Explore Exciting High School Internships in the Bay Area!

San Francisco brims with opportunities, from its bustling tech scene and world-renowned medical research facilities to its vibrant arts culture and environmental conservation efforts. There are countless options to choose from when it comes to San Francisco internships. Maybe you dream of working in Silicon Valley, furthering conservation efforts with the Sierra Club, or you’re interested in theater and have dreams of helping direct pre-Broadway shows at the Orpheum Theatre. The most important thing to remember is that San Francisco is a huge city, which means that you can dream big!

How Internships Prepare You for College and Career

Internships give students the opportunity to take what they’ve learned inside the classroom and apply it to real-world challenges. This encourages critical and creative thinking, and it also teaches students about the importance of problem-solving, teamwork, goal-setting, and time management. Internships are also a great way for students to explore their interests, passions, and potential career paths. This allows students to make informed decisions about future course selection, extracurricular activities, college majors, and more. Overall, by encountering workplace dynamics firsthand through an internship, students build a foundation that enhances their readiness for college and professional environments.

The Real-World Experience Gained from Internships

Engaging in internships offers students a taste of the professional world, where they can witness the intricacies of workplace culture and expectations. This hands-on experience cultivates practical skills often missed in the classroom, such as project management and communication skills. Additionally, exposure to real-life challenges helps students develop critical thinking and adaptability, making them more competitive in college admissions and later, the job market.

Top Bay Area Internships for High School Students

Whether you’re looking for psychology internships,  literature internships, medical internships, or anything in between, you’re sure to find it in San Francisco! We’ve curated a list of 30+ Bay Area high school internships. Alternatively, if you’re looking for an internship in California, explore our 12 Research and Summer Programs.

Medical Internships

1. Stanford Institutes of Medicine Summer Research Program (SIMR)

Aimed at high school juniors and seniors, the Stanford Institutes of Medicine Summer Research Program immerses students in biomedical research at Stanford University. Participants work on scientific projects, collaborate with Stanford researchers, and attend seminars that enhance their understanding of medicine and research methodologies.

• Program Dates: Summer, usually from late June to mid-August.

• Application Deadline: Typically in the spring (February-March).

• Paid/Unpaid: Paid internship, providing research experience in medical fields.

2. Kaiser Permanente LAUNCH Internship

Kaiser Permanente LAUNCH Internship provides high school students with exposure to careers in healthcare through job shadowing, mentorship, and skill-building workshops. Interns gain insights into various healthcare roles while developing professional skills that prepare them for future endeavors in the medical field.

• Program Dates: Summer internship program, from June to August.

• Application Deadline: Usually in the spring (March-April).

• Paid/Unpaid: Paid opportunity focusing on health career exploration.

3. UCSF Summer Student Research Program

Designed for students interested in health and sciences, the UCSF Summer Student Research Program offers hands-on research experience in a variety of biomedical fields at UCSF. Participants work alongside faculty mentors, engage in real research projects, and gain valuable experience that can guide their future academic and career paths.

• Program Dates: Summer, typically late June to late August.

• Application Deadline: Generally opens in early spring (January-March).

• Paid/Unpaid: Paid internship providing hands-on research experience.

4. Marin Health High School Volunteers

The Marin Health High School Volunteers gain experience in healthcare environments while providing support to staff and patients.

• Program Dates: Ongoing throughout the year.

• Application Deadline: Typically open year-round.

• Paid/Unpaid: Unpaid. Students gain volunteer experience in healthcare settings.

5. Stanford Medical Youth Science Program (SMYSP)

Stanford Medical Youth Science Program (SMYSP) is a hands-on summer program designed for underrepresented high school students interested in medicine and health sciences, featuring lectures, mentorship, and research projects.

• Program Dates: Summer program, typically mid-June to late July.

• Application Deadline: Applications usually open in January and close in March.

• Paid/Unpaid: Unpaid, but students receive valuable exposure to medical and health sciences.

