Top 15 Best High School Internships in Denver, CO 2026

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Why Denver is a Prime Destination for High School Internships

The Mile High City presents extraordinary opportunities for ambitious high school students seeking hands-on career experience. With its thriving aerospace industry, cutting-edge healthcare systems, booming tech sector, and commitment to youth workforce development, internships for high school students in Denver open doors to careers that blend innovation with Colorado’s unique quality of life.

From aerospace engineering at Lockheed Martin to medical research at Denver Health’s Medical Career Collaborative (MC²), environmental conservation at the Denver Zoo, and public service through Denver International Airport’s DENtern program, Denver’s diverse economy creates pathways for students across every interest area. The city’s proximity to the Rocky Mountains, combined with

Fortune 500 headquarters and leading research institutions like the University of Colorado and Colorado School of Mines, makes Denver an unmatched destination for career exploration.

High School Internships in Denver, CO 2026

15 Outstanding High School Internship Opportunities in Denver 2026

1. Denver Health Medical Career Collaborative (MC²)

Organization: Denver Health Medical Center
Description: A comprehensive two-year healthcare career exploration program connecting underrepresented students with medical professionals. Participants engage in clinical rotations, hospital shadowing, mentorship with physicians and nurses, patient interaction experiences, and medical career workshops. The program runs throughout junior and senior years with summer intensive components.
Eligibility: Current high school sophomores in Denver metro area, focus on underrepresented groups in healthcare, 3.0+ GPA preferred
Duration: 2 years (junior-senior year) with summer intensives
Compensation: Stipend provided for summer components
Deadline: February 1, 2026
Apply: Denver Health MC² Program

2. Children’s Hospital Colorado Medical Career Collaborative

Organization: Children’s Hospital Colorado
Description: Parallel program to Denver Health’s MC² focused specifically on pediatric medicine. Students shadow pediatricians, engage with child life specialists, participate in youth patient programs, learn about pediatric subspecialties, and complete service learning projects. Emphasis on building diverse healthcare workforce representing Colorado communities.
Eligibility: Current sophomores in Denver metro or Colorado Springs areas, underrepresented groups in healthcare prioritized
Duration: 2 years starting junior year
Compensation: Summer stipend + program materials provided
Deadline: February 15, 2026
Apply: Children’s Hospital Colorado MC²

3. Denver International Airport DENtern Program

Organization: Denver International Airport (DEN)
Description: Paid high school and college internship program providing real aviation industry experience at one of America’s busiest airports. DENterns work across departments including operations, customer service, facilities management, IT systems, sustainability initiatives, and airport administration. Program includes airport tours, professional development training, and networking with aviation professionals.
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors, Denver metro residents preferred, strong communication skills
Duration: 8-10 weeks summer program
Compensation: Paid – $15-17/hour
Deadline: March 1, 2026
Apply: DEN Youth Programs

4. Lockheed Martin High School Internship – Denver

Organization: Lockheed Martin Space – Waterton Campus
Description: Elite aerospace engineering internship at Lockheed Martin’s Denver facility producing military and commercial satellites. High school students work alongside engineers on real spacecraft programs, satellite systems, testing protocols, and advanced technology development. Highly competitive program seeking future STEM leaders.
Eligibility: High school juniors/seniors, exceptional STEM performance (3.8+ GPA), calculus and physics required, U.S. citizenship required for security clearance
Duration: 10-12 weeks (Summer 2026)
Compensation: Paid – $22-28/hour
Deadline: December 19, 2025 (applications open November 3, 2025)
Apply: Lockheed Martin Student Programs

5. Colorado School of Mines CS@Mines High School Internship

Organization: Colorado School of Mines – Computer Science Department
Description: Computer science research internship at top-ranked engineering university. High school students work with CS faculty on research projects spanning artificial intelligence, machine learning, robotics, cybersecurity, data science, and computational modeling. Opportunity to contribute to published research and present findings.
Eligibility: High school students (all grades) with computer science experience, programming skills required
Duration: Flexible summer or academic year arrangements
Compensation: Unpaid (academic credit and recommendation letters provided)
Deadline: Rolling admissions
Apply: CS@Mines Internship

6. Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance Internships

Organization: Denver Zoo
Description: Paid animal care and conservation internships working directly with zoo educators and animal care staff. Interns assist with animal husbandry, conservation education programs, guest services, behind-the-scenes animal care, and sustainability initiatives. Limited high school positions available during summer with most opportunities for college students.
Eligibility: High school seniors (18+ years old), animal care or biology coursework preferred
Duration: 8-12 weeks summer, 32-40 hours/week
Compensation: Paid internship – hourly wage varies
Deadline: Posted seasonally (typically January-February)
Apply: Denver Zoo Careers Page

