Top 15 Best High School Internships in Massachusetts 2026

Massachusetts’ Innovation Economy

Massachusetts stands as America’s life sciences and biotech capital, combining world-class research universities, cutting-edge hospitals, innovative startups, and historic institutions that shaped the nation. Internships for high school students in Massachusetts provide unparalleled access to biomedical research, pharmaceutical development, healthcare innovation, technology companies, state government operations, museum education, and academic research—concentrated in an ecosystem where Nobel laureates, breakthrough medical discoveries, and revolutionary technologies emerge regularly. From conducting cancer research at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute to biotechnology lab work through the Massachusetts Life Sciences Center’s High School Apprenticeship Challenge, judicial internships with Massachusetts courts, or museum programs at world-renowned institutions, the Bay State delivers career experiences reflecting its status as education and innovation leader.

Massachusetts’ concentration of top-tier universities (MIT, Harvard, Boston University, Tufts, UMass system), premier hospitals (Massachusetts General, Brigham and Women’s, Dana-Farber), biotech companies (over 1,200 life sciences organizations), and state government creates dense networks of opportunity throughout Boston, Cambridge, Worcester, Springfield, and suburbs. The state’s commitment to STEM education, workforce development programs like YouthWorks, and industry-academic partnerships generate consistent high school internship availability across regions.

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15 Premier High School Internships in Massachusetts 2026

1. Massachusetts Life Sciences Center (MLSC) High School Apprenticeship Challenge

• Organization: MLSC – Statewide Program
• Description: Signature state-funded program facilitating and funding paid internships for underrepresented and low-income high school students at life sciences and research institutions across Massachusetts. Over 150 internship opportunities available annually with companies, hospitals, research institutions, and biotech firms. Students work on laboratory research, drug development, medical device design, biomanufacturing, quality control, regulatory affairs, or business operations. Program includes pre-internship lab training for select school districts providing rigorous biotechnology/biomedical skills development. Reimburses host organizations up to $4,080 per intern ($17/hour for six weeks full-time).
• Eligibility: High school students age 16+ from underrepresented groups, low-income backgrounds, vocational/technical schools, or public high schools meeting specific criteria
• Duration: Summer internships (part-time or full-time, typically 6 weeks) between May 1, 2025-April 30, 2026
• Compensation: Paid – $17/hour (up to $4,080 total for 6-week full-time)
• Deadline: Rolling applications through host organizations; contact schools or MLSC
• Apply: MLSC High School Apprenticeship | Work with school counselors

2. Dana-Farber Cancer Institute Student Training Academic-Year Internship

• Organization: Dana-Farber Cancer Institute – Boston
• Description: Eight-month academic year internship enabling high school students to work in hospital departments aligned with their interests at a world-leading cancer center. Students gain exposure to cancer research, clinical operations, patient services, health administration, biomedical science, or cancer prevention while building professional and personal skills through mentorship and hands-on experience. Work alongside oncologists, researchers, nurses, and healthcare professionals in patient care, laboratory research, or administrative support roles.
• Eligibility: High school students (primarily juniors/seniors), Boston area, strong interest in healthcare
• Duration: 8 months academic year (approximately September-May)
• Compensation: Stipend provided
• Deadline: Late spring/summer for fall start
• Apply: Dana-Farber Workforce Development or Office of Workforce Development

3. Massachusetts General Hospital Youth Scholars Program

• Organization: Mass General Hospital – Boston
• Description: Academic year science enrichment program combining classroom learning, college advising, and summer research internships for Boston-area high school students. Youth Scholars participate in weekly science enrichment sessions during the school year, receive college application support, and complete paid summer research internships in MGH laboratories or clinical departments. The program targets students underrepresented in STEM fields. Work on research projects spanning biomedicine, genetics, neuroscience, surgery, or clinical care at the nation’s premier research hospital.
• Eligibility: High school students from Boston and nearby communities, underrepresented in STEM, financial need
• Duration: Academic year program with summer internship component
• Compensation: Paid summer internships; academic year program free
• Deadline: Applications typically open winter/spring
• Apply: Contact MGH Youth Scholars Program via Community Health office

