12 Best Teaching Internships for Undergraduates
If you're exploring a future in education, an internship can be a meaningful way to gain experience while building practical skills and strengthening your resume. We have curated a list of the top 12 internship opportunities that offer undergraduates entry points into education, whether through working with students, developing curriculum, or learning how policy and administration shape the field.
Some programs emphasize direct teaching, while others focus more on research or educational outreach. Either way, the list is diverse enough to help you explore potential career paths in education!
1. Ladder University Internship Program
Location: Remote
Acceptance rate/cohort: 10%
Program dates: 8 weeks, starting June 2nd (Summer cohort)
Application deadline: Priority deadline: March 9; Regular admission: April 13
Eligibility: College students and young professionals
Cost/Stipend: $1,490 participation fee
As a participant in the Ladder University Internship Program, you'll spend eight weeks working with top start-ups on real-world projects. You'll engage in weekly meetings with a supervisor from the start-up, gaining direct mentorship and hands-on experience in an entrepreneurial environment. Start-ups that offer internships range across a variety of industries, from tech/deep tech and AI/ML to health tech, marketing, journalism, consulting, teaching and more. You can explore all the options here on their application form. The program focuses on developing practical skills through project-based work, helping you build a strong portfolio while navigating the challenges of start-up culture.
This program offers the opportunity to collaborate with innovative companies, gain professional experience, and expand your network in the start-up ecosystem.
2. Student Volunteer Trainee Program – U.S. Department of Education
Location: Washington, D.C. and virtual placements (varies)
Acceptance rate/cohort: Selective
Program dates: 8–10 weeks (Fall, Winter/Spring, or Summer sessions)
Application deadline: Varies by session
Eligibility: Be at least 16 years of age; Attend an accredited educational institution, including but not limited to high school, trade school, technical or vocational institute, junior college, college, university, or graduate school
Cost/Stipend: Unpaid (volunteer-based)
If you’re looking to get your foot in the door of the public sector, the Student Volunteer Trainee program at the U.S. Department of Education lets you work in policy, data, communications, IT, and more. Over 8 to 10 weeks, you’ll build skills, work alongside professionals, and see how education policy plays out at the federal level. This is a solid option if you’re interested in government work and education. The details, like timing and availability, can differ based on what different offices need, but there are opportunities throughout the year!
3. The Education Project Tutoring Program
Location: Virtual
Acceptance rate/cohort: Open enrollment for volunteers
Program dates: Ongoing
Application deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: College students and young professionals interested in tutoring
Cost/Stipend: Volunteer-based (unpaid)
As a tutor with The Education Project, you’ll work one-on-one with K–12 students from low-income and minority backgrounds, offering free virtual tutoring in core subjects. You won’t just help them with homework, you’ll also be a mentor, encouraging their growth and helping them think ahead to college and beyond. The program uses tech to make learning more accessible and partners with schools to meet students where they are. It’s a great way to get teaching experience, build your communication skills, and be part of something impactful.
4. Freedom Schools Literacy Academy (FSLA) Tutor Apprenticeship
Location: Virtual and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Acceptance rate/cohort: Selective
Program dates: June 30 – August 1 (5 weeks)
Application deadline: Applications are open now
Eligibility: High school and college students interested in education and social justice
Cost/Stipend: Stipend available; eligibility for the Future Teachers of Excellence Fellowship
Through the FSLA apprenticeship, you’ll step into a teaching role supporting early literacy and cultural affirmation. Working with rising 1st to 3rd graders, you’ll support students in building reading skills while helping them embrace their racial identity in a space grounded in Black history, culture, and educational traditions. Apprentices can also apply for the Future Teachers of Excellence Fellowship, which includes professional development, scholarships, and retention stipends for those planning to stay in the field. This is a meaningful place to start if you're drawn to education as a tool for equity and justice.
5. Elevate Tutoring Fellowship Program
Location: Various local K-12 schools
Acceptance rate/cohort: Selective
Program dates: 18–24 months (part-time) Preservice training: August 16th and 17th
Application deadline: Priority deadline: May 9; Final deadline: June 9
Eligibility: Low-income, first-generation college students
Cost/Stipend: $8,000 scholarship
The Elevate Fellowship allows you to tutor underserved K–12 students for over 150 hours while growing as a teacher and professional. Alongside your teaching work, you’ll access mentorship, career guidance, and professional development supporting your academic and long-term goals. You will make a difference in students’ lives, build practical skills, connect with a network of educators and peers, and receive financial support to help with college costs!
6. Servant Leader Intern – Freedom School Summer Internship
Location: Various Freedom School sites
Acceptance rate/cohort: Selective
Program dates: 6 weeks
Application deadline: April 18th
Eligibility: College students with experience working with children
Cost/Stipend: Paid position (amount varies)
In the Servant Leader Intern role, you’ll take on the responsibilities of a summer classroom teacher, leading reading lessons in the morning and running afternoon activities ranging from creative projects to field trips. You’ll also help with meal service and foster a space where kids feel supported, engaged, and excited to learn. This position is a great fit if you’re energetic, reliable, and passionate about working with young people. It’s a great opportunity to gain teaching experience, grow as a mentor, and be part of a program that centers youth empowerment and educational equity.
