20 High School Internships in the Bay Area 2024

If you’re gearing up for the college application process, you’re likely aware of the growing trend of high school students pursuing internships to bolster their candidacy. Recent research from NACE indicates that paid internships not only enhance job prospects but also lead to higher starting salaries and expedited job searches. Given the competitive nature of college admissions, having an internship experience can significantly differentiate you from other applicants. The array of internship options is vast, spanning from computer science and medical internships to business opportunities, offering an exciting array of choices. For students residing in the Bay Area, the prospect of local internships is particularly enticing, with numerous prestigious opportunities available exclusively to Bay Area students. Below, we’ve curated a list of 20 high school internships in the Bay Area for 2024, categorized by field of interest.

Also read Top 20 Internships for High School Students

High School Internships in the Bay Area

1) Meta Summer Academy Internship (formerly the Facebook Summer Academy)

Experience firsthand operations at one of the world’s largest social media networks. Participants delve into coding, explore career paths in social media, and undergo professional development.

Remuneration: Stipend provided upon successful completion.
Duration: Six-week summer program running from June to July, 30 hours per week.
Application Deadline: Late February or early March (specific deadlines vary yearly).
Eligibility: Sophomores (rising juniors during the program) residing full-year in East Palo Alto, Belle Haven, North Fair Oaks, or Redwood City. Minimum 2.0 GPA required. One letter of recommendation needed.

2) Rock, Paper, Scissors Collective Internship

This Oakland-based arts organization empowers students to create projects, interact with the community, and acquire curatorial and arts management skills. Ideal for those aiming for art school or seeking scholarships for their artistic prowess.

Remuneration: Not specified. Duration: Dates vary by internship opportunity.
Application Deadline: Varies; contact info@rpscollective.org for details.
Eligibility: Open to students aged 15-25.

3) SFUSD Summer Internship Program

Unique opportunity for high schoolers to intern across diverse fields, primarily focused on education and youth outreach. Opportunities extend to health, art, animation, science, mathematics, and architecture.

Remuneration: Previous interns received minimum wage per hour; rates may vary annually.
Duration: Six weeks; specific dates vary.
Application Deadline: Typically February; check yearly for specifics.
Eligibility: Students aged 14 or older from the San Francisco Unified School District.

4) Teen Art Connect Internship with the Contemporary Jewish Museum

Tailored for high school students passionate about arts, humanities, and museum curatorship. Participants explore museum exhibitions and architecture, gain insight into arts careers, interact with visitors, and refine public speaking skills.

Remuneration: Minimum wage and complimentary CJM membership with event access.
Duration: Year-long program commencing in fall.
Application Deadline: Spring applications for the following school year.
Eligibility: 10th, 11th, or 12th graders encouraged to apply; museum values diverse candidates in culture, race, ethnicity, and gender expression.

5) The Norman Mineta Bay Area Summer Academy Internship

This program offers a window into public works and regional government systems. Participants engage in online sessions, quizzes, and present on local public challenges. Learning opportunities are provided by key organizations like the Metropolitan Transportation Commission, The Bay Area Air Quality Management District, and more.

Remuneration: Not specified. Duration: Four-week program starting in July.
Application Deadline: Typically late April (varies by year).
Eligibility: Bay Area residents attending local high schools, aged at least 15 with 9th grade completion. Minors require parental consent.

6) Project Pull Summer Internship

Project Pull offers paid summer internships for high schoolers interested in the public sector. Participants gain teamwork, creativity, leadership, and communication skills through community service.

Remuneration: Paid per hour (specific amount TBD).
Duration: Eight weeks from June to August. Application
Deadline: Usually February (dates may vary).
Eligibility: Current high school sophomores, juniors, or seniors with minimum 2.75 GPA, residing or studying in the San Francisco area.

7) SF YouthWorks

Providing paid internships, SF YouthWorks exposes high schoolers to the public works sector. Placements include San Francisco city departments such as Public Utilities Commission and San Francisco International Airport.

Remuneration: $18.93 per hour. Duration: Varies by position.
Application Deadline: Varies by position.
Eligibility: Rising 11th to graduating 12th graders residing or studying in San Francisco.

Also see Best Business Summer Programs for High School Students 2024

8) NanoLab / Berkeley High School Intern Program

This internship targets young women aspiring to careers in science and engineering. Participants collaborate with lab mentors, gaining hands-on experience in a high-tech research setting and presenting their projects at the program’s conclusion.

Compensation: Not disclosed.
Duration: Eight weeks during the summer.
Application Deadline: Program not available for summer 2024; check for updates on the 2025 application.
Eligibility: Open to high school senior girls over 16, exclusively for Berkeley High School students.

9) Careers in Science Intern Program

Designed for students aspiring towards STEM careers, this program involves fieldwork, public interaction, and professional skill development.

Compensation: Above minimum wage.
Duration: Multi-year, year-round program with sessions after school and on weekends.
Application Deadline: Typically open from February to April, varying yearly.
Eligibility: Available to 9th or 10th graders from SFUSD high schools, with the possibility to continue through high school. Requires a minimum 2.5 GPA, the ability to commute, and a valid U.S. work permit.

10) Chabot Space & Science Center Galaxy Explorers Program

High schoolers keen on community service, hands-on STEM experience, and honing public speaking skills can participate in this program. Activities include field trips, visitor engagement, and long-term science projects, with a focus on space-related internships.

Compensation: Financial aid available upon request.
Duration: One year, with 12 hours per month commitment.
Application Deadline: Reviewed twice yearly in April-May and September-October.
Eligibility: Open to high schoolers from grades 9-12, with 2023-2024 being limited to specific grant-funded schools.

