15 Paid Internships for High School Students in Massachusetts
Participating in an internship while still in high school is an effective way to bridge the gap between classroom theory and career paths. Internships provide a unique environment to develop professional soft skills, explore industries before committing to a college major, and build a network of mentors. In addition, when these internships are paid, the benefits multiply, as earning a stipend or hourly wage validates your hard work and allows you to focus entirely on your professional growth without the stress of an unpaid time commitment.
Why should you intern in Massachusetts?
Massachusetts is home to universities, hospitals, research labs, and companies that offer a wide range of internship opportunities across different fields. Depending on the internship, you might contribute to research, support healthcare or business operations, or explore areas such as science, law, or technology while developing professional and analytical skills. These opportunities can be worth considering, whether you are a local student looking for options nearby or an out-of-state student interested in gaining experience in a new academic environment.
To help you with your search, here are 15 paid internships for high school students in Massachusetts.
If you’re looking for free programs in Massachusetts, check out our blog here.
1. STEAM Ahead Research Internship Program
Location: Boston College School of Engineering, Chestnut Hill, MA
Stipend: $1,500
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: July 8 – August 7
Application deadline: June 18
Eligibility: 10th to 12th graders
This internship allows you to conduct research in engineering in a university lab. You will work with professors, research assistants, and student mentors on engineering research projects focused on real-world issues. Project themes often include challenges in wireless communication, clean water, and environmental science. In addition to research activities, the program allows you to attend professional development workshops and explore career opportunities in engineering. You will present your research at the end of the internship.
2. High School Apprenticeship Challenge @ BioBuilder Learning Lab
Location: BioBuilder Learning Lab at Allston Labworks, Boston, MA + online sessions
Stipend: $500
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: Fall: October – December | Spring: March – May (same schedule); each session runs online on Thursdays and in-person on Saturdays
Application deadline: Varies by session
Eligibility: Students who are at least 16 years old and enrolled in Massachusetts public high schools
The High School Apprenticeship Challenge is an eight-week program designed to prepare Boston-area students for academic and professional opportunities in life science. During the program, you will attend virtual Thursday sessions that cover biotechnical concepts, lab safety, and research-focused problem-solving. On Saturdays, you will attend in-person lab sessions to practice techniques like isolating DNA and micropipetting. The program also offers professional development opportunities, helping you build communication skills and workplace readiness. You will earn a stipend and receive micro-credential evaluations at no cost.
3. Broad Summer Scholars Program (BSSP)
Location: Broad Institute, Cambridge, MA
Stipend: $3,600
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective
Dates: June 29 – August 7
Application deadline: January 21
Eligibility: Rising seniors in the Greater Boston area with a B or better in math and science
BSSP places high school students in Massachusetts in professional research labs at the Broad Institute to work on original genomics projects. You will be paired with a scientist mentor who will guide you through computational or experimental research in areas like cancer, infectious disease, or psychiatric research. Beyond the lab, you will attend scientific seminars, participate in career development workshops, and receive training in communication skills. The program culminates in a final poster session where you will present your findings to the scientific community.
4. Dana-Farber/Harvard Cancer Center CURE Summer Only Program
Location: Longwood Medical Area, Boston, MA
Stipend: Provided on a weekly basis
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective
Dates: 7 – 11 weeks in the summer
Application deadline: February 6
Eligibility: High school sophomores, juniors, and seniors, ages 16 and up, who reside in and/or attend school in Massachusetts
Continuing Umbrella of Research Experiences (CURE) is a paid internship for high school students that offers a full-time, hands-on immersion in cancer research. You will spend 7–11 weeks working in a research environment at the Dana-Farber/Harvard Cancer Center, focusing on basic, clinical, or population science research. You will receive mentorship from experienced faculty and staff as you build technical lab skills and scientific knowledge. The program includes professional development seminars and networking events to build a foundation for a career in science. You will be expected to commit to the full duration and present your work at the end of the summer.
5. Massachusetts General Hospital Youth Neurology Education and Research Program
Location: MGH Main Campus or labs in Boston, Cambridge, or Somerville, MA
Stipend: Provided
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective
Dates: June 30 – August 8
Application deadline: January 31
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors and recent graduates living or studying in Massachusetts
This paid internship for high school students in Massachusetts offers placements in neurology research labs under the mentorship of faculty at Massachusetts General Hospital. The program begins with a structured bootcamp focused on research compliance training, lab expectations, and foundational professional skills before transitioning into mentored research. You will work in pairs on active, ongoing neuroscience projects, contributing to real laboratory investigations. Weekly didactic sessions will introduce you to neurologists and neuroscientists while building background knowledge in clinical and research neurology. At the end of the summer, you will present your findings to peers and department members.
