12 Finance Internships for High School Students in California
If you are a high school student interested in finance, an internship can be a great option to explore. Finance internships can provide you with exposure to the field and help build analytical thinking, financial literacy, and problem-solving skills, while exposing you to fields such as accounting, investing, and banking. These internships combine classroom learning with practical application, allowing you to work on real projects, interact with professionals, and explore potential career paths in finance.
Top universities and organizations in California offer finance internships, allowing you to learn from leading professionals and understand real-world financial operations. These internships are great for in-state students seeking local opportunities, as well as out-of-state students who want to experience California’s financial sector. You can also add to your resume with such internships, which can help with future academic and career opportunities.
To help with your search, below are 12 finance internships for high school students in California.
Note: Not all items in this list are traditional internships, but they do offer a work-learn experience, the way internships do.
1. Bank of America: Student Leaders Program
Location: Multiple locations across the U.S.
Cost/Stipend: None / Paid internship (all travel and summit expenses covered)
Dates: 8 weeks from June to August (including 1-week Student Leaders Summit in Washington, DC, July 21 – 26)
Application Deadline: January 15
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors legally authorized to work in the U.S. | Reside in an eligible location and be in good academic standing | First-time applicant
Bank of America’s Student Leaders Program offers an eight-week paid internship for high school students interested in civic engagement, leadership, and community development. The program places you at local nonprofit organizations, where you gain firsthand experience addressing social and economic challenges while developing professional and leadership skills. The program culminates in a fully funded, week-long Student Leaders Summit in Washington, D.C., where you learn how government, business, and nonprofits collaborate to create impact. Through this experience, you build a strong foundation in both business awareness and community leadership, making it a standout opportunity for those passionate about making a difference.
2. Veritas AI: Deep Dive: AI + Finance
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies according to program type; financial aid is available
Dates: December 14 - February 15 (on Sundays)
Application Deadline: Winter I – October 19; Winter II – November 30
Eligibility: High school students in grades 8-12 | Completion of the AI Scholars program or prior Python experience
Veritas AI’s Deep Dive: AI + Finance is a 10-week work-learn program designed for students interested in exploring how AI is transforming financial markets. You work in small groups on projects, using AI and ML models to analyze stock prices and financial trends. Through lectures, programming notebooks, and mentorship from AI experts, students gain experience applying predictive modeling in finance, banking, and asset management. With a 5:1 student-to-mentor ratio, the program balances guided learning with independent problem-solving. This course is ideal for students who have completed the AI Scholars program or have prior coding experience, and it provides practical insights that enhance both college readiness and early career exploration.
3. CLA: High School Internship Program
Location: Select locations across California and nationwide
Stipend: Paid, amount not specified
Dates: 8 weeks in the summer
Application Deadline: Typically January or early March
Eligibility: High school students aged 16-18 | Authorized to work in the U.S. without the need for an employment-based visa
CLA’s High School Internship Program offers students a hands-on introduction to the fields of business, accounting, and professional services. Over four weeks, you work with real teams and clients, gaining practical exposure to how financial operations and consulting projects function in the real world. The program focuses on developing core professional skills - communication, organization, and problem-solving - while helping students understand their strengths and career interests. With mentorship and real project experience, this internship provides an early, authentic glimpse into the professional world and helps you launch your path toward business or finance-related careers.
4. Ladder Internships
Location: Online
Cost/Stipend: Varies according to program type; financial aid is available / No stipend
Dates: 8–12 week cohorts offered in spring, summer, fall, and winter; Upcoming cohort is Winter starting December 8
Application Deadline: Varies as per cohort; November 16 for Winter Cohort
Eligibility: High school students, undergraduates, and gap year students able to commit 10–20 hours per week for 8-16 weeks
Ladder’s Startup Internship Program allows students to gain experience by contributing to active projects within early-stage startups. Over eight weeks, you dedicate 5-10 hours a week to tasks in areas like finance, strategy, operations, and marketing, while learning how these functions intersect in a growing business. You work closely with a host company, joining team meetings, assisting in project execution, and receiving mentorship from industry professionals. The program’s online format offers flexibility, enabling you to collaborate across time zones while still developing critical workplace skills. It’s an excellent opportunity if you are eager to understand the inner workings of startups and explore potential careers in business and finance!
5. Goldman Sachs High School Summer Internship
Location: Various locations, primarily major cities where Goldman Sachs has offices, including California; some programs are virtual
Cost/Stipend: Paid, amount not specified
Dates: 5-8 weeks during the summer (Dates vary by year)
Application Deadline: Usually in early winter or late fall
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors (rising juniors and seniors are often eligible)
The Goldman Sachs High School Summer Internship offers high school juniors and seniors an immersive experience to explore finance and business fundamentals. The internship covers subjects such as wealth management, financial planning, investment banking, and risk analysis. You engage in various activities like financial modeling exercises, interactive workshops, professional networking events, and case study competitions. One notable aspect of this program is its emphasis on mentorship and tailored professional development, especially for underrepresented and diverse students. Through this experience, interns enhance their skills in analytical reasoning, teamwork, and effective communication, and gain a comprehensive understanding of financial markets.
6. Meta Summer Academy
Location: Menlo Park, California
Cost/Stipend: None / Paid internship, amount not specified
Dates: June 16 – July 25
Application Deadline: February 14
Eligibility: High school sophomores residing in East Palo Alto, Belle Haven, North Fair Oaks, or Redwood City | Minimum 2.0 Cumulative GPA
Meta’s Summer Academy offers high school students a rare opportunity to explore how a global technology company operates behind the scenes. Over six weeks, you learn about different departments at Meta - ranging from engineering and business operations to community outreach - while working on projects that build both technical and professional skills. The program focuses on mentorship and access, especially for students from underrepresented communities, helping them build confidence and real-world experience in the tech and business space. Through workshops and collaboration with Meta professionals, you gain insight into potential career paths and develop skills that extend well beyond the summer.
