13 Paid Internships for High School Students in Texas
If you’re trying to figure out how to gain meaningful experience before college, paid internships can be one of the most practical ways to start. These opportunities let you step outside the classroom and work on real projects while learning directly from professionals. You’ll build transferable skills such as communication, problem-solving, and time management while also gaining insight into how different industries operate. The added benefit of a stipend is that you’re compensated for your time, making these programs more accessible and sustainable.
Why should you intern in Texas?
Texas offers a strong mix of universities, research institutions, and companies that provide structured, paid internships for high school students. You can explore opportunities across fields like STEM research, healthcare, business, and public service, often working on hands-on projects or assisting with ongoing initiatives. These internships are a great fit if you live or study in Texas and want to take advantage of local programs, but they’re also worth considering if you’re an out-of-state student looking to experience a dynamic academic and professional environment.
To make your search easier, we’ve narrowed down a list of 13 paid internships for high school students in Texas.
If you’re looking for free programs in Texas, check out our blog here.
Key takeaways
These internships span biomedical and cancer research (MD Anderson UPWARDS, MD Anderson CATALYST, Houston Methodist), healthcare administration (Parkland Health, CIS Houston healthcare track), environmental and fisheries science (Hutton Program, AEOP), public sector and civic roles (Austin High School Summer Internship, Dallas ISD, Port San Antonio), and multidisciplinary professional placements (Family Service, Communities in Schools), giving Texas high schoolers a wide range of industries to explore.
Stipends vary significantly, from $13 per hour (Austin High School Internship, Port San Antonio) and $20 per hour (Parkland Health) to lump-sum stipends such as MD Anderson UPWARDS and CATALYST (up to $7,200 each) and the Hutton Program ($3,000 over eight weeks, plus an all-expenses-paid summit).
Several programs are geographically restricted to students in specific districts or cities, including Dallas ISD Internship (Dallas ISD students only), Port San Antonio (Edgewood ISD, Compass Rose Ingenuity, and South San ISD students), and Family Service (San Antonio city residents in eligible school districts), while others like AEOP and Hutton Program are open to students across Texas and the wider United States.
Programs like MD Anderson UPWARDS and the Hutton Program explicitly prioritize students from underrepresented backgrounds, first-generation college students, or those with limited prior research access, making them strong options for students seeking both equity-focused and rigorous scientific experiences.
Several internships culminate in formal presentations or reports, including MD Anderson UPWARDS and CATALYST (poster symposia), Houston Methodist (research symposium presentation), Hutton Program (final report and scholars summit presentation), and Dallas ISD (structured project deliverables), building scientific communication and professional skills alongside technical experience.
1. Austin High School Summer Internship Program (Youth Initiatives)
Location: Austin, TX
Stipend: Paid ($13/hour)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: June 1 – July 10
Application Deadline: February 28
Eligibility: Austin-area high school students (ages 15–18); rising sophomores through seniors
If you’re looking for a flexible, career-exploration internship, this is designed to give you real workplace experience across different industries. The Austin High School Summer Internship Program places you in one of several tracks, ranging from STEAM-focused roles and aviation to business, hospitality, or entrepreneurship, based on your interests. Over six weeks, you’ll work about 20 hours per week in a professional setting, gaining exposure to day-to-day responsibilities, workplace expectations, and different career paths. Depending on the track, you might assist with technical projects, support operations, or learn how large organizations function behind the scenes.
2. MD Anderson UPWARDS Summer Research Program
Location: MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
Stipend: Free; up to $7,200 stipend
Acceptance rate/cohort size: ≈10 high school students
Dates: June 1 – August 7 (10 weeks)
Application Deadline: January 14
Eligibility: Local high school seniors (age 18+ by June 1) who identify as economically or educationally disadvantaged, first-generation, or having a disability
This program is specifically designed to open doors for students who may not typically have access to advanced research opportunities, while still offering a rigorous lab experience. Through the UPWARDS Summer Program at MD Anderson, you’ll be placed in a research lab and work closely with a faculty mentor on a cancer-related project, gaining hands-on experience in biomedical research. In addition to lab work, you’ll participate in structured coursework, seminars, and career development sessions that introduce you to pathways in medicine and graduate research. The program emphasizes both skill-building and long-term mentorship, helping you navigate future academic and professional decisions. You’ll also present your research at the end of the program, reinforcing scientific communication skills.
