15 Internships for High School Students in Michigan
Engaging in an internship as a high school student can be a great way to explore your interests. Internships offer opportunities to develop practical skills, gain early exposure to industry environments, and make valuable connections that can shape your future career. Internships also boost college applications and can help you build confidence by exposing you to the day-to-day operations of a professional space.
If you live in or around Michigan, you can choose various meaningful learning experiences. From healthcare and engineering sectors to its expanding research institutions and tech hubs, the state offers a wide variety of internships for you to explore. These internships allow you to use what you learn in the classroom and apply it in office settings while solving problems, collaborating with professionals, and discovering where your passions lie.
To help you shortlist the right options, we have compiled a list of 15 internships for high school students in Michigan.
1. Harper Academy 4 Future Nuclear Engineers
Location: University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
Stipend: Paid
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: July 6 – August 1
Application deadline: January 31
Eligibility: 11th-grade students who are Michigan residents and U.S. citizens/permanent residents
The Harper Academy 4 Future Nuclear Engineers at the University of Michigan is a four-week residential program designed to introduce high school students to the field of nuclear engineering through academic, technical, and leadership experiences. Mornings focus on math and science tutoring and college entrance exam preparation, while afternoons feature seminars on college readiness, leadership, and communication. You will also participate in lab visits, exploring facilities like the Michigan Ion Beam Laboratory, the ZEUS laser system, the Facility for Rare Isotope Beams, and the Fermi Nuclear Power Plant. You will have access to community engagement workshops, where you will discuss nuclear energy topics with local residents. The program allows select participants to collaborate with faculty on research projects.
2. Veritas AI Programs
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies; full need-based financial aid available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: Vary by cohort; several cohorts (in summer, winter, fall, and spring) are scheduled every year.
Application deadline: Varies by cohort
Eligibility: High school students; certain programs may require prior experience with AI/Python or completion of the AI Scholars program.
Although not traditional internships, Veritas AI offers several virtual AI-focused learning experiences designed for high school students that act as work-learn programs. These programs combine instruction with project-based learning, which can help you explore artificial intelligence and its applications. If applying to the beginner-friendly AI Scholars program, you will learn how to work with Python and explore machine learning, AI, and data science concepts. Here, you will also collaborate with peers on a project, which can focus on the use of AI to solve real problems in fields like healthcare and finance. You can also opt for the AI Fellowship program, which offers you mentorship to develop your own unique AI project. You can check out past Vertias AI student projects here.
3. Bloomberg Arts Internship (BAI) by CultureSource
Location: Multiple organizations across Detroit, MI
Stipend: $2,000
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 30 students
Dates: Eight-week internship between June and August
Application deadline: March 13
Eligibility: Rising seniors who attend public or charter schools in the city of Detroit
The Bloomberg Arts Internship, run by CultureSource in Detroit, offers rising high school seniors paid placements at arts and culture organizations across the city. Over a seven- to eight-week summer session, you will spend three days/week at your assigned site and the remaining two days participating in structured curriculum sessions focused on writing, leadership, public speaking, financial literacy, and college readiness. You will work on a summer project at the assigned organization. You will also take part in cultural site visits that introduce you to Detroit’s creative sector while developing transferable workplace and communication skills. The program offers a stipend and covers transportation and meal costs.
4. Ladder Internship Program
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies based on program; financial aid available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: Eight-week program offered multiple times each year, including in summer, fall, winter, and spring
Application deadline: Varies by cohort
Eligibility: High school students and gap year students
The Ladder Internship Program connects high school students with startups and nonprofits for virtual, mentored professional learning experiences. Over an eight-week period, you will collaborate with startups on real projects in artificial intelligence, healthcare, finance, journalism, marketing, or other areas, depending on your interests. You will work with both a manager at the host organization and a Ladder coach who will provide career and skill development support. You will engage in work that contributes to the organization’s goals and present your results at the end of the internship. In addition to hands-on project work, the program offers access to group workshops focused on communication skills, leadership, and workplace readiness.