Science and Technology Internships

6. Google Computer Science Summer Institute (CSSI)

Google's Computer Science Summer Institute is an immersive program designed for rising high school seniors with a passion for computer science. Interns participate in coding workshops, work on team projects, and receive mentorship from Google engineers, boosting their skills and confidence in tech-related fields.

• Program Dates: Summer program, generally spans 3 weeks in July.

• Application Deadline: Usually opens in February and closes in April.

• Paid/Unpaid: Unpaid; provides a rich learning environment in technology.

7. Careers in Science Internship

The Careers in Science Internship offers high school students the chance to explore various careers in the sciences through workshops, job shadows, and mentorships with professionals in different fields.

• Program Dates: Year-round; varies by specific program.

• Application Deadline: Varies; check specific program announcements.

• Paid/Unpaid: Sometimes unpaid, but may offer stipends depending on the specific project or sponsorship.

8. Chabot Space & Science Center Galaxy Explorers Internship Program

Chabot Space & Science Center Galaxy Explorers Internship Program engages students in science education and outreach, developing skills in communication and astronomy while working with educators

• Program Dates: Summer sessions, often from June to August.

• Application Deadline: Typically in the spring (March-May).

• Paid/Unpaid: Unpaid, but includes training and volunteer hours.

9. Exploratorium High School Explainer Internship

Exploratorium High School Explainer Interns assist in engaging visitors at the Exploratorium, enhancing their public speaking skills and gaining hands-on experience in science communication.

• Program Dates: Ongoing, with summer programs available.

• Application Deadline: Typically late winter to early spring for summer positions.

• Paid/Unpaid: Unpaid, but students gain valuable public speaking and science communication skills.

10. Sandia Student Internship

Sandia Student Internships offers high school students hands-on experience in engineering and technical projects at Sandia National Laboratories, fostering interest in STEM careers.

• Program Dates: Summer internship, typically May to August.

• Application Deadline: Usually in early spring (January-March).

• Paid/Unpaid: Paid internship, based on education level.

11. Meta Summer Academy Internship

Meta Summer Academy Internships provide students with the opportunity to learn about technology and programming while working on real-life projects with mentorship from Meta professionals.

• Program Dates: Summer, running June to August.

• Application Deadline: Typically opens in the winter months.

• Paid/Unpaid: Paid internship.

12. Genesys Works Internship

Genesys Works Internships provides high school students with paid internships in IT and business roles, paired with professional training that prepares them for future careers.

• Program Dates: Year-round program with summer training, typically running from June to August.

• Application Deadline: Usually open for applications in early spring.

• Paid/Unpaid: Paid internship with professional training.

13. Experiences in Research Internships

Experiences in Research Internships provide opportunities for high school students to assist in scientific research projects, cultivating skills in critical thinking and scientific inquiry.

• Program Dates: Typically take place during the summer, June to August.

• Application Deadline: Generally opens in winter, around March.

• Paid/Unpaid: Usually unpaid, but offers significant research experience.

14. Biotech Partners Internships

Focused on biotechnology, Biotech Partners Internships help high school students explore careers in the biotech industry through hands-on learning and mentorship.

• Program Dates: Summer internships, usually from June to August.

• Application Deadline: Typically in the spring, around March.

• Paid/Unpaid: Paid internship focused on biotechnology.

15. Careers in Science (CiS) Intern Program

Careers in Science (CiS) Intern Program offers real-world experience in scientific research and professional development in various science fields.

• Program Dates: Year-round opportunities, with summer sessions from June to August.

• Application Deadline: Varies; generally open in spring.

• Paid/Unpaid: Often unpaid, but can include stipends for specific projects.

Art Internships

16. Asian Art Museum’s Art Speak Internship

The Art Speak Internship offers high school students the opportunity to engage with art and culture through hands-on projects, discussions, and visits to museum exhibitions. Interns develop skills in leadership, public speaking, and teamwork while contributing to museum programs that promote cultural understanding.

• Program Dates: Summer internship, typically June to August, with some additional sessions during the school year.