4. Judicial Youth Corps (JYC)

• Organization: Supreme Judicial Court of Massachusetts – Suffolk County Courts
• Description: Six-week paid summer internship teaching students about Massachusetts court system through hands-on legal experience. Interns work four days weekly in Suffolk County courts (Boston) including Superior Court, District Court, Juvenile Court, or Probate/Family Court, and spend one full day in law-related educational sessions. Exposure to court proceedings, legal research, case management, judicial operations, clerk’s offices, and justice system. Learn about law careers including attorneys, judges, court officers, and legal support professionals.
• Eligibility: Rising high school seniors, Boston-area students, interest in law and justice
• Duration: 6 weeks summer (July-August typically)
• Compensation: Paid stipend
• Deadline: Spring 2026 (typically April-May)
• Apply: Through Boston Public Schools or contact SJC Education Office

5. Forsyth Institute Student Scholars Program

• Organization: The Forsyth Institute – Cambridge
• Description: Eight-week paid summer research internship pairing Massachusetts high school students with Forsyth faculty researchers studying oral health, infectious disease, microbiome science, and human health. Students learn basic laboratory techniques, conduct scientific research, participate in weekly professional development seminars, and present research findings at the program-end symposium. Forsyth is a leading dental and craniofacial research institution affiliated with Harvard School of Dental Medicine. Hands-on biomedical research in an independent nonprofit research institute.
• Eligibility: Massachusetts high school students (rising juniors/seniors preferred), strong science interest
• Duration: 8 weeks summer
• Compensation: Paid stipend
• Deadline: Early spring 2026 (typically March)
• Apply: Forsyth Institute Education Programs

6. Boston YouthWorks Summer Employment Program

• Organization: City of Boston / Boston Private Industry Council
• Description: Large-scale summer youth employment initiative connecting Boston teens with paid work experiences at businesses, nonprofits, government agencies, and community organizations throughout Boston. Placements span healthcare, technology, education, retail, hospitality, government, social services, arts/culture, and business operations. The program includes workforce readiness training covering resume writing, interviewing, workplace behavior, financial literacy, and career planning. One of Boston’s primary youth employment programs serves hundreds of students annually.
• Eligibility: Boston youth ages 14-18 enrolled in Boston schools or Boston residents
• Duration: 6-8 weeks summer (typically July-August)
• Compensation: Paid – approximately $15-17/hour
• Deadline: Spring 2026 (applications typically open March-April)
• Apply: Boston YouthWorks through Boston Public Schools counselors

7. Massachusetts Legislature Internship Programs

• Organization: Massachusetts State House – Various Offices
• Description: Legislative internships with State Senators, State Representatives, or legislative committees providing firsthand experience in state government and lawmaking process. Interns support constituent services, legislative research, policy analysis, committee work, bill drafting support, public hearings, and office operations. Learn how Massachusetts government functions, policy development, political process, and public service careers. While priority given to college students, exceptional high school seniors occasionally accepted by individual legislators.
• Eligibility: Primarily college students; exceptional high school seniors may inquire with local legislators
• Duration: Semester during legislative sessions or summer
• Compensation: Most unpaid; some offices offer stipends
• Deadline: Varies by legislator’s office
• Apply: Contact Massachusetts State Senator or Representative directly

8. Museum of Science, Boston Teen Programs

• Organization: Museum of Science – Boston
• Description: Science communication and museum education opportunities through Teen Volunteer Program and occasional paid positions. Teen volunteers support floor programs, exhibit demonstrations, science shows, camps, special events, and visitor services. Learn informal science education, public engagement, STEM communication, and museum operations at one of world’s leading science centers. Opportunities to operate exhibits, conduct demonstrations, assist with educational programming, and engage diverse audiences.
• Eligibility: High school students ages 14-18, Boston area
• Duration: Academic year or summer, flexible schedules
• Compensation: Primarily volunteer; occasional paid positions
• Deadline: Applications accepted year-round with priority deadlines
• Apply: Museum of Science Volunteer Programs or teen programs coordinator

