers: More Info
Bay Area Summer Academy | Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC)
- Compensation: $15/hr
- Application Requirements: Candidates must be 16 years, attending high school in San Francisco, ready to attend all seminars and present a topic at the end of the program
The MTC offers high school students in San Francisco an opportunity to learn how the metropolitan planning organization functions through its summer program. This 6-week program targets students who aim to start a career path in government service.
The program includes weekly online seminars where students learn the skills needed for a career in the public sector, decision-making for communities, and general knowledge involving transportation, environment, housing, and other related topics. Students then complete quizzes and make brief presentations on local challenges before they are awarded a certificate.
High School Explainers | Exploratorium Museum
- Compensation: $15.59/hr
- Application Requirements: Candidates must be over 15 years old and ready to work within a museum structure
The High School Explainers Program was launched in 1969 when the Exploratorium Museum first opened. It offers an opportunity for students to lead demonstrations, engage visitors at exhibits, and run other museum operations. In the process, summer interns develop the skills required to meet visitors’ needs effectively.
This high school student summer internship also trains students in various subjects focused on exhibit facilitation and science content. Students are divided into diverse groups to create a learning environment where they can work with people from different backgrounds.
KP LAUNCH Program | Kaiser Permanente Organization
- Compensation: $15/hr
- Application Requirements: Candidates must be currently in high school, available to work full-time for 7 weeks, and have proof of eligibility to work in the USA
KP LAUNCH is a community-based program founded in 1968 with a mission to increase diversity in healthcare careers. Applicants from diverse backgrounds and minority groups with little to no exposure to healthcare are particularly encouraged to take on this high school student summer internship program to see if the health industry is a good career fit for them.
Throughout the 7-week paid internship, summer interns undertake weekly workshops designed to help them develop critical personal and professional skills. It also leverages interactions with supervisors and mentors, alongside networking opportunities, to show students what they can do with a health science career.
Sandia Summer Internship | Sandia National Laboratories
- Compensation: $24/hr
- Application Requirements: Candidates must be over 16 years, in high school, with a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0
Sandia National Laboratories use science and technology to offer national security solutions. It runs a summer internship program for a wide range of students, from high schoolers to college students, graduate students, and Ph.D. researchers, to work on a variety of real-world projects and contribute to national security goals.
Students also receive research mentoring from top engineers and scientists, training and work experience using advanced equipment, and lucrative compensations. At the end of the program, they are awarded academic credits and benefit from the opportunities created by well-established partnerships with institutions across the country.
San Francisco YouthWorks | JCYC Workhu
- Compensation: $17.34/hr
- Application Requirements: Candidates must be high school juniors or seniors, in San Francisco, and be authorized to work in the US
SF YouthWorks is an internship program for students who want a career in helping community members. It involves high school interns training at different San Francisco City departments such as the SF International Airport, the Public Library, and Public Utilities Commission.
City department employees are paired with students to offer mentorship and guidance. Interns participate in field trips and site tours and engage with communities through service. In addition, the Youth Leadership Team program is included in the package to help interns develop leadership skills.
SFUSD Summer Internship | San Francisco Unified School District
- Compensation: $17.34/hr
- Application Requirements: Candidates must be over 14 years and high school students in San Francisco
The SFUSD summer internship program offers paid opportunities for high school students to gain work-based experience over six weeks with 20-hour workweeks. Students get the chance to explore different in-demand careers in the automotive industry, the tech industry, child development, and green careers.
In addition, students work with industry partners, including Children’s Council, UCSF, One Degree, and Edmo. They also work with youth and children in after-school programs. The internships are paired with a course from City College of San Francisco.
Other San Francisco High School Internships: More Info
Art Speak Internship | Asian Art Museum
- Length: 10 Months
- Compensation: $15/hr
- Application Requirements: Open for Grade 10, 11, and 12 students in the Bay Area, committed to working 6-8 hours per week, artistic, and excited about working in a creative field
The Art Speak Internship is a 10-month program that provides career training to public high school students in grades 10 and 12. It is an opportunity for interns to discover Asia’s art and culture and network with like-minded people, local artists, and art organizations.
