15 Best Paid Remote Internships for High School Students 2026
Paid Remote Internships for High School Students 2026
Looking for meaningful paid remote internships as a high school student? Remote opportunities are growing fast, especially in areas like AI, coding, research analysis, fintech, and environmental advocacy. This guide outlines 15 trusted, paid remote internships for 2026—including eligibility, stipend info, and application periods—plus tips on standing out. Explore related tracks like Virtual STEM Internships and Online Paid Internships.
15 Paid Remote Internships for High School Students
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1. MobilizeGreen Virtual Internship
Official link: MobilizeGreen via Indeed
Description: Work remotely on environmental projects for nonprofits; co-designed internships supporting green initiatives.
Requirements: High school students interested in environmental STEM.
Stipend: $2,400 – $7,360 for 8-week sessions.
Timeline: Typically offered for Summer; check current year details.
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2. Puch AI Remote Internship (India-Based)
Official link: Puch AI Announcement
Description: AI Engineering Intern and “Growth Magician” roles; open to students from 10th grade upward, no degree required.
Requirements: High school students; apply via social media post.
Stipend: ₹1–2 lakh per month (~USD 1,200 – 2,400).
Timeline: Rolling; details available via CEO’s announcement post.
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3. Palantir Meritocracy Fellowship
Official link: Business Insider coverage
- Description: Four-month remote internship for top-performing high school grads as an alternative to college.
Requirements: SAT ≥ 1460 or ACT ≥ 33.
Stipend: Up to $5,400/month.
Timeline: Announced as Meritocracy Fellowship for 2025; check for 2026 cycle.
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4. J. Craig Venter Institute (JCVI) Remote STEM Internship
Official link: Veritas AI blog summary
Description: Mentored remote intern projects across various STEM fields.
Requirements: 16+, high school or recently graduated, U.S. citizen.
Stipend: $17/hour; full-time for summer or semester.
Timeline: Rolling applications; check institute site for next window.
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5. Idaho National Laboratory (INL) High School Virtual Internship
Official link: Veritas AI blog summary
Description: Virtual projects in nuclear energy, cybersecurity, or climate science.
Requirements: 16+, U.S. citizens with minimum 3.0 GPA.
Stipend: Paid; amount disclosed upon selection.
Timeline: Apply in spring for summer session.
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6. Outreachy (Open Source Development)
Official link: Outreachy Wikipedia
Description: Five-month remote internships in open-source projects for underrepresented groups.
Requirements: ≥18 years; identifies with an underrepresented group; global applicants accepted.
Stipend: Paid plus $500 travel support.
Timeline: Twice yearly—mid-year and year-end cohorts.
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7. EnergyMag Renewable Energy Internship
Official link: Ladder Internships blog
Description: Conduct research on energy technologies; write a professional analysis report published on EnergyMag.
Requirements: High school sophomores–seniors with honors science or English and a ≥3.25 GPA.
Stipend: Unpaid, but includes published byline and certificate.
Timeline: Rolling throughout the year, part-time summer slots available.
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8. U.S. High School Remote Intern via Indeed Listings
Official link: Indeed :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}
Description: Paid roles such as Data Analytics Intern, Sports Marketing Intern, Software Developer—all remote and coded “Intern, Remote, High School.”
Requirements: Vary by listing; typically high school enrollment plus interest-relevant skills.
Stipend: Ranges widely; some postings note $16 – $30+/hour.
Timeline: Open throughout the year; roles posted as positions become available.
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9. MobilizeGreen Extended Internships
Official link: Indeed
Description: Another cohort opportunity for paid intern roles addressing green projects for nonprofits.
Requirements: High school students.
Stipend: $2,400 – $7,360 (8 weeks).
Timeline: Seasonal cohorts—watch site for application release.
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10. Virtual Internships Nonprofit Programs
Official link: Scholar Ahead via Reddit
Description: Free listing platform with thousands of remote paid internship and fellowship options in STEM for teens.
