15 Internships for College Students in Alaska
Internships offer college students an opportunity to develop relevant skills and gain valuable experience before graduation. These internships will place you in professional settings where you can contribute to meaningful projects, gain exposure to workplace expectations, and develop industry-specific skills that go beyond academic coursework. Adding an internship experience to your resume demonstrates to employers that you have practical experience in your area of interest, which can strengthen your candidature for entry-level roles. In Alaska, internships provide unique opportunities to engage with industries that are closely connected to the state's geography and communities, including environmental research, public service, and engineering.
If you’re open to considering remote/online internships, then you can check out paid programs here! And if you’re worried about having less experience, check out our blog here!
Why should I do an internship in college?
Pursuing an internship in college can help you develop practical skills such as research, technical analysis, communication, and project coordination that are directly relevant to many careers. You can also gain insight into how organizations operate, whether through fieldwork, laboratory research, legal support tasks, or community-focused projects. Many internship programs include structured mentorship or supervised training, providing access to consistent feedback and helping you to understand professional environments. Completing an internship can improve your employability by demonstrating real-world experience and initiative, helping you evaluate whether a particular field aligns with your long-term professional goals.
To help you get started, we’ve put together 15 internships for college students in Alaska. These programs span fields such as conservation, healthcare, legal services, engineering, cultural institutions, and energy.
Quick look
15 internships total spanning conservation, wildlife management, NASA-affiliated aerospace research, investment management, behavioral health, marine science, museum education, energy technology, legal services, and startup-based remote work, hosted by organizations including NASA, the Department of the Navy, the Alaska Permanent Fund Corporation, Alaska Conservation Foundation, Kawerak, Sealaska, and the Alaska Department of Fish and Game
The strongest disclosed stipends are Alaska Sea Grant CEF ($7,500), Alaska Conservation Foundation Ted Smith Fellowship ($7,000 plus up to $1,200 travel), and NASA/ASGP programs (up to $8,200 plus $1,000 travel); Kawerak pays $25 per hour and APFC pays $25 per hour; Alaska Public Defender and AKBH are unpaid but offer academic credit
Several programs are specifically designed for Alaska Native and Native American students, including Kawerak and Sealaska; others like the Ted Smith Fellowship and Sea Grant CEF require an Alaska connection but are open to students enrolled at any U.S. institution, and NREIP, NIH SIP, and Scientists in Parks are nationally accessible with Alaska-based placements
Most in-state programs require Alaskan residency or enrollment at an Alaska institution, including ACEP, ADF&G, APFC's internal track, and AKBH; Ladder Internships is the only fully remote option with no geographic restriction
The earliest deadlines are ACEP (December 8 to January 23), Ted Smith Conservation Internship (January 5), and NASA ASGP (recommended by January 15), so students targeting conservation or energy programs should begin applications well before the spring semester
1. Alaska Space Grant Program (ASGP) – NASA Internship
Location: NASA centers across the country, including Alaska
Cost/Stipend: Up to $8,200 plus $1,000 travel stipend
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive
Dates: June - August
Application Deadline: March 1 for the ASGP Scholarship request form submission (January 15 is the recommended deadline) | February 27 is the deadline for the NASA application
Eligibility: Undergraduate students enrolled in an ASGP-affiliated University | Must be U.S. citizens | Required minimum GPA is 3.0 | Must be at least 16 years old (some eligibility requirements may vary based on the internship, so please check individual opportunities here for internship-specified requirements)
The Alaska Space Grant Program (ASGP) NASA Internship supports undergraduate students from affiliated Alaska institutions in pursuing summer internship opportunities with NASA. You can apply through NASA’s centralized application system and may be considered to work on projects across science, engineering, technology, or related fields, depending on mentor requirements. You may gain experience working on research or technical projects under the guidance of NASA professionals, contributing to ongoing initiatives across various centers. ASGP also provides sponsorship support for selected students, helping offset the costs associated with participation. The application process will allow you to be considered for multiple NASA opportunities through a single submission, making it efficient and streamlined.
2. Ladder University Internship Program
Location: Remote (you can work from anywhere in the world)
Cost/Stipend: Cost varies depending on the program type | financial aid is available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Approximately 10% | 70 - 100 students
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year, including spring, summer, fall, and winter
Application Deadline: Deadlines vary depending on the cohort – spring (January), summer (May), fall (September), and winter (November)
Eligibility: Undergraduates and gap year students! who can work for 8 - 12 weeks, devoting 10 - 20 hours/week
The Ladder University Internship Program is a selective, virtual internship program that connects students with startups and nonprofit organizations around the world. The participating startups range across a variety of industries, including consulting, non-profit, finance, tech, AI, software engineering, and more. During the internship, each student will work on a real-world project that addresses an actual business need within the organization. Interns work closely with their manager at the host startup throughout the internship. The program concludes with you presenting your work and the impact of your contributions.
