2 answers
Allison
Student
Paterson, New Jersey
5
Questions
Asked
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What are some good internships I should look into in high school? (am a sophomore)
Am 16 and in my second year of high school and am looking for some things/activities/programs that would look good on my college application and am interest in internships
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2 answers
Joe L.
Program Manager
120
Answers
Houston, Texas
Updated
Joe’s Answer
Hi There..good that you are looking ahead and thinking about your college future
Here are some tips on what may be able to help you get into the college you choose
Academics First
Keep grades strong — they’re still the #1 factor.
If possible, challenge yourself with Honors/AP/IB/Dual Enrollment in subjects you like.
Explore summer academic programs (some are selective, some free, some paid).
Clubs & Activities
Join clubs that connect with your interests (science, debate, music, art, robotics, health science, etc.).
Aim for leadership roles over time — colleges value commitment + responsibility.
If your school doesn’t have a club you like → start one (shows initiative).
Community Service & Volunteering
Pick one or two causes that genuinely interest you (hospital volunteering, tutoring, environmental projects, animal shelters).
Stick with them long-term rather than doing random hours in many places.
Document your impact (e.g., “Tutored 20 middle school students weekly, improving test scores by 15%”).
Internships, Shadowing & Work Experience
Some formal internships are limited to juniors/seniors, but you can:
Job shadow professionals (dentist, nurse, engineer, etc.).
Ask local businesses/nonprofits if you can help (social media, filing, event help).
Apply to high school–friendly programs (check local hospitals, labs, city government).
Even part-time jobs count — colleges like real-world responsibility.
Summer Programs
Universities often run pre-college or STEM/arts/business camps for high schoolers.
Some are competitive and look strong on applications (MITES at MIT, STEP at Stanford, National Youth Science Camp, etc.).
Many are free for selected students; others may offer scholarships.
Competitions & Showcases
Science fairs, math competitions, music recitals, writing contests, robotics, Model UN, sports tournaments — anything where you can demonstrate skill and growth.
Recognition at regional/state/national level adds weight to your application.
Independent Projects
Colleges love initiative. Examples:
Build a website or app.
Start a YouTube channel, podcast, or blog.
Conduct a small research project with a mentor.
Create an art portfolio.
Even if not “official,” self-driven projects show passion and creativity.
Special Programs for High Schoolers
Look for:
Hospital volunteering / Junior medical programs (if interested in health).
Coding bootcamps / hackathons (if into tech).
Community leadership programs (like YMCA Youth & Government, Boys/Girls State in 11th).
Internship pipelines (some cities have high school internship networks — e.g., Boston’s PIC, NYC’s SYEP).
Strategy for You
Since you’re only in 10th grade:
Focus on building a foundation now (clubs, volunteering, maybe a small internship or shadowing).
In 11th grade, ramp up with bigger roles, summer programs, and stronger internships.
By 12th grade, you want a clear story: “I explored X field, took leadership in Y, and created impact through Z.”
Hope this helps and best of luck in your upcoming college career.
Here are some tips on what may be able to help you get into the college you choose
Academics First
Keep grades strong — they’re still the #1 factor.
If possible, challenge yourself with Honors/AP/IB/Dual Enrollment in subjects you like.
Explore summer academic programs (some are selective, some free, some paid).
Clubs & Activities
Join clubs that connect with your interests (science, debate, music, art, robotics, health science, etc.).
Aim for leadership roles over time — colleges value commitment + responsibility.
If your school doesn’t have a club you like → start one (shows initiative).
Community Service & Volunteering
Pick one or two causes that genuinely interest you (hospital volunteering, tutoring, environmental projects, animal shelters).
Stick with them long-term rather than doing random hours in many places.
Document your impact (e.g., “Tutored 20 middle school students weekly, improving test scores by 15%”).
Internships, Shadowing & Work Experience
Some formal internships are limited to juniors/seniors, but you can:
Job shadow professionals (dentist, nurse, engineer, etc.).
Ask local businesses/nonprofits if you can help (social media, filing, event help).
Apply to high school–friendly programs (check local hospitals, labs, city government).
Even part-time jobs count — colleges like real-world responsibility.
Summer Programs
Universities often run pre-college or STEM/arts/business camps for high schoolers.
Some are competitive and look strong on applications (MITES at MIT, STEP at Stanford, National Youth Science Camp, etc.).
Many are free for selected students; others may offer scholarships.
Competitions & Showcases
Science fairs, math competitions, music recitals, writing contests, robotics, Model UN, sports tournaments — anything where you can demonstrate skill and growth.
Recognition at regional/state/national level adds weight to your application.
Independent Projects
Colleges love initiative. Examples:
Build a website or app.
Start a YouTube channel, podcast, or blog.
Conduct a small research project with a mentor.
Create an art portfolio.
Even if not “official,” self-driven projects show passion and creativity.
Special Programs for High Schoolers
Look for:
Hospital volunteering / Junior medical programs (if interested in health).
Coding bootcamps / hackathons (if into tech).
Community leadership programs (like YMCA Youth & Government, Boys/Girls State in 11th).
Internship pipelines (some cities have high school internship networks — e.g., Boston’s PIC, NYC’s SYEP).
Strategy for You
Since you’re only in 10th grade:
Focus on building a foundation now (clubs, volunteering, maybe a small internship or shadowing).
In 11th grade, ramp up with bigger roles, summer programs, and stronger internships.
By 12th grade, you want a clear story: “I explored X field, took leadership in Y, and created impact through Z.”
Hope this helps and best of luck in your upcoming college career.
Ilycia Rieman
Global Mobility Tax - Senior Associate
2
Answers
Avon, Connecticut
Updated
Ilycia’s Answer
Hi Allison! It's awesome that you are starting to think about this now. One organization that you may want to look into is your local branch of Junior Achievement; they run a lot of different programs for high school students, partnering with companies and professionals in the area. Your school administrators may be able to assist with matching/referring you for programs.
I would also suggest getting a part-time job if you have the availability and means to do so. Any work experience, even if not in the field you ultimately want to pursue, will be helpful going forward. You will carry the skills you learn there with you forever.
I would also suggest getting a part-time job if you have the availability and means to do so. Any work experience, even if not in the field you ultimately want to pursue, will be helpful going forward. You will carry the skills you learn there with you forever.