15 Internships for College Students in Delaware

If you are an undergraduate student, internships can play an important role in shaping your academic and professional journey. While your college courses provide the theoretical foundation of your field, internships allow you to apply that knowledge in real-world settings. They give you the opportunity to work on real projects, understand how organizations operate, and gain exposure to the industry you may want to pursue after graduation. Completing internships during college can also help you strengthen your resume and build a more competitive professional profile.

If you’re interested in learning about the online programs in other subjects, check out some science internships here & find economic internships here.

Why should I do an internship in college?

Doing an internship during college can significantly improve your career prospects. It helps you develop practical skills that are often difficult to learn in the classroom, such as communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and time management. Employers frequently prefer candidates with internship experience because it demonstrates that you can adapt to professional environments, take on responsibilities, and contribute to real-world work. Internships also give you the chance to explore different career paths before committing to one. By working alongside professionals and participating in projects, you gain a clearer understanding of the skills and responsibilities required in your chosen field. 

To help you find a better fit, we have found 15 of the best internships for undergraduate students in Delaware that provide valuable experience, mentorship, and career growth opportunities.

Quick Look

• 15 internships total spanning biomedical research, environmental science, engineering, journalism, law enforcement, government, and startup-based remote work, hosted by organizations including the University of Delaware, Mayo Clinic, DNREC, and the Delaware River and Bay Authority

• The strongest disclosed stipends are the University of Delaware CANR Research Experience ($5,500), DE-INBRE ($4,000), and MDDC Reese Cleghorn Journalism Internship ($4,800); hourly roles range from $16 (DRBA) to $27 per hour (Sargent & Lundy engineering)

• Several programs are specifically restricted to Delaware residents or students attending Delaware colleges, including DE-INBRE, the DSU Molecular Biology Internship, and the MDDC Reese Cleghorn program

• Most research programs prefer freshmen through juniors, making this list more accessible to earlier-stage undergraduates than many state-specific internship lists

• The earliest deadlines are MDDC Reese Cleghorn (November 15) and DRBA Network Engineering (February 17), so students targeting journalism or engineering roles should begin preparing materials well before spring

1. DE-INBRE Summer Student Research Program 

Location: Delaware, USA
Stipend: $4,000
Dates: 10 weeks during Summer; typically, early June through mid-August
Application Deadline: March 1 
Eligibility: Full-time rising undergraduate sophomores or above, live in Delaware or attend a Delaware college/university; U.S. citizens or permanent residents

The DE-INBRE Summer Student Research Program (SRP) offers a paid opportunity to gain hands-on experience in biomedical research at a partner institution in Delaware. During the summer, you’ll work full-time in a laboratory alongside a faculty mentor, taking part in active research projects. You’ll develop practical skills in scientific methods, laboratory techniques, and data analysis while contributing to ongoing studies. The program also includes professional development sessions, opportunities to strengthen your communication skills, and the chance to present your findings at a summer research symposium. By the end of the program, you’ll have valuable research experience that supports future study or careers in biomedical science.

2. Ladder's University Internship Program

Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: Cost varies depending on the program type; need-based financial assistance is available / No stipend
Dates: Several cohorts throughout the year (summer, spring, fall, and winter)
Application Deadline: Varies by cohort; Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September) and Winter (November)
Eligibility: Undergraduate and gap year students who can work for 10–20 hours/week for 8–12 weeks

Ladder Internships offers students opportunities to work with high-growth startups in various fields, including deep tech, environmental science, software engineering, web design/UX, finance, artificial intelligence, healthcare, and mental health. As an intern, you will work under the supervision and guidance of a start-up manager and a Ladder Coach on projects that align with your interests and the organization’s goals. The experience can help you contribute to real-world projects in a professional setting and access opportunities to build professional skills. At the end, you will present your work to the startup. You can find out more about the program and its application here.

