Top 15 Best High School Internships in Minneapolis, MN 2026

Fortune 500 Excellence Meets Innovation

Minneapolis anchors one of America’s most remarkable metropolitan economies with 18 Fortune 500 headquarters—more per capita than any U.S. metro area except New York City. Internships for high school students in Minneapolis span from biomedical research at Mayo Clinic to corporate innovation at Target headquarters, from medical device engineering at Medtronic to arts programming at Walker Art Center. This Twin Cities powerhouse combines a Midwestern work ethic with global corporate excellence, creating exceptional career opportunities rarely accessible to high school students outside major coastal cities.

From healthcare leadership at University of Minnesota Medical Center to consumer goods innovation at General Mills, financial services at U.S. Bank to technology growth in the “Silicon Prairie,” Minneapolis offers professional pathways that blend Fortune 500 sophistication with accessible Midwestern culture. The city’s commitment to education, civic engagement, and workforce development—exemplified by programs like Step Up connecting over 1,600 youth annually with paid internships—creates structured pathways for ambitious students seeking meaningful work experience.

This guide features 15 verified high school internship programs in Minneapolis and surrounding Twin Cities for 2026, representing opportunities from world-renowned healthcare systems to Fortune 500 corporations, from academic research institutions to cultural organizations. Whether exploring corporate careers similar to high school internships in Kansas City, MO or seeking opportunities in other major metros like high school internships in Denver or high school internships in Milwaukee, WI, Minneapolis’s corporate density and youth employment infrastructure provide exceptional foundation for professional success.

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15 Outstanding High School Internships in Minneapolis 2026

1. Step Up Youth Employment Program

• Organization: Achieve Twin Cities / City of Minneapolis Partnership
• Description: Comprehensive paid internship program connecting Minneapolis youth ages 14-21 with Twin Cities employers across 15 industries. Since 2003, Step Up has created 34,000+ internship opportunities. Level 1 (ages 14-15) provides foundational work experience at parks, community organizations, and nonprofits with wages paid by City of Minneapolis. Level 2 (ages 16-21) offers professional internships at private businesses, public agencies, and nonprofits with employer-paid wages. The program includes mentorship, career exploration, professional development, and college preparation. Employers span healthcare, finance, technology, retail, manufacturing, government, nonprofits, and professional services. Step Up bridges youth assets with regional workforce needs while building resumes and career networks.
• Eligibility: Minneapolis youth ages 14-21, residency required
• Duration: Summer primarily (6-8 weeks); some year-round positions
• Compensation: Paid – Level 1 (city wages), Level 2 (employer wages varying by industry)
• Deadline: Applications typically open winter/early spring for summer placements
• Apply: Step Up Program – Youth contact Lisa Beckham at [email protected]

2. Mayo Clinic Career Immersion Program – Minnesota

• Organization: Mayo Clinic School of Health Sciences – Rochester (accessible from Twin Cities)
• Description: Summer healthcare career exploration program for Minnesota high school juniors and seniors interested in medical careers. Students gain exposure to Mayo Clinic’s world-renowned healthcare system through clinical shadowing, laboratory experiences, health sciences education, career panels, and facility tours. The program introduces students to medicine, nursing, allied health professions, biomedical research, and healthcare administration at an institution consistently ranked #1 nationally. Participants explore Mayo’s three-shield mission (patient care, education, research) and learn about diverse healthcare pathways. The residential program includes housing at Mayo facilities. Limited slots for exceptional students from underrepresented backgrounds in healthcare.
• Eligibility: Minnesota high school juniors and seniors, strong academics, demonstrated healthcare interest, focus on underrepresented students
• Duration: 1-2 weeks summer (typically June or July)
• Compensation: Program provides housing; verify stipend availability
• Deadline: Applications typically open winter; deadline early spring
• Apply: Mayo Clinic Career Immersion

3. University of Minnesota Biomedical Engineering High School Internship

• Organization: University of Minnesota Department of Biomedical Engineering
• Description: Award-winning six-week paid internship providing hands-on biomedical engineering research experience for rising high school seniors. Students work in UMN BME research laboratories on projects spanning cardiovascular engineering, neural engineering, biomechanics, medical imaging, tissue engineering, biomaterials, or medical device development. Interns collaborate with faculty, graduate students, and research teams conducting cutting-edge biomedical research. Program includes laboratory training, safety certification, research seminars, professional development, college preparation, and final research presentations. One of nation’s top undergraduate BME programs extends exceptional opportunity to high school students. Excellent preparation for students targeting competitive opportunities like high school internships in Massachusetts biomedical research.
• Eligibility: Rising high school seniors, strong STEM academics (3.5+ GPA recommended), demonstrated interest in biomedical engineering or healthcare
• Duration: 6 weeks summer, full-time schedule
• Compensation: Paid stipend
• Deadline: Applications typically open winter; not accepting summer 2025 applications (verify 2026 availability)
• Apply: UMN BME High School Internship