7. Denver Zoo Teen Volunteer Programs

Organization: Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance
Description: Multiple teen volunteer opportunities including Zoo Crew (ongoing volunteer program), Career Lab (one-day high school career exploration), Career Discovery Day (middle school program), and Zookeeper Experience (shadowing opportunities). Programs provide animal science education, conservation awareness, and zoo career pathways.
Eligibility: Ages 13-18, varies by program, application required
Duration: Varies – one day to ongoing commitments
Compensation: Volunteer (unpaid) with certificates and experience
Deadline: January – March 1 for Zoo Crew applications
Apply: Denver Zoo Student Resources

8. City and County of Denver Emerging Talent Program

Organization: City and County of Denver – Human Resources
Description: Municipal government internships placing high school and college students across Denver city agencies. Opportunities span public works, parks and recreation, technology services, environmental quality, community planning, public safety administration, and policy development. Students gain insight into civic operations and public service careers.
Eligibility: High school juniors/seniors and college students, Colorado residents preferred
Duration: Summer internships (8-12 weeks) or semester placements
Compensation: Most positions paid – $14-16/hour
Deadline: Rolling applications
Apply: Denver Government Internships

9. Denver Department of Public Health & Environment Student Internships

Organization: Denver Public Health & Environment (DDPHE)
Description: Public health internships supporting disease prevention, health education, environmental health monitoring, epidemiology research, community health programs, and emergency preparedness initiatives. Students work on real public health challenges affecting Denver communities.
Eligibility: High school seniors and college students, science coursework preferred, 3.0+ GPA
Duration: Summer (8-10 weeks) or academic year placements
Compensation: Paid internships available
Deadline: March 15, 2026
Apply: DDPHE Internships

10. Build a Better Book (BBB) Teen Internship Program

Organization: Build a Better Book – Denver Metro
Description: Innovative 100-120 hour internship where teams of 2-4 high school students create accessible educational resources for underserved communities. Projects involve curriculum development, graphic design, community engagement, educational technology, and social impact assessment. Culminates in published educational materials distributed to schools.
Eligibility: Denver metro high school students, all grades welcome, collaborative teamwork skills essential
Duration: 100-120 hours spread across academic year or summer intensive
Compensation: Stipend provided upon project completion
Deadline: September 2025 for fall cohort, January 2026 for spring cohort
Apply: Contact program through Denver metro schools or BBB Program Information

11. Merrick & Company Engineering Internship

Organization: Merrick & Company – Greenwood Village
Description: Engineering and design internship at multidisciplinary engineering firm. High school and technical school students work on drafting, CAD design, surveying support, project documentation, and engineering graphics. Exposure to civil, structural, environmental, and geospatial engineering projects.
Eligibility: High school juniors/seniors or technical school students with drafting or CAD experience
Duration: Summer 2026 (8-12 weeks)
Compensation: Paid – $16-20/hour
Deadline: February 2026
Apply: Search “Merrick Company internship” on company careers page or engineering job boards

12. National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) STAR Program

Organization: NREL – Golden, CO
Description: Student Training in Applied Research internship at nation’s premier renewable energy laboratory. High school students work on cutting-edge clean energy research including solar technology, wind power, sustainable aviation fuels, energy storage, and grid optimization. Highly competitive program seeking future energy scientists.
Eligibility: High school seniors with strong STEM background (3.7+ GPA), physics and chemistry coursework required
Duration: 10 weeks (Summer)
Compensation: Paid stipend + housing assistance for non-local students
Deadline: January 15, 2026
Apply: NREL Education Programs or search USAJOBS for student positions

13. Girls Inc. of Metro Denver Career Readiness Internships

Organization: Girls Inc. of Metro Denver
Description: Career exploration and workforce development program connecting young women with Denver employers across healthcare, business, technology, nonprofit, and government sectors. Includes professional development workshops, mentorship, resume building, interview skills, and paid work placements.
Eligibility: Girls ages 14-18, Denver metro area, Girls Inc. program participation (free or low-cost enrollment available)
Duration: 6-8 weeks summer program
Compensation: Paid placements through partner employers
Deadline: April 15, 2026
Apply: Contact Girls Inc. Denver – Erika Taylor, Career Readiness Coordinator

