Updated October 2026
TL;DR
These 13 environmental science internships let high school students explore ecological research, habitat restoration, environmental education, and sustainability businesses. Depending on the placement, students may sample water, restore habitats, analyze data, or develop startup projects. Options include outdoor conservation crews, university research, and remote business work. Ladder Internships offers virtual startup projects, with environmental work depending on the company match.
What can the fish and insects in a stream reveal about its health? The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency explains that aquatic organisms provide evidence about the condition of their ecosystems. Environmental science connects observations like these with decisions about protecting habitats and natural resources. For high school students, practical experience can make that connection easier to understand.
We selected these opportunities for their environmental focus, high school eligibility, and mix of research, conservation, education, and sustainability work.
If you’re especially curious about animals and habitats, explore these wildlife biology internships for high school students. You can also browse summer environmental internships for high school students for more seasonal options.
Why should you do an environmental science internship?
An environmental science internship connects classroom ideas about ecosystems with practical decisions about protecting them. It can help you explore whether scientific research, conservation, or environmental communication interests you most. To explore sustainability in a business setting, discover Ladder Internships, where environmental projects depend on the company match.
What skills can you pick up in environmental science internships?
Environmental science internships can strengthen your ability to observe, interpret evidence, and clearly explain environmental problems. Depending on the work, you might practice accurate recordkeeping, data analysis, or communication with different audiences. These skills help connect scientific findings with practical conservation decisions and public understanding.
How do you choose the right option?
Consider several factors before applying, including your grade level, location, academic background, schedule, and budget. You should also check requirements related to citizenship, residency, coursework, or GPA, as these can vary significantly!
|
Program type |
Top programs |
Cost/Stipend |
Best for |
|
Virtual Programs |
Fee-based (financial aid available) |
Students seeking remote startup experience with a potential sustainability focus |
|
|
Outdoor Conservation Crews |
Shenandoah YCC, North Carolina Youth Crews, Northwest Youth Corps, Wave Hill Forest Project |
Free–$200 tuition; stipends $15/hr– $2,275 |
Students who enjoy active outdoor work and want to explore land stewardship |
|
Environmental Research |
Free; stipends $350–$3,500 |
Students considering scientific study of aquatic ecosystems, urban ecology, or agricultural and environmental science |
|
|
Coastal Conservation |
Free; stipend $15/hr - $1,200 |
Students drawn to coastal ecosystems, animal care, or community conservation |
|
|
Environmental Education |
Free; stipends $22/hr - $2,000 |
Students interested in environmental careers, nature education, and community outreach |
1. National Park Service, Shenandoah National Park – Youth Conservation Corps (YCC)
Location: Blue Ridge Mountains, Virginia
Stipend: $15 per hour; latest published rate
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; cohort size not published
Dates: TBA; usually June 15 – August 6
Application Deadline: TBA; usually April 24
Eligibility: At least 15 when enrollment starts and under 19 throughout; U.S. citizens or permanent residents; have or have applied for a valid U.S. Social Security number; obtain a work permit if required; have parental consent if under 18
You join trail maintenance operations supporting Shenandoah’s network of over 500 miles of trails, hiking long distances with tools and equipment. You may also work on wildlife habitat improvement, stream restoration, place-based STEM projects, and educational field trips.
Who is it best for: Students who want active outdoor conservation work and exposure to habitat restoration and public land stewardship.
2. Ladder Internships
Location: Online
Stipend: Cost varies depending on the program type; financial aid is available / No stipend
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 10% acceptance; 70 students
Dates: Eight weeks; Winter: December 7; Winter II: January 11; Spring: March 1; Summer: TBA, usually June 1; Summer II: TBA, usually July 13; Fall: TBA, usually September 14
Application Deadline: Winter: November 15; Winter II: December 27; Spring: February 7; Summer: rolling (reported); Summer II: TBA, usually June 21; Fall: TBA, usually August 23
Eligibility: Current high school students
You work remotely on a startup project, define deliverables with a company coach, and present your completed work to the company. If matched with SmartSolar, you work directly with its founder on solar-energy product development and market research. Your environmental focus depends on the company match; a verified past project involved developing a marketing strategy for eco-friendly bags.
Who is it best for: Students who want to explore sustainability businesses through product development, market research, or environmental marketing projects.
3. Hutton Junior Fisheries Biology Program
Location: All 50 U.S. states, Canada, Mexico, and Puerto Rico
Stipend: $3,000
Acceptance rate/cohort size: ~8%; ~35–40 scholars
Dates: Eight weeks during June – August; exact dates agreed with mentor
Application Deadline: January 24
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors; at least 16; live in the U.S., Puerto Rico, Canada, Mexico, or Pacific Islands; have not previously participated in the program
You work alongside a fisheries professional near your home for an eight-week internship in a marine or freshwater setting. Depending on your placement, you may sample streams, tag fish, restore ecosystems, analyze data, or examine fish to determine their age and growth.
