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If you’re a high school student in the U.S. looking for a summer activity, why not try to sign up for an internship? Your summer internships can actually strengthen your college applications, but only when they are chosen and presented with intention. Admissions officers are not simply counting the number of activities you do. They are evaluating how a student thinks, learns, contributes, and grows from the activity.
In this 2026 guide, Ivy Talent Education will show you how to choose internships that actually matter, what to document so your work stands out for college applications, and 6 summer internship opportunities for high school students that you might want to check out.
Why Do Internships Matter in U.S. Admissions?
In U.S. admissions, an internship is most valuable when it supports a clear story and has the following:
- Academic direction: You explored a certain field related to what you study or what you plan to study in the future.
- Personal initiative: You took meaningful responsibility outside the classroom.
- Skill growth: You developed real methods, tools, and professional habits that helped you grow more as a person.
An internship does not automatically mean an advantage. It becomes an advantage when it strengthens your narrative across your coursework, activities, and essays.
Families often ask, “Do colleges care about the internship?” Well, admissions officers focus on the details: what you did, what you learned, and how you grew. Having a well-executed local or commuter experience can be stronger than a well-known program where students can’t even explain what they’ve done.
6 Summer Internship and Research Opportunities
Important: Always confirm the details on the official program website. The dates, eligibility, and application requirements can change each year.
About the program:
This is a two-summer pathway for students interested in biomedical research and data-driven STEM. The first summer typically includes intensive training at MIT, and the second summer includes an internship placement at an external lab or organization. Students also receive stipends in this program (amounts vary by year and funding).
Requirements:
- US citizen, permanent resident, or non-US citizen with employment authorization
- At least 16 years old by July 6th, 2026
- A current high school freshman, sophomore, or junior (seniors ineligible)
- Attends high school in Massachusetts, within a 1-hour commute to the Kendall Square Area in Cambridge by public transportation
- Designed to support students underrepresented in STEM
Location:
Boston area (Summer 1 at MIT; Summer 2 at a partner site)
Timeline:
- You must be available for an in-person interview on April 16th or April 23rd.
- You must be available to participate in the internship from July 6th to August 7th. The commitment is Monday – Friday from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
About the program:
This is a research program designed to support young women in STEM through lab exposure, mentorship, and a structured weekday schedule. Students may receive a stipend after completing program requirements.
Requirements:
- Students must be a junior in high school
- Must attend high school in Massachusetts and live within a 30-mile radius of Boston
- Housing is not provided
Location:
Boston area (Summer 1 at MIT; Summer 2 at a partner site)
Timeline:
- You must be available for an in-person interview on April 16th or April 23rd.
- You must be available to participate in the internship from July 6th to August 7th. The commitment is Monday – Friday from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
About the program: This program is a Tufts University biomedical engineering research experience for high school students. Participants work in labs and learn research methods in biomedical engineering. The program is free and commuter-based.
Requirements:
- 16+ by the program start date
- Must be able to commute to campus
- Housing is not provided
Location: Medford, Massachusetts (Boston area)
Timeline: Application opens in March 2026
About the program:
These are teen opportunities at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston that focus on museum education, visitor engagement, teen leadership, and arts programming. Many roles are paid and may run seasonally or year-round, depending on the program.
Requirements:
- All opportunities are paid $15/hour.
- Selection processes vary across programs. Please check the programs link for more information:
Location: Boston, Massachusetts
Timeline: The application period for 2026-2027 opens in February. Please check the Boston MFA website for updates in February.
About the program:
This is a paid summer internship experience at The Met, offering exposure to museum departments and professional skill-building. Students will work with museum professionals and gain structured training and networking opportunities.
