Ladder Internships: If you are a high school student and interested in enrolling for completing an internship, then the Ladder Internships program is for you.
The Ladder Internships offer you a fantastic chance to improve your practical, hard, and soft skills. They also demonstrate your capacity to apply what you’ve learned in class to real-world scenarios, a skill that every admissions officer would appreciate.
In this article, we’ve provided round-the-clock information about the Internship programs to assist you in kick-starting. Without further delay, let’s get started!
Ladder Internships Abstract/Summary
Host: Harvard entrepreneurs
Location: Worldwide
Eligibility: High school student
Duration: 8 weeks
Application Status: Ongoing
Application Deadline: Winter Cohort
- Regular Admission Deadline: November 16, 2025
- Cohort timing: December 8, 2025
The Ladder Internships ~ Program Overview
Established by Harvard entrepreneurs, the ladder internships are entry-level job programs which are only available to high school students. The program allows ambitious students to gain experience in real-world startups, research working conditions, and the industry.
As part of the internship program, each student will complete a real-world assignment and share their findings at the conclusion of the program. During the program, industry experts, startup founders or researchers will be assigned to each intern(s) to provide guidance, feedback and career guidance while working one-on-one or in a group.
The purpose of ladder internships is to change education by allowing high school students to gain practical experience. Through the internship program, students have access to the resources, training, and support they need to develop into self-assured professionals.
The ladder internships focus on introducing students to a wide variety of fields and industries. The available fields include Tech/deep tech, Finance, Media & Journalism, Software Engineering, Machine Learning & AI, Consulting, Fashion, Health Tech & Mental health, Environmental Science and Non-profits. Students can work in any of these fields depending on their interests and competence.
Ladder Internship ~ Available program
- Ladder Startup Internship Program: In this program, interns work with companies on projects that are in line with their interests. The program lasts for eight weeks, requiring five to ten hours of weekly time.
- Ladder CEO Internship Program: The flagship CEO Internship Program allows interns to interact with the CEO of a start-up that has a FAANG (e.g., Facebook, Google, McKinsey) background. Interns devote 5–10 hours each week to high-impact initiatives throughout the eight-week curriculum.
- Ladder Combination Program: Students in this program finish both the CEO Internship Program and a mentored research program. This program aims to ensure interns obtain experience in a professional workplace and to finish a research paper at the college level. The overall time commitment is between five and ten hours per week.
- Ladder University Internship Program: This program places interns at the university level in close collaboration with businesses on projects that are related to their fields of study. The program lasts for eight weeks, with a weekly time commitment of five to ten hours.
Ladder Internships ~ Duration & Cost
The Ladder Internships typically run for 8 weeks, with students committing to 5-10 hours per week. In addition to the 8 weeks, there’s a 15-week research program available only in the Combination Program. During these weeks, interns engage in weekly meetings and work with top start-ups and NGOs to develop real-world projects.
In terms of cost, Students pay $2990 for the Startup internship program, $4990 for the CEO internship program, and $7400 for the Combination program. However, there is a financial aid program for students with need, but it’s only for the Startup Internship Program.
In addition, it’s worth noting that once you’ve been accepted into the program, before you can be matched with a startup that aligns with your interests and skills, you’ll have to secure your spot by paying an initial deposit of $200. Once you’ve approved your company match, you pay the remaining tuition amount.
Ladder Internships ~ Application Deadline
There are four cohort programs offered annually: spring, summer, fall, and winter. Each cohort has a specified application deadline:
- Winter Cohort:
- Regular Application Deadline – November 16, 2025
- Cohort Timing – December 8, 2025
- Spring Cohort:
- Not Available
- Summer Cohort:
- Not Available
- Fall Cohort:
- Not Available
Why You Should Apply For Ladder Internships? – Benefits
Now that you know what a Ladder internship is, let’s look at its several advantages to aspiring professionals.
- Work Experience: The Ladder internships will provide interns with practical, real-world experience in a business environment that cannot be replicated in a classroom, where all learning is theoretical.
- Employability: Employers frequently value experience over qualifications; interns will be more likely to secure job offers over other applicants whose CV or resume doesn’t show relevant experience.
- Professional Networking: During the 8-week internship training, you will meet many new individuals, some of whom may become valuable connections who can help you advance your career.
- Increase your Confidence: Through the Ladder internships, you’ll gain exposure to applied learning, which lets you observe how classroom knowledge is applied in real-world jobs. Your critical thinking will grow, and your analytical and communication abilities will also advance.
Other Benefits
- It Highlights Initiative in College Applications: Your desire to pursue your interests outside of the classroom may be shown by participating in an internship. It demonstrates that you are prepared to spend your time learning valuable skills that can improve your college applications.
- Project Assignment + Company Matching: At the beginning of the program, you will be paired with a company based on the interests you have specified in your application. Interns at Ladder get to work on targeted, short-term assignments created in collaboration with NGOs and new businesses.
- Weekly Meetings and Structure: You will have a 45-minute meeting with your internship manager every week during your eight-week internship. These meetings serve to evaluate your progress, improve your work, and keep you on schedule.
- Feedback and Conclusion: During the last week, you will present your finished work to your host firm, allowing you to consider your advancement and get helpful criticism.
- Online Training: The Ladder internships are offered online. This initiative saves high school students the costs of travelling, accommodation and living expenses.
Ladder Internships – Eligibility Criteria
The Ladder internships look for self-motivated students with excellent communication abilities and a growth mindset. Students enrolled in high school or college are eligible to apply. This Internship program is also available to students who are enrolled in gap year courses. Additionally, interested candidates must be ready to dedicate 5–10 hours per week for the duration of the program (8 weeks).
How To Apply For The Ladder Internships Award
Follow the steps we have given below to apply for the Ladder Internships:
- Firstly, make sure you read every detail on this page.
- Then, visit the Ladder Internship official website
- Click the APPLY button, or click the link below to start your application
- Fill out the application form. Be ready to discuss your academic history, interests, and any related experience.
- Review the application form to ensure all provided information is correct and accurate
- Submit your application and await decisions
- If your application is considered, you’ll be invited to the interview round
- If you are selected, you will be asked to pay an initial deposit fee of $200 before being paired with a start-up that is in line with your abilities and interests.
- Following this, the team will provide you with the company’s profile. After reviewing your company match, you pay the balance of your tuition.
- After completing your tuition, you can start the internship with the firm you selected.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who can apply for the Ladder Internships?
The program is open to high school students who are self-motivated, with excellent communication abilities and a growth mindset.
2. Are Ladder Internships paid?
No, the Ladder Internships are not paid programs!The Ladder internship program does not provide financial compensation to interns during the training. However, they offer financial aid to applicants who are in need financially. On the application form, applicants can choose ‘Financial Aid Required’ to benefit from this aid. Those who require it will be provided a fully or partially funded tuition.
3. When will the program take place?
There are several groups of interns in the Ladder Internships program throughout the year, including:
- Cohort for the Fall
- Winter Group
- Spring Cohort
- Summer Group
- Summer II Cohort
4. Will this internship take place online or in person?
The internship program is entirely online!