‘Still Available’ 2013 Summer Internships for High School Students

Summer is a great time for high school students to "test-drive" career interests, gain valuable work experience, and possibly earn a little money.  

And it’s no secret that colleges like to see you’ve done something other than work on a tan or beat the next level of Angry Birds with time allotted between June and August.

Although it’s getting late and many summer jobs and internships are already filled, there are still a few openings for high school students.  But you have to look a little harder and be persistent.  

Here are a few examples of positions that may still be available:

Fairfax County Democratic Committee:  Each summer the FCDC sponsors an internship program for dozens of high school students. They help by contacting voters, improving contact data, making campaign buttons, and working at events like rallies, parades, fairs, and festivals.  An online application is available on the FCDC website. 

Fairfax County Park Authority:  Looking for a great summer experience working with children?  The RecPac CIT program needs high school students who want to develop leadership and communication skills as well as gain experience in planning activities and instructing young children.  Applicants must be at least 14 and be available to work fixed hours daily during the week.  Applications will be accepted through June 14 and are available on line.

Fairfax County Republican Committee:  The Fairfax County Republican Committee is currently searching for students interested in learning more about campaigning and effective public communications. Student interns will gain valuable knowledge about the democratic process and work to become adept communicators through hands-on experience with Elected Officials, candidates, and the general public.  If you’re interested, contact 703-766-4467 or e-mail the Fairfax County Republican Committee's Executive Director, Daniel Tillson at dctillson@gmail.com.

Georgetown/Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center:  The Summer Volunteer Research Program is designed for outstanding high school and undergraduate students interested in pursuing a career in bio-medically related sciences. Particularly motivated students will benefit from the opportunity of hands-on laboratory research.  Students must be 16 years of age by June 3, 2013 and must be rising seniors.  Applications are due no later than June 1, 2013.

Library of Congress:  Internships may continue to be available for  a minimum of 6 weeks or 60 days in these areas: Work-study; American Folklife Center; LOC European Division; Hispanic Division.

National Air and Space Museum:  The Explainers Program gives high school students an opportunity to work at the National Air and Space Museum.  Applicants must be at least 16 and available to work at least 16 hours per month.  Note that you will need to submit an application, an essay, an official high school transcript and two letters of recommendation.

National Museum of Natural History:  There are many different internship possibilities at the Museum of Natural History. Programs are administered separately, with different processes and deadlines. Some  have separate applications, and a few even have dedicated funding allocated to award stipends. Please see the website for full details.  Exciting opportunities exist for summer, spring break and throughout the year.

Smithsonian Institution:  The Smithsonian offers a variety of internships for individuals who are at least 16 years of age. A listing of fellowships and internships with application deadlines can be found at www.si.edu/ofg/intern.htm. Additional information can be found at www.smithsonian.org/interns. Note that there will definitely be volunteer opportunities for the Smithsonian's FolklifeFestival.

TIC Summer Camp:  Staff members enjoy creative independence, a stimulating and spirited atmosphere, and the camaraderie of brilliant and energetic peers.  TIC is still accepting applications and there is a particular need for high school students with strong programming skills who enjoy working with children and adolescents.  Apply online and be prepared to provide three references (past employers, teachers, or anyone who has seen you work with children—no relatives).  TIC runs three day camps in the DC area.  The hours are great and the pay is excellent.

 

WAMU Summer of Service:  This volunteer program is designed to give rising high school seniors the opportunity to spend the summer working behind the scenes with public radio staff.  Applicants should have an interest in broadcast journalism and be prepared to commit to four days per week for a total of 20 hours of service per week from June 24 to August 7.  Apply by visiting the WAMU Shiftboard application page.