Requirements:
- Must be a high school sophomore or junior
- Resides in and attends a high school in either New York, New Jersey, or Connecticut
- Upon completion of the program, interns will receive a $1100 stipend
Location: New York City, New York
Timeline:
- Application Deadline: Friday, March 13, 2026, 5 pm ET
- Interview Notification: By mid-April
- Accepted Intern and Family Reception: Saturday, June 27, 2026, 1–3 pm (interns must be accompanied by one parent or guardian)
- Bootcamp: Wednesday, July 1, 2026, 10 am–5 pm
- Departmental Placement: 40 hours total. Approximately 10 to 20 hours per week from July 7 to August 7
- Teen Fridays: Must attend both the July 17 and August 7 Teen Fridays, 4:30–6:30 pm
- Final Event and Celebration: Friday, August 7, 5:30–7:30 pm
About the program:
This is a paid, youth-centered creative employment program where teens work in professional studios (design, photography, video, 3D, creative tech, and more). Students often begin with foundational training before moving into paid studio work.
Requirements:
- If you are applying to the Boston location, you must be enrolled in a Boston public school.
- If you are applying to the Brooklyn location, you must be enrolled in high school.
Location: Boston, Massachusetts
Timeline:
- Boston Program Hours: Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm during the school year; Monday – Thursday from 11 am to 5:15 pm during the summer
- Brooklyn Program Hours: Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 3:30 pm – 6:30 pm during the school year; Monday – Thursday from 11 am – 5:45 pm during the summer
3 Practical Tips for Students and Families
Verify eligibility early
Many internship programs are for local students. You must confirm your commute, residency, and grade requirements before spending time on your essays or recommendations.
Keep a deliverables folder
This documentation makes it much easier for you to write strong activity descriptions and essays later on. Don’t forget to save a copy of your work throughout the program, such as:
- Slides, posters, abstracts
- Code, analysis summaries, or project write-ups
- Photos of exhibitions or events you supported
- Weekly reflection notes on what you learned and how your thinking changed
Plan recommendations in advance
A strong recommendation letter adds credibility because it is a third-party evaluation of your work. If you plan to request a recommendation later, you must communicate consistently with your mentor, ask for their feedback during the program, and keep them updated on your progress. Don’t forget to send a thank-you letter after your mentor submits the recommendation letter.
How to Present an Internship in Your College Application
Most students showcase internships in two places: the Activities List and the essays. They each have different purposes. It is important to take note that the Activities List shows what you did, while the essays show why they mattered.
If you want guidance on writing stronger activity descriptions, you can read our article: Stand Out to Admissions: Perfecting Your Common App Activity List.
Activities List:
Keep it factual and specific. Focus on:
- Role and responsibilities
- Time commitment (weeks, hours per week)
- Tools and methods used
- Outputs and impact
Essays and supplements:
Use essays to explain the meaning and growth from the experience. Answer these questions below:
- Why did you choose the internship?
- What did you work on and how did you approach it?
- What did you learn and how did you improve?
- How did it shape your next step?
Know the Program Type and Plan Ahead
Before applying for an internship, don’t forget to clarify what kind of opportunity it is:
- Paid (employment or stipend): These are often more structured and selective.
- Unpaid (training or research experience): Many lab and research opportunities are unpaid, but they are still highly valuable as a learning resource and an opportunity for growth.
- Fee-based programs: These are not included in this list. However, getting paid does not mean creating an impact. If you want to consider a fee-based program, evaluate the mentorship quality, structure, and deliverables.
Strong opportunities often open earlier than families expect. Here’s a simple planning timeline:
- January to February: shortlist programs, confirm eligibility, draft a resume, and a short statement
- March to April: submit applications, prepare for interviews if required
- May: finalize logistics (commute, schedule, paperwork)
- June to August: complete the internship, document deliverables weekly, request feedback and recommendations
If you missed any deadline/s, do not panic. There are many other great summer programs that might be a good fit for you. If you want to have a clearer plan and less stress, then Ivy Talent Education can help you build an application timeline that fits your grade level, academic direction, and family schedule. We support students with realistic program shortlists, deadline planning, outreach strategy, and how to translate internship work into strong application content. A good timeline reduces anxiety and stress because you will always know what matters next.
If you would like to build a clear application timeline and reduce uncertainty along the way, contact us to schedule a free consultation session. Our consultant will help you get started with a personalized planning approach tailored to your goals, timeline, and priorities.