• Application Deadline: Usually in spring (April).

• Paid/Unpaid: Typically unpaid, focused on education and art projects.

17. Rock, Paper, Scissors Collective Internship

Rock, Paper, Scissors Collective Interns work on multimedia art and social justice projects in this immersive internship that empowers creativity and community involvement.

• Program Dates: Various sessions throughout the year.

• Application Deadline: Varies; check with the organization for specifics.

• Paid/Unpaid: Unpaid, focused on community art projects.

18. Teen Art Connect Internship with the Contemporary Jewish Museum

The Teen Art Connect Internship with the Contemporary Jewish Museum is a collaborative art internship focusing on community engagement through art projects, allowing students to explore cultural themes and develop their artistic talents.

• Program Dates: Summer session, usually late June to early August.

• Application Deadline: Generally in April/May.

• Paid/Unpaid: Unpaid, focuses on professional development in the arts.

19. San Francisco Center for the Book Volunteers

San Francisco Center for the Book Volunteers learn about book arts and printmaking, gaining skills in artistic expression and craftsmanship.

• Program Dates: Continuous volunteering opportunities.

• Application Deadline: Open year-round.

• Paid/Unpaid: Unpaid; focuses on arts exposure and skill development.

Education Internships

20. SFUSD Summer Internship Program

The San Francisco Unified School District offers the SFUSD Summer Internship Program, which provides students with opportunities to work in various educational settings and gain valuable work experience.

• Program Dates: Summer, usually from late June to early August.

• Application Deadline: Typically in the spring (March-April).

• Paid/Unpaid: Paid opportunities available.

21. San Francisco Public Library: FOG Readers

San Francisco Public Library offers a reading program encouraging high school students to promote literacy in children by serving as mentors and reading guides.

• Program Dates: Ongoing year-round.

• Application Deadline: Varies.

• Paid/Unpaid: Unpaid.

Professional Development Internships

22. The Norman Mineta Bay Area Summer Academy Internship

The Norman Mineta Bay Area Summer Academy Internship emphasizes leadership and workforce development through hands-on activities and workshops focusing on local issues, such as transportation planning, housing, environmental justice, and air quality management.

• Program Dates: Summer, typically in July.

• Application Deadline: Often in late spring (April-May).

• Paid/Unpaid: Unpaid, with a focus on leadership development.

23. Project Pull Summer Internship

The Project Pull Summer Internship offers a paid internship for high school students to gain experience in public service and education through community-engaged projects in San Francisco.

• Program Dates: Summer for 8 weeks, usually June to late July.

• Application Deadline: Typically in spring (March-April).

• Paid/Unpaid: Paid internship.

24. SF YouthWorks

SF YouthWorks connects youth to paid internships in various fields within San Francisco, focusing on career readiness and professional development.

• Program Dates: Summer sessions and year-round part-time opportunities.

• Application Deadline: Spring for summer positions.

• Paid/Unpaid: Paid opportunities.

Environmental Internships

25. Sierra Club Internship

Sierra Club interns assist with environmental education initiatives and campaigns, promoting conservation and sustainability practices in their communities.

• Program Dates: Summer and year-round internships.

• Application Deadline: Varies, typically in spring or summer.

• Paid/Unpaid: Unpaid, but may offer stipends for specific projects.

28. BEETs (Band of Environmentally Educated and Employable Teens) Internship

BEETs (Band of Environmentally Educated and Employable Teens) Internship is a summer program for teens focused on environmental education and sustainability projects within their communities.

• Program Dates: Summer internship program usually from June to August.

• Application Deadline: Typically in late spring, around April.

• Paid/Unpaid: Typically paid internship.

28. Sustainable Youth Internship

The Sustainable Youth Internship engages students in sustainability initiatives and environmental conservation efforts while developing leadership and teamwork skills.

• Program Dates: Summer program running from June to August.

• Application Deadline: Generally in the spring (April).

• Paid/Unpaid: Often unpaid, focused on sustainability education.

