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Free Programs for High School Students in Iowa

Nichable lists 15 programs, internships, research programs, competitions and volunteer opportunities for high school students based in Iowa. None of them lists a cost to take part, and 5 state outright that they're free. Each one is checked against the organization's own page.

UnityPoint Health St. Luke's Hospital Student Volunteers

UnityPoint Health - St. Luke's Hospital
Volunteer· Cedar Rapids, IA
DeadlineRolling

Drake University Pettengill Civic Leadership Academy

The Robert D. and Billie Ray Center at Drake University
Program· Des Moines, IA
Opening soon

DMACC TRIO Upward Bound

Des Moines Area Community College
Program· Des Moines, IA
Opening soon

Teen Volunteers

Urbandale Public Library
Volunteer· Urbandale, IA
Opening soon
Volunteer· Des Moines, IA
Opening soon

Kirkwood Workplace Learning Connection Job Shadows

Kirkwood Community College Workplace Learning Connection
Program· Cedar Rapids, IA
DeadlineNov 11

Teen Advisory Board

Coralville Public Library
Program· Coralville, IA
Opening soon

Kirkwood Workplace Learning Connection High School Internships

Kirkwood Community College Workplace Learning Connection
Internship· Cedar Rapids, IA
Opening soon
Program· Cedar Rapids, IA
Opening soon

Teen Volunteers (VolunTeens)

Des Moines Public Library
Volunteer· Des Moines, IA
DeadlineRolling

Junior Camp Counselor Volunteers

Science Center of Iowa
Volunteer· Des Moines, IA
Opening soon
Volunteer· Des Moines, IA
Opens Jan 1, 2027 · Due Mar 1, 2027
Internship· Paid· Des Moines, IA
Opening soon

World Food Prize Iowa Youth Institute

The World Food Prize Foundation
Competition· Ames, IA
Opening soon · Due Mar 24, 2027

Belin-Blank Center Gifted Programs

Belin-Blank Center, University of Iowa
Program· Iowa City, IA
Opening soon

Common questions

Are these programs really free for high school students in Iowa?

None of these 15 listings names tuition or a required fee. Listings that charge say so in a cost line and are labeled "Costs money", so they aren't on this page. Smaller costs such as travel or materials can still apply, so confirm on the organization's page before you apply.

How do high school students apply to free programs in Iowa?

Each listing is run by its own organization and you apply on that organization's site. A free Nichable account shows each listing's deadline and how to apply, and lets you save and track them.