High school student who loves writing - wants to find an internship or job?

Newspapers - I used to read the Register, but there are small town papers there too, I'd imagine. You're looking for an internship - small papers would publish your work. You can also look into writing for an advertising agency.

Remarkably (for YA), I don't see any spelling or grammatical errors in your question. If you have decent grammar, you can work as a copy editor. You can check Craig's List and simliar sites for online jobs that actually pay pretty well.

However, I wouldn't wait for a particular internship. What are your interests? There are all kinds of places that need help with written materials. Contact museums and libraries, and ask what positions are available for someone who writes well. Disneyland has plenty of writing jobs, as would Knott's Berry Farm and other attractions. Don't wait to see jobs advertised - they're usually filled before you hear about them. Approach places you want to work, and sell them on you. Many times, they'll come up with something for a motivated individual.

Contact other types of business, such as software companies. For example, my company is going to hire interns this summer to do some basic documentation. Frequently, these types of business have to produce a lot of written materials based on information in engineers' heads - they don't need someone who knows the information, they just need someone who can write it clearly.

Use this as an opportunity to learn more about writing positions you would like to fill after college. Call a business that does that sort of work, and tell them that you're researching job opportunities. Ask if you could have 20 minutes of someone's time who is in that position to ask them about their job. (People love to talk about their jobs.)

Dress nicely, bathe, brush your teeth, show up on time, have 20 prepared questions. Don't worry about asking all of them, but you want to have plenty. 15 minutes into the session, you can ask if they know of any entry-level jobs or internships that you should pursue. After 20 minutes, thank them for their time and get up to leave (don't stay longer, even if they ask you to). But ask if there is anyone else they think would be good for you to talk to about the profession.

Now, you've shown up on time, you look professional, you ask intelligent questions, and you don't waste their time. They will happily refer you to their friends. When you call the next person, you say "Ms. Jones at Such-and-so recommended I speak with you." Ask the same questions the same way, and ask for referrals. If you do this a few times, you'll build up a network of people in the industry who think highly of you and will watch out for internships for you. It won't be long before someone finds something for you.

E-mail the editors of small magazines or other local publications and see if you can freelance or get an internship. You're going to need to build a portfolio and demonstrate you actually can write well. Smaller arenas will be more likely to give you small assignments, not so much bigger places.

The field of publishing and writing is very competitive. You either have it or you don't. Work hard, learn to take criticism (editors will eat you alive, trust me), and be open to suggestions.

Good luck!

I commend your enthusiasm. Most architectural firms, especially the large ones, hire college students because internships along with an accredited master's degree are part of the professional licensing process necessary to become a registered architect. I would suggest finding smaller firms close to where you live, including interior and graphic design firms or even design-build contractors. In your free time I would suggest taking art and design courses at a nearby community college or other location. Having actual architectural experience going into college isn't as important as having a strong sense of the elements and principles of design, and being able to quickly communicate your ideas through hand drawn sketches.