29. LINC (Linking Individuals to their Natural Community) Summer High School Program

The LINC Summer High School Program, focused on environmental stewardship, connects students with local conservation efforts and outdoor experiences.

• Program Dates: Summer program, usually from late June to mid-August.

• Application Deadline: Typically due by late spring (May).

• Paid/Unpaid: Unpaid internship focused on environmental stewardship.

30. The Marine Mammal Center Volunteers

The Marine Mammal Center Volunteers assist in the rehabilitation and care of marine mammals, gaining insight into marine biology and conservation efforts.

• Program Dates: Ongoing volunteer opportunities, mostly year-round.

• Application Deadline: Open year-round; check the website for specific program dates.

• Paid/Unpaid: Unpaid, focused on marine mammal rehabilitation and education.

31. Monterey Bay Aquarium Teen Conservation Leaders

Monterey Bay Aquarium Teen Conservation Leaders is an internship focusing on marine conservation and education, where teens help with public programming and outreach initiatives at the aquarium.

• Program Dates: Summer and school-year sessions; summer typically from June to August.

• Application Deadline: Usually in early spring (February/March).

• Paid/Unpaid: Unpaid internship but provides valuable conservation experience.

How to Land an Internship as a High Schooler

Securing an internship as a high school student may feel overwhelming, but it is possible. Start by identifying your interests and researching companies or organizations that align with those areas. If you’re interested in environmentalism, you may want to reach out to the Sierra Club. If you’re interested in social media, you may want to reach out to Meta. Interested in art? Research local museums and theaters. Then, ask adults in your life if they have any connections with organizations you’re interested in. Lastly, you’ll need to work on your resume, cover letter, and internship interview skills. 

Crafting a Strong Resume and Cover Letter

A strong resume and cover letter are key to landing an internship. Ask your teachers, high school guidance counselor, and parents to help you write and review them. Your cover letter should clearly express your enthusiasm for the position, specify your relevant strengths, and demonstrate your understanding of the company’s mission. Be sure to mention any relevant extracurricular activities. For your resume, highlight any relevant skills, experiences, and academic achievements you may have. Emphasize your involvement in extracurricular activities and any leadership positions you may have held. 

Networking Tips for Securing Internship Opportunities

Start by reaching out to teachers, family, and friends who may have connections in industries you may be interested in. Use social media platforms like LinkedIn to connect with industry leaders and stay informed about internship openings. Remember, networking is about building genuine relationships, so be respectful, professional, and follow up afterward. If you send an email to a company or professional, make sure to keep your message brief, appreciative, and sincere. 

How Many Internships Should You Do in High School?

Engaging in one or two quality internships can provide substantial benefits, allowing time to build deeper connections and gain meaningful experiences. This is why prioritizing quality over quantity is essential. After all, one engaging internship will be more valuable in the long run than multiple internships you weren’t that invested in. The best internships will make you feel inspired!

Balancing Academics, Extracurriculars, and Internships

Managing academics, extracurricular activities, and internships requires effective time management and prioritization. Students should set realistic goals for themselves and create a structured schedule that allows time for study, personal interests, and professional commitments. Consider using a planner or other digital tools to stay organized.

Quality vs. Quantity: Choosing the Right Opportunities

When selecting internship opportunities, it’s important to focus on the quality of the experiences rather than the number. Look for internships that offer meaningful projects, mentorship, and the chance to learn new skills that align with your career goals. A single, impactful internship can provide more insight and growth than multiple experiences that lack substance or relevance. Evaluate potential internships carefully to ensure they contribute positively to your personal and professional development. Don't be afraid to ask questions during the application process to gauge the potential value of the experience.

How Polygence’s Core Program Can Help You Secure Internships

Polygence offers a top-tier Research Mentorship Program that emphasizes critical and creative thought outside of the classroom. Students who participate in Polygence projects often stand out from their peers, due to their confidence, capabilities, and communication skills. This is why Polygence alums go on to have meaningful and impressive internships. Ready to stand out? Peruse our database of completed student projects.