11 Summer Internships for High School Students in Los Angeles, California

If you’re a high school student looking to gain professional experience during your summer, internships are a great option to explore. These experiences typically provide mentorship, collaborative projects, and opportunities to apply academic knowledge to practical issues. Whether you’re interested in science, business, or the arts, internships give you a structured way to see how different fields work and what careers might fit your strengths and goals.

Why should you attend a program in Los Angeles?

Los Angeles offers a particularly diverse range of opportunities in entertainment, technology, healthcare, and environmental innovation. As an intern, you might assist with creative projects, contribute to community programs, or support research and outreach efforts, all while learning how organizations in these fields operate day to day. Whether you live in Los Angeles or are visiting from out of state, you’ll find a variety of programs that welcome motivated students who want to grow both personally and professionally.

To help you get started, we’ve narrowed down a list of 15 summer internships for high school students in Los Angeles, California.

If you are looking for free programs in Los Angeles, check out our blog here.

1. Camp CHLA – Health Care Career Exploration

Location: Los Angeles, CA

Cost/Stipend: None 

Dates: Session 1: June 15 – 19 | Session 2: July 27 – 31

Application Deadline: January 19

Eligibility: Current high school freshmen, sophomores, or juniors residing in Los Angeles 

This Volunteer program is designed to introduce you to careers in healthcare through direct engagement with professionals at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles. You’ll attend career presentations, receive hands-on training in CPR, first aid, and health promotion, and gain exposure to the hospital environment. The program provides peer collaboration and networking, helping you explore your interest in healthcare in a structured, interactive setting. While not a traditional internship, the program offers extensive exposure to a range of healthcare careers.

2. Veritas AI

Location: Virtual

Cost: Varies by program type; financial aid is available

Dates: Multiple 12–15-week cohorts offered year-round, including summer 

Application Deadline: Rolling. You can apply to the program here.

Eligibility: High school students; AI Fellowship applicants must have completed AI Scholars or have demonstrated Python/AI experience

Veritas AI is an advanced work-learn program offering you structured training and mentored project development in artificial intelligence. Founded by Harvard graduate students, the program offers both introductory and research-level opportunities, enabling you to build practical AI skills using real-world datasets and personalized mentorship. The AI Scholars program introduces you to core machine learning concepts, while the AI Fellowship pairs students 1:1 with mentors from top universities to develop independent AI projects suitable for publication. Cohorts feature collaborative learning, guided coding sessions, and hands-on experimentation with models used across industry applications. With flexible virtual structure and an emphasis on personalized project work, Veritas AI serves as an intensive on-ramp for motivated students exploring AI and data science.

3. Kaiser Permanente Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP)

Location: Over 36 Kaiser Permanente facilities across Southern and Northern California

Stipend: Minimum paid wage

Dates: TBA

Application Deadline: TBA

Eligibility: Students ages 16 – 20

The Kaiser Permanente Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP), part of the LAUNCH initiative, provides underserved high school students with paid summer internships in health care environments. You’ll work part-time or full-time in a KP facility while also attending weekly Education Days that strengthen career readiness, communication, teamwork, and professional skills. The program places you in departments aligned with their expressed interests, offering exposure to both clinical and administrative settings.

4. Ladder Internship Program

Location: Remote

Cost: Varies by program type; full financial aid available 

Dates: Various cohorts throughout the year, including summer

Application Deadline: Varies by cohort

Eligibility: High school students, undergraduate students, or gap-year students able to commit 10–20 hours/week

Ladder Internships is a selective start-up internship program designed for ambitious high school students seeking real-world professional experience. You are matched with high-growth start-ups, many of which have raised over a million dollars, in sectors such as tech, deep tech, AI/ML, health tech, marketing, journalism, consulting, and more. You’ll collaborate closely with their startup managers and receive additional guidance from a dedicated Ladder Coach while working on substantial projects that address genuine company needs. 

5. artworxLA – Development and Communications Intern

Location: Los Angeles, CA

Stipend: California minimum wage  

Dates: August – December 

Application Deadline: TBA

Eligibility: High school students interested in arts education, youth development, and communications

The Development and Communications Internship at artworxLA offers hands-on experience at the intersection of fundraising and communications within an arts education nonprofit. You’ll work closely with the Interim Executive Director to create marketing assets, donor stewardship materials, and content aligned with the organization’s calendar. The role offers opportunities to develop skills in graphic design, photography, video, and written communication while supporting fundraising campaigns and stakeholder engagement.