7. KP Launch High School Internship at Kaiser Permanente
Location: Multiple locations throughout the country, including California
Stipend: $24/hour
Dates: June 15 – July 31
Application Deadline: January 9
Eligibility: High school students between ages 16 – 19 by June 1 | Permanent resident of Northern California Kaiser Permanente designated service area | Legally allowed to work in the U.S.
The KP Launch High School Internship – Finance Track offers an immersive experience in finance operations at Kaiser Permanente. Throughout the summer, you collaborate with teams specializing in accounting, corporate finance, and actuarial analysis. The program includes workshops designed to enhance professional skills, while mentors provide valuable advice on pursuing careers in healthcare and finance. You work on projects such as conducting financial audits, preparing taxes, and constructing financial models. Networking opportunities allow you to connect with industry leaders and fellow interns throughout the organization. This internship is an excellent chance to build a solid foundation in finance while gaining insight into the business side of healthcare.
8. SFUSD: Summer Internships with Industry Partners
Location: San Francisco, CA (SFUSD - San Francisco Unified School District)
Stipend: Paid, amount not specified
Dates: Six weeks (summer, June – August)
Application Deadline: Not specified; interest form typically opens early in the year (e.g. early spring)
Eligibility: SFUSD high school sophomores and juniors (priority to 11th graders / rising seniors)
SFUSD’s Summer Internships with Industry Partners offer paid opportunities for high school students to explore different career sectors - including a focused Finance track. In this program, you will work alongside mentors from local financial organizations or city offices, gaining exposure to budgeting, data management, and basic accounting practices. Weekly seminars with your SFUSD supervisor support reflection and skill-building, while the overall experience helps you understand how financial systems operate in real workplaces. Ideal for students interested in business, banking, or economics, this internship provides a solid foundation for future college and career pursuits in finance.
9. JA NorCal Financial Literacy Course
Location: Junior Achievement of Northern California, various sites, CA, or remote, or hybrid formats
Cost: California school/institution partnership (free for students)
Dates: Semester-long course aligned with school calendars flexible scheduling available depending on school
Application Deadline: Varies as schools or districts interested in participating coordinate with JA NorCal for scheduling
Eligibility: All high school students at partner schools
This teacher-led course is part of the JA High School Experience and offers a semester-long, structured learning journey focused on personal finance. You gain essential skills in areas such as banking, budgeting, saving, credit management, investments, insurance, and risk assessment. The curriculum aligns with California and national standards, earning A-G approval for admission to the University of California. Lessons are delivered through a combination of teacher instruction, volunteer guest presenters, and interactive online activities, including simulations and games. Upon completion, you showcase your knowledge through comprehensive projects and business case studies designed to prepare you for sound financial decisions.
10. UCLA Introduction to Investments Summer Institute
Location: University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), also available virtually
Cost: In-person: $2,985 (est.); Virtual: $2,170; financial aid is available
Dates: June 23 – July 11
Application Deadline: June 13
Eligibility: All high school students | Cumulative GPA 3.2 | At least 15 years old by June 23
The UCLA Introduction to Investments Summer Institute for high school students is a three-week program designed to introduce students to the fundamentals of investing and financial markets. It covers key topics such as stock market basics, portfolio management, risk assessment, and personal financial planning. You engage in activities like analyzing real-world case studies, participating in group discussions and simulations, and developing your own investment strategies. Unique features of the program include instruction by UCLA faculty and industry experts, a blend of lectures and hands-on learning, and opportunities to connect with peers interested in finance. You develop critical skills in financial literacy, analytical thinking, decision-making, and collaboration.
11. Fordham University – Finance Institute: Wall Street in the Classroom
Location: Virtual, hybrid and in-person options available
Cost: $1,200 (includes $100 deposit); financial aid is available; need-based discounts are available for students with family incomes below $50,000 per year
Dates: Week 1: June 16 – 20; Week 2: June 23 – 27; Week 3: July 21 – 25; Week 4: July 28 – August 1
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Eligibility: High school students in grades 10 – 12 (international students may attend virtually)
Fordham University’s Finance Institute gives high school students a fast-paced introduction to the world of finance, taught by a former Wall Street trader. Over one week, you explore everything from personal finance and investing to monetary policy, risk management, and even cryptocurrency. Through guest lectures by finance professionals and Gabelli School alumni, students gain an inside look at how the financial world operates and how theory translates into practice. By the end of the program, you will have applied critical reasoning and analytical tools to understand complex market behaviors and financial systems.
12. Georgetown University – Becoming an Investor: An Inside Look at Finance
Location: Virtual
Cost: $1,895 (Enrichment course); $3,995 (College credit course); need-based scholarships are available
Dates: Multiple 1, 2, and 4-week sessions available throughout the year
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Eligibility: Students ages 13 and up
Georgetown University’s Becoming an Investor course introduces students to the foundations of finance and investing through practical, real-world learning. You explore how financial markets operate, how companies are valued, and how investment portfolios are built to balance risk and return. The course also dives into modern topics like fintech, cryptocurrencies, and NFTs, helping you understand the evolving financial landscape. With guidance from mentors, you complete a final capstone project analyzing a public company’s investment potential. This flexible, online program offers an early window into college-level finance and investing careers.
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