Requirements: Vary by individual posting.
Stipend: Varies widely; individual opportunities may provide stipends or paid hybrid options.
Timeline: Rolling; visit the platform regularly for new listings.
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11. Genesys Works Remote Tech Internships
Official link: Wired article
Description: Nonprofit that places underrepresented high school students in paid IT internships remotely or onsite.
Requirements: High school students from underrepresented groups.
Stipend: Paid; amount varies by placement.
Timeline: Apply via affiliated regional programs—check local chapters for details.
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12. INROADS Virtual Summer Internships
Official link: INROADS Wikipedia
Description: Paid internships with corporate partners like Google, Boeing, Pfizer, available to high school seniors and college students.
Requirements: High school seniors with strong academic record (GPA ≥ 3.0; top 10% class ranking).
Stipend: Paid; varies by sponsor company.
Timeline: Application opens in winter/spring; check INROADS official site for specifics.
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13. Self-Found Remote Internships via Job Boards
Official link: Indeed Remote Paid Internships
Description: Listings like Marketing Intern at Stride, New Jersey Summer Intern at Food & Water Watch offering pay up to $20/hour.
Requirements: High school or equivalent.
Stipend: Varies by role; often $15–$20/hour.
Timeline: Updated frequently; search job boards regularly.
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14. Indeed Flexible Remote Interns
Official link: Indeed Listings
Description: Remote roles such as Scheduling Coordinator and Sports Marketing Interns—some paying $15–$21/hr with benefits.
Requirements: High school diploma or equivalent.
Stipend: $15–$21/hour; some include perks like PTO or insurance.
Timeline: Rolling; check boards frequently.
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15. Micro-Internships via Virtual Platforms
Official link: The Times on Micro-internships
Description: Short-term paid projects (from one-day tasks to multi-week roles) offered remotely; ideal for high school students looking to build experience flexibly.
Requirements: Varies by opportunity; often minimal.
Stipend: Typically prorated pay; varies widely.
Timeline: Rolling as projects become available.
How to Decide Which Internship Is Right for You
- Assess your skills and goals: Want to build technical expertise (like AI coding) or explore environmental or nonprofit roles? Choose accordingly.
- Check stipend versus value: High pay can be motivating, but don’t overlook programs offering portfolio deliverables or mentorship—even if unpaid.
- Stay organized: Use a calendar to track deadlines, especially for competitive programs like Palantir or JCVI.
Application Tips
- Start with a polished 1-page resume listing relevant coursework and personal projects.
- Write a concise cover letter focused on what you’ll bring to the role—mention your interests and learning goals.
- When applicable, prepare simple project samples (e.g., GitHub coding examples, a research summary, or a one-page design mockup).
- Request recommendations from teachers or mentors who can speak to your professionalism and potential.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Are these remote internships open internationally?
Some programs are global, while others (like JCVI, INL, Outreachy, INROADS) have specific eligibility criteria based on geography, citizenship, or underrepresented status. Always check the official link before applying.
2. How much can I earn?
Compensation varies: Palantir offers up to $5,400/month; Puch AI around $1,200–2,400/month; others pay hourly ($15–$30) or offer project stipends ($2,400–7,360).
3. How do micro-internships differ from traditional internships?
Micro-internships are short, task-based assignments—like writing a policy brief or designing a graphic—typically lasting hours to weeks. Traditional internships involve ongoing mentorship and multi-week projects.
4. What should I highlight in my application?
Focus on your curiosity, commitment, and what you’ve done (projects, clubs, competitions). For elite roles, also highlight academic distinction or standardized test scores.
5. Can remote internships help with college entry?
Absolutely—applying your skills in real-world contexts, especially with deliverables or documented outcomes, shows initiative and capability in college applications.
Ready to explore? Begin by choosing one or two opportunities that align with your interests and schedule. Let me know if you’d like help crafting a resume, personal statement, or application timeline for any specific internship!