7. Ignite Fellowship- Teach for America
Location: Virtual
Acceptance rate/cohort: Selective
Program dates: Sept 9 - Dec 13 (Fall); Jan 21 - April 25 (Spring)
Application deadline: April 30 (Fall cohort)
Eligibility: Have at least a 2.5 undergraduate GPA (or 3.0 high school for first year college students); Be at least 18 years of age, authorized to work in the U.S. and complete an online background check; Be a current undergraduate or graduate student, renewing fellow, accepted corps member, TFA alum, or previously accepted new fellow (deferral)
Cost/Stipend: Up to $1,200 (pre-tax)
The Ignite Fellowship pairs you with a small group of students for tutoring in areas like elementary reading, middle school math, or post-secondary prep for high schoolers. The 14-week program starts with two weeks of training and onboarding before you begin work supporting students’ academic growth. Along the way, you’ll receive structured guidance and earn a financial award for your time. It’s a meaningful way to develop your leadership and education skills while helping students stay on track.
8. Breakthrough AmeriCorps Summer Teaching Fellowship
Location: Various Breakthrough sites nationwide
Acceptance rate/cohort: Selective
Program dates: June 3 – August 2 (9 weeks)
Application deadline: Early Action Deadline: January 16; Regular Decision Deadline: February 27; Early Action Rollover 2/Regular Decision Rollover 1: Mar 20; Early Action Final Rollover/Regular Decision Rollover 2: Apr 10; Regular Decision Final Rollover: May 1
Eligibility: High school and college students interested in teaching
Stipend: $4,250 living stipend (additional $250 for returning fellows) | $1,824.07 Segal Education Award (upon completion of 450 service hours) | Up to $250 for gas and $150 relocation stipend | Housing support provided
Through the Breakthrough AmeriCorps Summer Teaching Fellowship, you’ll step into the role of a middle school teacher, leading your own classroom, mentoring students, and helping first-generation college students build the skills and confidence they need. Throughout the summer, you’ll get support from veteran educators, develop your leadership and communication abilities, and participate in professional development. This teaching experience also offers financial support and mentorship, making it ideal for anyone drawn to education, social impact work, or youth advocacy.
9. Center for Urban Teaching (CfUT) Summer Teaching Fellowship
Location: Green Lake, Wisconsin (retreat) & various summer school sites
Acceptance rate/cohort: Selective
Program dates: Team Building and Training (June 11th - June 25th); Summer School (June 26th - July 24th)
Application deadline: June 10
Eligibility: College students, recent graduates, and career changers interested in teaching
Cost/Stipend: Up to $4000
The CfUT Summer Teaching Fellowship begins with a two-week training bootcamp, including an overnight retreat in Green Lake, Wisconsin. After that, you'll lead your classroom in a summer school setting for four weeks, gaining teaching experience in a supportive environment. This program is designed to help you build confidence, develop essential teaching skills, and explore a future in education. With most past fellows securing teaching positions after college, CfUT offers a strong pathway into the profession.
10. UPchieve Volunteer Tutoring & College Counseling
Location: Virtual
Acceptance rate/cohort: Open enrollment for volunteers
Program dates: Ongoing
Application deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: College students and professionals interested in tutoring or college counseling
Cost/Stipend: Volunteer-based (unpaid)
Volunteering with UPchieve involves offering one-on-one academic support and college guidance to students who might not otherwise have access to those resources. Using their online platform, you’ll help with everything from homework questions to college essays, depending on what students need. The role is flexible, so you can tutor whenever it fits your schedule. Along the way, you’ll refine your communication and mentorship skills while helping expand educational access.
11. NEA Strategy Department Internship – National Education Association
Location: Washington, D.C.
Acceptance rate/cohort: Selective
Program dates: June 9 - August 14
Application deadline: Applications open
Eligibility: Students with an interest in education policy, strategy, or public service
Cost/Stipend: $20 per hour
Interning with the NEA’s Strategy Department allows you to support major initiatives within the Office of the Executive Director while contributing to the broader mission of advancing public education. You’ll work on projects that match your interests and strengths and gain a behind-the-scenes look at how strategy and operations shape the organization’s work. You’ll also attend NEA-sponsored events, policy forums, organizing activities, and leadership interviews, gaining a deeper understanding of education advocacy and the role of union leadership in driving change.
12. Forest Foundation’s Summer Fellowship Program
Location: Greater Boston, Massachusetts
Stipend: $7,500 (before tax)
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: 50 fellows selected annually
Program Dates: June 2 – August 8
Application Deadline: February 15
Eligibility: You are currently an enrolled undergraduate college student; Students at U.S.-based colleges or American citizens studying abroad are eligible to apply.
The Forest Foundation Summer Fellowship places college students at Boston-area nonprofits for a paid internship aligned with their interests, potentially including teaching roles in education-focused organizations. The program blends a full-time internship with weekly professional development workshops and a collaborative grant-writing project, which you’ll present to the foundation’s board. Over the course of the summer, you’ll commit to approximately 400 hours of nonprofit work, grant collaboration, and skill-building sessions in both in-person and virtual formats.