5. University of Michigan’s Aspirnaut Summer Research Internship Program
Location: University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
Stipend: Paid
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 6 – 10 students accepted annually
Dates: June 14 – July 24
Application deadline: Typically in February
Eligibility: Rising seniors who are at least 16 years old; preference is given to students from socio-economically disadvantaged communities
The University of Michigan’s Aspirnaut Summer Research Internship Program is a six-week, fully funded research experience for high school students with an interest in the life sciences. Hosted on the Ann Arbor campus, the program allows you to join a small cohort of students and work within active research laboratories, where you will assist faculty and graduate mentors on a defined project. During the internship, you will run experiments, analyze data, and learn how to present your findings at the program’s conclusion. You will also live in university housing and get access to test preparation assistance and college readiness support. Beyond lab work, the experience offers access to social and cultural activities that can help you build connections and experience college life.
6. Marquette-Alger Regional Educational Service Agency Internship Program
Location: Multiple locations in Michigan
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: No information available
Dates: Varies by placement; typical commitment of 6 – 10 hours/week
Application deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: High school seniors
The MARESA Internship Program offers an independent study course for high school seniors, aligning with each student’s career interests. You will spend 6–10 hours every week working at a local business or agency, where employees will train and supervise you as you engage in assigned tasks. During the program, you will maintain a daily journal, complete assigned projects, and be evaluated by your site supervisor on performance, maturity, and progress. Grades are determined by the program coordinator based on these evaluations and documentation. The schedule and learning expectations are typically set beforehand by the student, parent, school, and employer.
7. Henry Ford Health Department of Surgery High School Mentorship Program
Location: Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit, MI
Stipend: $1,000
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 10 students selected for the internship
Dates: Academic-year program + a summer internship between June and August
Application deadline: March 1
Eligibility: Detroit-area high school students
The Henry Ford Health Department of Surgery High School Mentorship Program provides Detroit-area students with exposure to medical and surgical fields during the academic year. You will attend Saturday sessions at Henry Ford Hospital’s Surgical Simulation Suite, where you will practice key surgical techniques such as suturing, knot-tying, and laparoscopic simulations under the guidance of medical professionals. You will also tour hospital departments, observe healthcare teams, and interact with physicians and medical students to gain a deeper understanding of clinical careers. At the end of the program, you have the chance to be one of 10 students who will be chosen for a paid summer internship. As an intern, you will continue exploring surgical and medical specialties through hands-on activities.
8. Multicultural Apprenticeship Program (MAP) by the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources (CANR) at MSU
Location: Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: July 6 – August 1
Application deadline: April 18
Eligibility: Students currently in 10th and 11th grades with a strong interest and aptitude in math, science, and other academic areas
MAP at Michigan State University is a four-week residential summer program that introduces high school students to careers in agriculture, environmental sciences, and natural resources. You will be paired with a faculty mentor from the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources and work on a focused research project in areas like veterinary medicine, crop and soil sciences, food science, or environmental engineering. Beyond research, the program includes field trips, leadership workshops, and cultural activities that build both academic and personal growth. You will also get to experience life on a college campus while living in campus housing and participating in group activities. While not a typical internship, the free program offers hands-on exposure to agricultural and food sciences.
9. High School Summer Science Program at Eastern Michigan University
Location: Eastern Michigan University, Ypsilanti, MI
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: June 23 – July 14
Application deadline: May 1
Eligibility: Local high school students who have completed at least one science class
Eastern Michigan University’s High School Summer Science Program is an opportunity to work on real scientific research alongside university faculty and undergraduates. Over three weeks, you will work within a small team to investigate a project in biology, chemistry, or physics, learning how to perform experiments, collect and analyze data, and communicate your results effectively. The program also offers exposure to research ethics, lab safety, and accurate documentation, helping you understand how professional research is conducted. The experience culminates in a formal presentation of your findings to peers and faculty.
10. University of Michigan’s Future Ready Scholars
Location: University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
Cost: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: No information available
Dates: Multi-year program including a two-week summer camp
Application deadline: April
Eligibility: Current rising 10th, 11th, and 12th-grade students who are Michigan residents
Future Ready Scholars at the University of Michigan is a free multi-year STEM enrichment and college readiness initiative for high school students across Southeast Michigan. The program begins with a two-week summer camp on the Ann Arbor campus, where you will use the Engineering Design Process to develop creative solutions to real-world problems through tools like robotics, app development, CAD, and entrepreneurship. Although not a typical internship, this free program, led by Mentorship from U-M faculty, Michigan Engineering Zone instructors, and college students, supports hands-on learning and collaboration. The experience also integrates college and career readiness training, including SAT preparation, job shadowing, and career exploration sessions. Programming continues through the academic year with monthly Saturday sessions to help you stay engaged and keep exploring STEM pathways.
