Virtual Internships for High School Students: The US Guide

Ever felt stuck, wanting real-world experience but not knowing where to start? What if you could gain incredible skills, explore future careers, and make your college applications absolutely shine… all from your own room? Welcome to the world of virtual internships for high school students! Seriously, these remote experiences are a total game-changer in the US, helping teens like you leapfrog the competition. But let’s be real—where do you even find them? How do you know what’s legit and what’s a scam? And how do you make it count?

Don’t stress. We’ve got you. This guide is your personal roadmap. We’re covering everything from finding the best programs to understanding the nitty-gritty legal stuff, ensuring you’re ready to grab these amazing opportunities for a brighter future. Let’s go!

Let’s Explore Everything You Need to Know About Virtual Internships for High School Students

1. What Is a Virtual Internship (And Why Should You Care?)

So, what’s the big deal? A virtual internship is just what it sounds like: you get professional, real-world work experience, but you do it remotely.

Instead of commuting to an office, you’re logging in online.

Think of it as your secret weapon. These online opportunities are your ticket to crafting killer college applications, building skills you can actually use, and test-driving different careers before you have to commit.

Virtual vs. In-person

• Virtual: You can work from literally any location! You’ll use digital tools and platforms (think Slack, Asana, Zoom) to collaborate and communicate.

• In-person: This is the traditional way—you have to physically show up at the company’s office or worksite.

Both are awesome for learning, no doubt. But virtual internships are an absolute game-changer if you have geographical limitations (maybe the coolest companies are all in another state?) or health considerations.

The “Why”: Benefits for college apps, skill-building, career exploration, and proving remote-work competence

Get ready, because the “why” here is huge. This is where the excitement really builds!

• Skill-Up: You’ll gain practical workplace skills that school just can’t teach. We’re talking real-world time management, teamwork, and professional communication.

• College App Gold: This makes you stand out in that giant pile of applications. It shows admissions officers you have verified future goals because you’ve actually gone out and experienced them.

• Future-Proof Your Career: Students who complete a high school internship typically find it easier to secure those competitive college internships and join pre-professional organizations later.

• Master Remote Work: Plus, you’re getting hands-on training for remote careers, which are, let’s face it, becoming incredibly prevalent.

2. What College Admissions Really Think About Virtual Internships

Okay, let’s tackle the big worry right away: Do colleges see virtual internships as “less than” or “fluff” compared to in-person ones?

We hear this concern from students and parents all the time.

Here’s the straight-up truth: It’s all about how you frame the experience and what tangible outcomes you achieved.

The Expert View: Explain how to make it count (substance, projects, tangible outcomes) vs. “fluff.”

Admissions officers are smart. They value genuine engagement and clear evidence of what you learned and contributed, regardless of whether you were in an office or on a laptop.

Want to make it count? Ditch the “fluff.” You must focus on substance, projects, and tangible outcomes.

• Document your specific achievements, your exact responsibilities, and the skills you gained. This is what highlights the real value of your applications.

• A pro-tip for success in a virtual setting? Strong communication with your supervisors and being super proactive. This is what leads to those impactful, resume-worthy projects.

3. The “Big List”: Where to Find Virtual Internships in the US

Alright, the moment you’ve been waiting for! Finding the perfect virtual internship means knowing where to hunt. Your options range from virtual job simulations to major company programs and specially curated platforms.

1.      Virtual Job Simulations (The “No Application” Option)

These are an amazing and accessible entry point, often without a formal application process. How cool is that?

These simulations, sometimes on platforms like Forage, let you experience a “day in the life” of various roles and gain practical skills.

2.      Major Company & Government Programs (The “Prestige” Option)

Want to go for the big names? Several top-tier organizations roll out the red carpet with virtual opportunities for high school students.

• AEOP High School Apprenticeship: Imagine this! A chance for high school students (who are U.S. citizens or permanent legal residents) to spend a summer in a university research lab or even a U.S. Army Research Laboratory, with remote options available.

