What are some good internships for high school students?

I'm a junior looking to maximize my summer with meaningful work experience. Can anyone suggest internships that are available for high school students? What industries should I be looking into to gain useful skills?

Certainly, there are some opportunities aimed specifically at high school students who wish to deepen their industry knowledge. Here are some:

1. Microsoft High School Internship: Microsoft offers a robust high school internship program that immerses students into their working environment, preparing them for a potential career in software development or program management.

2. NASA Internships: NASA has internships spanning a wide array of STEM-related disciplines. This prestigious organization provides high school students with opportunities to work on research projects under the mentorship of industry professionals.

3. Smithsonian Summer Internship: The Smithsonian offers internships for high school students interested in the arts, humanities, or social sciences. Smithsonian internships allow students to get hands-on experience in one of their many branches like the National Museum of Natural History or the National Air and Space Museum.

4. Broad Summer Scholars Program: For students interested in biosciences, the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard offer a summer program where students work in a lab setting under professional guidance, conducting research in areas such as genetics, biochemistry, or molecular biology.

5. Bank of America Student Leaders Program: Interested in business or finance? This program offers paid summer internships to students, providing them with both work experience at a nonprofit and participation in a student leadership summit.

Remember, the earlier you apply the better your chance of securing a spot due to the high competition for these programs. Also, don't limit yourself by only applying to one internship – apply to a few that match your interests and see which pans out.

As to what industries to consider, it really depends on where your passions and career interests lie. Tech and finance tend to offer transferable skills and rewarding experiences, but it's best to choose an industry that aligns with your career aspirations. Good luck!