11) Exploratorium High School Explainer Internship

Founded by Frank Oppenheimer, this internship allows high schoolers to work as “Explainers” at the Exploratorium, engaging visitors, leading demonstrations, and contributing to museum operations.

Compensation: Minimum wage.
Duration: Summer or school year sessions available.
Application Deadline: March for summer program, July for school year program.
Eligibility: Open to high school students aged 15 to 18 (up to 20 for returning Explainers) with a valid work permit.

12) Inspirit AI Scholars Program

This esteemed scholarly initiative provides high school students with a unique opportunity to collaborate with Stanford alumni and graduate students specializing in AI. Participants will learn to conceive and pursue AI projects, gaining invaluable experience for their college journey.

Cost: $1200 fee.
Duration: 10 online sessions, each lasting 2.5 hours, conducted on summer weekdays or weekends. Dates may vary annually.
Application Deadline: Usually in April, with specific dates subject to change yearly.
Eligibility: Open to high school students from grades 9-12. No prior coding experience required.

13) Sandia Student Internship

Sandia extends internships to high school students interested in science, technology, and national security. Participants will tackle real-world projects contributing to Sandia’s mission.

Compensation: Varies by internship position.
Duration: Varies by internship position.
Application Deadline: Varies by internship position.
Eligibility: Applicants must be full-time students aged at least 16. A minimum 2.5 GPA is required for clerical and laborer internships, while all other positions require a 3.0 GPA.

14) UCSC Science Internship Program

This distinctive science internship immerses high school students in “real research,” enabling them to explore and answer questions in authentic scientific settings. Participants embrace the uncertainties of research, emerging with new knowledge.

Cost: Program fee is $4,000, plus a $60 application fee.
Duration: A nine-week summer program, including two weeks of online research followed by seven weeks of on-site work. Dates vary annually.
Application Deadline: Typically in March, though subject to change.
Eligibility: Encouraged for high school students in the Bay Area, with options available for those outside the region. Specific arrangements for housing or online participation may be required for non-local applicants.

15) Kaiser Permanente LAUNCH Internship

This outstanding internship offers high school students from underrepresented backgrounds an immersive experience in the healthcare sector. Participants will acquire practical administrative skills and gain exposure to non-medical roles within the healthcare industry.

Compensation: Students receive minimum wage ($15.50-$18) per hour.
Duration: A seven-week summer program, typically running from June to August.
Application Deadline: Usually in December, though subject to variation each program year.
Eligibility: Open to high school students aged 16-19 residing in a Northern California Kaiser Permanente designated service area.

16) MarinHealth High School Volunteer Program

Through the Students Making Illness a Little Easier (S.M.I.L.E.) initiative, aspiring medical professionals can embark on a rewarding internship journey. This competitive volunteer program offers hands-on experience within the MarinHealth System, providing valuable insights into patient care.

Compensation: Not specified.
Duration: One year commitment, with 2-hour shifts available Monday-Friday, 3:00-5:00.
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions, with prime application period between January and March.
Eligibility: High school students aged 16 and above, with preference given to applicants possessing special skills such as clerical work or computer proficiency.

17) Stanford Institutes of Medicine Summer Research Program

The Stanford Institutes of Medicine Summer Research Program offers students the opportunity to engage in hands-on research across various fields such as immunology, neurobiology, and bioengineering. Participants collaborate with lab mentors in cutting-edge research projects.

Cost / Pay: $40 application fee (waived for families with income under $80,000). Minimum $500 stipend provided; additional stipends up to $2,500 available based on financial need.
Duration: Eight weeks spanning from June to August.
Application Deadline: Typically in February, with applications available in December.
Eligibility: Juniors and seniors in high school, with preference for Bay Area students.

18) Stanford Medical Youth Science Program (SMYSP)

Designed for students from low-income, first-generation American families in Northern California, SMYSP offers a five-week summer enrichment program in science and medicine. Participants gain exposure to hospital care, public health, and academic seminars, fostering their interest in healthcare careers.

Compensation: $1250 clinical research stipend provided.
Duration: Five weeks during June and July.
Application Deadline: Typically in March.
Eligibility: High school juniors from low-income, first-generation American families residing in Northern California.

19) UCSF Science and Health Education Partnership High School Internship Program

This internship pairs students with scientist mentors to delve into biomedical research practices and complete a unique research project.

Compensation: $3200 for part-time interns; $4500 for full-time interns.
Duration: Eight-week program commencing in June.
Application Deadline: Typically in February (specific date may vary).
Eligibility: Encouraged for “students who are current juniors, attending an SFUSD school, SF charter, or participate in College Track San Francisco and from a background considered historically marginalized in the sciences.”

20) UCSF Summer Student Research Program

High school and college-level students can immerse themselves in biomedical research projects within local clinics and science labs. Ideal for those from underrepresented backgrounds with an interest in medical and science-based careers.

Compensation: $3,000 stipend for high school students.
Duration: Nine weeks spanning June to August.
Application Deadline: Generally in February (specific date may vary).
Eligibility: Open to high school juniors or seniors with at least one year of math and biology coursework, U.S. citizenship, minimum 3.0 GPA, and preference for underrepresented identity backgrounds.

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Conclusion

Exploring internship opportunities during high school can be a transformative experience, providing invaluable insights and skills that pave the way for future academic and professional endeavors. Whether delving into biomedical research, healthcare administration, or public service, these internships offer students the chance to make meaningful contributions to their communities while gaining hands-on experience in their chosen fields. By seizing these opportunities, high school students can not only enhance their college applications but also cultivate a passion for lifelong learning and career exploration. So, take the leap, apply for these internships, and embark on a journey of discovery and growth that will shape your future in profound ways.