Good internships for high school?

Washington, DC: Does Anyone Know of any High School Internships?

• I am wondering if anyone knows of high school internship programs either in New York or Washington, D.C.? I specifically am interested in those pertaining to government or defense (either at a federal agency, think tank, etc.). I have done a fair amount of research and I realize that it's difficult to find high school internships, but thanks in advance!

• Answer:

  I went to the Field School in DC.  For 2 weeks every February school was suspended and students were sent out to find internships throughout the city and beyond.  During my three years at the school I interned for the Naval Surface Warfare Center in Carderock MD.  Initially, getting the internship was just a matter of contacting the base HR department and offering free labor.  I wrote a letter that expressed my specific interests and they paired me with a lab. Later, I interned in the lab through the Science and Engineering Apprenticeship Program (SEAP).  http://seap.asee.org/ My suggestion is find a site that's local and contact the HR department.  They can at least hook you up with a group that you can work with.  The trick with defense related stuff is working in a non classified area, since as a high schooler it will be unlikely you will receive a security clearance. It was a very unique experience and I highly recommend it.