3. Houston Methodist High School Emerging Researcher Experience
Location: Houston Methodist Hospital campus, Texas Medical Center, Houston, TX
Stipend: If you are selected for the internship, the stipend amount will be included in your acceptance letter.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: June 8 – July 31
Application Deadline: January 30
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors (age 16+); minimum 3.5 GPA; requires transcript, resume, essays, and two letters of recommendation
The High School Emerging Researcher Experience at Houston Methodist places you alongside undergraduate interns and faculty mentors, where you’ll contribute to ongoing translational research projects. You’ll learn how scientific questions are investigated in a clinical setting, gaining experience with lab techniques, data interpretation, and collaborative problem-solving. The program also incorporates seminars, lectures, and professional development activities that help you understand both the science and the career pathways behind it. By the end of the internship, you’ll present your work at a research symposium, building both confidence and communication skills.
4. Baylor College of Medicine High School Intern
Location: Houston, TX
Stipend: Paid (up to $16.82/hour)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: Year-round (part-time, ~10 hours/week; flexible scheduling)
Application Deadline: Rolling (varies by posting)
Eligibility: Students currently enrolled in high school or higher education
A practical option if you want consistent, part-time exposure to a medical or research environment, this role focuses on building foundational skills rather than full-scale independent research. As an Intern/Aide at Baylor College of Medicine, you’ll support ongoing projects through a mix of administrative and entry-level lab tasks, while also receiving training in areas like health communication, experimental design, and research protocols. The position is flexible enough to fit around school, with opportunities to observe professionals, assist with projects, and gradually build familiarity with clinical or research workflows.
5. Dallas ISD Internship Program
Location: Dallas, TX
Stipend: Paid
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: June 1 – August 7
Application Deadline: October 31 (interest form); additional steps through January
Eligibility: Dallas ISD high school students (must be at least 16 years old by June 1; additional onboarding requirements apply)
If you want a structured pathway into a professional internship, with guided preparation before you even start working, this program is built to take you step by step from employment interest. The Dallas ISD Internship Program begins months before the actual internship through required onboarding modules, career assessments, and resume/interview workshops. You will complete training modules, mock interviews, and certification steps before being matched with employers. During the summer, you’ll work 4–12 weeks on real projects aligned with your career interests, supported by professional mentors in your field.
6. Parkland High School Summer Internship Program
Location: Dallas, TX
Stipend: Paid (~$20/hour)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: 8-week summer program
Application Deadline: Application opens on January 16
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors in the Dallas–Fort Worth area; age 16+; minimum 3.0 GPA; interest in healthcare careers
If you’re considering a future in healthcare but want exposure beyond just shadowing, this program offers a structured introduction to how a hospital operates. Parkland High School Summer Internship places you in a non-clinical department where you’ll gain hands-on experience with administrative, operational, or support functions that keep a major healthcare system running. You’ll work part-time (around 20 hours per week) while learning about healthcare systems, workplace expectations, and professional communication in a medical setting. The program emphasizes career readiness and professional development rather than direct patient care, giving you a realistic view of both clinical and administrative career paths.
7. Port San Antonio Summer High School Internship Program
Location: Port San Antonio, San Antonio, TX
Stipend: Paid internship ($13/hour) + daily lunch provided
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Varies by placement
Dates: June 8 – July 16
Application Deadline: April 30
Eligibility: High school juniors (rising seniors) enrolled full-time in Edgewood ISD, Compass Rose Ingenuity, or South San ISD; must be at least 16 years old by June 8; authorized to work in the United States
Over the course of the program, you’ll work Monday through Thursday in departments such as IT, communications, government affairs, or property management, depending on placement. Your day-to-day tasks are designed to build transferable skills, like communication, teamwork, and time management, while also exposing you to how a large organization operates. Alongside hands-on work, you’ll develop an understanding of business practices and workplace expectations, which can be especially useful if you haven’t had prior job experience. The program also emphasizes leadership development and collaboration, encouraging you to reflect on your strengths and how you contribute to a team. This opportunity is designed for students in participating school districts who want to build confidence, gain early career exposure, and explore different professional pathways before graduating.