9. MIT-Harvard Student Programs & LEAH Project Internships

• Organization: Various MIT/Harvard Labs via partnerships
• Description: Research experiences and laboratory internships connecting high school students with university research through programs like LEAH (Lab Experience Advancing High Schoolers) Daly Summer Intensive, MassBioEd partnerships, and individual lab placements. Five-week lab-based summer internship for rising juniors and seniors working in MIT, Harvard, or affiliated research laboratories on biomedical science, engineering, computer science, or chemistry projects. Exposure to cutting-edge research at world’s top universities.
• Eligibility: High school rising juniors/seniors, strong STEM background, primarily Massachusetts students
• Duration: 5 weeks summer typical
• Compensation: Many programs provide stipends
• Deadline: Winter/early spring for summer programs
• Apply: MassBioEd Internships or LEAH Project

10. Boston Children’s Hospital Student Programs

• Organization: Boston Children’s Hospital
• Description: Pediatric healthcare exposure through volunteer programs and occasional internship positions at top-ranked children’s hospital. Opportunities supporting patient activities, family services, child life programs, clinical observation, research support, or hospital operations. Learn about pediatric medicine, nursing, child development, medical research, and children’s hospital systems. Work alongside pediatricians, nurses, therapists, and child life specialists serving young patients and families.
• Eligibility: High school students ages 14-18 (varies by program), background checks required
• Duration: Summer programs or ongoing academic year volunteer commitments
• Compensation: Primarily volunteer; select paid positions
• Deadline: Winter/spring for summer programs
• Apply: Boston Children’s Volunteer Services or workforce development office

11. The Education Cooperative (TEC) STEM Internship Program

• Organization: TEC – Serving Greater Boston school districts
• Description: Unpaid internship program connecting high school juniors and seniors (and college students) with STEM career experiences in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics fields. TEC partners with companies, research institutions, hospitals, and engineering firms throughout Massachusetts placing students in professional environments. While unpaid, internships provide valuable career exploration, mentorship, professional networks, and college application enhancement. School credit available.
• Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors from TEC member districts
• Duration: Summer or semester placements
• Compensation: Unpaid (school credit possible)
• Deadline: Coordinate through participating schools
• Apply: Through school guidance counselors in TEC member districts

12. New England Aquarium Youth Programs

• Organization: New England Aquarium – Boston
• Description: Marine science education and aquarium operations opportunities through teen volunteer programs and occasional internships. Activities include animal care support, exhibit interpretation, visitor engagement, education programming, conservation initiatives, and special events. Work with marine biologists, aquarists, and educators learning about ocean science, marine conservation, aquatic animal care, and environmental education. Located on Boston Harbor waterfront.
• Eligibility: High school students ages 14-18
• Duration: Academic year or summer schedules
• Compensation: Primarily volunteer; limited paid positions
• Deadline: Applications accepted seasonally
• Apply: New England Aquarium volunteer coordinator

13. Worcester YouthWorks Summer Program

• Organization: City of Worcester / RiseUP Worcester
• Description: Central Massachusetts summer youth employment connecting Worcester teens with paid work experiences at businesses, nonprofits, and government agencies throughout Worcester. Similar model to Boston YouthWorks serving Massachusetts’ second-largest city. Placements span multiple industries with workforce readiness training. Provides income, work experience, and professional skill development for Worcester youth.
• Eligibility: Worcester youth ages 14-22 enrolled in school, Worcester residents
• Duration: 6 weeks summer
• Compensation: Paid hourly wages
• Deadline: Spring 2026
• Apply: RiseUP Worcester or through Worcester Public Schools