3. Alaska Center for Energy and Power (ACEP) Summer Internship Program
Location: ACEP Fairbanks or Anchorage office
Cost/Stipend: Competitive stipend offered to participating interns
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: June 1 - August 7
Application Deadline: December 8 - January 23
Eligibility: Undergraduate students from a range of disciplines, including electrical or mechanical engineering, computer science, rural development, communication, and journalism | Must be U.S. citizens residing in the U.S. and U.S. territories
The ACEP Summer Internship Program is a 10-week research internship focused on applied energy projects for Arctic and rural communities. You’ll be paired with an ACEP researcher who provides one-on-one mentorship and assigned a defined project in areas such as microgrids, hydrokinetic energy, or electric vehicles in cold climates. Depending on your placement, your work may include field-based data collection on rivers, modeling energy systems using Python and specialized software, or conducting surveys and community outreach. Some projects may even include travel to remote locations such as McGrath for fieldwork interacting with local stakeholders and gaining direct exposure to how energy solutions are implemented in real communities. You will collaborate with engineers, researchers, and local partners while gaining experience with technical tools, data analysis, and research communication. Several project tracks even conclude with a presentation or written report summarizing your findings, giving you experience translating technical work for community or professional audiences.
4. Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G) Internship Program
Location: Alaska Department of Fish and Game field sites and offices across Alaska
Cost/Stipend: Interns are paid an hourly wage (varies according to position and location)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive | Only 5 - 10 placements are available per division during the summer (a limited number of positions are available during the academic year)
Dates: Internships are available throughout the year, during the summer (late May or early June – late August or early September)
Application Deadline: Varies by internship | Typically, the application period extends from the posting date of the internship for at least 10 days | Summer internships are typically open in February.
Eligibility: Open to undergraduate students | Must be at least 16 years old | Must have completed at least 6 semester or 8 quarter hours of 100-level courses or higher (required credit hours may vary based on the internship level; check here) | Required minimum GPA is 2.0
The Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G) Internship Program is a structured training experience that provides undergraduate students with hands-on experience in wildlife management and state government operations. You’ll be placed in either administrative or science-focused roles, where you’ll contribute to ongoing projects involving fish sampling, wildlife observation, data analysis, or administrative support. You’ll develop practical skills in field research techniques, data collection, and understanding agency procedures through day-to-day assignments. Depending on your experience level, responsibilities may range from closely supervised entry-level tasks to more independent, technically oriented work aligned with your academic background. Some roles may involve field-based projects in remote locations, including travel by boat or aircraft as well as work in field camps. Agency staff will provide mentorship and guidance on both technical tasks and workplace expectations. The program will conclude with a presentation of your project work to staff and leadership, offering experience in communicating project outcomes in a professional setting.
5. Alaska Conservation Foundation’s Ted Smith Conservation Internship Program
Location: Host organizations across Alaska
Cost/Stipend: $7,000 plus reimbursement of travel costs up to $1,000 – $1,200 (depending on the location of the host organization)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not available
Dates: Internships are typically 12 weeks long and start in late May/early June (exact start and end dates are determined by the host organization)
Application Deadline: January 5 – February 17
Eligibility: Open to undergraduate students currently enrolled in an accredited college in the U.S. or abroad (preference given to college juniors and seniors, as well as recent graduates) | International students who are currently enrolled at an academic institution in the U.S. and are eligible to work in the country can apply
The Alaska Conservation Foundation’s Ted Smith Conservation Internship Program is a 12-week internship that places you with nonprofit and Alaska Native organizations and government agencies working on conservation issues across Alaska. In this program, you’ll contribute to projects such as environmental research, community outreach, communications, or program support, depending on your host organization. You may develop skills in areas such as field data collection, policy research, science communication, and community engagement through project-based assignments. Special projects may include conducting environmental monitoring initiatives, supporting public education activities, or assisting with the delivery of conservation programs. You’ll collaborate with conservation initiatives, local communities, and other interns, gaining exposure to a range of environmental careers in Alaska. Mentorship will be provided through your host organization, and the program will include opportunities to build connections with conservation practitioners and peers across the state.