8. Communities In Schools (CIS) of Houston Summer Internships
Location: Houston, TX
Stipend: Paid
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: Summer (typically 6–8 weeks, varies by program)
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors attending CIS-supported schools
CIS of Houston offers several internship tracks, including legal, healthcare (patient care assistance), energy, and behavioral health, where you’ll work in professional settings such as law firms, hospitals, or community organizations. The focus goes beyond technical tasks: you’ll also develop job readiness, leadership, and communication skills while gaining insight into different career paths. Many roles include hands-on responsibilities or shadowing professionals, helping you understand day-to-day work in each field.
9. Hutton Junior Fisheries Biology Program
Location: Nationwide; Texas students matched with a mentor within a 45-minute commute of their home
Stipend: $3,000 stipend paid in four bi-weekly installments of $750; all-expenses-paid trip to the Hutton Scholars Summit included
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified; competitive
Dates: Eight weeks in June through August; exact start and end dates determined between student and mentor
Application Deadline: January 25; applications open mid-November
Eligibility: Current high school juniors and seniors ages 16+; U.S. residents; students from underrepresented backgrounds in fisheries are strongly encouraged to apply; past participants are not eligible
The Hutton Program is a paid, eight-week summer internship sponsored by the American Fisheries Society, in which Texas students are paired one-on-one with a local fisheries or aquatic science professional for a full-time fieldwork experience. Students work alongside scientists from state and federal agencies, universities, tribal fisheries, and nonprofits on projects that may include fish and mussel surveys, electrofishing, habitat assessment, eDNA sampling, and data collection and analysis. Each student completes bi-weekly timesheets, a mid-summer report, and a final report throughout the internship. The program concludes with an all-expenses-paid Hutton Scholars Summit where students from across the country present their work and connect with fisheries professionals.
10. AEOP High School Internships (Army Educational Outreach Program)
Location: Various locations across the United States
Stipend: Paid stipend (varies by location and duration)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: Varies by specific internship (typically summer)
Application Deadline: Varies by position
Eligibility: U.S. citizens or permanent residents enrolled in high school (or recent graduates); must be able to commute to the assigned lab
If you want a true research experience without being tied to a single institution, this program offers a wide range of placements across the country. AEOP internships connect you with university labs and U.S. Army research centers, where you’ll work alongside scientists and engineers on real-world projects. The experience is highly hands-on. You’ll use advanced equipment, learn research methodologies, and contribute to ongoing investigations in fields like engineering, computer science, and biomedical research. Beyond lab work, the program emphasizes mentorship and career development, giving you access to training resources, networking opportunities, and guidance on STEM pathways.
11. Texas Medical Center Summer Research Internship Program (TMC-SRIP)
Location: Houston, TX
Stipend: Stipend available (Augie Choice + additional funding based on need)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: 10-week summer program
Application Deadline: December 5
Eligibility: Augustana College students who have completed their junior year; open to all majors
TMC-SRIP places you within the Texas Medical Center, one of the largest healthcare and research hubs in the world, where you’ll work full-time on a research or clinical project aligned with your interests. You’re not limited to traditional STEM paths; past placements span everything from laboratory research and neuroscience to healthcare policy and medical ethics, reflecting the program’s interdisciplinary approach. Alongside your internship, you’ll engage in structured programming that supports professional growth, ethical reflection, and career exploration.
12. MD Anderson CATALYST Summer Training Program
Location: Houston, TX
Cost/Stipend: Free; ~$7,200 stipend (for full 10-week participation)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: June 1 – August 7
Application Deadline: January 14
Eligibility: Varies by specific sub-program; generally high school, undergraduate, and early-stage students interested in cancer research
For students serious about pursuing biomedical or cancer research, this program offers a deeper, more immersive lab experience than most high school opportunities. The CATALYST Summer Training Program at MD Anderson places you in a research lab under the guidance of faculty mentors, where you’ll work on projects spanning areas like cancer biology, translational research, and clinical studies. Over a span of 10 weeks, you will be involved in practical experiments or data analysis, complemented by seminars, workshops, and networking events aimed at enhancing both your scientific understanding and professional abilities. The program begins with a cancer biology “bootcamp” to ground you in key concepts, and concludes with a poster symposium where you present your research to the broader scientific community.