3. Moonprint Solutions Undergrad Summer Internships

Location: Moonprint Solutions, Dover, DE
Stipend: $17–$25/hour based on experience; $18.25/hour for summer internships
Dates: 10 weeks between June and August
Application Deadline: May 30 
Eligibility: Undergraduate students who are U.S. citizens; proficient with CAD software (SolidWorks, AutoCAD/DraftSight) and MS Office 

At Moonprint Solutions, you can take part in a summer internship focused on engineering design and testing. The company develops specialized soft goods for organizations such as NASA and the United States Department of Defense. During the internship, you may assist with component and system design, create 2D and 3D CAD models, and conduct structural analysis to ensure designs meet required performance standards. You might also help document results, support testing procedures, and share technical insights with project teams and clients. Throughout the experience, you’ll strengthen key professional skills like communication, collaboration, time management, and adapting to the pace of a real engineering workplace

4. Molecular & Cellular Biology Internship – Delaware State University

Location: Delaware State University, Dover, DE
Stipend: Paid, amount not disclosed
Dates: May 26 – July 31
Application Deadline: March 27
Eligibility: Open to Undergraduate STEM majors from DSU and partnering HBCUs; must have completed at least 25 college credits (including at least one introductory science course); requires one faculty letter of recommendation and a virtual interview

In this internship, you’ll spend about 10 weeks working on a research project in areas such as neuroscience, cancer biology, microbiology, or computational biology. You’ll join a faculty mentor’s lab, where you’ll take part in experiments and learn how scientific research is conducted in a real laboratory setting. Alongside lab work, you’ll attend workshops that focus on communicating science and sharing research clearly. At the end of the program, you’ll present your work at a poster symposium, highlighting what you discovered during the summer. Through this experience, you’ll gain hands-on training in molecular biology and data analysis while strengthening your scientific writing, presentation, and networking skills for future STEM opportunities.

5. University of Delaware CANR Summer Research Experience

Location: University of Delaware, Newark, DE
Stipend: $5,500 
Dates: June 8 – August 13
Application Deadline: February 20
Eligibility: Current undergraduate freshmen, sophomores, and juniors (preferred); includes UD students and a limited number of non-UD students

The University of Delaware College of Agriculture and Natural Resources Summer Research Experience is a 10‑week program designed to give you real research experience in agricultural, natural resource, or life science fields. Students are paired with faculty mentors on active research projects, where they help collect and analyze data, design parts of their own projects, and apply scientific methods under expert guidance. As part of the experience, you’ll also create a short video summarizing your work and share your findings at a campus‑wide summer symposium, helping you build confidence in communicating science and enhancing your academic profile. This opportunity provides a competitive, hands‑on introduction to scientific careers and helps you develop practical research skills that support future study or professional goals.

6. Network Engineering Summer Internship – Delaware River and Bay Authority

Location: New Castle, DE
Stipend: $16/hour
Dates: 10 weeks between June and August
Application Deadline: February 17
Eligibility: Undergraduate students who are at least 18 years old 

The Delaware River and Bay Authority (DRBA) Summer Internship Program offers a paid, 10-week opportunity for college and graduate students to gain hands-on experience in a variety of professional areas while learning how a large public transportation authority operates. During the program, you could work in departments such as airport operations, communications, marketing, human resources, ITS and networking, hospitality, or maintenance, depending on your interests. Interns collaborate with experienced staff, take part in real projects, and gain exposure to day-to-day operations across DRBA facilities in Delaware and New Jersey, including the Delaware Memorial Bridge, Cape May–Lewes Ferry, and regional airports. The program helps you build professional skills, develop your résumé, and explore potential career paths while earning a competitive hourly wage.

7. Transmission & Distribution Engineer Intern - Grid

Location: Wilmington, DE
Stipend: $17.50–$27/hour
Dates: Typically, early June to late August
Application Deadline: Rolling basis
Eligibility: Undergraduates pursuing a BS or MS in Civil, Structural, Mechanical, or Electrical Engineering with expected graduation between Fall and Spring in +2 years; have U.S. work authorization without sponsorship

As a Transmission & Distribution Engineer Intern at Sargent & Lundy in Wilmington, Delaware, you’ll spend your summer working on real-world power grid projects alongside experienced engineers. You’ll assist with engineering calculations, design documents, and project tracking, gaining hands-on experience in civil, mechanical, and electrical engineering. The hybrid schedule allows you to balance office and remote work while building practical skills in technical design and project management. By the end of the internship, you’ll have a clear understanding of how major electrical systems are planned, upgraded, and maintained in a professional engineering environment.