Students participate in workshops, create virtual art activities, and conduct informational interviews to gain exposure and develop leadership skills. They are paid a monthly stipend in addition to being offered a free membership to the museum for one year. The program is a perfect opportunity to build an outstanding portfolio.
Galaxy Explorers Program | Chatbot Space and Science Center
- Length: 1 Year
- Compensation: Unpaid
- Application Requirements: Candidates must be high school students committed to participating in at least 12 hours of work every month
The Galaxy Explorers Program gives high school students a chance to offer community service and develop work experience while gaining knowledge in STEM and improving public speaking skills. It involves many field trips to research institutions, tech companies, museums, and national parks.
Interns engage with visitors at Chatbot exhibits and assist with community outreach science education. They also participate in social activities and monthly workshops designed for leadership development, skill acquisition, and college planning.
Student Leader Program | Bank of America
- Length: 8 Weeks
- Compensation: $12/hr
- Application Requirements: Legally authorized to work in the US, non-family member of Bank of America employees, and have good standing at your high school
Bank of America launched the Student Leader program in 2004 to empower the young generations and steer economic growth. It is an 8-week paid internship that equips high school students with knowledge about the needs of a community.
Students are stationed at nonprofit organizations to learn leadership skills for social, civic, and business environments. Student leaders will also attend the Student Leaders Summit to learn how governments work and the critical role of nonprofits.
Teen Art Connect Internship | The Contemporary Jewish Museum
- Length: 1 Year
- Compensation: $15/hr
- Application Requirements: Candidates must be high school students entering 10th, 11th or 12th grade, willing to communicate regularly, and commit to set working hours
The TAC internship is a program for diverse high school students interested in working within an arts environment, giving them a chance to offer great services to visitors while gaining work experience. Interns assist in museum work and event planning, guide and educate visitors, and learn about exhibitions and architecture while exploring future careers in arts.
Interns also enjoy a free membership to the Contemporary Jewish Museum, free admission to events, meetings with artists and creatives, and mentorship from professionals in the museum sector while earning minimum wage.
Benefits of San Francisco High School Internships
Opportunity to Network with Professionals
Internships in the San Francisco Bay Area give students an opportunity to collaborate with full-time workers from sponsoring institutions. Such individuals will often be the bridge students need to access career opportunities in the future. Having big-name references could be the one thing that separates you from your competitors and lands you the job.
Gain Professional Work Experience
When students go through internships, they are exposed to real work environments. San Francisco’s high-value enterprises ensure high school internships in the Bay Area equip students with world-class working skills and experience in preparation for successful careers. By the time they graduate, interns can easily transition into employment.
Define Your Career Path
In an era of unlimited opportunities, where students are offered a wide variety of options, it’s daunting to decide on a career path that’s both lucrative and fulfilling. San Francisco high school internships give students the chance to know what it feels like to work in different industries before they commit to an educational path. Hence, students can make informed career decisions for their future.
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Should I Apply to San Francisco High School Internships?
Yes, internships in San Francisco offer a golden opportunity for high school students to transition into college with a clear goal of their career prospects. The programs are designed to place you in optimum work environments that help you develop the professional and leadership skills essential for a successful career. In addition, you’ll earn decent money for your services.
San Francisco High School Internships FAQ
Yes, high school internships demonstrate your commitment to personal and professional growth from a young age. They also demonstrate that you have chosen a career path you’re passionate about and have gained some work experience in a chosen field. These attributes are attractive to colleges and universities seeking to admit and sponsor passionate students.
High school internships are open for qualified students seeking professional experience in preparation for a college education. To apply, simply identify a summer program within your industry of interest and visit its official website. Go through the program’s details to see if it fits you and if you qualify. Then send an effective email application and wait for a response.
Unlike a college internship, a high school internship program happens before you have started specializing in a certain profession. However, you gain work experience and essential professional skills in teamwork, communication, networking, project management, critical thinking, and problem-solving depending on the intensity of the summer internship program.
Interns in California earn an average of $16.42 per hour, according to Indeed. Federal laws stipulate that all workers, including high school student interns, earn minimum wage. However, not all internship programs are paid. Some are non-paid volunteer opportunities that have demonstrated that the internship experience is for the benefit of the students.
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