6. Alaska Permanent Fund Corporation (APFC) Internships
Location: The Internal Internship Program takes place at the APFC Headquarters in Juneau, AK | External Internships take place in various locations across the U.S. (typically California or Texas)
Cost/Stipend: $25/hour
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Internal Internships have 2 positions open each year
Dates: Internships are typically 12–13 weeks long
Application Deadline: Varies by internship; open internship positions are typically posted in late Fall (typically November – January)
Eligibility: Open to undergraduate students who are either enrolled full-time at an Alaska university or Alaska residents attending school elsewhere | External internships may have different eligibility requirements based on the partner
The Alaska Permanent Fund Corporation (APFC) Internship program offers undergraduate students hands-on experience in investment management through both internal and external placements. In the internal internship program based in Juneau, you’ll work alongside investment and finance teams, contributing to tasks such as portfolio analysis, investment research, due diligence, and investment accounting. You’ll develop practical skills in asset management, financial analysis, and understanding investment strategies through day-to-day work. The external internship program will place you with partner organizations, where responsibilities may vary based on the host organization’s focus and may include exposure to border financial markets and operations. The program emphasizes hands-on involvement in team projects, mentorship from industry experts, and exposure to real-world investment processes and professional workflows.
7. Alaska Space Grant Programs (ASGP) - Industry Internships
Location: Companies across Alaska
Cost/Stipend: $8,200
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective | The exact number of interns varies based on the internship
Dates: 10 weeks in the summer; exact dates may vary based on the internship
Application Deadline: February 1
Eligibility: Open to undergraduate students in good academic standing | Must be enrolled at an Alaskan institution of higher education during the period of the award | Must be U.S. citizens | Some internships may have internship-specific eligibility requirements
The Alaska Space Grant Program (ASGP) Industry Internship program is a 10-week summer internship for undergraduate students that places them with Alaska-based companies in industries such as aerospace, geophysics, and biotechnology. In this internship, you will work on technical and research-focused projects, which may include supporting spacecraft operations, assisting with engineering design and manufacturing, or conducting field-based scientific measurements. You may build skills in data analysis, engineering processes, and scientific research through hands-on assignments across different industry settings. Project work can range from developing operational systems and analyzing environmental data to assisting with laboratory experiments and prototype development. You’ll collaborate with engineers, scientists, and industry professionals while gaining exposure to real-world project workflows. The program also requires you to complete a final report and deliver a public presentation of your work, with the opportunity to present your work at the Alaska Space Grant Education and Research Symposium.
8. Anchorage Museum Internships
Location: Anchorage Museum, Anchorage, AK
Cost/Stipend: Varies by internship
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive
Dates: Internships are available throughout the year
Application Deadline: Varies by internship
Eligibility: Open to undergraduate students; each internship might have its own eligibility requirements | Check here
Internships at the Anchorage Museum provide structured, on-site programs that provide you with experience in museum education, public engagement, and collections management. In these internships, you may work alongside museum staff to support daily operations, facilitate hands-on learning activities, assist with program development, or contribute to collections care and documentation. You may build skills in visitor engagement, program design, object handling, and museum systems through practical, project-based assignments. Depending on the role, you may help prototype new educational activities, manage materials in public learning spaces, or participate in inventory and preservation projects. You will collaborate with educators, curators, and collections staff, gaining insight into how different departments support museum functions.
9. Naval Research Enterprise Internship Program (NREIP)
Location: Various Department of Navy (DoN) labs across the U.S., including Alaska
Cost/Stipend: $7,500 for new undergraduate interns and $9,000 for returning students
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive, with over 800 placements in 62 laboratories around the country
Dates: 10 weeks in the summer, with the possibility of extending up to four additional weeks
Application Deadline: August 1 - November 1
Eligibility: Undergraduate students who have at least completed their freshman year (or equivalent) before the start of the internship (students graduating from college the spring semester before the internship are also eligible to apply) | Must be enrolled full-time at an accredited four-year college or university | Must be U.S. citizens | Some labs may accept permanent residents and dual citizens and/or students attending two-year colleges in relevant majors who meet the credit requirements (minimum 31 credits) | Check individual lab pages here for other lab-specific exceptions and prerequisites
The Naval Research Enterprise Internship Program (NREIP) is a 10-week summer research internship designed for undergraduate students pursuing STEM fields. The program places you in Department of the Navy laboratories across the U.S., including selected facilities in Alaska. In this internship, you’ll work on naval research projects, such as analyzing acoustic data or supporting experiments related to vessel noise and underwater systems. You’ll develop technical skills in data analysis, research methods, and engineering applications through hands-on involvement in laboratory and field-based projects. Department of the Navy scientists and engineers will offer mentorship and guidance, giving you insight into applied defense research and the different potential career pathways in naval science and engineering.
