Did you know that high school students can gain hands-on experience in cutting-edge scientific fields before they even graduate? From aerospace technology at NASA to biomedical research at the National Institutes of Health (NIH), STEM internships provide a gateway to future careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. These programs allow students to work alongside experts, gain practical skills, and explore their passions in a real-world setting.
For students looking for opportunities in 2025, these internships are not just resume boosters—they are transformative experiences that can set the stage for future academic and professional success. If you’re a high school student interested in STEM, check out these top internships, including the prestigious MIT Homeschool Internship, which is concluding its application process today!
MIT Homeschool STEM Internships Program
Location: MIT, Cambridge, MA
Pay/Cost: Unpaid internship
Application Deadline: March 10, 2025
Timeline: 8 weeks, mid-June start
Eligibility: Homeschool high school students, at least 16 years old by June 1, 2025, with strong preparation in chemistry, biology, or bioengineering. Interest in programming or scientific software is a plus.
The MIT Homeschool Internship Program is an exclusive opportunity for homeschooled high school students who are passionate about scientific research. With a commitment of about 20 hours per week, interns work closely with MIT scientists on projects in bioengineering, chemistry, and computational science. This hands-on research experience prepares students for advanced studies and careers in STEM.
To apply, visit: MIT Internship Program
Major STEM Organizations & Programs:
1. NASA Internships
Location: NASA centers across the U.S.
Pay/Cost: Stipend provided
Application Deadline: Feb. 28, 2025 (Summer); May 16, 2025 (Fall)
Eligibility: U.S. high school students, 16+, 3.0 GPA minimum
NASA's Office of STEM Engagement (OSTEM) Internship program offers paid opportunities where students work alongside engineers and scientists on real-world aerospace, robotics, and research projects.
2. Navy Science and Engineering Apprenticeship Program (SEAP)
Location: U.S. Navy labs nationwide
Pay/Cost: $4,000 stipend for new interns, $4,500 for returning interns
Application Deadline: Nov. 1, 2024
Eligibility: U.S. citizens, 16+
SEAP allows students to work in Department of Navy (DoN) research laboratories, engaging in cybersecurity, marine technology, and engineering.
3. Air Force Research Laboratory Scholars Program
Location: Multiple U.S. locations
Pay/Cost: $492.40 stipend
Application Deadline: Jan. 10, 2025
Interns participate in advanced research in aerospace technology, robotics, and materials science, working directly with Air Force scientists.
4. Ladder Internships
Location: Virtual & In-Person Global Placements
Pay/Cost: Paid internships available
This selective program connects students with startups and nonprofits for real-world experience in entrepreneurship, engineering, AI, and sustainability.
5. Stanford Clinical Summer Internship
Location: Stanford University, CA
Pay/Cost: Paid
A two-week immersive program that allows students to explore careers in medicine through hands-on clinical experiences.
6. Hutton Junior Fisheries Biology Program
Location: Nationwide
Pay/Cost: Paid internship
Designed for students interested in environmental science, this program offers hands-on training in fish and aquatic ecology.
7. Princeton University Laboratory Learning Program
Location: Princeton, NJ
Pay/Cost: Unpaid
Application Deadline: March 15, 2025
Students participate in advanced research projects in energy science, materials science, and AI applications with Princeton faculty.
8. Ride, Design, Build: Carve Your Concrete Path Internship
Location: New Line Skateparks or Grindline Skateparks Projects
Pay/Cost: Paid internship
Eligibility: Must be enrolled in one of the five Concrete Industry Management (CIM) Programs across the U.S.
This unique internship offers students passionate about skateboarding the chance to work directly on skatepark construction projects. Interns will learn about concrete design, construction techniques, and skatepark innovation while working alongside top skatepark builders. If you're already enrolled in a Concrete Industry Management (CIM) Program, you can apply now to become a concrete intern and turn your passion into a career.
Learn more and apply at: Skate 4 Concrete Internship
Connecting Students to STEAM Careers
At Surf Skate Science, we are passionate about exposing students to real-world STEM and STEAM careers. By integrating action sports with science and technology, we help students develop critical thinking, engineering, and design skills that can lead to professional pathways in these fields. Our programs offer hands-on experiences that inspire students to explore how science, engineering, and creativity intersect in the modern world.
We believe that students thrive when they see the relevance of STEM concepts in real life, which is why we encourage participation in STEM internships that align with their interests. Whether working in a NASA lab, contributing to AI research, or designing sustainable solutions, these opportunities empower students to turn their passions into careers.
Looking for ways to explore STEAM? Connect with Surf Skate Science and discover how we blend sports, science, and innovation into exciting learning experiences!
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