In today’s technology-driven world early exposure to real-world science technology engineering and mathematics (STEM) experiences can shape a student’s academic and career future.
As industries like artificial intelligence renewable energy biotechnology and cybersecurity continue to expand gaining hands-on experience through STEM internships for high school students has become an essential stepping stone toward success.
With 2025 bringing more diverse hybrid and paid opportunities than ever before this guide explores the best STEM internships available for high school students across the United States including specialized options such as STEM internships for high school students in Maryland summer STEM internships and paid STEM internships for ambitious learners.
Why STEM Internships Matter for High School Students
Internships at the high school level allow students to step outside the classroom and immerse themselves in scientific inquiry innovation and problem-solving. They offer mentorship from professionals in fields such as robotics computer science environmental science biotechnology and aerospace engineering.
These experiences often influence future academic choices helping teenagers decide whether to pursue engineering medicine computer programming or another STEM-related path. By applying classroom learning to real-world challenges students build confidence and a clear vision for their futures.
Types of STEM Internships in 2025
In 2025 opportunities for high school students are more flexible and diverse than ever. Programs now exist in in-person remote and hybrid formats allowing broader participation regardless of geography.
The most common types include:
- Summer STEM Internships for High School Students: Ideal for students seeking hands-on research or lab experience during their break.
- Paid STEM Internships for High School Students: Competitive programs offering stipends or hourly pay while students work on real projects.
- Research-Based Internships: Focused on laboratory environmental or data-driven projects under the guidance of university mentors.
- Corporate STEM Internships: Offered by major companies like Google Microsoft and Lockheed Martin for students interested in technology and engineering.
- University-Sponsored Internships: Many colleges now open their research labs to high schoolers through structured summer programs.
Each type caters to different interests and time commitments ensuring that students can find the perfect fit based on their goals and location.
Top Paid STEM Internships for High School Students in 2025
For students seeking both experience and compensation several renowned programs offer paid placements that provide real-world exposure and professional mentorship. These opportunities combine academic learning with practical skills and financial support.
NASA High School Internship Program
NASA continues to be one of the most prestigious STEM internship providers. Participants work on projects related to space technology engineering design or environmental systems. Many placements include stipends and students collaborate with top scientists and engineers.
MIT Research Science Institute (RSI)
A highly selective program for top-performing students RSI combines on-campus academic coursework with real research at MIT labs. Students gain experience in scientific writing data analysis and experimental methods.
Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory (Maryland)
One of the best STEM internships for high school students in Maryland the APL program allows interns to assist in advanced engineering cybersecurity and robotics projects. Paid positions are available for eligible students who meet GPA and coursework requirements.
Google Computer Science Summer Institute (CSSI)
This paid internship targets students passionate about coding and software development. Participants learn programming fundamentals collaborate on group projects and receive mentorship from Google engineers.
Department of Energy (DOE) Science Internship Program
This government-sponsored program offers stipends to high schoolers interested in physics chemistry and environmental science. Interns contribute to research addressing climate sustainability and energy innovation.
These paid internships are highly competitive often requiring essays recommendation letters and demonstrated interest in STEM subjects.
Summer STEM Internships for High School Students
Summer programs are ideal for students who want to use their vacation to gain experience while preparing for college. Many of these internships focus on research laboratory work and field studies.
Stanford University Pre-Collegiate Summer Institutes
Stanford offers summer research experiences in computer science engineering and medical sciences. Students work in teams to develop innovative solutions to real-world problems while improving their technical and analytical skills.
NIH High School Summer Internship Program
The National Institutes of Health hosts a range of research opportunities for students interested in biomedical sciences. Interns work alongside scientists in cutting-edge labs and receive a stipend.
Maryland STEM Scholars Program
This is one of the leading STEM internships for high school students in Maryland providing students with hands-on experience in environmental science biotechnology and computational research. It is open to both local and regional applicants with some placements offering stipends or travel assistance.
Microsoft High School Internship Program
Students gain exposure to software development AI and data science through real coding projects and mentorship from Microsoft professionals. The program emphasizes teamwork creativity and problem-solving.
Brookhaven National Laboratory Summer Internship
High school students can participate in scientific research related to chemistry physics and environmental engineering. It’s an excellent program for those seeking exposure to national-level research.
These programs not only strengthen academic knowledge but also build professional confidence helping students create strong resumes and college essays.
What to Expect During a STEM Internship
STEM internships are more than just shadowing professionals they immerse students in real-world challenges. A typical day may include assisting in experiments writing code analyzing data or presenting project updates. Interns often work in teams learning collaboration communication and time management.
Some internships may involve attending seminars or workshops that teach resume building career development and interview skills. Remote internships meanwhile focus on online collaboration tools allowing students to contribute to digital projects while gaining tech fluency.
Although paid positions are popular many unpaid internships still provide tremendous value by offering mentorship and access to university-level research facilities. The skills gained often translate into scholarships competition success or early college credit.
How to Apply for STEM Internships
Applying for a STEM internship requires preparation attention to detail and strong academic performance. Most programs have deadlines between January and April for summer sessions. Applicants typically submit transcripts recommendation letters, and a personal essay explaining their interest in STEM.
A well-written personal statement should highlight curiosity problem-solving skills, and examples of relevant experiences such as science fairs coding clubs or robotics competitions. Maintaining a strong GPA and demonstrating initiative in extracurricular activities can also improve selection chances.
For STEM internships for high school students in Maryland and other regional programs check local university websites and state education departments for current listings.
Comparing Paid vs. Unpaid Internships
Paid internships naturally attract more applicants but unpaid programs often provide similar or even better learning opportunities. For instance a paid internship at a corporate lab may focus on data entry or testing while an unpaid research internship at a university could offer deeper involvement in a publication or project.
Both types enhance a student’s college application and professional network. The choice depends on individual priorities whether earning income or gaining specialized experience.
Benefits Beyond the Internship
Participating in a STEM internship opens doors far beyond the duration of the program. Students often receive letters of recommendation from mentors invitations to research conferences and eligibility for scholarships. They also learn how to navigate professional environments manage deadlines and think critically under pressure.
Many former interns later secure positions at top universities or tech companies thanks to the connections and experiences gained during high school.
Conclusion
In 2025 STEM internships for high school students represent an incredible opportunity to explore real-world science and technology before college. Whether you’re seeking paid STEM internships for high school students a summer research program or a STEM internship in Maryland these experiences build both knowledge and confidence.
The best strategy is to start early research eligibility requirements and apply to multiple programs that align with your passions whether that’s coding engineering biology or data science. By taking initiative now students can transform curiosity into career potential and set the foundation for a successful future in STEM.
FAQs
What are STEM internships for high school students?
They’re short-term programs offering hands-on experience in science technology engineering and math fields for students before college.
Are there paid STEM internships for high school students?
Yes many companies and labs offer paid opportunities especially in tech and research-based fields like coding or engineering.
How can I find summer STEM internships for high school students?
Search official university websites company career pages or government programs such as NASA NIH or state education portals.
Do STEM internships require prior experience?
Not always. Most programs value curiosity problem-solving and a strong interest in STEM subjects over formal experience.
Are there STEM internships for high school students in Maryland?
Yes Maryland hosts several programs through Johns Hopkins University NASA Goddard and local tech incubators.
What are the benefits of STEM internships?
They build technical and teamwork skills boost college applications and help students explore future career paths early.
Can international students apply for U.S.-based STEM internships?
Some allow international applicants especially virtual or research-based ones but eligibility varies by organization.
When should I apply for a STEM internship?
Most summer internships open between October and January so applying early increases your chances of selection.