Who is it best for: Students who want to investigate aquatic ecosystems through fieldwork and laboratory research while exploring fisheries conservation and environmental management.
4. Conservation Corps North Carolina Youth Conservation Crews
Location: North Carolina
Stipend: Paid; amount not disclosed
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; 4–6 members per crew
Dates: TBA; usually 3–6 weeks during June – August, depending on the crew
Application Deadline: TBA; the program offers an email notification list for position announcements
Eligibility: Students aged 15–18 years old; at least 15 when your crew begins; live in North Carolina
You work on conservation projects, including trail maintenance, habitat restoration, invasive plant removal, and community greening. You join a crew of four to six youth members supervised by two crew leaders.
Who is it best for: Students who want outdoor conservation work connecting ecological restoration with community land stewardship.
5. Rockaway Initiative for Sustainability and Equity (RISE) Research Mentorship Program| Environmentor
Location: Far Rockaway, New York
Stipend: Up to $1,200
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; 12–15 students
Dates: June – mid-August; June orientations/workshops; six research weeks during July – August
Application Deadline: TBA; applications open in spring, with required in-person group interviews in May
Eligibility: Students in grades 9–11; live in New York City; attend school in or near the Rockaway Peninsula
You conduct individual environmental research on Jamaica Bay and the Rockaway shoreline with scientists from local universities and research institutions. You join orientations and workshops, participate in community service, and receive water safety and CPR training alongside kayaking, biking, and surfing activities.
Who is it best for: Students who want to investigate coastal ecosystems through mentored environmental research and community conservation activities.
6. Mountains to Sound Greenway National Heritage Area | Clean Water Ambassadors Internships
Location: Seattle, Washington
Stipend: $22 per hour
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; 12 interns
Dates: Summer: TBA, usually July 7 – August 7; optional school-year extension: September – June
Application Deadline: TBA; usually April 22
Eligibility: High school students who are at least 16 by July 7; live in Washington’s Seattle Metro area; have valid identification and proof of U.S. employment eligibility
You combine field trips to water utilities, lakes, and streams with teaching peers and community members about clean-water issues and solutions. You also interview environmental professionals, explore environmental and social justice through workshops, and present your experience to staff and community members.
Who is it best for: Students who want to explore water protection and environmental careers through field visits and community education.
7. University of Washington Botanic Gardens – Youth Summer Internship
Location: Seattle, Washington
Stipend: $2,000
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; about 20–30 interns
Dates: TBA; usually June 29 – August 7
Application Deadline: TBA; usually May 29
Eligibility: Students aged 16–18 years old
You meet environmental professionals from different organizations across Puget Sound to explore environmental career paths. You combine an environmental team project in Washington Park Arboretum with outdoor education work involving children.
Who is it best for: Students who want to explore environmental careers through collaborative outdoor projects, nature education, and meetings with working professionals.
8. Northwest Youth Corps – Youth Community Program
Location: Portland, Oregon
Cost/Stipend: $200 tuition, with need-based tuition assistance available / $480 weekly stipend; up to $40 weekly bonuses
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; 8–9 members per crew
Dates: TBA; usually Session 1: June 15 – July 17; Session 2: July 21 – August 21
Application Deadline: TBA; usually before March 23 for priority consideration, then until filled
Eligibility: Students aged 15–18 at the session’s start; live in a participating Portland-area community; U.S. citizens or permanent residents
You work on local conservation projects such as tree planting, invasive plant removal, wildfire fuel reduction, trail construction, and fencing under the guidance of trained crew leaders. You combine approximately 6.5 hours of daily conservation work with an hour of education in a five-week day program, returning home each evening.
Who is it best for: Students who want practical outdoor conservation experience and opportunities to explore ecology and natural resource management through community projects.
If you live outside Portland or don’t want to commute every day, consider Ladder Internships, which pair you with startups to work on real projects in a fully virtual format.
9. College of Agricultural & Environmental Sciences - Young Scholars Internship Program (YSP)
Location: Athens, Griffin, and Tifton, Georgia
Stipend: Paid; amount not disclosed
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; ~20 students
Dates: TBA; usually June 1 – July 7 for the internship; July 8 – 10 for the conference
Application Deadline: TBA; usually January 23
Eligibility: Students who have completed their sophomore year of high school; first-time participants; at least 16 by the program start; have completed one laboratory science course and one semester of algebra
You conduct faculty-supervised research in agricultural, food, or environmental science, with past projects including flood prediction and sensor-controlled irrigation. You present your research at the three-day Young Scholars Pre-Collegiate Research Conference on UGA’s Athens campus. You also attend workshops and visit agricultural operations.