6. Harvard Medical School Project Success
Location: Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, and HMS-affiliated science laboratories in MA
Stipend: Provided
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: June 29 – August 14
Application deadline: February 4
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors, ages 16 and up, living in Boston or Cambridge who have completed algebra, biology, and chemistry, and hold a GPA of 2.7 or higher
Project Success is a paid summer internship that places high school students in Massachusetts in research labs affiliated with Harvard Medical School. You will be matched with a science mentor and contribute to laboratory research while attending structured seminars led by researchers and physicians. The program integrates hands-on lab work with guided instruction in scientific writing and public speaking, helping you translate research experiences into formal communication. Throughout the internship, you will receive guidance from research mentors and program staff, along with opportunities to connect with peers participating in other summer research programs. Site visits to hospitals and biotechnology organizations are also part of the experience.
7. Massachusetts Life Sciences Center (MLSC) High School Apprenticeship Challenge
Location: Biotech and life sciences organizations in MA
Stipend: $17/hour
Acceptance rate/cohort size: >150 internships/year
Dates: Internships window: May 1 – April 30; exact dates vary by host organizations and role
Application deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Massachusetts high school students and recent high school graduates, ages 16 and up, from underrepresented or financially disadvantaged backgrounds; check detailed requirements here
This program places students in hands-on internships at biotech companies and research institutions during the summer. You will work on actual laboratory tasks, such as assisting with cell cultures, performing assays, and managing lab equipment. Many placements begin with a required pre-internship training program to help you develop foundational lab safety and technical skills. Beyond the bench work, you will gain exposure to the business side of life sciences and network with industry professionals.
8. ADA Forsyth Student Scholars Summer Program
Location: ADA Forsyth Institute, Somerville, MA
Stipend: Minimum wage available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective
Dates: June 29 – August 21
Application deadline: April 1
Eligibility: 9th, 10th, and 11th graders in the Eastern Massachusetts/Boston area
The ADA Forsyth Student Scholars Program is a paid internship designed for Massachusetts high school students interested in laboratory research. You will work directly with faculty scientists on ongoing projects, learning core lab techniques such as experimental design, data collection, and analysis. The program includes weekly presentations and college-level lectures in areas such as oral health research, immunology, and microbiology. As the summer progresses, you will take increasing responsibility for aspects of an independent research project within your mentor’s lab. The experience culminates in a formal scientific poster presentation to members of the broader scientific community.
9. Supreme Judicial Court's Judicial Youth Corps Program
Location: Boston, Springfield, and Worcester, MA
Stipend: Provided
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: July – August (six weeks)
Application deadline: Varies by location
Eligibility: Students in grades 10 – 12 enrolled in schools in Boston, Worcester, or Springfield (depending on the internship location)
The Judicial Youth Corps Program introduces high school students to the Massachusetts court system over the summer. During the six-week program, you will work in a courthouse setting and participate in structured educational sessions led by judges, lawyers, clerks, and other court personnel. Interactive components, including mock trials, group discussions, shadowing opportunities, and field trips, will help you explore legal procedures and civic responsibilities. You will also attend sessions every Friday to dive into legal concepts and professional development, which will complement your weekday court placement.
10. Federal Reserve Bank of Boston’s Today's Interns, Tomorrow's Professionals (TIP)
Location: Virtual or Federal Reserve Bank of Boston, Boston, MA
Stipend: Provided
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: Summer (potential year-round continuation)
Application deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Boston Public Schools students who have completed their sophomore year
TIP is a paid internship for high school students in Massachusetts that combines workplace experience with structured skill development. You will join a department at the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston, where you will contribute to day-to-day operations while learning professional expectations in a corporate setting. The program includes workshops focused on communication, conflict resolution, and problem-solving, along with job coaching offered throughout the summer. In addition to earning a paycheck, you will participate in enrichment programming centered on financial literacy and long-term career readiness.