4. Hennepin County Government Internship Program

• Organization: Hennepin County (Minnesota’s largest county)
• Description: Year-round paid internships across 50+ county departments providing hands-on public sector experience. Opportunities span human services, public health, parks and recreation, libraries, transportation, public works, information technology, finance, administration, environmental services, and community programs. Students gain valuable government work experience while contributing to county operations serving 1.3 million residents across Minneapolis and surrounding suburbs. Program includes career exploration, developmental workshops, networking events, and mentoring. Hennepin County’s diverse operations—from regional parks system to social services delivery—create varied learning environments. Valuable for students interested in public administration, social services, or community development careers similar to government opportunities in high school internships in Washington, DC.
• Eligibility: High school students (typically juniors and seniors), some positions require age 16+
• Duration: Summer, academic year, or year-round placements; flexible schedules
• Compensation: Paid hourly wages varying by position
• Deadline: Rolling recruitment; apply early for summer positions (winter/spring)
• Apply: Hennepin County Internships

5. Minnesota State Government Internship Programs

• Organization: State of Minnesota – Multiple Agencies
• Description: State government internships across executive branch agencies, departments, and offices. Opportunities span environmental conservation (DNR, MPCA), transportation (MnDOT), health and human services (MDH, DHS), education, agriculture, commerce, public safety, technology services, and administration. Students gain exposure to state policy implementation, public service delivery, regulatory operations, and government administration. Minnesota’s progressive government policies, environmental leadership, and civic engagement culture create meaningful public sector learning environments. Internships available in Minneapolis/St. Paul metro and statewide locations.
• Eligibility: High school students (primarily juniors and seniors), Minnesota residency typically required
• Duration: Summer primarily; some semester or year-round positions
• Compensation: Many paid positions; some unpaid for academic credit
• Deadline: Varies by agency; typically winter/spring for summer positions
• Apply: Minnesota State Jobs Portal

6. Science Museum of Minnesota Teen Programs

• Organization: Science Museum of Minnesota – St. Paul
• Description: STEM education and museum operations internships at major science museum serving Twin Cities region. Students support exhibits, educational programming, science demonstrations, community engagement, collections care, and visitor services. Opportunities include teen volunteer programs, paid internships, specialized roles in education departments, and program coordination. Science Museum’s focus on informal STEM education, interactive exhibits, and community science provides hands-on experience in science communication and public engagement. Programs include STEM Justice internships addressing equity in science education and general museum operations roles.
• Eligibility: High school students ages 14-18, Twin Cities area
• Duration: Summer programs or school year commitments, part-time schedules
• Compensation: Mix of volunteer positions and paid internships depending on role
• Deadline: Ongoing recruitment; priority in spring for summer positions
• Apply: Science Museum of Minnesota volunteer/employment pages

7. Walker Art Center Teen Arts Council

• Organization: Walker Art Center – Minneapolis
• Description: Contemporary arts education and museum leadership program for high school students passionate about visual and performing arts. Teen Arts Council members engage deeply with Walker’s contemporary art exhibitions, performances, film screenings, and educational programs while developing leadership, critical thinking, and arts advocacy skills. Participants attend exclusive programs, meet with artists, contribute to teen programming development, and serve as youth ambassadors for contemporary arts. Walker Art Center’s international reputation for cutting-edge contemporary art provides exceptional cultural education. Program fosters arts appreciation, civic engagement, and creative expression.
• Eligibility: High school students ages 14-18, demonstrated interest in contemporary arts
• Duration: Academic year commitment (fall-spring), weekly meetings and events
• Compensation: Programming provided; verify stipend availability
• Deadline: Applications typically due spring/early summer for following academic year
• Apply: Walker Art Center education department or teen programs

8. Minneapolis Institute of Art (Mia) Youth Programs

• Organization: Minneapolis Institute of Art
• Description: Art museum education, gallery interpretation, and cultural programming opportunities at comprehensive art museum with 90,000-object collection spanning 5,000 years. Students support educational programs, visitor services, family programming, community engagement, and special exhibitions. Opportunities include teen docent training, summer internships, school year positions, and specialized roles. Mia’s encyclopedic collection—including renowned Asian art galleries, European masterworks, and contemporary installations—provides rich learning environment. Programs develop art historical knowledge, public speaking, cultural interpretation, and museum operations understanding.
• Eligibility: High school students ages 14-18, Minneapolis/Twin Cities area
• Duration: Summer programs (6-8 weeks) or academic year commitments
• Compensation: Mix of paid positions and volunteer opportunities
• Deadline: Winter/spring for summer programs
• Apply: Minneapolis Institute of Art education or volunteer services

