15 Free Environmental Science Internships for High School Students
If you're a high school student interested in the environment, an internship is a great way to gain practical experience and deepen your knowledge. Environmental science internships for high schoolers offer opportunities to work on projects, receive expert mentorship, and gain industry exposure. Whether you're interested in climate research, conservation, or environmental engineering, these internships give you an understanding of the field while helping you develop valuable skills like data analysis, project management, and fieldwork.
Participating in these internships can also strengthen your college applications. Admissions officers look for students who demonstrate initiative and a commitment to their interests, and an internship provides concrete evidence of that. By participating, you'll not only gain technical skills but also improve your ability to work in teams, communicate effectively, and solve problems.
In this guide, we've compiled 15 free environmental science internships for high school students!
1. Clean Water Ambassadors Internship
Location: Seattle, Washington
Cost/Stipend: Paid; $20 per hour
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Around 30 students selected for interviews
Dates: July 7 - August 7
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: High school students aged 16 years or above; applicants from communities underrepresented in environmental careers are strongly encouraged to apply
In the Clean Water Ambassadors Internship, you’ll spend 5 weeks learning about environmental issues and clean water management in the Seattle area. The program is organized by the Mountains to Sound Greenway Trust and the King County Wastewater Treatment Division. As an intern, you’ll attend workshops, field trips, and discussions that explore clean water, sustainability, and environmental justice. You’ll also interview professionals working in environmental careers and develop communication skills by teaching younger students and presenting your final project. This internship gives you a chance to see how local agencies protect water resources while building teamwork and public speaking skills in a collaborative environment.
2. Ladder Internships
Location: Remote (you can participate from anywhere in the world)
Cost/Stipend: Full financial aid available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective program (varies depending on the cohort)
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year (Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter)
Application Deadline: Deadlines vary depending on the cohort (January, May, September, and November)
Eligibility: Open to high school students, undergraduates, and gap year students able to commit 10 - 20 hours per week for 8 - 12 weeks
Through the Ladder Internship Program, you can work remotely with fast-growing start-ups across diverse industries, including technology, health, marketing, sustainability, and environmental science. The program pairs you with a company where you’ll collaborate directly with professionals, contribute to live projects, and present your work to the team. Each internship lasts around 8 weeks and allows you to apply classroom knowledge to real-world challenges while building skills in research, problem-solving, and communication. With full financial aid options available, this program offers flexible and accessible opportunities for students interested in exploring innovation and impact-driven work environments.
3. STEM Enhancement in Earth Science (SEES) Summer Intern Program
Location: Hosted by NASA and The University of Texas at Austin Center for Space Research (virtual with an optional on-site component)
Cost/Stipend: Free; housing, meals, and local transportation provided for on-site participants; limited travel scholarships available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive; typically 60 - 80 students selected nationwide each year
Dates: Distance learning from May to early July; virtual research and mentoring from June to mid-July; virtual Science Symposium is in late July
Application Deadline: February 22
Eligibility: U.S. high school students with a demonstrated interest in STEM fields
In the SEES Summer Intern Program, you’ll collaborate with NASA scientists and engineers on research in Earth and space science. The program begins with virtual modules that teach you to analyze NASA satellite data and apply it to topics such as climate change, remote sensing, and natural hazards. If you are selected for the on-site component at the University of Texas at Austin, you’ll work with mentors and peers on team-based projects and continue refining your research skills. The internship concludes with a Virtual Science Symposium, where you’ll share your project results and gain experience in presenting your scientific work. Through this combination of remote learning and hands-on mentorship, you’ll build practical skills in data analysis, critical thinking, and scientific collaboration.
4. Hutton Junior Fisheries Biology Program
Location: Available across the U.S., including Connecticut (within a 45-minute commute of your home)
Cost/Stipend: $3,000 as stipend
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: June - August (8 weeks; flexible schedule)
Application Deadline: January 25
Eligibility: Open to high school students, with an emphasis on participation from underrepresented groups in fisheries, aquatic science, and related fields
The Hutton Junior Fisheries Biology Program offers hands-on experience in environmental science and aquatic research. Over 8 weeks, you’ll work with fisheries scientists and mentors on field-based projects such as fish sampling, habitat assessment, and water quality studies. Your mentor will guide you through the research process and introduce you to careers in fisheries biology and environmental conservation. The program emphasizes practical, hands-on learning, giving you insight into how data collected in the field supports real-world conservation and management decisions.