14. State Government Agency Internships

• Organization: Various Massachusetts State Agencies
• Description: Internships across the Massachusetts state government, including the Department of Environmental Protection (environmental science), Department of Public Health (public health), Executive Office of Education (education policy), MassWildlife (conservation), Department of Transportation (transportation planning), and numerous other agencies. Exposure to public sector careers, policy development, government operations, and civic service. Most positions target college students, but some agencies accept exceptionally high school students.
• Eligibility: Primarily college students; high school seniors may inquire for select positions
• Duration: Summer or semester placements
• Compensation: Many paid; some unpaid
• Deadline: Varies by agency; typically winter/spring
• Apply: Massachusetts State Jobs Portal and individual agency websites

15. Biogen Community Lab Programs

• Organization: Biogen – Cambridge
• Description: “Adventures in Biotechnology” and other community science education programs for middle and high school students at Biogen’s Community Lab. While Biogen’s formal internships target college students, Community Lab offers hands-on biotechnology workshops, lab experiences, and STEM enrichment for younger students. Programs teach laboratory techniques, biotech principles, and pharmaceutical science through engaging activities. Exposure to biotechnology industry at major pharmaceutical company.
• Eligibility: Middle and high school students, Boston area
• Duration: Various programs throughout year, typically short-term workshops
• Compensation: Free educational programs
• Deadline: Registration opens for seasonal programs
• Apply: Biogen Community Lab

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How to Apply for Massachusetts Internships

Understanding Massachusetts’ Innovation Ecosystem

Massachusetts combines academic excellence (65+ colleges/universities), biotech leadership (1,200+ life sciences companies), world-class hospitals (Mass General, Brigham and Women’s, Dana-Farber, Boston Children’s), and state/city workforce programs creating layered opportunity networks. Greater Boston concentrates most opportunities but Worcester (central MA), Springfield (western MA), Lowell/Lawrence (Merrimack Valley), and Cape Cod regions offer programs. Competition intense for premier research positions but accessible through programs like MLSC Apprenticeship Challenge, YouthWorks, and school-coordinated internships.

Students should explore complementary opportunities in nearby states through high school internships in NYC or high school internships in Washington DC.

Application Timeline (Condensed)

November 2025 – January 2026: Research opportunities and prepare materials. MLSC Apprenticeship Challenge coordinates through schools and accepts rolling applications. Begin identifying individual lab opportunities.

February – March 2026: Forsyth Institute deadline (typically March), LEAH Project and MassBioEd programs announce dates. Boston YouthWorks applications open (March-April). Dana-Farber and MGH Youth Scholars recruit for fall starts.

April – May 2026: Judicial Youth Corps applications due (April-May), Worcester YouthWorks opens, final summer positions post. Most programs finalize by June 1.

Required Documents (Condensed)

Resume (one page, strong academics and science courses emphasized), Cover letters (customized, explaining healthcare/research/STEM interests), Transcripts (showing GPA and science coursework), Recommendations (2-3 letters from science/math teachers strongly preferred), Essays (research programs require statements of interest, 300-500 words), Work permits (Massachusetts requires for under-18 employment), Background checks (healthcare positions require CORI checks).

Application Methods

Through schools: MLSC Apprenticeship Challenge, YouthWorks programs, and TEC internships coordinate via school counselors and career specialists. Online portals: Dana-Farber, Mass General, Boston Children’s, Forsyth, and museum programs use application systems. Direct contact: State legislators, individual research labs, smaller organizations via email. Program websites: MassBioEd, LEAH Project, and workforce development programs have dedicated portals.

Strengthening Applications (Condensed)

Emphasize STEM credentials: Massachusetts values strong science/math backgrounds—highlight AP Biology, Chemistry, Physics, research projects, science competitions, STEM clubs. Show research interest: For biotech/hospital positions, demonstrate genuine scientific curiosity through coursework, independent projects, science fair participation. Connect to Massachusetts innovation: Reference understanding of state’s biotech leadership, academic excellence, healthcare innovation. Address demographics: MLSC Apprenticeship Challenge prioritizes underrepresented students—eligible applicants should emphasize backgrounds. Quantify achievements: Specific numbers demonstrate impact.

Students exploring other innovation hubs should consider high school internships in Denver or high school internships in Minneapolis.