13. Family Service Youth Summer Internship Program
Location: Family Service, San Antonio, TX
Stipend: Paid internship (stipend provided upon completion)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive (approximately 125 students selected)
Dates: 6–7 weeks (summer program; exact schedule varies by placement)
Application Deadline: April 3
Eligibility: Students aged 14–17 living in San Antonio (city council districts 1–10) and enrolled in eligible school districts (including San Antonio ISD, Northside ISD, Edgewood ISD, and others); must provide required documents such as ID, proof of residence, and resume
In this internship, you’ll move through this program as both a trainee and an employee, gaining structured support before stepping into a real workplace. It starts with a short training and job fair, where you meet potential employers and practice interviewing, an element that sets the tone for the rest of the experience. After being matched, you’ll spend several weeks working up to 120 hours with a local organization, contributing to everyday tasks and projects rather than just observing. The focus stays on building practical habits like reliability, communication, and teamwork, while also helping you understand what different workplaces actually look like.
Bonus option - Ladder Internship Program
Location: Remote (work from anywhere globally)
Cost: Varies depending on program type; full financial aid available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not explicitly specified (selective program)
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year (Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter); typically 8–12 weeks
Application Deadline: Varies by cohort (Spring – January, Summer – May, Fall – September, Winter – November)
Eligibility: High school students, undergraduates, and gap year students who can commit 10–20 hours per week
The Ladder Internship Program is a selective, virtual internship designed for ambitious students seeking real-world experience with startups. Participants are matched with high-growth startups and nonprofits across industries such as technology, AI/ML, health tech, marketing, journalism, and consulting. Interns work closely with a startup manager on meaningful, project-based tasks that address real business needs. Throughout the program, you can gain hands-on experience in a professional environment while developing practical and technical skills. At the end of the internship, participants present their work to the company, showcasing their contributions. The program emphasizes mentorship, applied learning, and exposure to fast-paced startup ecosystems.
Frequently asked questions
1. What are the best paid internships for high school students in Texas?
Strong options depend on a student's interests. Students drawn to biomedical research might consider MD Anderson UPWARDS or CATALYST, or the Houston Methodist Emerging Researcher Experience; those interested in healthcare administration might look at Parkland Health or CIS Houston's healthcare track; and those interested in environmental science might consider the Hutton Junior Fisheries Biology Program or AEOP.
2. Which Texas internships offer the highest stipends for high school students?
MD Anderson UPWARDS and CATALYST both offer stipends of up to $7,200 for the full 10-week program. Parkland Health pays approximately $20 per hour, and Baylor College of Medicine pays up to $16.82 per hour. The Hutton Program provides $3,000 over eight weeks plus an all-expenses-paid summit trip.
3. Are there paid research internships in Texas that are open to students from any school district?
Yes, MD Anderson UPWARDS and CATALYST, Houston Methodist Emerging Researcher Experience, Baylor College of Medicine, Hutton Junior Fisheries Biology Program, and AEOP High School Internships are all open to eligible students regardless of specific school district affiliation, though geographic proximity or residency requirements may still apply.
4. Which Texas internships specifically support students from underrepresented or low-income backgrounds?
MD Anderson UPWARDS is specifically designed for students who identify as economically or educationally disadvantaged, first-generation, or having a disability. The Hutton Program strongly encourages applications from students underrepresented in fisheries science, and the Family Service Youth Summer Internship targets students from specific San Antonio districts with additional support structures in place.
5. Do any Texas internships require prior research or professional experience?
Most programs on this list are designed for students without prior professional experience and include structured onboarding or training. However, Houston Methodist Emerging Researcher Experience requires a minimum GPA of 3.5 along with transcripts, a resume, essays, and two letters of recommendation, making it one of the more competitive and credential-sensitive options.
6. When should I apply to paid internships for high school students in Texas?
Deadlines are concentrated in the fall and winter. Early deadlines include MD Anderson UPWARDS and CATALYST (January 14), Hutton Program (January 25), and Houston Methodist (January 30), while others, such as Port San Antonio (April 30), Family Service (April 3), and Austin High School Internship (February 28), fall slightly later in the spring.
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