8. MDDC’s Reese Cleghorn Internship Program

Location: News media organizations in Maryland, Delaware, and D.C. 
Stipend: $4,800 
Dates: Varies by site
Application deadline: November 15
Eligibility: Undergraduates who are attending four-year colleges or universities in Maryland, Delaware, or the District of Columbia, or are residents of Maryland/Delaware/District of Columbia attending four-year colleges/universities elsewhere; applicants must have completed a college-level course in print journalism/associated programs or have equivalent experience working on a college or community publication.

If you’re interested in journalism, the MDDC Press Association’s Reese Cleghorn internship gives you real-world experience in print media. You will work in a participating newsroom, getting hands-on practice in reporting, news writing, copy editing, or photojournalism. This internship lets you see how professional journalists research, write, and deliver news, giving you a clear view of how a newsroom operates.

During the program, you will improve your writing, reporting, and editorial skills while creating work that can strengthen your portfolio. You’ll also gain mentorship from experienced journalists and build professional connections that can guide your future career. By the end of the internship, you’ll have practical experience and a better understanding of the areas in journalism where you want to focus, helping you prepare for both college and professional opportunities.

9. Newark Police Department College Internships

Location: Newark Police Department, Newark, DE
Stipend: $18/hour
Dates: Begins around late August (commitment of 16 weeks up to 16 hours/week)
Application deadline: August 15
Eligibility: Students, ages 18 and up, currently enrolled at least part-time in college; applicants should obtain Delaware's Criminal Justice Information System (DELJIS) certification and have experience working with Microsoft Office.

The Newark Police Department internship gives you a firsthand look at the daily work of law enforcement. You will participate in both administrative and field assignments, gaining experience in areas like traffic, criminal investigations, victim services, and patrol.

During the internship, you may ride along with officers on patrol, observe operations at the 911 dispatch center, assist with record-keeping, and work on a research project. You may also have the chance to take part in weekend community events, seeing how police interact with and support the public. Through this program, you will gain practical experience, develop professional skills, and gain a better understanding of the responsibilities of law enforcement personnel. It’s an opportunity to explore the field firsthand and determine if a career in policing or public safety is the right fit for you.

10. Delaware Department of State Internship Program

Location: Dover, Delaware
Stipend: Paid 
Dates: Not specified
Application deadline: July 31 (Fall session)
Eligibility: Currently enrolled in or recently graduated from an undergraduate or graduate program

In this internship, you will get hands-on experience in how the state government works and what it means to serve the public. You will assist with research, draft reports and briefing materials, help manage social media and website content, and participate in community events. Throughout the program, you will develop important professional skills such as communication, organization, and project management while building connections with staff and other government professionals. You will also gain insight into the daily operations of different departments, explore careers in policy, administration, and civic engagement, and gain real-world experience that strengthens your resume and prepares you for future opportunities in public service.

11. Delaware Electric Cooperative (DEC) Internship Program

Location: Sussex Highway, Greenwood, Delaware
Stipend: $20 per hour 
Dates: May – August 
Application deadline: Typically open in spring for summer placements
Eligibility: Must be currently enrolled in college, at least 18 years old, and have a minimum GPA of 3.0

Delaware Electric Cooperative (DEC) Internship Program offers you the chance to gain hands-on experience with Delaware’s only not-for-profit electric utility. You will be placed in a department that matches your interests, whether it’s engineering, operations, finance, IT, marketing, human resources, supply chain, GIS, or safety. During the internship, you will work on meaningful projects, learn directly from experienced professionals, and gain insight into how a cooperative operates on a day-to-day basis. This program helps you develop practical skills, explore potential career paths in the energy industry, strengthen your resume, and build valuable professional connections, all while contributing to initiatives that benefit members and the community.

12. DNREC Summer Internship Program 

Location: Various locations across Delaware 
Cost: No Cost. Stipend paid 
Dates: 12-week summer program, usually running from May or early June to August
Deadline: February 16
Eligibility: Open to current college students or recent graduates interested in environmental science, public service, or related field

The DNREC Summer Internship Program offers undergraduate students and recent graduates a paid, full-time opportunity to gain hands-on experience in environmental science, natural resource management, and public service. You will work within divisions such as water quality, wildlife, air and land management, coastal programs, or environmental communications, contributing to projects involving fieldwork, research, data analysis, and community outreach. Along the way, you will develop professional skills by working with experienced staff and fellow interns, while gaining valuable insight into how environmental policies and programs are implemented in practice.

13. L'SPACE Program

Location: Online
Cost: None
Dates: 15-week program 
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: U.S. Citizens or Permanent Residents enrolled in a U.S. college or university (undergraduate or graduate level)

If you are interested in aerospace, space exploration, and mission development, this free online training program for students explores Trojan asteroids near Jupiter. It offers two 15-week academies, one focused on how NASA missions are planned and the other on writing and reviewing NASA-style proposals. You will attend live sessions, complete team-based projects, and spend about 6 to 10 hours per week on coursework outside class. After completing one academy, you can apply for a separate summer internship with NASA partners such as Lockheed Martin and the Southwest Research Institute.

14. University of Delaware Summer Environmental Research Internships 

Location: University of Delaware campuses and research sites 
Cost: Paid internship
Dates: 10-week summer program; Early June–August 
Deadline: Varies by project (February - March)
Eligibility: Undergraduate students (freshmen to juniors preferred) with an interest in environmental and sustainability research

In this research internship, you will work on real-world projects in areas such as ecological restoration, climate resilience, water systems, environmental policy, and sustainability, combining fieldwork, lab research, and data analysis. You will also take part in professional development activities that strengthen your communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills. At the end of the program, you will present your research through reports, posters, or presentations, helping you build your academic profile and explore future careers in environmental fields.

15. Parker Dewey Microinternships

Location: Virtual
Cost: Free; stipend paid
Dates: Year-round
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Must be 18+, currently enrolled or recently graduated from a U.S.-based college or university, and authorized to work in the U.S.

The Parker Dewey Micro-Internship platform lets you work on short-term, paid projects that typically range from 5 to 40 hours and are offered year-round in areas such as marketing, research, data entry, consulting, and sales. You will choose projects that match your interests, complete them remotely on a flexible schedule, and receive a fixed payment upon completion. With no long-term commitment, you can participate in multiple micro-internships across different fields, helping you gain practical experience, strengthen your resume, and explore different career paths through real-world, project-based assignments.

Questions Students Often Ask About These Programs

1. I'm not studying science or engineering. Are there options on this list that suit students from other academic backgrounds?

Yes, several programs are open to a range of majors. The MDDC Reese Cleghorn Internship is specifically for journalism students. The Delaware Department of State Internship suits students interested in policy, communications, or public administration. The Newark Police Department Internship is open to any college student and doesn't require a specific major. Parker Dewey Micro-Internships are available across fields including marketing, consulting, and research, with no major restrictions. Ladder Internships is also open to students from any background depending on the startup match.

2. A few programs, like the L'SPACE Program and Parker Dewey, are structured differently from traditional internships. Are they still worth doing?

It depends on your goals. Parker Dewey's micro-internships are short paid projects you can complete on a flexible schedule, which makes them a practical option if you want to build your resume incrementally or explore different fields without a full summer commitment. L'SPACE is more of a structured training program that leads to a separate NASA internship application, so it's best thought of as a stepping stone rather than a standalone internship. Both are legitimate additions to a resume but carry less weight than a full-length placement at an organization like DNREC or the University of Delaware.

3. Several of these programs require Delaware residency or enrollment at a Delaware school. What are my options if I don't have a Delaware connection?

The fully remote programs have no geographic restriction at all — Ladder Internships, L'SPACE, and Parker Dewey are all open to students regardless of where they live or study. Sargent & Lundy's engineering internship and the DRBA program don't list a Delaware residency requirement and are worth checking directly if you're willing to relocate for the summer. The DSU Molecular Biology program is open to students from partnering HBCUs outside Delaware as well, so it's not strictly limited to in-state students.