15 Business Internships for High School Students in NYC
If you are a high school student, internships are an excellent way to gain exposure to work environments while developing practical skills that extend beyond the classroom. Business internships, in particular, can help you explore fields like finance, marketing, entrepreneurship, and management, all while making professional connections. Along the way, you can learn how businesses operate day-to-day, gain insights into different career paths, and benefit from mentorship that provides guidance, feedback, and support as you grow.
New York City, a global hub for commerce and innovation, offers a wide variety of opportunities for high school students interested in business. From internships at major firms to startup-focused programs, you’ll find experiences that balance learning with mentorship from professionals. These opportunities allow you to test your interest in different business fields while developing transferable skills like communication, problem-solving, and teamwork.
In this blog, we’ve compiled 15 business internships for high school students in NYC.
1. Bank of America Student Leaders Program
Location: New York City, with a 1-week summit in Washington, D.C.
Cost/Stipend: Paid; stipend provided during internship
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; limited national cohort
Dates: June – July
Application Deadline: January 15
Eligibility: Open to high school juniors and seniors.
The Bank of America Student Leaders Program combines an eight-week paid internship at a local nonprofit with a national leadership summit in Washington, D.C. During the internship, you’ll work on community projects, gaining insight into nonprofit operations while also developing business-related skills such as project management and teamwork. At the summit, you’ll join peers from across the country to explore how government, businesses, and nonprofits collaborate to solve societal challenges. This program provides an opportunity to strengthen both civic leadership and business acumen, preparing you for future academic and professional paths.
2. Ladder Internships – Business Track
Location: Remote
Cost/Stipend: Varies based on program type
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; small cohorts per track
Dates: Multiple cohorts offered in Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter
Application Deadline: Varies by cohort (Spring – January, Summer – May, Fall – September, Winter – November)
Eligibility: Open to high school students, undergraduates, and gap year students able to commit 10–20 hours/week
Ladder Internships provides high school students with the chance to work on projects at fast-growing start-ups, many of which are venture-backed. Through the business track, you’ll collaborate on areas such as marketing, consulting, entrepreneurship, and operations, gaining exposure to business development. You will work under the guidance of both company managers and a Ladder coach, ensuring mentorship and structured learning throughout. At the end of the program, you’ll present your contributions to company leadership, developing both professional skills and confidence in a business setting.
3. Mayor’s Office Internship Program – City of New York
Location: New York City, NY
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive; selective placements across departments
Dates: Offered in both Summer (June–August) and Fall/Spring (October–April) terms
Application Deadline: Summer term deadlines vary; Fall/Spring application closes August 31
Eligibility: High school students age 16+ with valid working papers; must be NYC residents and currently enrolled in high school (or accepted to college for the summer term).
The Mayor’s Office Internship Program places students in departments across city government, giving you the opportunity to contribute to projects such as research, data analysis, outreach, and policy support. Alongside daily assignments, you’ll attend a bi-weekly Speaker Series at City Hall featuring senior officials like Deputy Mayors and Commissioners, offering insight into how NYC operates. You will also design and execute a community service project in partnership with NYC Service, addressing local needs through initiatives such as park clean-ups or youth sports field restoration.
4. Young Founders Lab
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: varies based on program type
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; small cohorts for mentorship-based learning
Dates: June 5 – early July
Application Deadline: Early Decision – March, Regular Deadlines – April and May
Eligibility: Open to all high school students with an interest in entrepreneurship.
The Young Founders Lab is a start-up incubator for high school students, founded by Harvard entrepreneurs. During the four-week program, you’ll work on building a revenue-generating venture that tackles a problem, with guidance from mentors at top companies like Google, Microsoft, and X. In addition to start-up development, you’ll take part in workshops on business ideation, fundamentals, and strategy, along with case studies and panel discussions. The program blends theory with application, giving you the tools to pitch and launch your own venture while connecting with a community of aspiring founders.
5. JPMorgan Chase High School Internships
Location: New York, NY
Cost/Stipend: Paid, $15–$20/hour, varies by role
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; competitive placement process
Dates: Varies by role and placement
Application Deadline: Rolling; varies by role
Eligibility: NYC high school juniors and seniors, age 16+, with strong academic performance (minimum 3.0 GPA preferred) and an interest in business or finance.
