10 answers
13
Updated 4603 views

Is it possible to get a research or internship as a middle schooler?

I'm in 7th grade, about to go to 8th after the Summer is over.

internships stemcareers careerexploration stemeducation stemopportunities careerpreparation internshipsearch handsonlearning stempathways stemexploration futureresearcher learnbydoing earlycareerpath
Thank you comment icon Norbert, One of the most impiortant things you can do on this forum would be to ask a question like this with as much detail as possible, so that the people answering you can be as helpful as they can. What do you want to do an internship in ? What are your areas of interest? What are some projects you have been doing? What are some companies that are near you that you might be interested in? In some places you can start a job when you are 14, and work a reduced shift, and there may be places when you could assist other people or get to know a company or field better, so that a job or internship might be available in the future. But without knowing more about you are your area of interest, it will be impossible for you to get a clearer answer than, "maybe." Kurt Schroeder
Answer This
13

10 answers

1
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Anzhela’s Answer

Hi Norbert,

It's fantastic to see someone from the younger generation so motivated! While finding a paid internship might be a bit challenging right now, I truly believe there are many great opportunities out there for you. Consider joining summer programs, engaging in school-related activities, or doing volunteer work. Reach out to your school or check with any extracurricular groups you're involved with—they likely have some exciting options for you.

Keep up the great work!
Thank you comment icon Thank you so much for the advice. Norbert
1
1
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Mike’s Answer

Hi Norbert.

I think it is great that you are looking into internships for this summer.

Paid internships are rare for middle schoolers.

However, it is possible to find research or internship experiences through academic programs.

Reach out to your teachers, family friends, or community members who work in fields that interest you. They may have connections or be able to suggest ways to get involved. Also, local museums, libraries, and community centers may offer programs or volunteer opportunities related to your interests.

I hope you have success in finding something that you will enjoy.

- Mike

Mike recommends the following next steps:

Here is some information about STEM programs, career information, and other STEM resources for middle school students and their teachers: https://www.pathwaystoscience.org/k12.aspx
Here is some advice from Career Village on middle school internships: https://www.careervillage.org/questions/898855/how-do-i-know-what-a-good-internship-opportunity-is-as-a-middle-school-student
Thank you comment icon I appreciate your support, Mike Norbert
1
0
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

James Constantine’s Answer

Good Day Norbert! New Jersey requires workers under 18 to have a child employment certificate. I see no problem with you doing remote internship in your spare time from home. In this way, I do not see a minimum state employment age being enforced. The Internet is like a huge library. Using the Internet search engines shall prepare you for research when you enter college. Even better if you can generate some income to start a college fund. The employers will pay if you are of sufficient assistance. Once the valuable answers start coming, they will start paying. I think you will be of great assistance, once you are familiar with using search engines! The secret is in using the correct search term, one that is recognized, leading to answers, information that is useful to the employers. As an example, look at the Legal Information Institute https://www.law.cornell.edu/ it is the preferred search engine for anything legal. Then there is the biomedical search engine https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/ Use it for anything tied to biology, health, or medicine.
0
0
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Pat’s Answer

It's a great idea to volunteer and get involved in the area you're interested in, especially at your age. Doing this gives you valuable real-world experience and helps you connect with experts in the career you're considering. I hope this inspires you!
0
0
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Ganga Kumar’s Answer

Hi Nobert,

There are so many exciting opportunities waiting for you, even as a middle schooler interested in STEM! While traditional internships often focus on older students, there are plenty of amazing programs just for younger students like you to dive into science, technology, engineering, and math.

You can join summer STEM camps, attend coding workshops, enter competitions, or contact local science centers or universities to see if they offer mentorship programs. Starting early gives you a big advantage, and many places love students who are curious and eager to learn.

Here are some programs you might like:
NASA STEM Engagement: Fun activities and challenges from NASA
ID Tech Camps: Learn coding, game development, AI, robotics, and more
Johns Hopkins CTY: Advanced programs for students like you
Smithsonian Science Center: Hands-on science learning that's fun

Explore these opportunities and see where your curiosity takes you!
Thank you comment icon Your advice was so helpful! Norbert
0
0
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Mario’s Answer

Hey Norbert! Thanks for the question! It's awesome to see middle school students seeking guidance and continuing to grow! 😊

Some programs might be labeled as "internships," but they're really more about learning and exploring than just traditional work experience. For instance, check out the Homewood Science Center Ecology Internship.

Hope this gives you some good insights and adds to the other answers you’ve received!
0
0
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Martha’s Answer

It’s awesome that you’re already thinking about internships and research in middle school—that kind of curiosity will take you far! While formal internships usually start in high school, you can still gain great experience by volunteering, shadowing professionals, joining school extra curricular activities or exploring online programs. Try volunteering at your church or a child care center or library that uses computers for learning. Also retirement homes are a great place o use your skills. Starting a small personal project or talking to someone in a career you are interested in can also give you valuable insight. Keep asking questions and exploring—you're already on the path to something great!
0
0
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Sara’s Answer

Hi, Norbert! The Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences in New York offers a summer program for students in 8th-12th grade. If you are interested in medicine, I highly recommend you check it out next year!

Link: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/sheSCxZk97s
https://www.acphs.edu/acphs-in-the-news/future-leaders-summer-campers-kept-campus-buzzing
Thank you comment icon Sara, thank you! Norbert
0
0
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Daniele’s Answer

Hi Nobert!

This is great inquiry! This is a wonderful way to stay proactive. I believe there limited choices per your children rights and labor laws, this will depend on your state of residence. However, This is a great time to ask your local library as they have several programs that cater to children and leading one of those groups centering education would be a wonderful start !

Good luck!
Thank you comment icon Thank you so much, Daniele! Norbert
0
0
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

MANAHIL’s Answer

Hi !

It’s amazing that you’re already thinking about internships and research in middle school that kind of mindset will take you far!

While formal internships are usually for high school or college students, there are still great ways for 7th and 8th graders to explore careers and gain experience:

🔹 Start with volunteering or shadowing You can ask a local business, library, or nonprofit if you can help out or observe for a day or two. It may not be called an “internship,” but it gives you real world exposure.

🔹 Join school clubs or online programs Look for clubs like science, coding, business, or writing. There are also free online workshops and summer camps designed for middle schoolers.

🔹 Try a mini personal project For example, you could start a blog, a YouTube channel, or even a small research project on a topic you’re curious about. It builds your skills and shows initiative.

🔹 Talk to adults in careers you’re interested in Even short conversations can teach you a lot, and many professionals are happy to encourage young students like you.

Keep asking questions, stay curious, and don’t worry . You’ve got a bright future ahead!



Manahil
0