10. Alaska Public Defender Agency’s Undergraduate Internship
Location: Locations across Alaska
Cost/Stipend: Unpaid
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: Internship opportunities are available year-round
Application Deadline: Rolling | You can reach out to amanda.hillberry@alaska.gov if you’re interested in applying for an internship at any point in time (include your desired location, time frame for the proposed internship, and your resume in the email)
Eligibility: Open to undergraduate students
The Alaska Public Defender Agency’s Undergraduate Internship is a flexible, year-round opportunity where you’ll support attorneys in criminal defense work across different offices. As part of this internship, you’ll assist with trial preparation and day-to-day tasks while understanding the roles of law office assistants and paralegals. You’ll rotate through different sections of the Agency, gaining exposure to multiple areas of legal practice and casework. The experience is tailored in collaboration with your academic program, allowing you to align responsibilities with your coursework or internship requirements. You’ll work alongside attorneys and legal staff, building an understanding of legal processes and office workflows. Internships are unpaid and offered on a rolling basis, with placements determined through direct coordination with the Agency.
11. Kawerak’s Summer Internship Program
Location: Placements are available in the Bering Strait region of Northwest Alaska
Cost/Stipend: Competitive pay starting at 25/hour
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: 10–12 weeks in June - August (there will be an orientation on May 26)
Application Deadline: February - April (applications are accepted on a rolling basis)
Eligibility: Open to undergraduate students who are Alaska Native or Native Americans (priority given to Kawerak Higher Education Scholarship recipients) | Must have a GPA of 2.0 or higher
The Kawerak Summer Internship Program is a 10- to 12-week paid internship for Alaska Native and Native American students, placing you in roles across fields such as administration, natural resources, or social services in the Bering Strait region. In this internship, you may work in a specific department aligned with your academic interests, contributing to day-to-day operations and community-focused projects. The program also includes required leadership and skill-building sessions covering topics such as public speaking, resume development, and business communication. You’ll also engage with cultural and policy-related topics, including Alaska Native issues and regional governance. The internship combines workplace experience with structured training sessions that focus on both professional development and political and cultural awareness.
12. Sealaska Internship Program
Location: Sealaska and partner organizations across Alaska | There will be a Connect Week in Juneau, AK
Cost/Stipend: Competitive pay, but the exact amount is not specified | Travel costs are covered, and a housing stipend might be offered depending on the location
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: June 22 - August 21 | Connect Week is on June 14 - 20
Application Deadline: January 11 - March 9, or until each available position is filled
Eligibility: Students currently enrolled in college or a vocational-technical school or a recent graduate | Must be a Sealaska shareholder, descendant of a shareholder, or spouse of a shareholder | Must be at least 18 years old | Required minimum GPA is 2.5
The Sealaska Internship Program is a paid summer internship that places undergraduate students in roles across areas such as business, environmental science, engineering, technology, and community and cultural activities. In this internship, you’ll be assigned to a specific team within Sealaska or a partner organization, where you’ll contribute to projects such as environmental monitoring, communications, IT support, or program coordination. You’ll build practical skills through hands-on work in both field and office settings, depending on your placement area. The program begins with a Connect Week in Juneau, where you’ll participate in cultural workshops, professional development sessions, and group activities with other interns. You’ll collaborate with staff, partners, and community members, gaining exposure to organizational operations and regional initiatives. The program integrates project-based work with structured cultural and networking experiences, including engagement with Alaska Native communities.
13. Alaska Behavioral Health (AKBH) Student Internship Opportunities
Location: Alaska Behavioral Health, Anchorage, AK
Cost/Stipend: Unpaid | Internships are for academic credit only
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 15 graduate and undergraduate students each year
Dates: Varies by academic program and placement
Application Deadline: Rolling | Since placements are limited, the earlier you apply, the better your chances of getting accepted
Eligibility: Open to undergraduate students enrolled in a program that has a signed Memorandum of Agreement with AKBH | Check here (priority given to Social Work students)
Student Internship Opportunities at AKBH provide supervised clinical training for undergraduate students interested in psychology, social work, or counseling. In this internship, you may typically work as a clinical associate, supporting clients with skill development activities under close supervision. You may build foundational skills in behavioral health practice, client interaction, and applied clinical techniques through structured, hands-on work. The program also includes participation in weekly Learning Community sessions, where you’ll engage in discussions on clinical practice, reflection, and professional development. You’ll collaborate with clinical staff and gain exposure to real-world behavioral health settings and workflows.