5. Virginia Earth System Science Scholars (VESSS) Program
Location: Online (December - April) and in-person at NASA Langley Research Center, Virginia
Cost/Stipend: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive
Dates: Session 1: July 6 - 12 | Session 2: July 20 - 26
Application Deadline: October 26
Eligibility: Virginia high school juniors and seniors who are U.S. citizens with a minimum GPA of 2.7
In the Virginia Earth System Science Scholars (VESSS) Program, you’ll explore how Earth’s atmosphere, land, and oceans interact through NASA-supported research. The experience begins with an online course covering subjects such as climate change, satellite observation, and Earth system modeling. Based on your performance, you may be selected for a 1-week summer session at NASA Langley Research Center, where you’ll work in teams to analyze satellite data and develop research-based solutions to environmental questions. The program can help you strengthen your understanding of Earth science while building practical skills in teamwork, data analysis, and scientific problem-solving.
6. Earthwatch Girls in Science Fellowship
Location: California (open to high school students across California or Rex Putnam High School, Oregon)
Cost/Stipend: Fully funded
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Approximately 70 students selected previously
Dates: July 12 - 19 or August 2 - 9
Application Deadline: February 28
Eligibility: Open to female and nonbinary high school sophomores or juniors aged 15 - 18 years who live and attend school in California or at Rex Putnam High School in Oregon
The Earthwatch Girls in Science Fellowship allows you to work with female scientists on environmental research projects that address environmental challenges. The program is fully funded and aims to strengthen your scientific curiosity, technical abilities, and confidence in the field. As part of a small team, you’ll participate in hands-on research, learn how data is collected and analyzed, and gain insights into environmental careers. The program also provides mentorship from women in science, giving you the opportunity to see how scientific work contributes to sustainability and conservation efforts in your community.
7. Teen Research and Education in Environmental Science (TREES) Program – University of Pennsylvania
Location: University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA (on-campus)
Cost/Stipend: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; small cohort for individualized mentorship
Dates: Summer (exact dates announced each fall)
Application Deadline: Late fall (for the following summer)
Eligibility: High school students who have completed Grades 9 - 11, have at least a GPA of 3.0, and can commute to campus
At the University of Pennsylvania’s Perelman School of Medicine, the TREES Program gives you the chance to conduct your own environmental research project under the guidance of a professional mentor. During the first 2 weeks, you’ll build your lab skills and learn core research methods, and then you’ll spend the rest of the program working on an independent project. You’ll explore real environmental issues through lab and field work, attend seminars and field trips, and present your findings at a final showcase. This free program is ideal if you want to understand how research links to careers in environmental science, sustainability, or public health.
8. Environmentor – RISE (Rockaway Initiative for Sustainability and Equity)
Location: Far Rockaway, NY (on-site at RISE)
Cost/Stipend: Free; participants receive a stipend of up to $1,200
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified; priority given to students who have attended Shore Corps
Dates: June - mid-August
Application Deadline: Spring (applications typically close by May)
Eligibility: Open to 9th - 11th grade students living in New York City who attend school in or near the Rockaway Peninsula
The Environmentor Program offers you the chance to dive into environmental research along the Rockaway shoreline and Jamaica Bay. Under the guidance of scientists from local universities and research institutions, you’ll design and conduct your own research project focused on coastal ecosystems. The 6-week summer program combines research with fieldwork, water safety, CPR training, kayaking, biking, and surfing. You’ll also earn community service hours through RISE events and receive a stipend for your participation. As part of the NYC Science Research Mentoring Consortium, the program helps you tackle real-world environmental issues while building skills in data collection, teamwork, and research communication.
9. Project TRUE (Teens Researching Urban Ecology)
Location: Bronx, NY
Cost/Stipend: $750 stipend or $16/hour (summer); $350 stipend (fall)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: Summer (late June - August) and Fall (September - December)
Application Deadline: Early March
Eligibility: Open to Bronx-based high school sophomores and juniors in good academic standing who are interested in science, comfortable in outdoor settings, and curious about the environment
In the Project TRUE program, you’ll explore how wildlife and green spaces coexist in New York City while gaining hands-on research experience. Run by the Wildlife Conservation Society’s Bronx Zoo in partnership with Fordham University, the program places you on a small research team studying topics such as mammal distribution, bird diversity, or water quality. You’ll collect data, design your own project, and present your findings to scientists and the public. Throughout the internship, you’ll be mentored by Fordham undergraduate students and WCS educators, learning how real ecological research is conducted in urban environments.
10. NOAA Ocean Guardian Youth Ambassador Program
Location: Remote (United States and U.S. territories)
Cost/Stipend: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: January - December
Application Deadline: Mid-November
Eligibility: Open to U.S. and U.S. territory students aged 13 - 18 years who are passionate about ocean conservation and community leadership
In the NOAA Ocean Guardian Youth Ambassador Program, you’ll join a nationwide network of students committed to protecting the ocean and marine ecosystems. Over the course of a year, you’ll attend monthly virtual sessions with NOAA scientists and experts to learn about topics such as ocean health, marine sanctuaries, and climate resilience. You’ll also lead your own project, such as a beach cleanup, school awareness campaign, or community event, to promote ocean stewardship. Along the way, you’ll develop leadership, communication, and project management skills while gaining exposure to conservation work within NOAA’s National Marine Sanctuaries.
