If you are interested in history, don't let these internships pass by, as they will give you historical knowledge and insights into practical applications.
Museum, historical society, or institution internships will make your college applications strong and reflect your dedication to the subject. Below are listed 10 history internships and fellowships where you can apply.
The Young Ambassadors Program (YAP) is a college preparation and leadership initiative of the Smithsonian that assists in the development of community-aware leaders in the arts, sciences, and humanities. Participants learn about academic and career prospects, interact with experts, and gain skills. It provides networking, mentoring, and hands-on experience. YAP assists students in investigating career options and gaining skills for academic and professional achievement.
Location: 19 cities throughout the United States and Puerto Rico, including Smithsonian-affiliated institutions
Program Dates: One-week training seminar in Washington, D.C. (June) and a four-week interdisciplinary community practicum (summer 2025)
Cost: Stipend-paid
Eligibility: Graduating high school seniors (Class of 2025); authorized to work in the U.S.; minimum weighted cumulative GPA of 3.25/4.0; fluent in English; must enroll full-time in a degree-seeking program at an accredited college or university; must commit to both the seminar and practicum
Deadline: April 11, 2025
The Benjamin Lawless Internship at the Smithsonian provides emerging senior high school students with an exciting chance to experience creative storytelling, exhibition design, and audience engagement. Through five weeks, participants collaborate with museum professionals to discover collections, research, and educational programming. Interns learn through hands-on practice and mentoring in art, history, and museum studies, culminating in an end project that is self-directed.
Location: Smithsonian Institution, Washington, D.C.
Program Dates: July to August (5 weeks)
Cost: Free (participants receive a stipend, $3,200 in 2024)
Eligibility: Rising U.S. senior high school students
Deadline: Typically around March (check program website for updates)
The Stephen Tyrone Johns Summer Youth Leadership Program at the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum empowers Washington, D.C., area high school students to be leaders who speak out against hate.The program honors Officer Stephen Tyrone Johns and aims to foster civic responsibility and human dignity.
Location: U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum, Washington, D.C.
Program Dates: Seven weeks during summer
Cost: Free
Eligibility: High school students from the Washington, D.C., area; must complete the Museum's Bringing the Lessons Home Program before applying
Deadline: Applications accepted in spring (check program website for specific date)
The Met High School Internship Program provides students in New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut the opportunity to consider museum careers, meet art professionals, and gain practical experience. Interns are provided with paid experiences during the school year or summer, and they gain professional skills, build networks, and acquire knowledge of museum operations.
Location: The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York City
Program Dates: School-year internships: Academic year (Wednesdays after school)
Summer internships: Summer (dates change)
Cost: Paid
Eligibility: School-year: Grade 10 or 11, live in or attend school in NYC
Summer: Rising juniors or seniors, live in or attend school in NY, NJ, or CT
Deadline: Varies by program (see website for current deadlines)
Student Historian Internship Program involves high school students in research, digital humanities, and public history. The program is rigorous academically and provides a stipend upon graduation. Interns work collaboratively on innovative digital projects, interact with museum professionals, and hone research and communication skills.
Location: New-York Historical Society, New York City
Program Dates: October 23, 2024 – June 11, 2025 (Wednesdays, 4:30–7 pm)
Eligibility: Entering grades 10, 11, or 12; live in and attend school in the NYC metropolitan area (NY, NJ, CT); parent/guardian consent; valid employment certificate must be provided
Deadline: September 22, 2024
Online internships are offered by the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History for high school students with interest in American history, museum professions, and educational programming. Interns gain experience in museum collections, digital initiatives, and public programming, developing professional abilities and networking with historians and teachers.
Location: Online
Program Dates: June–August (flexible start and end dates)
Cost: Free (stipend of $16.50/hour)
Eligibility: High school students (consult each internship description for requirements)
Deadline: March 28, 2025 (for Summer 2025)
The NARA Voluntary Internship Program offers students and graduates a unique experience to gain firsthand experience in archival processing, public history, conservation, records management, and many other fields concerned with the preservation of American history. Interns work with professionals from the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) on essential projects that support government openness and preservation of history. The program has several sessions each year to meet a variety of schedules and interests.
Location: Various NARA facilities throughout the United States
Program Dates: Summer: Late May/early June through August (10-12 weeks)
Fall: September through late November/early December (10-12 weeks)
Spring: Late January/early February through April (10-12 weeks)
Cost: Unpaid (voluntary internship); may be done for academic credit
Eligibility: Currently enrolled high school, undergraduate, or graduate students; recent graduates in the last 2 years; United States citizen; minimum 16 years of age; background check required
Deadline: Summer 2025 applications closed March 28, 2025
Fall 2025 applications opened June 30, 2025
Spring 2026 applications opened November 3, 2025
It is dedicated to inspiring underrepresented and diverse high school juniors from New York City to study law as a career. Interns assist state or federal judges in NYC, learning about the legal system up close while also getting college preparation and mentorship. The mission of the program is to expand access to legal careers and to develop future leaders from all five boroughs. The simulated environment fosters curiosity and equips students to meet the challenges of college-level work.
Program Dates: Orientation in May 2025 (date TBA); Internship and programming throughout July 2025
Cost: Free
Eligibility: Rising seniors in summer 2025; must live and attend school within one of NYC's five boroughs; must submit a Student General Employment Certificate and letter of recommendation; must participate in orientation and remain available for all July programming
Deadline: January 31, 2025 (opens December 9, 2024)
The Stanford Summer Humanities Institute is an elite pre-college opportunity for high school students interested in literature, history, philosophy, and the arts.Students live in the Stanford environment, learn from diverse students from all over the world, and lay the groundwork for future study in the humanities. The simulated atmosphere inspires curiosity and prepares students for the demands of college-level coursework.
Location: Stanford University, Stanford, California
Program Dates: Session 1: June 22 – July 4, 2025
Session 2: July 13 – July 25, 2025
Eligibility: Current 10th or 11th grade high school students (rising juniors and seniors) from around the world.
Deadline: February 1, 2025 (priority); March 15, 2025 (final)
The Social Justice Research Academy at the University of Pennsylvania convenes high school students from across the globe for an immersive experience of exploring social justice issues. Students are taught by Penn faculty and visiting experts, acquiring leadership, research, and analytical capabilities. The program is residentially based, building a dynamic community and intensive intellectual interaction.
Location: University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
Program Dates: July 5 – July 26, 2025
Cost: $8,399 (tuition, housing, and meals; need-based scholarships for eligible Philadelphia public/charter school students)
Program Dates: One-week training seminar in Washington, D.C. (June) and a four-week interdisciplinary community practicum (summer 2025
Eligibility: Graduating high school seniors (Class of 2025); authorized to work in the U.S.; minimum weighted cumulative GPA of 3.25/4.0; fluent in English; must enroll full-time in a degree-seeking program at an accredited college or university; must commit to both the seminar and practicum
Deadline: April 11, 2025
If you are a high school student pushing yourself to stand out in college applications, RISE Global Education offers a unique opportunity to work one-on-one with mentors from top universities around the world.
Through personalized guidance and independent research projects that can lead to prestigious publications, RISE helps you build a standout academic profile and develop skills that set you apart. With flexible program dates and global accessibility, ambitious students can apply year-round. To learn more about eligibility, costs, and how to get started, visit RISE Global’s official website and take your college preparation to the next level!