16 Psychology Internships for High School Students

Ever wondered why people act the way they do? Psychology is the field that explores the fascinating world of human behavior. In high school, you can get a head start on this exciting journey through psychology internships.

These internships provide real-world experience that complements your classroom learning. Imagine assisting with research, observing mental health professionals, or even getting involved in community outreach programs—all while learning from experienced psychologists.

This blog post will introduce you to 16 incredible psychology internships specifically designed for high school students. Whether you’re interested in child development, forensics, or another area of psychology, there’s an internship out there waiting for you to study the human mind!

Benefits of Psychology Internships for High School Students

High school students can reap numerous benefits from participating in psychology internships and pre-college programs. These opportunities offer

• Hands-on experience: Psychology internships and programs provide hands-on exposure to the field. This allows students to explore their interests and passions in a practical setting, particularly those considering psychology as a major or future career.

• Networking and skill building: These programs create a platform for students to network with professionals in the field. This interaction provides insights into diverse career paths, facilitates the development of valuable connections, and allows students to hone crucial skills like critical thinking, problem-solving, communication, and teamwork.

• Demonstrated interest: Psychology is not a subject commonly found in most high school curricula. Consequently, taking the initiative to participate in psychology programs or internships shows a student’s genuine interest in the field, which is a significant factor when applying to colleges.

Essential Skills Developed Through Internships

Psychology internships offer students an opportunity to test the waters of a potential career path. By actively engaging in the field’s daily tasks, interns gain firsthand experience to assess how well their skills and aspirations align with the profession.

These experiences are particularly enriching for students contemplating graduate studies. Work experience is often a prerequisite for admission to certain psychology programs, especially those with specific specializations.

• Active listening: Many interns work closely with individuals, mirroring the day-to-day interactions of practicing psychologists. This fosters the development of active listening skills, crucial for understanding and assisting patients and clients in navigating their challenges.

• Effective communication: Communication includes both creating and sharing meaning with others. Mastering clear and concise communication reduces misunderstandings, a vital aspect of psychological work. Moreover, establishing a comfortable and engaging conversational style fosters positive relationships with clients and colleagues.

• Analytical and critical thinking: Psychologists rely heavily on analytical thinking to solve problems, set goals, and create effective plans. Critical thinking skills also empower them to interpret data, evaluate and improve programs, design research, and make informed decisions.

• Intercultural competence: Psychologists frequently work with clients and colleagues from diverse backgrounds and cultures. The ability to foster inclusive environments for underserved or historically excluded populations is paramount.

• Empathy: Empathy allows psychologists to understand and respond to the feelings and experiences of others in a helpful and supportive manner. It also allows them to manage their own emotions effectively and ensure their work remains objective and client-centered.

16 Psychology Internships for High School Students

1. Yocket High School Summer Internship Program

The Yocket High School Summer Internship offers a 4-week virtual program designed to jumpstart your journey into the exciting world of psychology. You’ll gain hands-on experience by working on real-world projects and working in research areas like child development or social cognition. Our expert mentors, who are passionate psychologists themselves, will guide you every step of the way, from project development to crafting a compelling college application that highlights your newfound skills and knowledge.

This program goes beyond just learning. Weekly mentorship sessions with psychologists, practice assessments to gauge your understanding, and an official letter of recommendation will strengthen your academic profile and impress colleges and future employers. With limited spots available and scholarship applications closing soon, don’t miss this chance to join a global network of ambitious students and take the first step toward a fulfilling career in psychology.

2. AI Scholars

Inspirit AI’s live online AI-project-building classes are taught by graduate students and alumni from top universities like Stanford and MIT. This program will provide you with the fundamentals of artificial intelligence (AI) and its real-world applications. You’ll gain hands-on experience by working on your own AI project. Past AI scholars have worked on fascinating projects that combine AI with psychology, such as developing models for digital mental health assessments or building chatbots that connect users with mental health resources.

The program boasts experienced instructors who are not only passionate about AI but also eager to share their insights about their college experiences and the AI programs offered at their universities. This unique combination of academic rigor and insider knowledge makes Inspirit AI an invaluable opportunity for talented high school students interested in exploring the exciting world of AI.

3. Child Mind Institute Youth Mental Health Academy

The Child Mind Institute’s Youth Mental Health Academy (YMHA) is a comprehensive 14-month program designed to prepare high school students with the skills and experiences they need for future careers in mental health and to foster their engagement with the community.

The program kicks off with a paid, project-based learning experience during the first summer. Students will work on mental health topics, collaborate on projects, and culminate their work with a group presentation. Throughout the entire program, participants benefit from ongoing mentorship and integrated support services. This includes workshops for both students and their caregivers, college planning assistance, and connections to valuable community resources.