Who is it best for: Students who want to investigate environmental questions through university research and present their findings to other researchers.
10. Wave Hill Forest Project
Location: Bronx, New York
Stipend: Approximately $2,275
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; cohort size unverified
Dates: TBA; usually summer
Application Deadline: TBA; usually February 27; a separate SYEP application is also required
Eligibility: Currently enrolled high school students; at least 16 by May 1; live in New York City; be eligible to work in the United States; be able to work in unpaved natural areas, use heavy tools, and bend at the waist.
You restore Wave Hill’s woodlands by maintaining trails, removing invasive plants, stabilizing eroded slopes, and documenting restoration work. You also take an accredited college course in restoring New York City’s natural areas, collect ecological data, and develop restoration plans for your woodland site.
Who is it best for: Students who want outdoor conservation work combining urban forest restoration with ecological data collection and college coursework.
11. National Aquarium, through Baltimore City’s YouthWorks program – National Aquarium YouthWorks summer positions
Location: Baltimore, Maryland
Stipend: $15 per hour
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; cohort size not published
Dates: TBA; usually June 29 – July 30
Application Deadline: TBA; usually City application: February 27; Aquarium interest form opens in January
Eligibility: Live in Baltimore City; ages 14–21; hold a work permit if under 18; have a Social Security number and proof of identity and work authorization
This program lets you support animal husbandry, visitor engagement, or field conservation activities. In the Field Conservation Aide role, you could collect water samples and biodiversity data at Harbor Wetland, help restore habitats, and maintain Fort McHenry wetland trails.
Who is it best for: Students who want to explore urban wetland conservation through environmental monitoring, habitat restoration, and community engagement.
12. SUNY Oneonta Biological Field Station Internships
Location: Cooperstown, New York
Stipend: $3,500 upon successful completion of the internship and required deliverables
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; typically 1–3 high school places
Dates: TBA; usually eight weeks between late May and August, with flexible start and end dates
Application Deadline: TBA; usually March 18
Eligibility: High school students who live in New York State and will be at least 16 by June 20
You investigate Otsego Lake and the Susquehanna watershed through fisheries and plant surveys, water sampling, laboratory analyses, and data analysis. You present your research, create a poster, and prepare a technical report for the field station’s annual report.
Who is it best for: Students who want to investigate freshwater ecosystems through outdoor sampling, laboratory work, and environmental research.
13. Wildlife Conservation Society | Bronx Zoo Project TRUE
Location: Bronx, New York
Stipend: Summer: $750 or NYC minimum wage through an eligible SYEP placement; fall: approximately $350
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; 20–25 students
Dates: Summer: TBA, usually June 30 – August 20; fall continuation: September 12 – December 19
Application Deadline: TBA; usually February 25
Eligibility: High school sophomores or juniors in good standing; live in the Bronx; eligible to work in the United States
You investigate urban ecology through projects on wildlife distribution, bird communities, water quality, or invasive species, collecting and analyzing field data. You work in a small research team with a Fordham University undergraduate mentor and WCS educators to design a study and present your findings to scientists and the public.
Who is it best for: Students who want to investigate urban wildlife and ecosystems through fieldwork, ecological data analysis, and collaborative research.
Can an environmental science internship help with your college applications?
An environmental science internship can give you concrete examples of how you explored an academic interest beyond class. You might reflect on interpreting evidence, meeting responsibilities, or understanding a local conservation challenge. Explain what you learned and how your thinking changed, without treating the experience as a guarantee of admission.
How do you apply for an environmental science internship?
Start with each program’s official instructions to confirm eligibility, deadlines, and the materials requested for that cohort. Prepare specific examples of your interest in environmental questions, whether from coursework, a school sustainability activity, or independent observation. Allow time to gather any requested documents and explain clearly what you hope to learn.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Do I need previous environmental research experience?
Prior research experience is not a universal requirement: some options explicitly welcome students without previous environmental experience. University research placements can have more specific academic expectations, such as completed laboratory science and algebra coursework or a strong background in environmental or natural sciences.
2. How would I share findings from environmental research?
Research placements may culminate in a scientific presentation, a poster, or a technical report. Some involve presenting to researchers and other students, while others also share findings with the public.
3. Are these experiences limited to the summer?
Summer is the main season represented, but some options continue into the school year. Conservation crews may run for three to six weeks, research internships can last eight weeks, and some summer participants return for fall research or optional school-year projects.
4. Can I participate from home?
Remote participation is available, while the fieldwork, restoration, laboratory, and outdoor education options involve attending a local site. For an online startup experience, Ladder Internships offers virtual projects, with environmental work depending on your company match.