6. Youth Volunteers Program (California Science Center)

Location: Los Angeles, CA

Stipend: Unpaid

Dates: TBA

Application Deadline: TBA

Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors

The Youth Volunteers Program at the California Science Center is designed for high school students seeking to complete community service hours while gaining hands-on experience in a museum environment. You’ll volunteer in either the Education or Guest Services departments, supporting gallery operations, greeting guests, assisting in the IMAX Theater, or helping with retail, receiving, and customer service in the ExploraStore. The program requires a weekly four-hour shift over 12 weeks, primarily on weekends or during school breaks.

7. Los Angeles Zoo – General Volunteers Program

Location: Los Angeles Zoo & Botanical Gardens, Los Angeles, CA

Stipend: Unpaid 

Dates: 8 hours per month, including summer 

Application Deadline: TBA

Eligibility: Must be at least 15 years old

The General Volunteers Program at the Los Angeles Zoo provides high school students and adults with an opportunity to support wildlife education and visitor engagement across the Zoo’s 100-acre campus. You’ll begin in roles such as way-finding, event support, enrichment gardening, and conservation-related community projects. With experience, they may access specialized opportunities, including Habitat Ambassador roles, the World of Birds Show, and animal diet preparation. You’ll complete both online and in-person training and must provide annual TB test results and pass a fingerprint background check.

8. Aquarium of the Pacific VolunTEEN Program

Location: Long Beach, CA

Stipend: Unpaid

Dates: 10-week sessions (Spring, Summer, or Fall); training and shift dates vary by session; Summer session typically runs June – August

Application Deadline:Summer: April 15 

Eligibility: Teens ages 14–16; must complete online application, interview, digital liability forms, and mandatory training

The VolunTEEN Program is a 10-week volunteer experience where you’ll build confidence in public speaking and learn to communicate science to Aquarium of the Pacific guests. You’ll spend 60 hours on-site helping visitors understand marine animals, ecosystems, and conservation issues, while working at touch pools, educational carts, and interactive exhibits. Before beginning your shifts, you’ll complete both online and on-site training to prepare you to answer guest questions and interpret exhibits effectively. Once you're placed, you’ll volunteer on a recurring day each week, providing a routine and an opportunity to build relationships with staff and peers. Because the program also includes a cohort model and a culminating Family Night celebration, you’ll get to meet other teens who are passionate about marine biology and environmental work. 

9. Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department – Deputy Explorer Program

Location: Sheriff’s stations across Los Angeles County

Stipend: Unpaid

Dates: Ongoing, including summer; training and participation vary by station

Application Deadline: Rolling; applicants must contact their local Station Explorer Advisor

Eligibility: Young adults ages 14–20 with an interest in law enforcement

The Deputy Explorer Program is a law enforcement career-development initiative for young adults seeking firsthand exposure to policing, leadership, and community service. You’ll work with Sheriff’s Department advisors to develop discipline, responsibility, communication skills, and confidence while learning about law enforcement procedures. The program includes structured training, hands-on experiences, physical conditioning, and participation in the Explorer Academy and Explorer Leadership Institute. 

10. Justice for My Sister – Program Intern

Location: Los Angeles, CA

Stipend: Unpaid

Dates: July 1 – December 15

Application Deadline: Rolling

Eligibility: High school students with a strong interest in community outreach

The Program Intern at Justice for My Sister supports initiatives designed to strengthen engagement among teaching artists, mentors, alumni, and community partners. You’ll assist with coordinating workshops, mentorship activities, and outreach efforts to sustain participation in the nonprofit’s arts and filmmaking programs. The role involves organizing events, communicating with stakeholders, managing schedules, and helping maintain consistent program operations within a hybrid work environment.

11. USC CPF/Wrigley High School Summer Internship Program

Location: Online

Cost/Stipend: None

Dates: June 10 – August 12

Application Deadline: May 19

Eligibility: High school students (no graduating seniors); minimum GPA 3.5; must be available for the full June–August program window; parental permission, headshot, testimonial, attendance at all check-ins, and completion of two writing assignments required

This selective online internship gives you structured experience in environmental policy research and political analysis. You’ll complete two major written projects: a legislative policy memo and a legislative process analysis, focused on an environmental bill of your choosing, giving you hands-on practice with real policy work. Throughout the summer, you’ll join five mandatory check-in sessions with program staff and guest speakers who work in politics, advocacy, and sustainability. The program expects consistent communication, timely submissions, and revisions based on detailed feedback, so you’ll strengthen your writing and analytical skills in a professional environment. If you complete all requirements, one of your papers is published online, and you’re publicly recognized as a Summer Research Intern for both USC CPF and the USC Wrigley Institute.

Image source - Veritas AI Logo