JPMorgan Chase offers selective internship opportunities for high school students to explore careers in finance, banking, and business operations. You’ll be placed on teams within the financial district and assist with tasks such as preparing reports, organising client meetings, and supporting financial analysis. You will work under the guidance of experienced professionals, learning how global business decisions are made and how large organisations function. With both internship and pre-internship options, this program provides early exposure to the finance industry while also developing your professional communication and teamwork skills.
6. Goldman Sachs High School Internship
Location: New York, NY
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; limited cohort
Dates: July – August
Application Deadline: February 15
Eligibility: NYC high school juniors or seniors, age 16+, with a minimum 3.0 GPA.
This internship gives high school students the opportunity to explore finance and business operations at one of the world’s leading investment banks. You will be placed in teams such as Investment Banking, Operations, or Client Services, where you’ll help with market research, data analysis, and preparing client presentations. The program also includes training on finance fundamentals and mentorship from Goldman Sachs professionals. You’ll gain exposure to how corporate deals are structured and how financial markets are analysed, while also strengthening teamwork and communication skills in a global business setting.
7. CLA High School Internship Program
Location: Multiple U.S. locations, including NYC offices
Cost/Stipend: Paid, stipend provided
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; limited cohort per office
Dates: Mid-June – August
Application Deadline: Typically in January
Eligibility: Open to high school students ages 16–18.
The CLA High School Internship Program gives students the chance to explore careers in accounting, finance, and auditing at a national professional services firm. Over the course of the internship, you’ll work on projects such as financial analysis, tax preparation, and audit support, applying theoretical knowledge in real-world contexts. The program emphasises both technical and professional development, with structured mentorship and opportunities to connect with industry experts. By the end, you’ll gain practical experience, strengthen problem-solving skills, and build a foundation for pursuing a career in finance or business.
8. Tech Flex Leaders – All Star Code / AOT
Location: New York City, hybrid; in-person + virtual
Cost/Stipend: Free; stipend provided upon completion
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; small cohorts by track
Dates: September – May (9 months) with paid summer internships (July–August) for NYC students
Application Deadline: Priority Deadline – July 6, Final Deadline – August 3
Eligibility: Open to NYC high school juniors and seniors interested in technology, business, and digital skills.
Tech Flex Leaders is a nine-month hybrid program that blends technical training, professional development, and business exposure. You’ll meet weekly for sessions covering web development, UX design, digital marketing, data science, and product management, with AI tools integrated throughout the curriculum. The program includes mentorship from industry professionals, speaker events, and group projects that culminate in a Demo Day competition. NYC students who complete the year are eligible for paid summer tech internships through the program’s employer partner network, offering valuable experience at companies such as Microsoft, NBCUniversal, and Amazon.
9. SCA High School Summer Internship Program
Location: New York City
Cost/Stipend: Paid, $16.50/hour, ~30 hours per week
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; competitive application process
Dates: Six-week program, June – August
Application Deadline: March 7
Eligibility: Open to NYC public high school students in good academic standing; must be age 16+ with valid working papers and U.S. work authorisation.
The SCA Summer Internship Program provides high school students with exposure to industries including business, public administration, architecture, engineering, and construction management. Interns are placed with SCA departments or partner companies, where they’ll contribute to projects ranging from administrative support and financial planning to compliance and design. You’ll work four days per week at your assigned host site and spend one day in career readiness workshops, panel discussions, and design challenges. You will receive OSHA construction safety training, mentorship, and college guidance support. With placements at firms like Skidmore, Owings & Merrill and Gannett Fleming, this internship combines professional experience with career exploration and networking opportunities.
10. Futures and Options – The Internship Program
Location: New York City
Cost/Stipend: Paid, minimum $16.50/hour
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; placements matched individually to students
Dates: Fall, Spring, and Summer sessions (length varies by term)
Application Deadline: Applications for Summer open January 5; deadlines vary by term
Eligibility: Open to NYC high school juniors and seniors (ages 16–19) with valid working papers.