Interview Preparation (Condensed)

Research thoroughly: Understand institution’s research focus (Dana-Farber’s cancer mission, MGH’s clinical excellence, Forsyth’s oral health research). Prepare science questions: Show informed interest in specific research areas or hospital departments. Professional attire: Business casual minimum for most positions; healthcare and corporate settings may require business professional. Demonstrate maturity: Research environments require reliability, attention to detail, safety consciousness. Show passion: Massachusetts employers value genuine enthusiasm for science, healthcare, or public service. Follow up: Thank-you emails within 24 hours.

Transportation Considerations

MBTA (The T): Excellent public transit serving Greater Boston—subway, bus, commuter rail connect major employment centers. Most Boston opportunities accessible via T. Regional transit: Worcester, Springfield have local bus systems but limited. Commuter rail: Connects suburbs to Boston for students in communities along lines. Personal vehicle: Suburban positions and communities without transit require cars. Timing: Consider rush hour crowding on T when planning commutes.

Resources

• Massachusetts Life Sciences Center – masslifesciences.com
• MassBioEd – massbioed.org
• Boston Private Industry Council – YouthWorks coordination
• School guidance counselors and career specialists
• Mass.gov STEM Internships

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Frequently Asked Questions

Are Massachusetts high school internships paid?

Many Massachusetts internships offer compensation with MLSC High School Apprenticeship Challenge paying $17/hour (up to $4,080 for six weeks), Dana-Farber and Mass General providing stipends, Forsyth Institute paying students, Boston and Worcester YouthWorks programs offering $15-17/hour, Judicial Youth Corps providing paid positions, while volunteer opportunities (museums, aquarium, hospital volunteers, TEC program) are unpaid but qualify for school credit and provide valuable experience.

When should I apply for summer 2026 internships in Massachusetts?

Apply January through May 2026 with MLSC Apprenticeship Challenge accepting rolling applications through schools and host organizations, Forsyth Institute deadline typically in March, Boston YouthWorks opening March-April, Judicial Youth Corps due April-May, LEAH Project and MassBioEd programs announcing in February-March, and Dana-Farber/MGH recruiting late spring/summer for fall academic year starts.

Do I need work experience to get Massachusetts internships?

No, entry-level programs like YouthWorks, MLSC Apprenticeship Challenge, museum volunteers, aquarium programs, and Judicial Youth Corps welcome first-time workers with training provided, though competitive research positions (Dana-Farber, Mass General Youth Scholars, Forsyth, MIT/Harvard labs) strongly prefer students with exceptional science academics (3.5+ GPA), AP biology/chemistry courses, and demonstrated research interests through school science activities, competitions, or independent projects.

What makes Massachusetts unique for high school internships?

Massachusetts combines the nation’s highest concentration of biotech/life sciences companies (1,200+ organizations), world-leading research hospitals (Mass General #1 ranked, Dana-Farber cancer leader, Boston Children’s top pediatric hospital), premier universities (MIT, Harvard, BU, Tufts, UMass), state-funded programs specifically supporting high school STEM internships (MLSC Apprenticeship Challenge), and historic commitment to education creating unparalleled density of research, healthcare, and innovation opportunities within compact geography.

How competitive are Massachusetts biotech and hospital internships?

Competition is intense with Dana-Farber, Mass General Youth Scholars, and Forsyth programs highly selective (acceptance rates 15-25%) requiring exceptional science credentials, MIT/Harvard lab placements very competitive limited by professor willingness to mentor high schoolers, MLSC Apprenticeship Challenge moderately selective prioritizing underrepresented students meeting eligibility criteria, while YouthWorks programs, museum volunteers, and TEC internships more accessible (50-70% acceptance) for students applying early with solid applications.

Can students from outside Massachusetts apply?

State-funded programs (MLSC Apprenticeship Challenge, YouthWorks) specifically require Massachusetts residency and enrollment in Massachusetts schools, while private institutions (Dana-Farber, Mass General, Boston Children’s, Forsyth) typically prioritize Massachusetts students due to logistics but may consider exceptional nearby-state applicants, research university programs vary by individual professor/lab, and museums generally welcome regional volunteers—verify residency requirements before applying as most programs designed for Massachusetts residents.

