Did you know you can gain valuable work experience at leading companies, all from the comfort of your home? Online internships offer high school students an opportunity to acquire practical experience and develop valuable skills that are incredibly useful for both college and future careers. Writing about your experiences with these programs in your college application essay could increase your chances of admission. Some colleges, particularly those with a strong emphasis on practical or pre-professional programs, may weigh internships and work experience more heavily in their admissions decisions than others.
Besides the academic benefits, online internships help students to develop professional competencies and build relationships with industry professionals. You’ll find a variety of programs spanning fields from science and technology to business and marketing, allowing you to discover diverse interests and coursework. These internship opportunities usually span many fields from. Read on to discover some of the best online internship programs that align with your interests.
Here are some of the best remote internships for high schoolers:
The American Psychological Association organizes one of the best online research internships in the country—the Internal Internship Program (IIP). It helps high school students discover psychology beyond the boundaries of their classrooms. Students are engaged in research, publishing, policy development, and educational initiatives. They complete this non-clinical internship at a nonprofit where they apply psychological theories to real-world projects.
Under the guidance of experienced mentors, interns engage in structured team projects and attend workshops that teach them professional skills. Students are given specific department assignments that expose them to research methods and scientific communication. The program ultimately teaches participants to understand the application of psychological concepts in various fields.
The Stanford Center for Artificial Intelligence in Medicine and Imaging (AIMI) offers a virtual two-week Summer Research Internship for high school students that is designed to introduce them to the applications of AI in medical imaging and healthcare. Participants engage in hands-on research projects, attend expert-led lectures, and receive mentorship from Stanford University faculty and graduate students.
A strong preference is given to students who have completed basic calculus courses with significant MATLAB or Python experience and a basic understanding of machine learning concepts. Students with an interest in imaging analysis will likely find the program particularly rewarding. Successful applicants should be prepared to actively engage, including attending weekly research group meetings and various seminars.
If you're looking for free international relations remote internships, the Junior Academy (The New York Academy of Sciences) might be an ideal choice. It's an online project-based program that brings together students to form global teams to solve real-world problems. Participants will have STEM experts guide them in creating innovative solutions for major business challenges. The program begins with a one-week introduction session. During this time, students learn basic concepts in research methods, data analysis, and design thinking.
Students then participate in two challenges each year, which take place in September and February. The initial phase requires teamwork. Students create teams by beginning new projects or joining existing groups. All their work takes place on Launchpad, the Academy's online learning environment. With a low minimum age requirement, the Junior Academy is one of the best internships for 14-year-olds online.
Building-U is a nonprofit organization that empowers high school students to lead business operations, develop content, and solve business problems. Taking place over 3 months, Building-U is one of the most comprehensive virtual internship programs. During the internship, you'll work on real-world projects in multimedia, marketing, blog writing, animation, coding, business development, and social media.
Responsibilities may include:
Participants receive practical experience by developing business strategies, implementing digital marketing tactics, and creating content. Along with these technical skills, interns also improve their communication skills by learning how nonprofits are managed and develop leadership skills through collaborating with peers.
If you're looking for online medical internships, check out Medicine Encompassed. The program gives high school students opportunities to explore STEAM, biology, and other medical fields through various executive and general roles. As an intern, you’ll join one of 18 medical committees to develop resources to support an inclusive medical curriculum and outreach programs.
There are different roles you can take. Writers compose articles for publication while editors review their work for scientific accuracy. Resource creators produce study guides, educational materials, and slide shows. Beyond content creation, students can join general departments within the organization, such as sponsorships and partnerships. All positions offer practical learning opportunities in medical communication, research methods, and organizational management.
The Green Scholars Program by Seaside Sustainability is an excellent online research internship in the sustainability field. It gives high school students a chance to help produce educational materials that can reach classrooms across the country. You'll also be engaged in research, writing, data analysis, outreach, and content creation.
The program is divided into three sub-teams:
Interns work with sustainability experts to develop educational content and revise curriculum materials. This encourages them to actively participate in environmental advocacy and educational activities.
You need to submit academic records, essays, and recommendation letters for the competitive application process. Find out how to ask a teacher for a recommendation. Finalists for the program will then complete interviews and provide additional required documentation.
