17 High School Internships in Atlanta in 2024
What’s Covered:
High school internships have become increasingly common in recent years as students have gotten more career-focused and aim to maximize their chances of admission at top schools. Internships let high schoolers test drive potential careers (before even committing to a major), gain work experience, and build skills that will serve them in both the collegiate and professional worlds, regardless of which direction they ultimately go in.
Internships also allow students to bolster their networks and meet mentors who can help guide them on their eventual career path. Additionally, internships look great on a college application—they demonstrate maturity and show that you are committed to pursuing opportunities in your fields of interest.
Home to world-class universities, globally recognized businesses, and a variety of cultural sites, Atlanta provides numerous internship opportunities to high schoolers.
17 High School Internships in Atlanta
1. UGA Young Scholars Internship Program (YSP)
Application deadline: January 31, 2024
Duration: 5 weeks (May 29 – July 9, 2024)
The University of Georgia YSP provides five-week, paid internships to students interested in agriculture, food, and environmental sciences. Participants engage in research under the guidance of a faculty mentor at UGA’s Athens, Griffin, or Tifton campuses. The program culminates in the three-day Young Scholars Pre-Collegiate Research Conference (July 10-12), where scholars present their research through oral and poster sessions.
The program is open to students 16 years of age or older who’ve completed their sophomore year of high school. Participants also need to have completed at least a semester of algebra and one high school science course that includes a laboratory.
2. STEM@GTRI
Application deadline: January 21, 2024
Duration: 5 weeks (June 10 – July 19, 2024)
This five-week, paid internship enables high schoolers to engage in real-world science and engineering research at one of Georgia Tech Research Institute’s (GTRI) laboratories or its Warner Robins field office. Interns work under the mentorship of GTRI researchers on projects focusing on topics ranging from piezoelectric systems to rapid prototyping, and from robots and drones to the physics of radar emissions. The program concludes with a final presentation in which participants showcase their work.
The program is open to Georgia residents attending high school in the state. Students must be in their sophomore, junior, or senior year and at least 16 years old. Participants are expected to work 24 hours per week over the program’s five weeks. Admission to the STEM@GTRI program is selective—just 55 to 60 students are chosen to participate annually.
3. Atlanta Bar Association Summer Law Internship Program
Application deadline: March 21, 2024
Duration: 6 weeks (June 10 – July 19, 2024)
For three decades, the Atlanta Bar Association has offered six-week, paid internships to Atlanta-area high schoolers. Participants are placed with local law firms, government agencies, and corporations where they learn about potential careers in law. Interns also receive educational and professional support—such as financial assistance for LSAT preparation or Bar Review classes—at the end of the internship.
4. Environmental Internship at AtkinsRealis
Application deadline: N/A
Duration: Summer long
For students planning on pursuing STEM degrees, AtkinsRéalis offers an engaging internship program. The program welcomes candidates who have a solid background in science, computer-assisted drafting, technical drafting, or math. The best candidates will have a basic understanding of math and computers as well as a willingness to adapt and learn new things.
Do note that enrollment in an Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree program in a related technical field is preferred, so competition will be stiff for this position. However, prior professional experience is not required, so it’s still worth applying if you think you could be a good fit for the role. AtkinsRéalis values diversity and inclusivity, and thus ensures that all candidates have equal opportunities in its recruitment process.
5. DPR Construction Build Up Internship
Application deadline: April 12, 2024
Duration: 8 weeks
This program, provided by DPR Construction, introduces high school students to careers in construction management. Participants work in the job trailer and learn from project managers about the administration of multi-million dollar building projects, a process that involves using a range of technologies and collaborating with a wide range of professionals.
This paid opportunity is available to rising high school juniors, seniors, and recent graduates from eligible communities, including Atlanta. Interns must come from families with an income below the HUD Median Family Income (MFI) in their county. They should expect to work between 35 and 40 hours a week.
6. C.W. Matthews Contracting High School Internship
Application deadline: N/A
Duration: 8-12 weeks
C.W. Matthews Contracting Company, a leading heavy highway construction contractor that operates throughout Georgia, offers paid internships to high schoolers. In addition to a paycheck, interns learn about the process of building roads, bridges, and other transportation infrastructure, and get to explore potential career paths in the construction industry.