• The Junior Academy (New York Academy of Sciences): This is for teens aged 13-17. You can join a global network (wow!) to collaborate virtually on project-based challenges, all focused on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

• Smithsonian Office of Internships: Yes, the Smithsonian! They offer a variety of virtual, hybrid, and in-person internships across their numerous museums. What an incredible way to get experience in a large research institution.

• Foreign Policy Research Institute (FPRI): Perfect if you’re into global affairs. FPRI provides internships during the Summer, Fall, and Spring terms. You’ll connect with foreign relations communities and work with scholars on industry-specific skills.

• PHC Group Summer Program: This one is paid! It’s for talented high school rising seniors. You’ll develop leadership skills, gain experience within a global team, and even participate in team projects with senior leadership.

• EnergyMag: Passionate about renewable energy? EnergyMag offers virtual internships to high school and college students interested in the energy storage industry. Talk about a fast-moving environment!

• Cornell University: While not technically an internship, Cornell offers a variety of online courses during summer, winter, spring, and fall for high school students. The best part? Grades and credits can often be transferred towards a degree.

3.      Curated Internship Platforms

These platforms are built specifically to play matchmaker, connecting students like you with great virtual gigs.

• StandOut Connect: This program is funded by The University of Chicago’s Polsky Center for Innovation. It matches high school students with internships where you get to interview with potential mentors and can even receive return offers.

• Intern Abroad HQ: This platform offers online internships for high school students aged 16-18. It’s an amazing way to explore career paths and earn college credit in fields across multiple countries. Their programs start from US$1099 and include support, coaching, academic credit assistance, and a reference letter.

4.      Field-Specific Opportunities

No matter what you’re into, there’s likely a virtual internship for it.

• STEM/Research: Check out the AEOP High School Apprenticeship for lab opportunities or The Junior Academy for STEM challenges. There’s also Medicine Encompassed, a student-led non-profit for high school students with a passion for STEAM, biology, and medicine.

• Law/Policy/Human Rights: Intern Abroad HQ has online law internships focusing on human rights and environmental policy. And don’t forget FPRI for that foreign relations experience.

• Business/Finance/Marketing: Intern Abroad HQ is a great resource here, offering virtual finance and business consulting internships in various countries, plus roles in digital marketing and business development.

• Environmental/Conservation: You can find opportunities for virtual environmental policy internships and even marine conservation roles in Greece (all through Intern Abroad HQ).

• Computer Science: One program we found mentioned offers free, virtual summer programs for students. You can gain computer science skills, get exposure to tech jobs, and connect with leaders in the tech field.

4. The DIY Method: How to Create Your Own Internship

Can’t find the perfect fit from a pre-made list? No problem—go make your own!

A “cold outreach strategy” can be an incredibly effective way to secure an online high school internship.

This just means you’re directly contacting companies or professors who might be willing to offer you an internship or a research position. It’s bold, and it works.

A. Provide a step-by-step guide to cold emailing.

Here’s your battle plan for success:

1. Identify Potential Opportunities: Use LinkedIn! Find small companies that could really benefit from your skills (think social media management, coding, content writing, or graphic design). Smaller companies are often much more likely to hire high-school-aged students. For research positions, use online university staff directories to find professors in your field of interest.

2. Find Connections: This is a great trick. Try to find any personal connection with the professionals you plan to contact. Do you share a hometown? A favorite sports team?

3. Structure Your Email: Be persistent! You should aim to send at least 50 emails to potential internship providers. It’s a numbers game, so don’t get discouraged!

4. Prepare Your Resume: Keep it to one page. That’s the golden rule for high school students. Be sure to include work samples, like a website you designed or your GitHub profile.

5. Include Resume as a Google Drive Link: This is a crucial tech tip. To avoid spam filters and deliverability issues, include your resume as a Google Drive link instead of a PDF. Make sure the sharing settings allow anyone with the link to view its contents.