11. Brigham and Women’s Student Success Jobs Program
Location: Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA
Stipend: Provided
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 100 students/year
Dates: Year-round
Application deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: Sophomores and juniors attending partner Boston Public High Schools
SSJP provides intensive healthcare internships, matching high school students in Massachusetts with mentors in departments such as radiology, pharmacy, and research labs. The program focuses on health equity, public health education, and professional development through monthly seminars. You will work 7 to 10 hours per week during the school year and up to 30 hours per week during the summer with your mentor. You will also receive SAT prep, college application guidance, and tutoring in math and science. The program is designed to create a pipeline for underrepresented students into medical and science professions.
12. CLA High School Internship Program
Location: CliftonLarsonAllen offices, Quincy, MA
Stipend: Provided
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: June 15 – July 16
Application deadline: Varies by location
Eligibility: High school students, ages 16 – 18, who are authorized to work in the U.S. without the need for an employment-based visa
Through this paid internship, you will gain exposure to professional services and accounting environments by working on structured projects and case studies. You will engage with interactive client scenarios that introduce you to how accounting and advisory teams analyze business challenges. The experience includes shadowing opportunities to help you observe professionals at different levels and gain insight into day-to-day workflows and client interactions. Team-based assignments will allow you to collaborate on problem-solving tasks similar to those handled in corporate settings. Additionally, you will develop foundational workplace skills, including communication, organization, and professional conduct.
13. Springfield Water and Sewer Commission Pipeline Program
Location: JJSOC Commission Operations Center, Springfield, MA
Stipend: $15/hour
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: June 29 – August 13
Application deadline: April 2
Eligibility: Springfield or Ludlow high school students in grades 10 – 12, ages 16 and up
This program provides a pipeline into careers within the water and wastewater industry through hands-on work experience. You will rotate through various departments, including engineering, laboratory services, field operations, and information technology. You will work alongside professionals to learn about environmental stewardship and the infrastructure required to manage a city’s water supply. The program emphasizes professional skills such as punctuality, teamwork, and technical troubleshooting. It also offers insights into environmental science, civil engineering, or skilled trades.
14. Boston Private Industry Council (PIC) Summer Jobs
Location: Various sites in Boston, MA
Stipend: Provided
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: July – August
Application deadline: May
Eligibility: Students currently enrolled in Boston Public Schools (BPS)
The PIC serves as the intermediary connecting BPS students with paid internships at banks, hospitals, law firms, and tech companies in Boston. Career Specialists located within high schools will help you prepare resumes and interview for positions at companies like State Street, Liberty Mutual, or Blue Cross Blue Shield. You will perform real administrative and technical work, gaining exposure to corporate culture and professional norms. These internships often serve as the first entry on a student's professional resume.
15. BSA Arch/Design High School Internships
Location: Architecture firms in Boston, MA
Stipend: Provided
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: July 6 – August 14
Application deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: High school students attending Boston Public Schools
The BSA Arch/Design Internship connects Massachusetts high school students with architecture firms for a six-week, paid summer experience. You will be placed at a local firm, where you will observe design processes, contribute to projects, and learn how architects move from concept to built work. Since participating firms vary in size and specialization, each placement will offer exposure to different approaches within architecture and design. In addition to your weekday internship, you will take part in a Summer Fridays series that includes neighborhood tours, firm visits, and structured reflection on your work.
Bonus!
Ladder Internships
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies by program format; need-based financial assistance is available.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: Several cohorts each year
Application deadline: Varies by cohort
Eligibility: High school students, gap-year students, and undergrads who can work for 10 to 20 hours/week for 8 to 12 weeks
Ladder Internships offers students opportunities to work with high-growth startups in various fields, including healthcare, deep tech, environmental science, software engineering, web design/UX, finance, AI, and mental health. As an intern, you will work under the supervision and guidance of a start-up manager and a Ladder Coach on projects that align with your interests and the organization’s goals. The experience can help you contribute to real-world projects in a professional setting and find opportunities to build workplace skills. While applying, you can choose the Startup Internship and work with an organization’s representative, or opt for the CEO Internship, where you will work directly with a start-up CEO from a FAANG (Facebook, Google, etc.) background. You can also choose the Combination program, which combines the CEO Internship format with a mentored research opportunity. You can apply here.
If you are looking to build a project/research paper in the field of AI & ML, consider applying to Veritas AI!
With Veritas AI, which was founded by Harvard graduate students, you can work one-on-one with mentors from universities like Harvard, Stanford, MIT, and more to create unique, personalized projects. In the past year, over 1,000 students chose to learn AI & ML with us. You can apply here, and check out a past student’s experience in the program here!
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