11. Northwest Youth Corps – Youth Community Program
Location: Oregon, Washington, and Idaho (local community-based placements)
Cost/Stipend: $480 weekly stipend (plus potential $40 weekly bonus); $200 tuition (financial aid available)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: Multiple sessions from June to August (5 weeks each)
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Open to high school students aged 15 - 18 years who live in participating Northwest communities
The Youth Community Program lets you spend 5 weeks improving your local environment while developing valuable job and leadership skills. Guided by experienced crew leaders, you’ll work on projects such as trail building, tree planting, invasive species removal, and fencing. Each day, you’ll meet at a designated site, complete hands-on conservation work, and return home. The program combines fieldwork with daily educational sessions on ecology, teamwork, and resource management. You’ll earn a stipend, gain potential school credit, and build a stronger connection with your community’s natural spaces.
12. Forest Project – Wave Hill
Location: Bronx, New York
Cost/Stipend: Free; approximately $2,275 as stipend through NYC SYEP
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: Summer
Application Deadline: March 1 (via NYC SYEP provider application)
Eligibility: High school students aged 16+ years by May 1 who are NYC residents, eligible to work in the U.S., and interested in environmental science or urban ecology
The Forest Project gives you a chance to study urban ecology while taking part in real restoration efforts at Wave Hill, a public garden and cultural center in the Bronx. Throughout the summer, you will work alongside fellow students and mentors to maintain trails, remove invasive species, and assist with woodland restoration projects. You’ll also complete a college-accredited course – Restoration of New York City’s Natural Areas – where you will learn about topics such as ecology, data collection, and environmental management. Through a combination of fieldwork, research, and group activities, you’ll develop skills in teamwork, communication, and environmental science while earning both a stipend and college credit.
13. Biological Field Station High School Internship – SUNY Oneonta
Location: Cooperstown, New York
Cost/Stipend: Paid; $3,000 stipend provided
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 1 - 3 high school interns selected every year
Dates: Late May - August (9 weeks)
Application Deadline: Opens in January
Eligibility: New York State residents aged 16 years or above as of June 20; at least one position reserved for an Otsego County resident
The Biological Field Station (BFS) at SUNY Oneonta offers an immersive summer internship where you’ll take part in real-world environmental research and conservation projects. Working alongside scientists and faculty mentors, you’ll conduct fisheries and plant surveys, collect water samples, perform lab analyses, and interpret data, contributing to research on Otsego Lake and the Susquehanna River watershed. Each intern presents their findings through a poster and technical report featured in the BFS Annual Report. With the right mix of hands-on fieldwork, lab science, and independent research, this program provides authentic environmental research while offering both a stipend and college credit.
14. EnergyMag High School Internship
Location: Remote (virtual)
Cost/Stipend: Free; unpaid but no program fee
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: Available year-round; half-time internships (2 - 8 weeks) and quarter-time internships (1- 9 months)
Application Deadline: Rolling applications throughout the year
Eligibility: Open to high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors (GPA above 3.25 is preferred)
If you’re interested in renewable energy and environmental sustainability, the EnergyMag Virtual Internship gives you the chance to explore how energy storage drives the transition toward clean power. Working as a virtual intern under the guidance of a mentor, you’ll research real-world topics such as renewable energy technologies and market trends. You’ll learn how to gather and synthesize information, write professional analyses, and even contribute to articles published on EnergyMag’s website. The program is fully remote and free, making it a flexible opportunity to build environmental research and communication skills from anywhere.
15. Young Innovators: Climate & Energy
Location: University of Chicago, IL (Residential)
Cost/Stipend: $2,500 with full financial aid available; students with household income below $120,000 may attend for free (including travel for those below $65,000)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: July 13 - 18
Application Deadline: Varies (usually February - March)
Eligibility: Open to current 11th-grade students (age 15+ years) interested in climate, energy, and policy studies
If you’re passionate about sustainability and want to see how science connects with policy, the Young Innovators: Climate & Energy program gives you an in-depth look at careers in renewable energy and climate strategy. Over one week, you’ll engage with discussion-based classes, lectures, and projects led by experts from the University of Chicago’s Energy Policy Institute (EPIC) and the Climate Impact Lab. You’ll also visit Invenergy’s headquarters to meet industry professionals working on renewable energy solutions. This residential program combines academic rigor with real-world exposure, helping you understand the relationship between energy innovation, economic growth, and environmental protection – all while experiencing campus life in the heart of Chicago.
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