11. Summer Youth Program @ Jackson Hospital
Location: Henry Ford Jackson Hospital, Jackson, MI
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; invitation-only enrollment
Dates: June 9 – August 8
Application deadline: April 30
Eligibility: Rising and current high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors
Jackson Hospital’s Summer Youth Program is an eight-week volunteer experience that gives high school students firsthand exposure to a healthcare setting. During the program, you will work a minimum of one four-hour shift each week, assisting staff within various hospital departments with non-medical tasks. During this experience, you will find opportunities to strengthen your leadership and communication skills, interact with professionals, and observe how different hospital teams collaborate. You will also attend a mandatory orientation and training session before beginning your placement, ensuring you understand hospital protocols and patient care standards.
12. RYSE MED Program
Location: Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit, MI
Cost/Stipend: Free; stipends may be available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: No information available
Dates: June 29 – August 8
Application deadline: TBA; applications open in February
Eligibility: 10th and 11th graders in Metro Detroit with at least a 2.5 GPA
The RYSE MED Program, hosted by Henry Ford Health, is a free, year-long initiative designed to prepare students for careers in healthcare and medical research, with an emphasis on exposing them to health equity. Its six-week summer immersion allows you to access hands-on experiences like shadowing physicians, nurses, and researchers, participating in clinical simulations, and engaging in workshops on healthcare skills and professional development. You will also conduct research on a health equity issue relevant to your community, create an infographic, and present your findings to healthcare professionals and community members at the end of the program. After the summer, you can continue to engage through mentoring sessions and monthly academic-year activities that promote long-term career and college success.
13. Biomedical Career Advancement Program (BCAP)
Location: Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI
Cost/Stipend: Free; stipend may be available depending on funding
Acceptance rate/cohort size: No information available
Dates: June 23 – August 15
Application deadline: April 7
Eligibility: 10th – 12th graders with at least a 2.75 GPA; priority is given to Detroit-area and Wayne County residents and students from disadvantaged backgrounds.
BCAP at Wayne State University School of Medicine is a six-week summer research internship designed for high school students interested in biomedical and health science fields. You will spend four days a week collaborating with faculty and researchers on independent projects, gaining experience in lab work and scientific investigation. Fridays are dedicated to lab safety training, hands-on skills like gel electrophoresis, microscopy, pipetting, CPR, and phlebotomy, as well as networking and professional development sessions. The experience concludes with a research symposium where interns present their findings to peers and university mentors. During the program, you will also engage in student panels and career discussions that introduce you to various healthcare and research pathways.
14. Wayne State University’s Discovery to Cure High School Internship Program
Location: Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI
Cost/Stipend: Not specified
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 25 students annually, less than 12%
Dates: June 23 – August 15
Application deadline: March 31
Eligibility: Rising seniors at least 16 years of age
Wayne State University’s Discovery to Cure High School Internship Program is an eight-week, in-person biomedical research experience held at the C.S. Mott Center for Human Growth and Development. As a participant, you will spend roughly 40 hours a week conducting research in areas such as reproductive biology, oncology, immunology, and precision medicine under the mentorship of faculty, postdoctoral researchers, or lab staff. The program focuses on practical training, allowing you to assist with experiments, data collection, and lab procedures while learning about the scientific method in a professional setting. Weekly seminars will supplement your lab experience by providing insight into emerging topics in biomedical science. At the end of the internship, you will present your research findings to faculty and peers.
15. American Psychological Association (APA) – Remote Internship Program
Location: Remote
Stipend: Paid and unpaid (academic credit-based) opportunities available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: Internships are offered all year round
Application deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: High school students who are eligible to work in the U.S. (as verified by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s eVerify service) and residents of a state where APA is a registered employer
The APA Remote Internship Program allows students to see firsthand how psychological principles apply to diverse professional settings such as education, policy, publishing, and communications. Conducted entirely online, the program places you within specific APA departments where you’ll work on projects like data analysis, educational content creation, event coordination, and administrative support. You will report to departmental supervisors who provide guidance and track learning progress throughout the placement. Depending on the position, roles may be paid or eligible for academic credit.
Image Source - Veritas AI logo