Students are encouraged to follow the path they find most interesting. Opportunities are available in a range of fields, such as:
- Heavy equipment operations and equipment maintenance
- Surveying
- Traffic control
- Asphalt manufacturing, asphalt milling, and asphalt/concrete installation
- Bridge construction
- Quality control
You should be aware that C. W. Matthews also offers work-based learning internships for high schoolers, which last for either a semester or a full year. If you especially enjoy your internship, this could be a great opportunity for you to continue building your expertise in the field of construction.
7. Georgia Power High School Summer Internship
Application deadline: N/A
Duration: 8 weeks
This eight-week, paid internship shows high schoolers what it’s like to work as an apprentice lineworker. Interns gain job experience by working alongside Georgia Power line crews and performing basic work, learning about power line construction standards, and exploring potential career paths—such as being a lineworker or meter tech. Interns also spend time developing soft skills and doing CAST (Construction and Skills Trade Test) preparation. Do note the hours for this position are somewhat unusual (7 am – 3 pm), so keep that in mind if you’re not a morning person.
To qualify for this program, interns must possess a driver’s license and a clean driving record, be able to perform physically demanding activities, and be capable of working outside in all conditions. You also must be either 18 or turning 18 by September 1st. Finally, interns need to pass pre-employment screenings, including a drug test and a criminal background check. Interns are paid $15 an hour, and you could have access to future employment opportunities if your internship goes well.
8. Emory University Winship Summer Scholars Research Program
Application deadline: February 12, 2024
Duration: 6 weeks (June 10 – July 19, 2024)
This prestigious paid internship invites just 10-12 students to participate annually, and provides an immersive experience in the world of cancer research. Interns work one-on-one with a researcher or clinician at Emory University’s Winship Cancer Institute, who serves as their mentor in a laboratory or clinical research experience.
Participants listen to lectures and go on field trips aimed at deepening their knowledge of cancer research and potential careers in the field. The program culminates in a symposium where interns present their research to friends and family along with Winship doctors, researchers, and graduate students.
The program is open to rising and graduating high school seniors who will be at least 17 years old by the start of the program. Students work a typical nine-to-five schedule and receive a $2,400 stipend at the conclusion of the program.
9. Next Gen High School Internship Program
Application deadline: February 16, 2024
Duration: 6 weeks (June 3 – July 10, 2024)
This paid internship is provided by the Emory University School of Medicine’s Department of Human Genetics. The internship is open to rising high school juniors and seniors who will be at least 16 years old by the start of the program and are from historically underrepresented minority groups in Metropolitan Atlanta. Participants gain clinical and lab experience working one-on-one with a mentor.
The program seeks to increase the participation of underrepresented minorities in STEM. Interns are paid $2,500 for completing the program.
10. Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta VolunTEEN Program
Application deadline: N/A
Duration: 8 weeks
Students with an interest in healthcare will want to check out the VolunTEEN program at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. VolunTEENs support hospital staff, play games with patients, and provide a valuable service to their community while gaining firsthand healthcare experience. Interns also are given special opportunities, like the chance to attend information sessions with healthcare professionals.
The program is open to high schoolers between the ages of 15 and 18. VolunTEENs are asked to commit to volunteering at least one day a week for a minimum of three hours.
11. Wellstar Kennestone High School VolunTeen Program
Application deadline: N/A
Duration: June – July 2024 (other sessions available during the school year as well)
This program allows high schoolers to explore potential healthcare careers while gaining real-world experience at a world-class medical center. Volunteer opportunities are open to high schoolers between the ages of 15 and 18. Volunteers assist in a variety of areas, including customer service, clinical and non-clinical departments, patient transport, and wayfinding. Volunteers are asked to commit to at least one four-hour shift per week.
This is a selective position and the number of applicants regularly outstrips the number of open volunteer positions, so be aware that you may not be selected for a volunteer position.
12. Senator Raphael Warnock Georgia Internships
Application deadline: Not yet open
Duration: Usually 4 weeks
Senator Raphael Warnock offers internships at his Atlanta office to highly motivated, detail-oriented, and energetic individuals with strong ties to Georgia. Interns should possess strong communication and interpersonal skills and should be team-oriented and highly organized. Interns assist with a variety of day-to-day activities, including answering phones, logging constituent opinions, and supporting office staff.
Senator Warnock also offers internships during the school year, which could be a fit for you if you have a particularly enriching experience during the summer, or if you already have summer plans but are intrigued by this opportunity.