To solidify their learning and gain real-world experience, students then transition to a paid internship during their second summer. Internship opportunities span a range of fields directly applicable to mental health, including brain and mental health research, clinical practice, and mental health media and communications.

4. Columbia University Summer Immersion in the Science of Psychology

Columbia University invites high school students to explore the world of psychology through its Summer Immersion in the Science of Psychology program. This program offers in-depth learning in various psychological research areas. From the biological underpinnings of behavior to learning and memory, participants will explore various topics.

Sensation and perception, cognitive development, language acquisition, and personality will all be examined, along with the powerful social factors that influence our actions. Through this in-depth exploration, students will gain a rich and nuanced perspective on the science of psychology.

5. EXPLO Psychology + Neuroscience Pre-College Program

The EXPLO Psychology + Neuroscience Pre-College Program works on the human brain by exploring the fascinating link between psychology and neuroscience. Students will dig deep into various psychological disciplines and gain the ability to use different therapeutic theories for diagnosing and treating mental health conditions.

The program studies the world of behavioral neuroscience and examines the potential biological underpinnings of these disorders. This exploration will shed light on the connection between brain function and individual experiences, how neurons communicate, and how neurotransmitter systems influence our memory, motivation, and even addiction.

6. Georgetown Summer College

Georgetown University’s Summer College offers a chance for students to get a head start on their academic journey by earning college credits in a variety of subjects, including psychology. Designed to ease the transition into college-level learning, the program combines lectures, class discussions, and guest speakers to create a stimulating learning environment. Students will have the opportunity to learn alongside current undergraduates and benefit from the expertise of Georgetown’s distinguished faculty.

The coursework is rigorous and prepares participants for success not only in college but also in their future endeavors. Georgetown Summer College offers flexibility, with options for on-campus courses lasting five weeks, online courses lasting eight weeks, or even a combination of both formats. Upon successful completion of their chosen course(s), students will receive an official transcript from Georgetown University.

7. Introduction to Psychology: The Frontiers of Psychological Inquiry at Cornell University

Cornell University’s online course, “Introduction to Psychology: The Frontiers of Psychological Inquiry,” offers a chance for high school students to understand the world of psychology alongside undergraduates and other pre-college learners. This 3-credit program asks the very questions that spark our curiosity about ourselves and others.

Additionally, the complexities of human attraction will also be explored. Finally, the course will examine the impact of stress on our physical well-being. Through this exploration, you’ll gain a foundational understanding of psychology, the scientific study of the mind and behavior.

8. Introduction to Experimental Psychology at the University of Pennsylvania

The University of Pennsylvania’s School of Arts and Sciences offers a chance for high school students to study psychology through an “Introduction to Experimental Psychology” course. This course provides a foundational understanding of the field by exploring how our thoughts, behaviors, and experiences are shaped by three key areas: the biological underpinnings, the cognitive processes, and the influences of both individual and group dynamics.

Students will go through various psychological subfields, including neuropsychology (examining the brain’s role in behavior), learning and memory, cognition (thinking and information processing), human development, psychological disorders, personality traits, and social psychology.

9. Johns Hopkins University Psychology and Brain Sciences Summer Pre-College Programs

Johns Hopkins University digs deep into the world of psychology and brain sciences with its pre-college summer programs designed specifically for high school students. The program offerings span a variety of areas, including medicine, neuroscience, and psychology. Students can expect to broaden their knowledge base, strengthen their college applications, and potentially even earn academic credit.

The curriculum is immersive and challenging, which fosters intellectual curiosity and a love of learning. It provides invaluable insights, practical skills, and real-world experiences that will serve students well in both their academic and professional journeys. To cater to different preferences, Johns Hopkins offers both online and in-person programs.

10. National Institute of Mental Health’s Training Opportunities for High School Students

The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) offers a summer program for high school students called the High School Summer Internship Program (HS-SIP). This program provides an opportunity for students to work alongside world-renowned biomedical scientists at the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

The NIH itself boasts an impressive research infrastructure, including the Mark O. Hatfield Clinical Research Center, a 240-bed facility specifically designed for clinical trials. In addition to this center, there are over 1150 laboratories spread across various locations throughout the country, including Bethesda, Maryland; Baltimore, Maryland; Frederick, Maryland; Research Triangle Park, North Carolina; Hamilton, Montana; Framingham, Massachusetts; and Phoenix, Arizona. This vast network allows HS-SIP participants to gain valuable experience in various biomedical research projects.

11. National Student Leadership Conference on Psychology and Neuroscience

The National Student Leadership Conference on Psychology and Neuroscience (NSLC) is a program designed to spark high school students’ passion for psychology. Students study the science of the mind, explore how children develop, and learn about the different personality types that make us unique. Through engaging clinical psychology simulations, students get a firsthand look at the challenges and rewards of this field.