Do I need to live in Boston for Massachusetts opportunities?

No, while Greater Boston concentrates most opportunities (60-70% of programs), MLSC Apprenticeship Challenge operates statewide connecting students with local host organizations, Worcester YouthWorks serves Central Massachusetts, Springfield area has programs, and many regions access state government internships—students outside Boston should work with school counselors identifying local placements, consider commuter rail access to Boston for competitive programs, or explore regional opportunities.

Can I earn school credit for Massachusetts internships?

Yes, Massachusetts high schools typically offer credit through work-based learning or independent study programs requiring counselor pre-approval, minimum hours (120-180 typical for full credit), reflection assignments, employer evaluations, and competency demonstrations, with both paid and unpaid internships qualifying—YouthWorks, TEC, and school-coordinated programs explicitly integrate with academic credit, while research internships (Dana-Farber, hospitals, universities) often qualify as science independent study projects.

How does Massachusetts compare to other states for internships?

Massachusetts offers unmatched biotech/healthcare density unavailable elsewhere except potentially California and Maryland’s I-270 corridor, stronger state support for high school STEM internships (MLSC program unique), higher concentration of research institutions per capita than any state, excellent public transit (MBTA) making opportunities accessible without cars unlike most states, though more competitive applicant pools due to educated population and limited geographic area creating intense competition for premier positions.

What industries beyond biotech offer Massachusetts internships?

Beyond life sciences dominance, Massachusetts provides opportunities in education (universities, education policy), healthcare (hospitals, public health), technology (Boston’s growing tech sector, Cambridge innovation), government (state agencies, legislature, courts via Judicial Youth Corps), museums/cultural (Museum of Science, aquarium, art institutions), environmental science (state parks, conservation), finance (Boston’s financial services), and manufacturing (advanced manufacturing, robotics)—though biotech clearly leads in structured high school programs.

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Explore More Internship Opportunities

Expand Beyond Massachusetts

Massachusetts students should consider regional opportunities:

Northeast Corridor:

• High School Internships in NYC – Finance and media capital
• High School Internships in Washington, DC – Government policy
• High School Internships in Jersey City, NJ – NYC metro access

Major Metros:

• High School Internships in Los Angeles – Entertainment and tech
• High School Internships in Miami – International business
• High School Internships in Denver – Aerospace innovation

Growing Cities:

• High School Internships in Kansas City – Midwest business
• High School Internships in Minneapolis – Corporate headquarters
• High School Internships in Milwaukee – Manufacturing hub

Southern Growth:

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

State Programs:

• High School Internships in Maryland – Federal research
• High School Internships in Delaware – Corporate headquarters
• High School Internships in Florida – Aerospace and tourism
• High School Internships in Texas – Energy capital
• High School Internships in Minnesota – Regional opportunities

Texas Suburban:

• High School Internships in Katy, TX – Houston area access

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Final Thoughts

Internships for high school students in Massachusetts harness the Bay State’s unrivaled biotech and healthcare leadership through programs like MLSC’s High School Apprenticeship Challenge providing funded laboratory placements statewide, elite research experiences at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Mass General Hospital, judicial careers via Supreme Judicial Court programs, and accessible YouthWorks employment connecting Boston and Worcester students with diverse industries—start by working with school counselors on MLSC eligibility, reviewing the 15 programs above, marking March-April as peak application season, targeting 8-10 opportunities spanning competitive research positions and accessible workforce programs, emphasizing strong science credentials and genuine STEM passion, and leveraging Massachusetts’ exceptional concentration of world-class institutions to launch your career in America’s innovation capital.

Questions? Contact your school guidance counselor for MLSC coordination, reach MLSC at masslifesciences.com, call Boston YouthWorks through Boston Private Industry Council, or connect with program coordinators using links above for personalized Massachusetts internship guidance.