15 Physics Internships for High School Students
As a high school student, internships are a good way for you to move beyond textbooks and see how physics works in the real world. By stepping into labs or joining research projects, you’ll gain experience with experiments, data analysis, and technical problem-solving, as well as learn about the professional opportunities in the field. These opportunities often connect you with professors, graduate students, or industry professionals who can serve as mentors. In many cases, you’ll also learn how to work in teams, communicate results, and think critically about scientific questions.
We’ve narrowed the list to 15 physics internships for high school students that stand out for their rigor, mentorship, and strong emphasis on physics.
Note: Some of the items are not traditional internships but instead are work-learn programs that help you develop similar professional skills.
1. Anson L. Clark Scholars Program at Texas Tech University
Location: Texas Tech University campus, Lubbock, Texas
Cost/Stipend: No cost; students receive a stipend of $750
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive (3%); 12 students
Dates: June 16 - August 1, 7 weeks
Application Deadline: February
Eligibility: Students who will be at least 17 years old by the program start date, will graduate this year or the next, and are U.S. citizens or permanent residents
This highly competitive seven-week summer research program at Texas Tech University is designed for motivated high school students. Scholars work closely with faculty mentors on independent projects across diverse fields, including physics. Throughout the program, you’ll gain practical research experience, deepen your knowledge, and learn directly from experienced scientists. The experience also includes weekly seminars, discussions, field trips, and social activities that foster critical thinking, broaden your perspective, and build connections with peers and mentors who share your interests.
2. Veritas AI — Work-Learn Internship Path
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies based on program type
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective
Dates: 10 weeks; multiple cohorts year-round
Application Deadline: Rolling year-round
Eligibility: High school students in grades 9-12
Veritas AI offers a work-learn internship model where you’ll design a project that combines physics concepts with artificial intelligence. You’ll first go through structured learning modules on Python and machine learning. Then, with mentor guidance, you’ll build a project—such as applying AI to analyze particle physics data or model physical systems. The program emphasizes mentorship, giving you one-on-one feedback from AI researchers with backgrounds at universities like Harvard and MIT. This blend of coursework and project work gives you both skills and a tangible portfolio.
3. NIST Summer High School Intern Program
Location: NIST Headquarters in Boulder, CO, or Gaithersburg, MD
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance rate: Selective
Dates: June 23 – August 8 (tentative), 8 weeks
Application Deadline: February 6
Eligibility: U.S. citizens | Rising juniors or seniors | GPA ≥ 3.0
SHIP places you in a NIST research group where you’ll contribute to measurement science and physics-focused projects. Past interns have supported work in quantum mechanics, optics, materials science, and applied engineering. Daily tasks include data collection, coding, and lab experiments under supervision. You’ll present your findings at the end of the summer to NIST scientists and fellow interns. The program is highly selective but provides unmatched exposure to federal physics research.
4. Ladder Internships — Physics Track
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies based on program type; need‑based aid available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective
Dates: Multiple 8-week cohorts year-round
Application Deadline: Rolling; deadlines vary by cohort
Eligibility: High‑school students with good academic standing
Through Ladder Internships’ Physics Track, you’ll work with high-growth startups and research projects that apply physics concepts in real-world settings. Projects may include data analysis for energy systems, simulations of material properties, or physics-related product testing. Each student is paired with a startup mentor and a Ladder coach for weekly feedback. The internship culminates in a final presentation where you share your project results with your mentor team.
5. Fermilab High School Internships (PRISM)
Location: Fermilab, Batavia, IL
Stipend: $500/week
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: July 13 – August 7
Application Deadline: January 13 – March 1
Eligibility: High school students (local residency rules often apply)
PRISM is a four-week immersive STEM program where you’ll explore topics like particle physics, quantum science, engineering design, and artificial intelligence while working directly with Fermilab scientists and engineers. Each week focuses on a different scientific theme and includes hands-on activities, expert lectures, and guided tours of Fermilab’s cutting-edge facilities. You’ll also complete a research abstract, poster, and final presentation while receiving mentorship and professional development to prepare for STEM studies and careers.
6. Brookhaven National Laboratory — High School Research Program (HSRP)
Location: Brookhaven National Laboratory, Upton, NY
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective
Dates: Six weeks; varies yearly
Application Deadline: Varies yearly
Eligibility: High school students who have completed 11th grade, 16+, and are US citizens
HSRP gives you the chance to work directly with Brookhaven scientists on projects in physics, chemistry, computing, and engineering. Interns support ongoing experiments, collect data, and develop technical skills under the supervision of research mentors. The program also includes seminars and professional development workshops to help you understand different STEM careers. You’ll deliver a final presentation of your project to Brookhaven staff, simulating the way scientists communicate research. It’s an ideal introduction to physics-focused national lab work.
7. Berkeley Lab — Experiences in Research (EinR)
Location: Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA
Stipend: $500/week
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective
Dates: June 16 - July 25
Application Deadline: March 23
Eligibility: High school 10-12 graders, age 16+, from partner school districts
EinR pairs you with a Berkeley Lab scientist or engineer for a mentored research project. Interns may contribute to physics, materials science, computational science, or energy systems projects. Daily work involves coding, data analysis, lab experiments, or literature reviews, depending on your placement. You’ll collaborate directly with professional researchers and share your work at a final poster symposium. The selective nature of the program ensures close mentorship and meaningful research experiences.
8. SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory — High School Internship
Location: SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory, Menlo Park, CA
Stipend: Varies based on job
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: Varies based on job
Application Deadline: Varies based on the job
Eligibility: High school students, age 18+
SLAC offers high school students the opportunity to assist with physics and engineering research projects, particularly those involving particle accelerators and advanced instrumentation. Work may include data processing, programming, or technical support tasks. The lab also provides professional development seminars and lab tours to expand your knowledge.
9. Princeton University – Laboratory Learning Program
Location: Princeton University, Princeton, NJ
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective
Dates: Flexible five‑week sessions during the summer
Application Deadline: February 15 – March 15
Eligibility: High school students, 16+, from local schools, able to commute to campus
The Laboratory Learning Program offers the chance to work with Princeton faculty in the field of physics. Over several weeks, you’ll participate in laboratory research, contribute to active physics projects, and learn advanced experimental techniques. Placement is determined by lab space and project availability, and you may be invited to present your research outcomes at the end of the program.
10. Sandia National Laboratories — High School & Year-Round Internships
Location: Sandia National Laboratories, Albuquerque, NM, and Livermore, CA
Cost/Stipend:$17.75 - $19/hour
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive
Dates: Year-round internships let you work part-time, September–December, while in school
Application Deadline: Rolling; applications open throughout the year
Eligibility: High school students age 16+; GPA 3.0+; U.S. citizenship requirements may apply by division
Sandia’s high school internships involve working with engineers and scientists on applied physics, cybersecurity, robotics, or materials projects. Interns take on tasks like running simulations, performing lab tests, and documenting results. The program is designed to mirror professional research environments and requires strong academic preparation. Interns are embedded in real research teams, working alongside national security and physics experts.
11. Los Alamos National Laboratory — High School Internship Program
Location: Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, NM
Stipend: $16.50/hour (rates updated annually)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive
Dates: Around October; exact dates vary by year
Application Deadline: August 1 - September 30
Eligibility: High-school seniors enrolled at a New Mexico high school; 16+ at start; GPA ≥ 2.75; pre-employment drug test required
LANL provides internships that allow you to support research in physics, engineering, computer science, and national security. Projects vary, but often involve experimental data analysis, computational modeling, or applied research in lab settings. Interns are assigned to mentors who guide their daily responsibilities and professional growth. At the end of the program, you’ll present your work to laboratory staff, practicing professional communication.
12. American Museum of Natural History — Science Research Mentoring Program (SRMP)
Location: American Museum of Natural History, New York, NY
Stipend: $2500 upon completion
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective
Dates: 1 year; June to August
Application Deadline: March
Eligibility: High school 10th and 11th graders attending NYC schools, and taking at least one program from this list
In the Science Research Mentoring Program (SRMP) at the American Museum of Natural History, you will be paired with a scientist to work on a research project in fields such as astrophysics, conservation, or genetics. The program begins with a four-week summer institute where you’ll learn coding and research skills before starting your year-long project. During the school year, you continue your research through weekly sessions, working closely with your mentor and teammates. The program concludes with a symposium where you present your findings to the AMNH community, gaining valuable experience in scientific research and communication.
13. Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory High School Summer Internship
Location: Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory, Princeton, NJ
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive; small cohort of rising seniors
Dates: June 30 – August 1
Application Deadline: March 1
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors at least 16 years old with a strong background in physics, mathematics, and coding
At PPPL, you’ll participate in advanced research focused on plasma physics and fusion energy. You will work under scientists and engineers, often contributing to ongoing national lab projects. By the end of the program, you will present your work in seminars and gain exposure to the environment of a federally funded research lab.
14. Columbia Engineering SHAPE
Location: Columbia University, New York, NY
Cost: $5880 Commuter; $10,705 Residential; need-based scholarships available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Moderately selective
Dates: July 7 - July 25; July 28 - August 15
Application Deadline: November 18 - March 3
Eligibility: Rising high school sophomores, juniors, seniors
At SHAPE, you’ll enroll in a college-level engineering course of your choice, such as robotics, biomedical engineering, or electrical engineering. These tracks often apply core physics concepts, like circuits, forces, and motion, but the program is not a dedicated physics curriculum. You’ll work on hands-on projects in Columbia’s labs, learn directly from faculty, and join enrichment activities such as industry visits and professional development workshops. By the end of the session, you’ll present your project to instructors and peers, strengthening both technical and communication skills.
15. Stony Brook University – Garcia Summer Research Program
Location: Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY
Cost: $50 registration fee + $4000 lab fee; optional room and board at extra cost
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive
Dates: June 26 - August 8 (7 weeks)
Application Deadline: Varies yearly
Eligibility: High school students with a GPA of 3.8+, ages 16+, who have taken at least 3 of the following subjects (Honors or AP a plus): English, Chemistry, Mathematics/Calculus, Physics, Biology, and standardized scores 60%+
At Garcia, you will immerse yourself in advanced studies of physics, particularly materials science and polymer engineering, through a combination of coursework and hands-on lab research. You’ll start with intensive training in essential research techniques before developing and executing your own experimental project. Guided by faculty and graduate mentors, you will test hypotheses and analyze data to conclude. The program concludes with the preparation of a research poster, which you will present at a closing symposium to share your findings with peers and experts.
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