Physics internships are a great way for high school students to explore the subject and get hands-on experience. Physics can be a hard field to break into early, so this post lays out the main ways you can find and join a physics internship.
1. Research Universities
Caltech’s Summer Research Connection (SRC)
Caltech runs summer research opportunities for high school students, where they work on projects in physics, astronomy, and other sciences.
For a sense of the work: in the subbasement of Caltech’s Seeley W. Mudd Laboratory of the Geological Sciences, high school students took turns with a sledgehammer to smash speckled gray rocks, remnants of 1.7-billion-year-old oceanic crust, then fed the chips into a crusher.
MIT Haystack Observatory High School Internship
MIT Haystack offers summer internships for high school students interested in radio astronomy and atmospheric science. Interns conduct research using radio telescopes and observational equipment, working alongside Haystack scientists who mentor them through their projects.
2. Science Centers and Museums
NASA High School Internship Program
For students drawn to astrophysics and space exploration, NASA offers internships at its centers across the United States, on projects in space science, astronomy, and aerospace engineering.
NASA’s OSTEM internships let students work side by side with mentors who are research scientists and engineers. Internships may be full or part time, and may be based at a NASA center or done remotely. NASA runs three sessions a year, so check the site regularly for openings.
Eligibility:
- U.S. citizen
- Minimum 3.0 GPA
50+ STEM Research Programs
Visit my free STEM Student Guide for 50+ STEM research programs.
3. U.S. National Laboratories
The image above maps the U.S. Department of Energy national laboratories, many of which run outreach programs for high school students. If you live near one and are interested in physics, there may be internship opportunities close to home.
One example is Fermilab in Batavia, Illinois, a renowned particle physics laboratory that runs an internship program for high school students. It’s prestigious and competitive, and well worth it if you get in.
4. STEM Competitions
Competitions like ISEF and the Regeneron Science Talent Search can open doors to research. Winners often get the chance to work with mentors or institutions tied to their projects, and a strong result is a real boost in college admissions.
If you want to win ISEF, watch Rishab’s video The Blueprint to Win Science Fair in 2024 – How to Win Regeneron ISEF.
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