13. ACLU of Georgia Internships
Application deadline: April 19, 2024
Duration: 8 weeks (June 3 – August 2, 2024)
The ACLU of Georgia provides internships to high schoolers, undergraduates, and graduate students. Opportunities are available in six fields:
- Communications
- Community engagement
- Development
- Legal
- Policy
- Voter rights
Your specific responsibilities will depend on which field you are working in. Interns are expected to commit to working 15 hours a week and are paid $15 an hour.
14. High Museum of Art Teen Team
Application deadline: March 3, 2024
Duration: Yearlong (begins with an 8-week summer intensive, followed by regular meetings during the school year)
The High Museum’s Teen Team is comprised of 15 creative high school students interested in art and community engagement. Participants become familiar the inner workings of the museum, help plan Teen Nights and public programming, and learn about the museum’s collections and exhibits. Interns also develop civic and team-building skills and get to explore possible career paths related to museums.
This position is paid and open to rising high school juniors and seniors.
15. Atlanta Film Society Internships
Application deadline: Mid-April
Duration: Minimum 16 weeks (flexible start date)
This internship with the Atlanta Film Society—an organization that presents film screenings, hosts an annual screenplay competition, and operates the Atlanta Film Festival—is sure to catch the eye of film buffs. Interns assist with administrative duties, membership, and event planning while gaining real-world experience working for a non-profit. Interns will also gain an understanding of what goes into producing a film festival, although do be aware this internship does not involve learning about film production itself. Internships are available in a variety of other concentrations, though, including:
- Business development
- Community relations
- Content writing
- Marketing
- Media/video tech
- Operations
- Outreach
Interns must be at least 18, and high school seniors are considered on a case-by-case basis, so do be aware that competition will likely be steep if you are still in high school. However, it’s worth applying if you feel you are a good fit for the role. Interns are asked to work 10 hours a week for a minimum of four months. This is an unpaid position, but interns are granted free membership to the organization.
16. Georgia Aquarium Beginner Environmental Leadership Program
Application deadline: Varies by start date
Duration: 4 months (January – April; May – August; or September – December)
Through this program, students ages 15-18 can volunteer at the Georgia Aquarium on any day during the summer, and on weekends during the school year. Volunteers begin as Gallery Guides, in one of the following four areas:
- One full week assisting with Camp H2O (Summer Only)
- Guest Interpretation
- Guest Engagement
- Touch Pools
Volunteers also have the opportunity to apply what they learn to a collaborative project in the broader Atlanta community. If you are interested in volunteering, the application process starts by registering for a mandatory, virtual information session. Some students are then selected to participate in a three-hour group interview, and you will find out if you have ultimately been selected within two weeks of your interview.
While this position does not involve behind-the-scenes work, if you are a recent high school graduate and looking to dive deeper (no pun intended) into work at the Georgia Aquarium, consider checking out their Internship Program, which you must be both 18 and a high school graduate to apply to.
17. TAG-Ed Summer Internship Program
Application deadline: February 23, 2024
Duration: 5 weeks (starting either June 3rd or June 10th, 2024)
TAG-Ed pairs STEM-oriented, high-achieving high schoolers with Georgia companies interested in investing in STEM talent and the future workforce of the technology industry. Opportunities are available in the Greater Atlanta area and span a variety of fields.
Internships are open to high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors who are 16 years of age or older. Interns should be prepared to work between 20 and 30 hours a week over the course of a five-week internship, and will receive a $1,500 stipend upon completing their internship.
For more information, they also have a seminar on March 7th, from 4:30pm to 5:00pm.
How Do Internships Impact Your College Chances?
Extracurricular activities, like internships, play an important role in college admissions. This is particularly true at selective schools where an attention-grabbing extracurricular can help you stand out from a crowded field of academically excellent candidates. However, not all extracurricular activities are equal; some carry more weight than others.
The four tiers of extracurricular activities provide a good example of the lens admissions officers view your activities outside of the classroom through. Tiers 1 and 2 hold the most influence on college admissions and are reserved for the most outstanding and uncommon activities. Tiers 3 and 4 include more common extracurriculars and have less impact on admissions.
Generally, an internship will fall under Tier 2 or 3, depending on the internship’s selectivity and prestige, as well as the responsibilities interns have to take on. Internships are less common than typical Tier 4 activities, but are not quite as rare and distinguished as typical Tier 1 activities.
CollegeVine’s free chancing calculator can help you better understand your odds of getting into college. It uses a variety of factors, including academics, extracurricular activities (like internships), and demographics to estimate your chances of getting into hundreds of colleges across the country.