6. Exercise Caution: You’re reaching out to unknown professionals. Always prioritize your safety. Conduct all interviews or meetings virtually.

B. Include the full Cold-Email Template (Subject, Body) for a high school student.

Here are a couple of basic templates. Please, customize them! Make them sound like you.

• Template for Finding an Internship

Subject: Student Reaching Out

Body:

Dear Mr./Ms.____,

I hope you are having a great day! My name is [Your Name], and I am a rising [Your Grade] at [Your School]. I read about your company on LinkedIn and found the concept quite interesting. For context, [Add a 1-sentence personalization, e.g., “I was so impressed by your recent project…”]

I was wondering if you might be looking for interns. I know I would have a great deal to learn from working with you, and I would love to contribute in any way I can.

I have included my resume here: [Your Google Drive Link]

Thanks so much!

• Template for Finding a Research Position

Subject: Student Reaching Out

Body:

Dear Professor/Dr. ____,

I hope you are having a great day! My name is [Your Name], and I am a rising [Your Grade] at [Your School]. I recently read your paper on [Topic] in [Publication] and was quite intrigued by [Specific Point]. I was wondering if I might be able to intern remotely for you over this summer.

I have included my resume here: [Your Google Drive Link]

Thanks so much!

5. Your Application Toolkit: Resume, Cover Letter, & Interview

Having a strong application toolkit is absolutely crucial for securing a virtual internship, even if you don’t have a long list of prior work experience. This is all about crafting a resume that pops and nailing that virtual interview.

The “No-Experience” Resume: Provide a template/structure. Emphasize “Projects” over “Experience.” List relevant coursework and skills.

Don’t have a traditional work history? That’s totally normal! Here’s how you build a killer resume:

• The focus must shift from a traditional “Experience” section to “Projects” and “Relevant Coursework and Skills”.

• A high school resume should always be no more than one page.

• You can use templates from great resources, like those provided by UChicago, to help structure your resume effectively.

• Remember the tip: It’s advisable to include a Google Drive link to your resume rather than a PDF to prevent deliverability issues. (And double-check those sharing settings!)

• Showcasing your work samples is key. Include links to websites you’ve designed, social media accounts you manage, or your GitHub profile.

Virtual Interview Tips: (Test tech, look at the camera, have questions ready)

You got the interview! Amazing! Now, here’s how to nail it:

1. Test Your Tech: Before the call, please, please test your microphone, camera, and internet connection. A frozen screen is the worst first impression.

2. Look at the Camera: This is the #1 virtual interview hack. It feels weird, but look directly at your webcam when you’re talking, not at the interviewer’s face on the screen. This creates the feeling of direct eye contact for them.

3. Have Questions Ready: When they ask, “So, do you have any questions for us?” the answer is always “Yes!” Having questions prepared shows you’re engaged, curious, and serious about the role.

6. The Unspoken Rules: Paid vs. Unpaid & US Legalities

Okay, let’s talk about the money (or lack of it). This is a crucial part you need to understand.

It’s all about the legalities, particularly the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).

The Department of Labor uses the “primary beneficiary test” to determine if an intern in a for-profit setting is legally an “employee” who is entitled to minimum wage and overtime pay.

A. Explain the Department of Labor’s “Primary Beneficiary Test” simply.

So, what is this test? It’s basically a flexible, 7-factor balancing act to see who is really benefiting more—you (the intern) or the employer.

• If you are deemed the “primary beneficiary” (meaning you’re the one getting the main benefit, like training similar to an educational course), you may not be considered an employee under the FLSA and thus aren’t entitled to pay.

• Conversely, if the employer is the primary beneficiary (meaning you’re basically displacing a paid worker), you are considered an employee and must be paid.

B. The seven factors of this test include:

1. Expectation of Compensation: A clear understanding between both of you that there is no expectation of payment. Any promise of compensation, even an implied one, suggests an employment relationship.

2. Training Similar to Education: The extent to which the internship provides training comparable to what you’d get in an educational environment.

