10 Environmental Engineering Internships for High School Students
In today’s competitive academic environment, gaining hands-on experience through internships has become an invaluable opportunity for high school students looking to stand out. Internships not only allow students to apply the knowledge they’ve gained in the classroom but also offer unique insights into professional environments, especially in fields like environmental engineering. As climate change and sustainability become increasingly important global challenges, students interested in engineering can find purpose and passion through internships that tackle real-world environmental issues.
Despite the competitive nature of these internships, the rewards are immense. Completing an internship not only boosts college applications but also equips students with the skills and confidence needed to thrive in future academic and professional pursuits. Additionally, it offers the opportunity to network with industry professionals, potentially leading to mentorships or further opportunities in the field. If you’re a high school student with a passion for the environment and an interest in engineering, exploring an internship could be the first step toward making a real impact on the world.
Here are 10 environmental engineering internships to consider that will help you get a head start on your academic and career journey.
1. Ladder Internships (Engineering Track)
Cost: $2,490 (Financial Aid Available)
Location: Remote! You can work from anywhere in the world
Application deadline: Winter cohort - November 24, 2024
Program dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year
Eligibility: Students who can work for 10-20 hours/week, for 8-12 weeks. Open to high school students, undergraduates, and gap year students!
Ladder Internships is an exclusive program designed for motivated high school students eager to gain experience in the start-up ecosystem. Participants will intern with rapidly growing start-ups across diverse sectors, including technology, health tech, journalism, engineering, and consulting. These start-ups often secure significant funding, with many raising over a million dollars. Notable founders of these companies may include YCombinator alumni and individuals with backgrounds from major corporations like Microsoft, Google, and Facebook.
Interns work on real-world projects, contributing directly to a company's growth while receiving mentorship from both company leaders and a dedicated Ladder coach. They will also present their work to the company, enhancing their professional development. The program provides individualized training in vital skills such as communication and time management, along with group training opportunities with peers. Typically, this virtual internship spans eight weeks, offering participants a comprehensive learning experience.
2. NASA Office of STEM Engagement (OSTEM) Internships
Cost: Free (Paid stipend provided)
Location: Remote and on-site (varies based on the specific internship)
Application Deadline:
Summer 2025: February 28, 2025
Fall 2025: May 16, 2025
Program Dates: Spring 2025, Summer 2025, and Fall 2025 sessions available
Eligibility: Open to those with U.S. citizenship and a minimum GPA of 3.0
NASA offers high school students exciting internship opportunities in space science and environmental research, particularly focused on Earth's atmosphere. This hands-on experience allows you to work alongside NASA scientists, engineers, and professionals on projects in areas such as aeronautics, space exploration, and environmental science. Whether your internship is remote or on-site at one of NASA’s field centers, you'll be part of a dynamic team solving real-world problems.
Interns will engage in cutting-edge research, data analysis, and technological innovations, all while receiving mentorship and career development guidance. Programs such as the High School Aerospace Scholars (HAS), as well as other online learning experiences, serve as a platform to ignite curiosity and guide young minds toward careers in STEM. These initiatives aim to inspire the next generation of space and environmental researchers.
3. California Academy of Sciences - Careers in Science (CiS) Intern Program
Cost: Free (Interns are paid above minimum wage)
Location: California Academy of Sciences, San Francisco, CA
Application Deadline: April 1 (tentatively, based on previous years)
Program Dates: Year-round, multi-year commitment
Eligibility: Open to San Francisco high school students in grades 9-12, especially those from underrepresented backgrounds in STEM
The Careers in Science (CiS) Internship Program is a multi-year, year-round opportunity designed for high school students from San Francisco. This program offers an excellent opportunity for those interested in environmental engineering, as it covers a wide range of topics, including scientific programming with Python, astronomy, biomimicry, environmental justice, science communication, and California’s conservation efforts.
As a CiS intern, you will participate in scientific field studies, engage in environmental justice projects, and assist with public education at the California Academy of Sciences. In addition to fieldwork, you'll lead science demonstrations for museum visitors and take part in workshops that prepare you for college admissions and career development. The program provides valuable mentorship and guidance on navigating the college admissions process while allowing you to explore science and sustainability.
This internship is designed to help students develop practical skills and a deeper understanding of environmental action, offering them a pathway to further involvement in science and sustainability fields.
4. Idaho National Laboratory Internship
Cost: Free (hourly wage ranging from $15 to $16 per hour provided)
Location: Idaho National Laboratory, Idaho Falls, ID
Application Deadline: Applications typically close in February or March each year
Program Dates: 6-week summer internships, typically running from June through August
Eligibility: Open to high school juniors and seniors (or recent graduates) who are at least 16 years old. Applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents with a minimum GPA of 3.0.
The Idaho National Laboratory (INL), under the U.S. Department of Energy, provides high school students with a six-week internship that applies STEM principles to practical challenges. Over the course of six weeks, interns engage in cutting-edge research alongside INL scientists and engineers in areas such as nuclear energy, cybersecurity, environmental science, and more. This internship follows an 80/20 structure, where 80% of your time will be spent working in the lab with a mentor, while the remaining 20% focuses on skill development and enrichment activities.
Additionally, research opportunities include analyzing zero-trust architecture, studying cybersecurity advancements in critical infrastructure, and examining the thermal limitations due to ambient-adjusted transmission line ratings. INL’s collaborative environment fosters innovation and offers interns a glimpse into advanced research processes, helping them build a network for future academic and career pursuits. You can also check out a variety of projects through their Intern Poster sessions.
This internship is ideal for students interested in software or environmental engineering, offering a solid foundation in both fields while tackling real-world technological issues.
5. Columbia University’s Summer High School Academic Program for Engineers - Sustainable Engineering
Cost: $5,500 (Financial aid available)
Location: Columbia University, New York City, NY
Application Deadline: Applications typically close in March
Program Dates: July & August (tentatively, based on previous years)
Eligibility: Open to rising sophomores, juniors, and seniors. Completion of high school chemistry is required for the Sustainable Engineering course.
Columbia University's Summer High School Academic Program for Engineers (SHAPE) provides students with an in-depth look at various engineering disciplines, including robotics, biomedical engineering, and sustainable engineering. In the Sustainable Engineering track, participants will explore the science behind climate change and sustainable practices to mitigate its effects. The course covers key topics such as reducing CO2 emissions, renewable energy technologies, and green product design. Students will work on hands-on projects that highlight real-world applications of sustainable engineering, learning to tackle challenges like pollution and environmental degradation.
Participants also have access to Columbia's Makerspace and MechTech labs, where they can work on prototypes and learn how to operate various tools and machinery. Throughout the program, the university’s undergraduate admissions office conducts multiple workshops aimed at helping students prepare for the college experience.
6. Joint Science Education Project (JSEP)
Cost: Free (Travel, accommodations, and meals are fully covered; $1,500 stipend provided for gear and personal expenses)
Location: Greenland
Application Deadline: Not specified
Program Dates: ~3 weeks in the summer (typically June to July)
Eligibility: Open to high school students and first-year college students
Dartmouth College’s Institute of Arctic Studies runs the Joint Science Education Project (JSEP), a polar science initiative for U.S. students. The program focuses on Arctic science and engineering while helping students strengthen their research and communication abilities. Over three weeks, participants work alongside students from Greenland and Denmark in Kangerlussuaq and at the Summit Station on the Greenland Ice Sheet.
The program is designed to inspire future STEM leaders through direct engagement in climate change research, polar ecosystems, and engineering solutions. Remote program participants need access to a computer or tablet and reliable internet, and any necessary research materials will be mailed in advance. If access to technology or the internet is a challenge, students are encouraged to mention it on their application or reach out for assistance.
7. Ocean STEAM Powered Women (O-STEAM) Fellowship
Cost: Free
Location: Woods Hole, MA
Application Deadline: April (tentatively, based on previous years)
Program Dates: August (tentatively, based on previous years)
Eligibility: Open to female-identifying sophomores or juniors living in Massachusetts
The Ocean STEAM Powered Women (O-STEAM) Fellowship is a week-long, no-cost residential program hosted by the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) in collaboration with the Sea Education Association. This fellowship is designed to inspire young women from Massachusetts by exposing them to marine science and engineering fields.
Fellows are housed on the scenic Sea Education Association campus, just a short distance from WHOI facilities. Participants will work closely with scientists, including marine mammal bioacoustics specialists, and engage in hands-on research projects such as building underwater microphones and analyzing dolphin vocalization data. The program also includes a whale-watching trip where fellows capture and analyze real-time marine mammal sounds.
Participants also connect with female STEAM professionals, learning from their experiences and expertise. Additionally, fellows receive training from communication specialists on how to share their research with their community.
8. CUNY-CREST Institute: High School Initiative in Remote Sensing (HIRES)
Cost: Free (Participants receive a $1,000 stipend and 3 college credits)
Location: The City College of New York, New York City, NY
Application Deadline: The application typically closes in March
Program Dates: ~7 weeks in July through August
Eligibility: Open to high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors residing in NYC with a GPA of 80 or higher, and a math average of at least 80. Must have completed Algebra II/Trigonometry or Pre-Calculus.
The CUNY-CREST Institute offers the High School Initiative in Remote Sensing, a competitive summer program designed to provide NYC high school students with advanced research experience in remote sensing and Geographic Information Systems (GIS). This 7-week internship connects students with CUNY scientists to work on projects related to climate change, water resources, atmospheric studies, and environmental justice.
As part of the program, students take pre-college courses in Earth sciences, engineering, GIS, MATLAB/Python, and Remote Sensing, earning 3 college credits by the end of the internship. The program especially encourages applications from students who come from underrepresented groups in STEM.
9. Grainger Engineering Young Scholars (GEnYuS)
Cost: Free (Housing, meals, and a stipend provided; transportation costs not included)
Location: University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, IL
Application Deadline: March (tentatively, based on previous years)
Program Dates: June to August (tentatively, based on previous years)
Eligibility: Open to rising 10th-12th graders from Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Missouri, Iowa, or Wisconsin.
The Grainger Engineering Young Scholars (GEnYuS) program is a six-week summer research opportunity designed for high school students passionate about STEMM. Hosted at the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, participants work alongside leading researchers in fields such as cancer immunology, artificial intelligence, quantum physics, and bioengineering. The program is part of the IDEA initiative, aimed at increasing diversity and access for underrepresented groups in STEM fields.
Participants are placed in research groups aligned with their academic interests, where they gain hands-on lab experience and attend seminars on scientific communication and college admissions. Throughout the program, students receive guidance from both faculty members and graduate student mentors, providing them with valuable insight into the world of STEMM research.
10. UCLA Environmental Engineering Summer Institute
Cost: $2,759 (Scholarships available)
Location: University of California, Los Angeles, CA (commuter-only program)
Application Deadline June (tentatively, based on previous years)
Program Dates: July to August (tentatively, based on previous years)
Eligibility: Open to high school students entering grades 9-12 by Spring. Participants must be at least 15 years old by the start of the program.
The UCLA Environmental Engineering Summer Institute offers an immersive two-week program focused on tackling real-world environmental issues, emphasizing both environmental justice and public health. Participants receive hands-on training in environmental research while exploring how social justice intersects with environmental quality.
Students have the option to choose between two tracks. The Lead in Soils Track involves analyzing soil samples from local community gardens for heavy metal contamination, while the Environmental Antimicrobial Resistance Track focuses on studying coastal water samples for drug-resistant bacteria. Both tracks provide opportunities to work directly with community partners, giving students practical research experience and the chance to contribute to projects with significant real-world impact.
By participating in community-driven research, students develop their technical and critical thinking skills, all while deepening their knowledge of environmental justice. This experience empowers participants to apply engineering and science to advocate for underrepresented populations and drive meaningful societal change.
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