United Planet offers one of the best summer virtual internships for high school students who want to work with international organizations. It program places you in organizations focused on education, community development, and environmental sustainability. You'll support initiatives that improve children's educational outcomes along with potentially projects that advocate for human rights.
This virtual summer internship connects you with local professionals who will guide you through hands-on projects to address global cultural and social challenges. You may choose to work with schools and shelters or support economic and social development programs. Some notable past projects have included aiding a sea turtle conservation project in Costa Rica, running a youth center for disadvantaged children, and educating communities about plastic recycling as a climate change solution in Sierra Leone.
Johns Hopkins University (JHIBS Virtual Program) offers one of the best online internships for high school students interested in psychology or neuroscience. It offers advanced courses such as Neuroscience and Human Behavior and you'll research the connection between brain function and human behavior. The program operates asynchronously. This means that you learn via pre-recorded videos or presentations, and can access your materials and complete tasks at your own pace.
While most coursework includes pre-recorded videos, students can engage with instructors in real time through optional live sessions. These sessions are a great opportunity to ask for help and receive support. The program fosters critical thinking and a fundamental understanding of neuroscience, making it an excellent starting point for students who want to study brain science in the future.
Only a few internships for teenagers offer the opportunity to publish a research paper. The Oxford Scholastica Academy Internship is one of them. This program enables high school students to explore research opportunities within business, medical sciences, and psychological studies. Interns select specific research topics such as fintech, AI in breast cancer, and PTSD & Trauma.
During the one-month internship, students receive guidance from mentors who help them build their research skills. They perform literature reviews, explore real-world solutions, and improve their analytical skills. By the end of the program, each intern completes a research paper, which is submitted for publication in an academic journal. After undertaking this project, they can now write about research in college applications, which could help them stand out in the college admissions process.
Delta Institute provides high school students with virtual work experience programs with top global companies like Amazon, PwC, Uber, and Ferrari. Students gain real-world professional experiences and receive guidance from leading university experts.
Delta Institute offers multiple programs. The Discover Program helps students explore career options, the Delve Program offers practical industry experience, and the Deepen Program focuses on skills development. Students learn by working on real-world projects and then present their results to company representatives. Delta Institute graduates have gained admission to top universities like Stanford and MIT, UC Berkeley, Oxford, and Cambridge.
Online internships are an excellent place to gain practical experience and mentorship while strengthening your college application. Many of these programs are free and can be rewarding, financially (stipends) or academically (course credits and certification). Unlike traditional in-person internships, online programs eliminate the need for travel, saving you time and money. The variety of opportunities also means you won't have any problem finding an opportunity to explore your areas of interest.
If you’re ready to kickstart your online learning experience today, consider the Indigo Research Intensive Seasonal (IRIS) Program. This unique opportunity allows you to collaborate with leading university professors and potentially publish your research findings—a feat that can set you apart in college admissions and give you an edge in your future career. Join the IRIS program today and take your academic journey to the next level!
Yes! Most internships don't require previous experience. Instead, they’re often evaluating you based on your enthusiasm, academic performance, and willingness to learn.
It depends, but many reputable companies, nonprofits, and universities offer remote internships. The experience you gain from an online internship can be just as valuable as an in-person internship. Some even offer course credits and certifications, which could strengthen your college application.
There are some virtual internships that are free, especially those offered by nonprofits, universities, or government programs. Others may have fees, especially if they provide certifications or academic credit. Always research the program in detail to understand the costs involved.
Though many internships are only eligible to students age 16 or older, some programs, such as The Junior Academy, Medicine Encompassed, and the Green Scholars Program, are open to 15-year-olds.
Many online internships offer certificates upon completion. For example, Intern Abroad HQ and the Oxford Scholastica Academy Internship award certificates when you complete your program. These certifications can be a great addition to your resume and college applications.
Interested in doing research? Begin your online learning experience today with the Indigo Research Intensive Seasonal (IRIS) Program. Besides collaborating with leading university professors, you get to publish your research findings—a feat that will set you apart in college admissions and career development.
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Interested in doing research? Begin your online learning experience today with the Indigo Research Intensive Seasonal (IRIS) Program. Besides collaborating with leading university professors, you get to publish your research findings—a feat that will set you apart in college admissions and career development.
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