3. Tied to Formal Education: Whether the internship is actually integrated into your formal education program (e.g., you’re getting academic credit).

4. Accommodation of Academic Commitments: The degree to which the internship aligns with your academic calendar.

5. Limited Duration for Learning: The internship’s duration should be limited to the period during which you are receiving beneficial learning.

6. Complementary Work: Your work should complement the work of paid employees (while giving you significant educational benefits), not just displace their work.

7. No Job Guarantee: A mutual understanding that the internship does not guarantee you a paid job at its conclusion.

Important: No single factor is decisive. The determination depends on the unique circumstances of each case.

C. Clarify the rules for for-profit vs. non-profit organizations.

This is a key distinction!

• For-Profit Employers: These companies are generally required by the FLSA to pay employees for their work. However, interns and students might not be classified as “employees” if the primary beneficiary test shows they are the main ones benefiting from the experience.

• Non-Profit & Public Sector: This is different. Unpaid internships for public sector and non-profit charitable organizations are generally permissible. This is true if the intern volunteers freely and without any expectation of compensation for religious, charitable, civic, or humanitarian purposes.

7. RED FLAG WARNING: How to Spot a Virtual Internship Scam

This is so, so important. You have to be vigilant when you’re searching, because scams unfortunately exist. Recognizing these red flags can protect you.

• Asking for money: Hard pass. Legitimate internships do not typically require you to pay a fee to secure a position. If they ask for money up front, it’s a massive red flag.

• Asking for SSN/bank info upfront: Be extremely wary if an “employer” requests your Social Security Number or bank account details early in the application process or before an offer is even formalized.

• “Too good to be true” offers: Does the internship promise exceptionally high pay for minimal work? Is the job description super vague and unrealistic? It’s likely a scam.

• Text-only interviews: This is a weird but common one. Some scammers conduct interviews solely via text message or on chat platforms like Google Hangouts. This can be a major sign of fraud.

• Fake equipment checks: Be cautious! A common tactic is when an “offer” involves them sending you a check to purchase equipment. The check is fake, it bounces after you’ve sent money to their “vendor” (which is just them), and you’re out the cash.

• Anonymity and lack of verifiable information: If it’s difficult to find an address, an actual contact person, or the organization’s name, be careful. Sometimes scammers even use a real company’s name. Always verify the legitimacy of the offer and the company. Trust your gut!

8. A Guide for Parents & Guardians: Safety and Vetting

Parents and guardians, this one’s for you. You play a vital role in ensuring the safety and legitimacy of your teen’s virtual internship. Directly addressing these concerns can build a ton of trust and confidence.

Provide a “Vetting Checklist” (real website, supervisor’s LinkedIn, clear outcomes).

To help you vet potential virtual internships, here’s a checklist to run through:

• Real Website: Verify that the organization has a professional and legitimate website. Check for consistent branding, up-to-date content, and real contact information.

• Supervisor’s LinkedIn: Research the supervisor and other team members on LinkedIn. Does this confirm their professional presence and connection to the organization? A lack of online presence or suspicious profiles is a red flag.

• Clear Outcomes and Expectations: Ensure the internship description clearly outlines responsibilities, projects, learning objectives, and expected outcomes. Vague descriptions are often a sign of a less reputable opportunity.

• Contact Information Verification: Confirm that the contact email and phone number are legitimate and actually correspond to the organization.

• Review Testimonials and References: Look for testimonials from past interns or even seek references if possible.

• No Upfront Payments: We have to say it again! Legitimate internships should not require payment from the intern.

• Data Security: Inquire about how the organization handles sensitive information and ensures online safety, especially if your teen will be dealing with any confidential data.

Discuss online safety and supporting their teens’ independence.

Online safety is, of course, paramount.

• Educate your teen about never sharing personal or financial information with unverified sources.

• Encourage open communication. Make sure they know they can come to you about any concerns or suspicious requests they encounter.