14. Colorado Division of Local Government Best and Brightest Internship

Organization: Colorado Department of Local Affairs
Description: Statewide program connecting high school and undergraduate students with local government agencies across Colorado. Denver-area students can work with county governments, municipal departments, regional planning agencies, and special districts. Projects span administration, planning, community development, and public policy.
Eligibility: Colorado high school students, local governments select candidates independently
Duration: Flexible arrangements with host jurisdictions
Compensation: Varies by host agency – many paid
Deadline: Ongoing – contact local government offices directly
Apply: Colorado DOLA Best and Brightest

15. Denver Museum of Nature & Science Youth Programs

Organization: Denver Museum of Nature & Science
Description: Museum education and visitor engagement opportunities for teens interested in science communication, informal education, and museum operations. Volunteer and paid positions supporting exhibit interpretation, public programs, special events, and education workshops across natural history, space science, and anthropology.
Eligibility: High school students ages 14-18, Denver metro area
Duration: Academic year or summer programs
Compensation: Mix of volunteer and paid positions ($13-15/hour for paid roles)
Deadline: Rolling with priority deadlines in February and September
Apply: Visit DMNS Volunteer & Jobs Page

Strategic Application Guide for Denver Internships

Understanding Denver’s Competitive Landscape

Denver’s internship market reflects the city’s rapid growth and educated workforce. Competition varies significantly by industry and organization. Aerospace and engineering positions (Lockheed Martin, NREL, Merrick) are highly selective, accepting under 15% of applicants. Healthcare programs (Denver Health MC², Children’s Hospital) have moderate selectivity around 30-40% with focus on diversity. Municipal and nonprofit opportunities (City of Denver, Girls Inc., Denver Zoo teens) are more accessible but still require strong applications.

Students should apply to 8-12 programs spanning different selectivity levels to maximize opportunities. For additional options beyond Denver, explore high school internships in Colorado statewide, or consider neighboring states like high school internships in Kansas City and high school internships in Minneapolis.

Critical Application Timeline

October – November 2025: Research programs and begin document preparation. Very early deadline alert: Lockheed Martin applications open November 3, 2025.

December 2025: First major deadline – Lockheed Martin (December 19). Complete aerospace applications immediately as positions fill rapidly.

January 2026: NREL STAR Program and other STEM positions due mid-month. Finalize all materials and request recommendation letters.

February 2026: Peak application season with Denver Health MC² (February 1), Children’s Hospital MC² (February 15), Denver Zoo priority (February 1), and Merrick & Company (late February). Most healthcare and engineering deadlines cluster this month.

March 2026: DEN Airport (March 1) and Denver DDPHE (March 15) deadlines. Final push for summer positions.

April – May 2026: Rolling deadlines for municipal programs and Girls Inc. (April 15). Most positions filled by end of May.

Required Application Materials

Resume (Essential for all programs): Create one-page resume highlighting academics, extracurriculars, volunteer work, leadership, and any prior work experience. Quantify achievements with specific numbers and results.

Cover Letters (Customized per program): Write 300-500 word letters explaining specific interest in each organization and role. Research each program thoroughly and reference their unique missions, recent news, or specific projects.

Transcripts: Most programs require unofficial transcripts showing current GPA and coursework. Competitive STEM programs (Lockheed, NREL) prefer 3.7+ GPAs and advanced math/science courses.

Letters of Recommendation: Secure 2-3 letters from teachers, counselors, or prior employers. Request early (at least 3-4 weeks before deadlines) with specific program information.

Portfolio Materials: Technical positions may require code samples, CAD projects, research papers, or design work demonstrating relevant skills.

Colorado Residency Documentation: Some programs prioritize or require Colorado residents – be prepared with proof of address.

Work Permits: Colorado requires youth employment certificates for workers under 18. Obtain through your school with parent/guardian signature.

Application Submission Methods

Online Portals (Most Common): Lockheed Martin, NREL, Denver International Airport, Denver Health, Children’s Hospital, and Merrick & Company use digital application systems. Create accounts early, save work frequently, and submit 24-48 hours before deadlines to avoid technical issues.

Through Schools: Some programs coordinate through high school counselors, particularly CTE (Career and Technical Education) pathways and Girls Inc. Meet with your counselor in fall to discuss internship goals and access school-based opportunities.

Direct Email/Phone: Smaller organizations (Build a Better Book, Denver Zoo teens, some municipal agencies) prefer email inquiries. Write professional subject lines (“Summer 2026 Internship Application – [Your Name]”) and attach labeled PDF documents.

Strengthening Your Denver Applications

Emphasize Colorado Connection: Denver programs value local community ties. Highlight your Colorado roots, years in Denver metro, neighborhood involvement, understanding of Colorado industries (aerospace, outdoor recreation, clean energy), and commitment to contributing to state’s growth.