9. University of Minnesota Medical School Research Programs

• Organization: University of Minnesota Medical School
• Description: Biomedical research opportunities for exceptional high school students in medical school research laboratories. Students may independently arrange research positions with faculty mentors conducting research in areas including cancer biology, neuroscience, immunology, cardiovascular science, genetics, pharmacology, or clinical research. UMN Medical School’s comprehensive research enterprise spans basic science to translational medicine providing diverse laboratory environments. Students gain hands-on research experience, learn scientific methodology, and explore academic medicine careers. Requires individual faculty contact and arrangement (not centralized program for high school students but opportunities exist).
• Eligibility: Exceptional high school students (typically rising seniors), strong science background, must secure faculty mentor commitment
• Duration: Summer primarily (8-12 weeks); some semester opportunities
• Compensation: Varies by research group; some paid research assistantships, others volunteer
• Deadline: Contact faculty mentors winter/early spring for summer positions
• Apply: Direct faculty contact via UMN Medical School department websites

10. Children’s Minnesota Healthcare Programs

• Organization: Children’s Minnesota (Children’s Hospitals and Clinics of Minnesota)
• Description: Pediatric healthcare volunteer and career exploration programs at leading children’s hospital system serving Twin Cities and Upper Midwest. Students gain exposure to pediatric medicine, nursing, child life services, hospital operations, and healthcare professions through structured volunteer programs. Opportunities span patient support, family services, clinical department assistance, and hospital operations. Children’s Minnesota’s focus on pediatric care—from newborn intensive care to adolescent medicine—provides unique healthcare learning environment. Foundation for students planning pediatric medicine, nursing, child life, or pediatric healthcare careers similar to opportunities at high school internships in Miami, FL children’s hospitals.
• Eligibility: High school students ages 14-18 depending on program, background checks and health screenings required
• Duration: Summer programs or ongoing school year volunteering
• Compensation: Volunteer (unpaid) providing clinical exposure and strong recommendations
• Deadline: Applications typically open winter/spring for summer programs
• Apply: Children’s Minnesota volunteer services departments

11. Target Corporation Internship Program

• Organization: Target Corporation – Minneapolis Headquarters
• Description: Retail, merchandising, technology, and corporate internships at Fortune 50 retail giant (1,900+ stores nationwide). Target’s internship programs primarily target college students but exceptional high school seniors interested in retail operations, merchandising, supply chain, digital commerce, marketing, or corporate functions may inquire about opportunities. Minneapolis headquarters houses merchandising teams, design studios, technology center, corporate functions, and retail innovation labs. Target’s guest-centered retail philosophy and design-forward brand provide dynamic learning environment. Students gain exposure to retail industry, consumer insights, brand management, and corporate operations.
• Eligibility: Primarily college students; exceptional high school seniors may inquire, strong academics, business or technology interest
• Duration: 10-12 weeks summer
• Compensation: Paid – competitive corporate wages
• Deadline: Applications typically open fall/winter for summer positions
• Apply: Target Careers student programs section

12. Ladder Internship Program

• Organization: Ladder Internships
• Description: Selective startup internship program connecting ambitious high school students with high-growth technology companies nationally. Remote internships span technology, artificial intelligence, machine learning, health tech, marketing, journalism, consulting, fintech, and various startup sectors. Students work 5-10 hours weekly on real business projects under manager supervision and Ladder coach guidance, presenting work to company leadership. Partner startups include YCombinator alumni, venture-backed companies, and founders from major tech companies. Highly flexible remote format accessible from Minneapolis with year-round cohorts. Excellent for students seeking startup exposure beyond Minneapolis’s traditional corporate environment similar to entrepreneurial opportunities in high school internships in Alpharetta, GA or high school internships in Kansas City, MO.
• Eligibility: High school students globally, entrepreneurial mindset, self-motivation
• Duration: 8-12 weeks flexible, part-time (5-10 hours weekly)
• Compensation: Varies by company; some paid, some for experience
• Deadline: Rolling admissions with cohort deadlines throughout year
• Apply: Ladder Internships

13. Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board Youth Employment

• Organization: Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board
• Description: Parks, recreation, and environmental education employment opportunities at nationally recognized park system (20 lakes, 180+ parks, 102 miles of parkways). Youth positions span recreation programming, park maintenance, environmental education, aquatics, community centers, sports facilities, and administrative support. Students work in Minneapolis’s renowned park system supporting community programs, maintaining natural areas, leading youth activities, and providing visitor services. MPRB’s commitment to accessible recreation and environmental stewardship creates meaningful youth employment. Part of broader Minneapolis youth employment ecosystem.
• Eligibility: Minneapolis youth ages 14-21, varying age requirements by position
• Duration: Summer primarily; some year-round positions
• Compensation: Paid hourly wages
• Deadline: Applications typically open winter/spring for summer positions
• Apply: Minneapolis Parks Employment

14. Minnesota Public Radio / American Public Media Internships

• Organization: MPR / APM – St. Paul (Twin Cities)
• Description: Public media, journalism, broadcasting, and media production internships at leading public radio organization producing programs including “A Prairie Home Companion” and “The Daily Circuit.” Opportunities span news reporting, audio production, digital media, marketing, development, and programming. While primarily college-level positions, exceptional high school seniors interested in journalism, broadcasting, or media careers may inquire. MPR’s commitment to quality journalism and innovative programming provides insight into public media operations. Students gain exposure to news gathering, audio storytelling, digital content, and public media careers.
• Eligibility: Primarily college students; exceptional high school seniors may inquire about opportunities
• Duration: Semester-based or summer internships
• Compensation: Some paid; many for academic credit
• Deadline: Varies by semester; check website regularly
• Apply: MPR/APM Careers or contact human resources

15. Minneapolis Public Schools Career & Technical Education Internships

• Organization: Minneapolis Public Schools – CTE Programs
• Description: School-coordinated work-based learning internships placing students with Twin Cities employers aligned with career pathway studies. Industries include healthcare, information technology, business and finance, engineering, skilled trades, hospitality, education, manufacturing, and professional services. Students apply classroom learning in professional environments while earning school credit and potential wages. Programs coordinated through individual schools’ CTE departments partnering with Minneapolis Fortune 500 companies, healthcare systems, nonprofits, and small businesses. Similar school-based programs in high school internships in Delaware and high school internships in Maryland.
• Eligibility: Minneapolis Public Schools students enrolled in CTE programs
• Duration: Summer or semester placements, flexible schedules
• Compensation: Varies – some paid by employers, others unpaid for school credit
• Deadline: Coordinate through school CTE coordinators and counselors (typically winter/spring)
• Apply: Contact your high school’s CTE coordinator or career counselor

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How to Apply for Minneapolis Internships

Understanding Minneapolis’s Economic Advantages

Minneapolis’s 18 Fortune 500 headquarters (Target, UnitedHealth Group, U.S. Bank, Best Buy, Ameriprise, General Mills, Medtronic, Xcel Energy, and more) create unparalleled corporate density. Combined with world-class healthcare (Mayo Clinic, University of Minnesota Medical Center, Children’s Minnesota), strong public sector (Hennepin County, State of Minnesota), and vibrant arts scene (Walker Art Center, Mia, Science Museum), Twin Cities offers opportunities rivaling coastal metros at lower cost.

Application Timeline

Winter 2026: Step Up applications open, UMN BME verify 2026 availability, Mayo Clinic Career Immersion opens, Hennepin County year-round recruitment active.

Spring 2026: Peak season. Target, corporate programs recruit. Healthcare volunteers, museums, Science Museum applications. School CTE coordination.

Summer 2026: Programs begin. Minneapolis offers more opportunities than most Midwest cities given corporate concentration.

Required Documents

Resume, cover letters, transcripts, 2-3 recommendations, essays (competitive programs), work permits (Minnesota requires for under-18), background/health checks (healthcare).

Application Methods

Online for Step Up, Mayo Clinic, UMN, Hennepin County, State of Minnesota, Target, corporate programs. Direct contact for museums, arts organizations, healthcare volunteers. Through schools for CTE programs.

Strengthening Applications

Emphasize Minneapolis connection: Programs value local commitment and understanding of Twin Cities economy. Highlight Fortune 500 interest: Corporate culture central to Minneapolis identity. Show Midwest values: Work ethic, reliability, team collaboration. Quantify achievements. Leverage Step Up: Excellent entry point for Minneapolis youth employment.

Interview Tips

Business professional attire for corporate (Target, Fortune 500). Business casual for healthcare, research, nonprofits, government. Demonstrate reliability and Midwestern professionalism. Research company’s Minneapolis legacy. Ask about career development. Follow up within 24 hours.

Transportation

Public transit excellent: Metro Transit light rail, bus system well-developed. Bike-friendly: Extensive trail system. Personal vehicle helpful but not required for many positions unlike sprawling metros.