• While ensuring safety, it’s also incredibly important to support your teen’s independence. Empower them to take ownership of their internship search and the experience itself.

• Provide guidance and support without micromanaging. This is how you’ll foster their critical thinking and self-advocacy skills for life.

9. You Got the Internship! Now What? (How to Succeed)

YES! You did it! Securing a virtual internship is a significant achievement—take a moment to celebrate that!

…Okay, celebration over. Now, let’s talk about how to crush it.

Succeeding in a remote environment requires specific strategies. Effective communication, mastering your remote tools, and proactive engagement are the absolute keys to making the most of this experience.

Provide tips: Over-communication, mastering remote tools (Slack, Asana), being proactive, and networking (virtual coffee chats).

• Over-communication: In a virtual setting, it’s vital. You have to communicate frequently and clearly with your supervisor and team. Proactively provide updates on your progress, ask clarifying questions, and make sure everyone knows your availability and any challenges you face. Clear communication is everything for an intern’s success.

• Mastering Remote Tools: Get proficient—fast—with the collaboration tools your organization uses. Whether it’s Slack for instant messaging, Asana for project management, or other platforms, your familiarity will help you integrate seamlessly.

• Being Proactive: This is the big one. Don’t wait for tasks to be assigned. Actively seek out opportunities to contribute, ask for new responsibilities, and suggest improvements. Showing this kind of initiative demonstrates your enthusiasm and commitment.

• Networking (Virtual Coffee Chats): Don’t be shy! Actively seek out networking opportunities. (In fact, many students report satisfaction with networking in virtual internships!) Schedule short “virtual coffee chats” with colleagues and other professionals in the organization. Learn about their roles, gain insights, and build valuable connections. Remember, networking is just building and nurturing professional relationships for mutual support.

10. “What’s Next?”: Leveraging Your Internship for College

You did the work, now make it work for you.

Your virtual internship is a powerful asset for your college applications. Knowing how to present it effectively can significantly enhance your profile. This involves strategic listing on the Common App, requesting strong letters of recommendation, and crafting impactful essays.

A.    How to List It on Your Common App Activities Section: Give a “Weak” vs. “Strong” 150-character description example.

The Common App activities section gives you space to list up to 10 extracurriculars. You have to make every character count in that 150-character limit!

When listing your virtual internship, focus on specific contributions and outcomes.

• Weak Example: “Virtual Intern at Tech Company – Helped with various tasks.” So vague!

• Strong Example: “Virtual Data Analysis Intern: Developed Python script to automate data cleaning, increasing efficiency by 15% and contributing to market research report.”

See the difference? State your job title clearly (add “(Virtual Internship)” if you like). If your internship had a specific focus, like digital marketing or data analysis, be clear about it.

B.     How to Ask for a Letter of Recommendation (Remotely): Provide the “magic phrase” (“…write me a strong letter…”) and the “brag sheet” concept.

Asking for a recommendation letter remotely can feel a bit awkward, but it’s easy if you’re prepared.

• First, ensure you provide your recommender with all the necessary information and plenty of time.

• Here’s the “magic phrase”: When you ask, say, “Would you be able to write me a strong letter of recommendation?” This gentle phrase is amazing—it gives them a polite way to decline if they don’t feel they can provide a truly positive endorsement (which is better for you!).

• You also must prepare a “brag sheet.” This is simply a document where you summarize your accomplishments, responsibilities, skills gained, and specific projects during the internship. Include details like the start and end dates, your specific role, and any notable successes or challenges you overcame. This sheet makes it so much easier for them to write a detailed and impactful letter.

C.    How to Write About It in an Essay: Focus on a single challenge or moment of learning, not a summary.

This is the #1 mistake students make. When incorporating your virtual internship into a college essay, avoid simply summarizing your experience.

Instead, focus on a specific challenge you faced, a moment of significant learning, or a particular project that had a profound impact on you.