Demonstrate Industry Knowledge: Research Denver’s economic landscape. For aerospace positions, understand Colorado’s space industry presence. For healthcare, know Denver Health’s role as safety-net hospital. For aviation, reference DIA’s status as top U.S. airports. Showing informed interest sets applications apart.

Address Altitude and Environment: Denver’s unique setting matters. For outdoor/environmental positions (zoo, NREL clean energy), demonstrate environmental consciousness and appreciation for Colorado’s natural resources. For technical roles, show adaptability to Denver’s innovation culture.

Leverage Colorado Academic Resources: Mention relevant coursework, AP classes, CTE programs, or partnerships between your school and Colorado universities. Denver values education pipeline from high schools through CU Boulder, CSU, Colorado School of Mines, and metro state schools.

Quantify Everything: Replace vague descriptions with numbers. Change “volunteered at hospital” to “completed 120+ hours supporting 250+ patients across cardiology and pediatrics departments.” Specific data demonstrates commitment and impact.

Target Multiple Industries: Denver’s economy spans aerospace, healthcare, technology, outdoor recreation, energy, and government. Don’t limit yourself to one sector. A student interested in medicine might also apply to public health (DDPHE), government (City of Denver), and science communication (Museum of Nature & Science).

Cultural Fit: Denver values work-life balance, outdoor recreation, environmental consciousness, and innovation. Applications that reflect these values (volunteering for environmental causes, outdoor activities demonstrating independence and adventure, innovative school projects) resonate with employers.

Interview Preparation Specific to Denver

Many competitive programs conduct interviews in-person or virtually:

Research thoroughly: Know organization’s mission, recent Denver news, Colorado industry trends
Prepare Colorado-specific questions: “How does this work contribute to Colorado’s leadership in [aerospace/renewable energy/healthcare]?” or “What makes Denver unique for this field?”
Professional attire: Business casual minimum; Colorado professional standards lean practical but polished
Punctuality: Arrive 15 minutes early for in-person interviews; Denver traffic can be unpredictable, especially during ski season weekends
Virtual setup: Test technology, ensure strong WiFi, clean background (Colorado nature prints acceptable!), good lighting
Altitude consideration: For out-of-state students, be aware Denver’s mile-high elevation may affect you initially
Follow up: Send thank-you emails within 24 hours referencing specific conversation points

For opportunities in other growing Western metros, explore high school internships in Phoenix or consider diverse programs through high school internships in Los Angeles.

Transportation Considerations

Denver’s geographic spread requires transportation planning:

RTD Public Transit: Light rail and bus system connects downtown Denver, DIA airport, suburban areas including Littleton, Englewood, Aurora, and Denver Tech Center. Many major employers accessible via RTD. Youth fare discounts available.

Personal Vehicle: Suburban positions (Lockheed Martin in Waterton, NREL in Golden, Merrick in Greenwood Village) often require car access. Denver metro is car-dependent outside downtown core.

Bike-Friendly Options: Denver has expanding bike infrastructure. Downtown internships (City government, some hospitals) accessible via bicycle during summer months.

Program Transportation Support: Some programs (particularly those targeting underrepresented students) may offer RTD passes or carpool coordination. Ask during application or interview process.

Weather Considerations: Summer thunderstorms common; winter snow affects commutes. Reliable transportation crucial year-round.

Resources for Denver Applicants

Workforce Development:

Colorado Department of Labor and Employment – Youth Programs
Denver Workforce Development Centers
Colorado Youth Corps – Conservation employment

Academic Resources:

Denver Public Schools Career Connect programs
CTE coordinators at individual high schools
University of Colorado Denver outreach programs
Colorado School of Mines K-12 programs

Financial Support:

Denver Scholarship Foundation – college funding supporting internship participation
Youth employment tax credits for Denver employers
Free professional clothing through career development nonprofits

Frequently Asked Questions About Denver High School Internships

Are Denver high school internships paid?

Yes, most structured programs offer $14-28/hour, with top positions like Lockheed Martin ($22-28/hour) and NREL ($20-25/hour) paying highest, while healthcare programs provide summer stipends and some volunteer positions remain unpaid but offer school credit.

When should I start applying for summer 2026 internships in Denver?

Apply between November 2025 and March 2026, with Lockheed Martin’s ultra-early deadline (December 19), NREL in mid-January, and most programs clustering in February including Denver Health (Feb 1), Children’s Hospital (Feb 15), and DIA (March 1).

Do I need work experience to get a Denver internship?

No, most programs target first-time workers including DIA DENterns, City of Denver positions, and Denver Zoo volunteers, though highly competitive aerospace and research roles (Lockheed, NREL) prefer students with strong academics (3.7+ GPA) and demonstrated interest through coursework or projects.