Resources

• Individual school CTE offices
• Achieve Twin Cities (Step Up coordinator)
• Minneapolis Workforce Development
• Hennepin County Library career resources
• Minnesota CareerForce Centers

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Frequently Asked Questions

Are Minneapolis high school internships paid?

Yes, many offer compensation including Step Up Level 1 (city wages) and Level 2 (employer wages), Hennepin County (hourly wages), UMN BME (stipend), State of Minnesota positions (many paid), Minneapolis Parks (hourly wages), Target and corporate programs (competitive wages), while healthcare volunteers, museum docents, and some government positions provide unpaid experience with strong recommendations.

When should I apply for summer 2026 Minneapolis internships?

Apply winter through spring 2026 with Step Up typically opening January-February, UMN BME and Mayo Clinic winter deadlines, Hennepin County year-round recruitment (apply early), healthcare and cultural programs finalizing March-April for summer starts.

What is Step Up and how do I apply?

Step Up is Minneapolis’s flagship youth employment program connecting 1,600+ youth annually with paid internships across 15 industries, offering Level 1 (ages 14-15, foundational experience, city-paid) and Level 2 (ages 16-21, professional placements, employer-paid), with applications opening winter/spring through Achieve Twin Cities contact Lisa Beckham at [email protected].

How competitive are Fortune 500 internships?

Target, Medtronic, UnitedHealth Group, and major corporations primarily recruit college students making high school positions highly competitive requiring exceptional academics (3.8+ GPA), relevant skills, professional maturity, though Step Up Level 2 provides pathways to Fortune 500 placements for Minneapolis youth demonstrating commitment and growth.

Does Minneapolis offer biomedical research opportunities?

Yes, through UMN Biomedical Engineering award-winning high school internship (six weeks paid, rising seniors), Mayo Clinic Career Immersion (healthcare exploration, Minnesota students), UMN Medical School faculty arrangements, and Children’s Minnesota exposure providing research experiences rivaling high school internships in Massachusetts biomedical excellence.

What makes Minneapolis unique for internships?

Minneapolis offers highest Fortune 500 density per capita outside NYC (18 headquarters including Target, UnitedHealth, U.S. Bank), world-class Mayo Clinic access, robust Step Up youth employment infrastructure (34,000+ placements since 2003), strong public transit unlike high school internships in Kansas City, MO, progressive government, thriving arts scene, and Midwestern affordability with metropolitan sophistication.

Can non-Minneapolis residents access these programs?

Step Up requires Minneapolis residency, Minneapolis Public Schools CTE requires district enrollment, though Hennepin County, State of Minnesota, Mayo Clinic (Minnesota residents), UMN programs, and most corporate/cultural positions accept Twin Cities metro and greater Minnesota applicants.

How does Minneapolis compare to other Midwest cities?

Minneapolis excels with 18 Fortune 500 headquarters versus high school internships in Kansas City, MO (14 companies) and high school internships in Milwaukee, WI, superior public transit, structured Step Up program unmatched regionally, Mayo Clinic global healthcare access, and corporate density creating opportunities approaching high school internships in Denver while maintaining Midwest accessibility.

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Explore More Internship Opportunities

Midwest Excellence:

• High School Internships in Kansas City, MO – Regional business hub
• High School Internships in Milwaukee, WI – Manufacturing innovation
• High School Internships in Minnesota – Statewide opportunities

Major Metro Areas:

• High School Internships in Denver – Aerospace and energy
• High School Internships in Washington, DC – Federal government
• High School Internships in NYC – Finance and media
• High School Internships in Los Angeles – Entertainment

Growing Regions:

• High School Internships in Alpharetta, GA – Technology corridor
• High School Internships in Augusta, GA – Cybersecurity center

Mid-Atlantic:

• High School Internships in Jersey City, NJ – NYC metro access
• High School Internships in Delaware – Corporate headquarters
• High School Internships in Maryland – Federal research

Southeast:

• High School Internships in Florida – Space and tourism
• High School Internships in Miami – International business

Statewide:

• High School Internships in Texas – Energy and aerospace
• High School Internships in Massachusetts – Biotech excellence

Specialty:

• High School Internships in Katy, TX – Houston area

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Final Thoughts

Internships for high school students in Minneapolis combine America’s highest Fortune 500 density with Step Up’s proven youth employment infrastructure creating unmatched Midwest opportunities. Start with Step Up for structured pathways, explore UMN BME and Mayo Clinic for healthcare research, and apply to 8-12 programs leveraging Minneapolis’s corporate excellence for transformative professional growth.

Questions? Contact program coordinators or your school’s career counselor for Minneapolis internship guidance.