Hands-on neurology workshops bring the brain to life, which allows students to directly explore the link between this complex organ and human behavior. The NSLC doesn’t just present theory; it emphasizes its practical application. It provides students with opportunities to solidify their understanding and expand their knowledge of psychology and neuroscience in a meaningful way.

12. NYU Precollege Programs

NYU Precollege offers a six-week experience designed to immerse you in the world of NYU. You’ll have the chance to earn college credits alongside current NYU students, giving you a head start on your degree while getting to know your future peers. NYU professors will guide you through challenging and engaging coursework, fostering your academic development. This program is perfect for both those with a specific college major in mind and those seeking to explore new academic interests. Whether you’re drawn to psychology or any other subject area, NYU Precollege provides a stimulating environment to dig deeper into your passions.

Beyond academics, you’ll be fully integrated into the NYU community, gaining access to the university’s renowned resources and supportive environment. This includes the chance to connect with a global network of students and faculty, enriching your experience with diverse perspectives. By participating in NYU Precollege, you’ll develop your academic abilities, get college credit, and get a taste of what it’s like to be a student at this prestigious university.

13. Psychology Summer Program by the Illinois Institute of Technology

The Illinois Institute of Technology offers a Psychology Summer Program to introduce high school students to psychology as a scientific discipline. This program provides a collegiate-level experience and gives students insights into how psychology can contribute to their personal growth and understanding of the human mind.

Over a week, participants will work on five key themes, each offering a distinct lens to explore different aspects of psychology. The program begins with an introduction day, followed by dedicated days exploring multicultural psychology, research and technology in the field, the fundamentals of psychotherapy, and finally, the diverse career paths and admissions processes for psychology majors. To cater to individual needs, the program offers both residential and day options.

14. Psychology Institute at Wake Forest University

Wake Forest University’s Psychology Institute offers high school students an opportunity to understand human psychology. Through the program, students gain insight into the workings of the brain, emotions, and senses, all from the perspective of a psychologist.

The program features a hands-on brain dissection. This experience is complemented by explorations of how illusions, emotions, and biases can significantly influence our perception of the world and how we interact with it. Students don’t just learn these concepts; they actively challenge their own perception and the trustworthiness of their senses by conducting their own observational study.

15. Recruitment and Training to Unlock Research Potential (RTURP) in Science at the National Institute on Drug Abuse

The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) runs its own in-house research program called the Intramural Research Program (IRP). Situated on the Johns Hopkins Bayview Campus in Baltimore, Maryland, NIDA has been a leader in addiction research for almost six decades. This prestigious institute generates the most important scientific knowledge on addiction and serves as a training ground for researchers passionate about this field.

16. Summer@Brown

The Summer@Brown program is a residential program offered by Brown University. It lasts anywhere from one to six weeks and is designed specifically for high school students. Over 200 courses are offered in disciplines like psychology, art, engineering, and economics. You’ll experience the thrill of college-level learning in a supportive environment, free from the pressure of grades.

The program is designed to help you find a balance between engaging, in-depth coursework and exciting social activities. You can explore your interests and challenge yourself with courses like “Psychology of Stress and Trauma,” “Abnormal Psychology,” “Culture and Psychology,” or “Critical Thinking about Human Behavior.” These are just a few examples of the many psychology courses on offer.

From the Desk of Yocket

Psychology internships in high school can be a great way to explore your interest in the field. It provides a taste of the real world beyond textbooks, which allows you to see how psychology principles are applied in various settings. Working alongside professionals can offer firsthand experience with research methods, data analysis, or even interacting with clients in a safe and supervised environment. This exposure can solidify your passion for psychology or introduce you to areas within the field you might not have considered before.

However, it’s important to remember that high school internships are primarily for learning, not for providing psychological services. Tasks will likely focus on administrative duties, research assistance, or observing professionals. While you might not be directly involved in therapy sessions, these internships are valuable for building a strong foundation and transferable skills that will benefit you in college and future career paths within psychology.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are psychology internships for high school students?

Psychology internships for high school students are hands-on learning experiences that introduce you to the field of psychology in a real-world setting. Unlike college-level internships that might involve some client interaction, high school internships focus on observation, research assistance, and administrative tasks.

Can I get academic credit for a psychology internship?

Sometimes! It depends on your school’s policy. Speak with your guidance counselor to see if your internship can be credited toward graduation requirements.

Do I get paid for a psychology internship?

Psychology internships for high school students are often unpaid. However, some programs may offer academic credit or a stipend to help cover expenses.

Do I need any qualifications to get a psychology internship?

The qualifications for psychology internships will vary depending on the program. However, most programs will look for students with a strong interest in psychology, good academic standing, and a reliable work ethic. Some internships may also require a resume, cover letter, or reference letter.