What industries offer the most high school internships in Denver?

Healthcare and medical research (Denver Health, Children’s Hospital, Denver Public Health) provide the most comprehensive high school programs, followed by government/public service (City of Denver), aerospace/defense (Lockheed Martin), and renewable energy (NREL), with aviation (DIA) and conservation (Denver Zoo) offering unique sector-specific opportunities.

How competitive are Denver’s high school internship programs?

Highly competitive positions like Lockheed Martin and NREL accept 5-15% of applicants with exceptional academics required, moderately competitive programs including Denver Health MC² and DIA accept 25-40%, while accessible opportunities like City of Denver and Denver Zoo volunteers accept 50-75% of qualified applicants.

Can I do internships during the school year in Denver or only summer?

About 70% of Denver programs operate summer-only (June-August) for 8-12 weeks full-time, while year-round options include Denver Zoo volunteers, museum programs, City of Denver semester positions, and Build a Better Book projects requiring 8-15 hours weekly during the school year.

How do I manage transportation for Denver internships?

RTD light rail and buses connect downtown Denver, DIA, and suburban corridors with youth discounts available, though most suburban positions (Lockheed Martin in Waterton, NREL in Golden) require personal vehicle access as Denver metro is car-dependent outside the downtown core.

What parts of Denver have the most internship opportunities?

Downtown Denver offers the highest concentration with City/County government, Denver Health, and cultural institutions with best transit access, followed by Denver Tech Center (corporate/engineering), Aurora (Children’s Hospital), and DIA (far northeast), while suburban positions in Waterton, Golden, and Greenwood Village typically require personal vehicles.

Do Denver programs accept students from Colorado Springs, Boulder, Fort Collins, and other Colorado cities?

Yes, most programs welcome Front Range applicants with Denver Health and Children’s Hospital MC² explicitly recruiting from “Denver metro or Colorado Springs areas,” while Lockheed Martin, NREL, and statewide programs accept applicants throughout Colorado provided students address reliable transportation or housing arrangements.

Can I earn school credit for Denver internships?

Yes, most Colorado high schools offer academic credit through CTE pathways requiring counselor pre-approval, minimum hours (typically 135-180 for full credit), reflection journals, and supervisor evaluations, with both paid and unpaid internships qualifying through programs coordinated by school work-based learning specialists.

Expand Your Internship Search Beyond Denver

Exploring Opportunities Across Multiple Cities

While Denver offers exceptional programs, students should consider expanding their search geographically. Nearby Colorado opportunities exist throughout the state – explore high school internships in Colorado for statewide options.

Midwest Regional Options:

High School Internships in Kansas City, MO – Business and healthcare hub
High School Internships in Minneapolis, MN – Fortune 500 corporate programs
High School Internships in Minnesota – Statewide opportunities
High School Internships in Milwaukee, WI – Manufacturing and healthcare

Major Metropolitan Areas:

High School Internships in Los Angeles, CA – Entertainment and tech
High School Internships in NYC, NY – Finance and media capital
High School Internships in Washington, DC – Government and policy internships
High School Internships in Miami, FL – International business hub

Sun Belt Growing Cities:

High School Internships in Phoenix, AZ – Aerospace and semiconductor
High School Internships in Augusta, GA – Cybersecurity center
High School Internships in Alpharetta, GA – Technology hub

Statewide Programs:

High School Internships in Texas – Energy and aerospace
High School Internships in Florida – Tourism and healthcare
High School Internships in Massachusetts – Biotech and education
High School Internships in Maryland – Federal research agencies
High School Internships in Delaware – Corporate headquarters

Suburban Texas Markets:

High School Internships in Katy, TX – Houston suburb opportunities
High School Internships in Jersey City, NJ – NYC metro access

Final Thoughts: Launching Your Career from the Mile High City

Securing internships for high school students in Denver positions you at the intersection of innovation and opportunity, from aerospace engineering at Lockheed Martin to healthcare programs at Denver Health and renewable energy research at NREL. The Mile High City’s unique combination of Fortune 500 headquarters, research universities, and commitment to youth development creates transformative career pathways for ambitious Colorado students.

Start your application process now by reviewing the 15 programs above, marking critical deadlines (Lockheed Martin’s December 19 and February’s peak season), and applying to 8-12 opportunities across different selectivity levels. Leverage Colorado’s CTE resources, customize each application thoughtfully, and take advantage of Denver’s exceptional internship landscape to launch your professional future today.

Questions? Contact program coordinators directly using links above, reach out to your school counselor, or explore Denver Workforce Development resources for free career support.