14. Alaska Sea Grant Community Engaged Fellowship (CEF)
Location: Alaska Sea Grant offices or partner organizations across Alaska
Cost/Stipend: $7,500
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: 10 weeks in the summer
Application Deadline: March 1
Eligibility: Undergraduate students enrolled in any accredited U.S. college or university | Must have completed at least one semester of full-time study | Must have an Alaska connection, either through their home community or by attending an Alaska college or university | Recent high school graduates planning to attend college and college students who have graduated with an undergraduate degree within the previous academic year can also apply
The Alaska Sea Grant’s CEF program is a 10-week summer internship for undergraduate students interested in marine and coastal sciences, policy, communication, and related fields. You’ll be placed in hands-on roles at Alaska Sea Grant offices or partner organizations. You’ll work on community-based projects addressing coastal or marine issues, which may include field research, environmental monitoring, education initiatives, or outreach efforts. You’ll develop skills in data collection, project coordination, and science communication while contributing to topics such as coastal resilience, fisheries, and public education. Projects are led by mentors, allowing you to collaborate closely with professionals while applying your work to real community needs. You’ll also participate in structured professional development activities and join a national network of fellows working on similar community-based initiatives across the U.S. A key component of the fellowship is engaging directly with stakeholders and local communities, giving you experience in translating scientific or policy concepts into practical, community-relevant outcomes.
15. ConocoPhillips Internships
Location: Various locations across the globe, including Alaska
Cost/Stipend: Paid
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: Internships are typically offered in the summer (mid-May - July)
Application Deadline: Rolling | Summer internships are typically posted in the Fall semester of the year before the internship
Eligibility: Open to undergraduate students | There may be internship-specific eligibility requirements and prerequisites
The ConocoPhillips Internship program is a summer experience for students across disciplines such as engineering, geosciences, finance, IT, and supply chain, offering hands-on exposure to operations in the energy industry. In this internship, you’ll work on real-world projects that may include fieldwork, developing technical or programming solutions, or preparing business presentations for internal stakeholders. You’ll build skills in technical analysis, problem-solving, and professional communication while applying your academic knowledge to industry-specific challenges. You’ll collaborate with professionals across teams and will be paired with a mentor who’ll provide guidance and feedback throughout the internship. The experience will also include professional, social, and volunteer activities, offering additional context on workplace culture and community engagement.
Questions students often ask about these programs
I go to school outside Alaska but have a connection to the state. Which programs are accessible to me?
The Ted Smith Conservation Internship, Alaska Sea Grant CEF, and ASGP Industry Internships all specifically welcome students enrolled at non-Alaskan institutions who have an Alaska connection through their home community or place of origin. NREIP and NIH SIP are nationally accessible programs that happen to include Alaska-based placements. Sealaska accepts students attending any college or vocational school as long as they meet the shareholder eligibility criteria. If your Alaska connection is genuine but indirect, checking each program's specific language about what qualifies before applying is worth doing early in the process.
Are there options on this list for students interested in business, finance, or legal careers rather than STEM or conservation?
Yes. APFC's internal investment management internship is finance-focused and open to undergraduates enrolled at Alaska universities. The Alaska Public Defender Agency internship is specifically designed for students interested in legal careers and criminal defense work. Sealaska places interns across communications, business administration, and IT in addition to scientific fields. ConocoPhillips recruits across finance and operational functions alongside its technical placements. Anchorage Museum internships span education, collections, and public engagement rather than research or lab science.
Some programs, like Kawerak and Sealaska, are specifically for Alaska Native students. What are the comparable options for students who are not eligible for those programs?
These programs exist specifically to support Alaska Native and tribal communities by building professional capacity within those communities, which is why eligibility is tied to membership or shareholder status. For students who don't meet those criteria, the Ted Smith Conservation Internship, Alaska Sea Grant CEF, ACEP, ADF&G, and ASGP programs all offer comparable field and research-based experience across Alaska without community-specific requirements. NREIP, Scientists in Parks, and NIH SIP are also strong national programs with Alaska-based placements open to any eligible undergraduate from an accredited institutions.