The Internship Program at Futures and Options combines paid, mentored work placements with structured career readiness workshops. You’ll be matched with an internship site aligned to your skills and interests, working in industries such as business, marketing, finance, or public service. Alongside your placement, you’ll attend orientations, professional skill-building workshops, and career exploration field trips to employers like BlackRock and Infor. A dedicated program coordinator provides guidance throughout, ensuring you gain both workplace experience and ongoing mentorship. With networking events and hands-on assignments, this program prepares you for both college and future careers.
11. Ladders for Leaders
Location: New York City, NY
Cost/Stipend: Paid
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive; selective application process
Dates: Summer (June–August)
Application Deadline: February 3
Eligibility: Youth ages 16–24, enrolled in high school or college, residents of one of the five NYC boroughs, with prior work or volunteer experience.
This program connects high school and college students with paid internships at leading corporations, non-profits, and government agencies across New York City. Before starting, you’ll complete 30 hours of pre-employment training, including résumé building, interview practice, and workplace readiness skills. Once placed, you’ll gain experience in industries such as finance, technology, healthcare, and media while earning a paycheck. Beyond the summer, you’ll also have access to an alumni network and post-internship opportunities, making this a gateway into professional careers.
12. DOROT Academic Year Teen Internship
Location: Manhattan, NY
Cost/Stipend: Free; unpaid
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; group interview required
Dates: Fall (October–December) and Spring (February–May) semesters
Application Deadline: Varies by semester, Fall deadline: October 20
Eligibility: Open to NYC high school students in grades 9–12.
The Academic Year Teen Internship Program at DOROT connects students with older adults in Manhattan through weekly after-school volunteer placements. Before beginning, you’ll take part in training sessions that prepare you for meaningful intergenerational interactions. Along the way, you’ll build communication, leadership, and empathy while earning community service hours. With options to engage in both group and one-on-one activities, this program provides valuable experience in service-oriented business and nonprofit work.
13. Bossgirls Summer Program – CCNY Zahn Innovation Center
Location: City College of New York, Manhattan, NY
Cost/Stipend: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; limited seats per summer cohort
Dates: June 30 – July 31
Application Deadline: Rolling; final deadline March 31
Eligibility: Open to high school girls and nonbinary students (grades 9–12) living in the tri-state area; must be able to commute to CCNY.
Bossgirls is a five-week entrepreneurship program designed for high school students interested in exploring business and innovation. Sponsored by Standard Chartered’s Futuremakers Initiative, the program focuses on team-based projects where you’ll identify a problem, develop a solution, and build a prototype. Along the way, you’ll study market research, pricing, branding, and pitching strategies, culminating in a final presentation to an audience. You will also engage with entrepreneurs and professional mentors, gaining insight into business careers while building confidence in leadership and collaboration. The program emphasises entrepreneurship as a mindset, giving you transferable skills that enhance any academic or career path.
14. Interns4Good – Nonprofit Internship Program
Location: Varies; remote opportunities available
Cost/Stipend: None (unpaid)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Open enrollment; selective placement based on nonprofit needs
Dates: Year-round; duration varies by placement
Application Deadline: Rolling (open throughout the year)
Eligibility: Open to all high school students (grades 9–12).
Interns4Good connects high school students with internship opportunities at nonprofit organisations, offering roles in areas such as marketing, communications, graphic design, and social media management. You’ll complete assignments, submit weekly reports, and receive feedback from nonprofit supervisors, helping you strengthen your accountability and professional skills. Many internships are remote, though some local in-person opportunities are also available. Verified service hours can be requested, making this an option if you’re also fulfilling school or community requirements. With year-round placements and diverse partner organisations, Interns4Good provides a flexible entry point into business-related experience through the nonprofit sector.
15. Building-U High School Internship
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: Free; no stipend
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Rolling intake; team-based placements by interest
Dates: Year-round; minimum 3 months
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Current high school students in grades 9–12.
Building-U places students on real teams that tackle organisational needs across marketing, business development, analytics, multimedia, coding, and research. You’ll work inside function-specific groups (e.g., Resource R&D, Marketing/Google Ads & Analytics, Business & Development, Social Media Content & Analytics, Coding for web/database projects) to solve practical business problems and ship tangible outputs. The program emphasises collaboration and cross-team exposure. Opportunities also include content creation (blogs, podcasts, YouTube interviews), data privacy projects with an external partner, and special initiatives like site migrations or product redesigns.
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