Describe the situation, your actions, and (most importantly) what you learned or how you grew from the experience. This approach allows for a much more personal and reflective narrative that highlights your growth—and that’s what admissions officers really want to see.

My Opinion

Let’s be crystal clear: virtual internships for high school students aren’t just a fleeting trend; they are a critical pathway to early career exploration. Think about this: a whopping 70% of students attending a US News top 50 University completed at least one internship while they were still in high school.

That’s not a coincidence; it underscores just how important these experiences are. They are invaluable for building practical skills, verifying your career interests, and showing that proactive spirit to college admissions.

Honestly, the ability to adapt, communicate effectively in a digital world, and manage projects remotely—all skills honed in virtual internships—will serve you for your entire academic and professional life. Embracing these opportunities now isn’t just about enhancing your college application; it’s about laying a strong foundation for your future success.

Here Are Some Tips for a Bright Future

●       Become a “Micro-Internship” Hunter:

Beyond formal programs, actively seek out short-term, project-based virtual work, even if it’s unpaid. These “micro-internships” can be found by cold emailing small businesses or start-ups needing help with social media, design, or basic coding. This offers valuable experience without a lengthy commitment.

●       Cultivate a “Digital Professional Persona” Early:

Yes, now. Start building a professional online presence. This means a polished LinkedIn profile (even if it’s minimal!), a clean public-facing social media presence, and maybe a simple online portfolio of your projects. This makes you discoverable and credible when you do that cold outreach.

●       Master the Art of the “Virtual Informational Interview”:

This is a power move. Instead of immediately asking for an internship, reach out to professionals in fields that interest you for a 15-20 minute “virtual coffee chat.” Ask about their career path, industry trends, and advice. This builds your network and, you’d be surprised, can organically lead to internship opportunities.

●       Translate “Passion Projects” into “Internship-Ready Skills”:

Your hobbies (like managing your school club’s social media, coding a game, or writing fan fiction) are packed with transferable skills. Document these projects with specific outcomes and metrics (e.g., “Grew our club’s Instagram by 40%”). Frame them as legitimate experiences on your resume. This will impress potential internship providers.

●       Proactively Request “Feedback Sprints”:

During your virtual internship, don’t just wait for a formal review. Periodically ask your supervisor for short, focused feedback sessions on specific tasks. (“Hey, do you have 10 minutes to chat about the report I sent?”). This shows incredible initiative, helps you improve rapidly, and ensures you’re meeting expectations.

Whew! Feeling pumped and ready to take on the world of virtual internships? We genuinely believe this guide is the most comprehensive resource available for high school students in the US.

If you found it valuable, please do us a huge favor and share it!

Send it to other students, parents, and friends who could benefit. Let’s help everyone get a head start on their future!

Simran Khan

FAQs

1.     Are virtual internships for high school students paid?

Sometimes they are paid, but many are unpaid. Some programs, like the PHC Group Summer Program, explicitly state that they are paid.

For for-profit organizations, it all comes back to that “primary beneficiary test” from the Department of Labor. If you are the main one benefiting (educationally), they may not be required to pay you.

Unpaid internships are much more common and generally permissible in the public sector and non-profit charitable organizations, as long as the intern is volunteering without expectation of compensation.

2.     How many hours do virtual interns work?

Well, it really varies! Some internship programs are offered during summer, spring, fall, or winter, and even during the school year, which points to a lot of flexibility in scheduling.

3.     What are the best alternatives to a virtual internship?

Great question! If an internship doesn’t pan out, you still have amazing options:

• Virtual Volunteering: This lets you contribute to causes you care about and develop skills from home.

• Online Courses with Projects: This is a fantastic way to get structured learning and build a portfolio. For example, Cornell University offers online courses where you can earn transferable credits. Learning platforms like Coursera also have courses (like for Python or R programming) that can lead to computational research opportunities.

• Virtual Job Shadowing: This can offer incredible insights into different professions by letting you observe professionals in their daily tasks through online platforms.