Summer Internship Opportunities for Teens

How do you plan to spend your summer this year? Will you be sleeping late each morning, spending a few hours on Facebook, playing video games, or will you be getting a job at a local fast food restaurant or retail store? Whatever your current plans are, you may want to set them aside and consider something different – a summer internship. Why an internship? For one thing, some internships may offer to pay an hourly wage, provide a stipend, or even offer college credit.  In addition to these benefits, you’ll also gain valuable experience, learn new skills, and expand your network of professionals who can provide you with a glowing recommendation for your upcoming college application packets. Internships not only look good on your high school résumé, but they can also provide opportunities for you to travel and explore potential college majors. If you’re not sure what you want to be when you grow up, an internship is a great way to test the waters. The best part is that most internships only last a few weeks, so you’ll still have time to hang out with your friends or chill out at home before heading back to school this fall. Here are just a few of the many internships waiting for you this summer.

1. Microsoft

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to be on the cutting-edge of technology and work with some of the leaders in the industry? High school junior and seniors from the Puget Sound can apply for one of the many paid high school internships with Microsoft this summer. The program lasts between eight and ten weeks, depending on your placement, beginning June 24, 2013. Applications are being accepted now.

2. U.S. Department of Energy

If science or math is your passion, consider the QuarkNet Summer Research Program. Two teams, consisting of four students and one teacher, work for six weeks (June 24 through August 2) with scientists or engineers on projects related to the Fermilab research program. Applicants must be U.S. citizens and current high school students. All interns are paid $8.50 an hour for 35 hours of work per week. The online application is open from March 1, 2013 to April 1, 2013.

3. Woods Hole Science Aquarium

Do you love the ocean or dream of studying marine life? The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) may have the perfect summer internship for you. Any student, who has completed grades 10, 11 or 12, is eligible to apply for this five-week (June 24 through July 26) program. Interns will learn about marine animal husbandry, aquarium operations, conservation, and public education. Applications must be submitted by March 15, 2013.

4. The Metropolitan Museum of Art

If you live in the New York, New Jersey, or Connecticut tri-state area, and have a passion for art, you may want to check out the paid summer internship offered at the Metropolitan Museum of Art (MOMA). Internships are open to students in grades 11 and 12. The deadline for applications is April 17, 2013.

5. Central Park

Are you spending time in New York City this summer? If so, the Central Park Conservancy is offering 25 paid internships to students, 16 years or older, who can work full-time in July and August. Interns will support the horticulture, visitor services, and public programs departments at the park, as well as work on special projects and take trips to other area parks. Applications are available in March, and must be received no later than June 1, 2013 to be considered for this competitive internship program.

6. Partner’s Healthcare

If you have aspirations of attending Harvard Medical School, this is the internship for you. Interns will get six weeks of hands-on experience at the Partners HealthCare Center for Personalized Genetic Medicine’s cutting-edge research and clinical testing facilities. The program takes place June 24 to August 2, 2013. Applicants are responsible for their own housing and transportation, but they will receive a $1,200 stipend at the conclusion of the internship. A résumé and cover letter must be received by April 15, 2013 for consideration in this highly competitive program.

If you are more interested in staying close to home this summer, but still want the opportunity to learn new skills, consider contacting charitable organizations or civic groups in your area. Larger nonprofits, such as the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, often hire high school students over the summer to help with events, projects, marketing and social media. Although many of the positions are unpaid, the experience can be priceless.

Looking for more summer internship or enrichment programs? Check out this great list of summer opportunities provided by Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology.