Internships are a great opportunity to enhance your college applications by demonstrating your commitment to academic and hands-on learning. Admissions committees value candidates who show genuine passion for their field. Do note, however, that the impact of an internship on your application is solely dependent on its alignment with your academic goals and the reputation of the hosting institution.

If you are passionate about environmental science, internships with prestigious organizations, such as leading environmental research centers, conservation groups, or sustainability initiatives, can be particularly beneficial. 

We have curated below a list of 8 environmental science internships especially tailored to high school students! Do note that while some of these are not traditional internships, they offer the same real-world exposure and hands-on learning that most internships provide. 

1. Ladder Internship Program - Environmental Science Track

Ladder Internships is a selective start-up internship program for ambitious high school students! In the program, you work with a high-growth start-up on an internship. Start-ups that offer internships range across a variety of industries from tech/deep tech, AI/ML to health tech, marketing, journalism, consulting, and more.  You can explore all the options here on their application form. Ladder’s start-ups are high-growth companies on average raising over a million dollars. Past founders have included YCombinator alumni, founders raising over 30 million dollars, or founders who previously worked at Microsoft, Google, and Facebook. In the program, interns work closely with their managers and a Ladder Coach on real-world projects and present their work to the company. Here is the application form. 

Interns are offered one-on-one training in communication, time management and other such valuable skills and will also have the opportunity to attend group training sessions with other interns in their cohort. The virtual internship is usually 8 weeks long.

Location: Virtual

Dates: The summer 2024 cohort starts on June 3 and runs till August. Multiple cohorts throughout the year, including fall and spring.

Cost/Stipend:  Starts at $1990. Financial aid is offered.

Eligibility: Students who can work for 10-20 hours/week, for 8-12 weeks. Open to high school students, undergraduates and gap year students!

Application Deadline: Summer cohort (regular admission 1): April 14, 2024 | Summer cohort (regular admission 2): May 12, 2024

2. Conservation Corps North Carolina Youth Conservation Crews

The Conservation Corps North Carolina (CCNC) Youth Conservation Crews are a commendable initiative that offers young individuals a chance to engage actively in environmental conservation efforts. These crews comprise high school students who work together on diverse conservation projects throughout North Carolina's natural landscapes. 

Through this internship, participants gain hands-on experience in trail maintenance, habitat restoration, and various environmental stewardship activities. Beyond practical skills, the program instills a deep sense of responsibility and an understanding of the importance of protecting our natural resources.

Location: Various sites across North Carolina

Dates: 3-5 weeks during June, July, and August

Cost/Stipend: NA

Eligibility: Ages 15-18

Application Deadline:  Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.

3. Hutton Junior Fisheries Biology Program

The Hutton Junior Fisheries Biology Program is an 8-week paid summer internship and mentoring program sponsored by the American Fisheries Society to help inspire students to consider pursuing careers related to fisheries and aquatic sciences. 

Mentored by fisheries professionals, Hutton Scholars have the opportunity to gain a guided experience through hands-on activities that are either in freshwater or marine situations. Through this program, you will gain an awareness of conservation issues and the importance of healthy aquatic systems, participate in projects that benefit habitat restoration, protection, and management and more!

Hutton Mentors are located all over the country and work with a wide variety of organizations, resulting in a unique internship opportunity at each location. If you are interested in applying, you can look at this comprehensive guide here! 

Location: The 2024 Hutton Program is available to students in all 50 states, Puerto Rico, Canada, Mexico, and the Pacific Islands. (The program aims to match students within a 45-minute commute of their home).

Dates: June to August (8 weeks).

Cost/Stipend:  No cost; Participating students receive a $3,000 stipend and an all-expense paid trip to the Hutton Scholars Summit.

Eligibility: Must be a rising high school sophomore, junior, senior, or rising college freshman. Students must be at least 16 years old before the program starts. 

Application Deadline: Applications for the 2025 cohort will be open between November 2024- February 2025 

4. NASA’s Office of STEM Engagement (OSTEM) Internship Programs - Environment Science and Technology

NASA offers internship opportunities tailored for high school students interested in space science and environmental research related to Earth's atmosphere. For instance, NASA's Office of STEM Engagement (OSTEM) High School Internship Programs provide an exceptional chance for students passionate about science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). These programs serve as a gateway to the realm of space exploration and environmental science, enabling students to participate in real NASA projects, collaborate with leading scientists and engineers, and gain hands-on experience in data collection and analysis.

Whether through the High School Aerospace Scholars (HAS) program, online learning modules, or internships at NASA centers, these initiatives empower young minds to delve into STEM fields, nurture their curiosity, and potentially inspire the next generation of space scientists and environmental researchers.

You can check out our ultimate guide to NASA Internships here. 

Location: NASA centers across the country

Dates: Spring session (Mid-January - Early May), Summer Session (Late May-August), Fall session (Late August - Mid-December)

Cost/Stipend:  No cost; Awarded based on academic level and session duration. 

Eligibility: Be a U.S. citizen; Have a cumulative 3.0 GPA (on a 4.0 scale); Be a full-time student; Be a minimum of 16 years of age at the time of application (no exceptions)

Application Deadline:  August (Spring session 2024) | October (Summer session 2025 early decision)| February 28th (Summer session 2025 final decision) 

5. Northwest Youth Corps – Youth Community Program

The Youth Community Program, designed for 15 to 18-year-olds, is a non-residential day program where participants engage in service projects within their community under the guidance of experienced field staff. Each weekday, crews gather at a designated site for drop-off and pick-up. Participants spend an average of 6.5 hours daily on service work and one hour on educational lessons. They receive a stipend and may earn high school credit.

Northwest Youth Corps' Youth Community Program encourages young individuals to contribute to their communities through conservation and service projects actively. Participants gain hands-on experience in environmental stewardship, including tasks like trail maintenance, habitat restoration, and urban greening initiatives. This program fosters teamwork, leadership skills, and knowledge in environmental science while instilling a strong sense of civic responsibility.

Location: Various community sites in Washington, Oregon, and Idaho.

Dates: June-August (5 weeks)

Cost/Stipend:  $200 Tuition fee (Tuition assistance is available); The base stipend is $450 per week for participation, plus a possible $50 per week in bonuses, equaling a total benefit of up to $2,500.

Eligibility: Ages to be between 15 and 18 years.

Deadline:  Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.

6. Rockaway Initiative for Sustainability and Equity (RISE) | Environmentor Internship

The Rockaway Initiative for Sustainability and Equity (RISE) | Environmentor Internship is a dynamic program designed to promote environmental stewardship and equity among high school students. This internship offers students a unique opportunity to conduct shoreline research along the Rockaway, New York coastline, under the guidance of scientists from local universities and research institutions. Participants receive training in water safety and CPR and can enjoy summer activities such as kayaking, surfing, and biking.

Interns are expected to commit to a four-day workweek and may receive a stipend of up to $1,200 for their dedication and contributions. Additionally, students can earn community service hours by actively participating in RISE community service weekend events.

Location: Rockaway, NY

Dates: June - August

Cost/Stipend: No cost; Students receive up to a $1,200 stipend. 

Eligibility: 9th- to 11th-grade students who live or attend school in or near the Rockaway peninsula are eligible to apply to Environmentor. The program is entirely in-person.

Deadline:  The application portal typically closes around May.

7. Mountains to Sound Greenway National Heritage Area | Clean Water Ambassadors Internships

The Wastewater Treatment Division (WTD) partners with the Mountains to Sound Greenway Trust to provide a high school summer internship program, where 12 interns get an opportunity to learn how government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and local communities influence the health of the waterways in the Puget Sound region. 

Under the mentorship of experts, participants engage in critical research, restoration projects, and community outreach initiatives to protect and enhance the area's water resources. 

Apart from the internship itself, you will also learn about environmental and social justice issues through field trips and workshops. Interns are required to work approximately 28 hours per week for 5 weeks.  

Location: Downtown Seattle at the Stadium Light Rail Station or King Street Center.

Dates: 4 weeks between July – August(28 hours/week, Monday-Friday).

Cost/Stipend: No cost; Interns are paid $20 on an hourly basis.

Eligibility: High school students who are at least 16 years old 

Deadline: Applications for 2024 are closed. They typically close around May. 

8. Teen Research and Education in Environmental Science (TREES)

The Teen Research and Education in Environmental Science program, known as TREES, offers a unique opportunity for young individuals interested in exploring environmental science. This notable summer program is supported by the University of Pennsylvania (UPenn) through its Center for Excellence in Environmental Toxicology.  

Each year, a select group of eight high school students are chosen to work individually with mentors on designated projects. This fully funded program begins with the development of basic laboratory skills and progresses to self-directed research efforts. Students gain hands-on experience in the scientific research process and learn to communicate their findings effectively. The culmination of the program involves presenting their results at a public presentation.

In addition to research, participants engage in a variety of enrichment activities, including college readiness and career exploration, which enhance their overall experience in the program.

Location: University of Pennsylvania

Dates: Typically 4 weeks in July and- August 

Cost/Stipend: No cost.

Eligibility: Open to all high school students

Deadline: Applications typically close by February.

If you’re looking to build unique projects in the field of AI/ML, consider applying to Veritas AI! 

Veritas AI was founded by Harvard graduate students, and through the programs, you get a chance to learn the fundamentals of AI and computer science while collaborating on real-world projects. You can also work 1-1 with mentors from universities like Harvard, Stanford, MIT, and more to create unique, personalized projects. In the past year, we had over 1000 students learn data science and AI with us. You can apply here!

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