15 Internships for College Students in Vermont
If you’re an undergraduate, internships are an effective way to strengthen your resume and stand out in a competitive job market. They give you hands-on experience in a field of your choice, helping you apply classroom knowledge to real-world situations while building practical, job-ready skills. Internships also improve your employability by showing recruiters that you’ve taken initiative and already understand professional work environments. As you begin exploring opportunities, you’ll find that Vermont offers a unique mix of internships across industries like environmental science, agriculture, public policy, and healthcare.
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?
Internships provide a significant boost to your employability by equipping you with experience that employers actively look for in candidates. They help you bridge the gap between academic learning and professional work, enabling you to develop both technical expertise and essential soft skills such as communication, teamwork, and adaptability. Through internships, you’ll also gain clarity about your career path by experiencing different roles and industries firsthand. Many organizations use internships as a pipeline for full-time hiring, which means strong performance can lead to job offers. Additionally, internships expand your professional network, connecting you with mentors and industry professionals who can support your career growth.
To simplify your search, we’ve curated a list of 15 internships for college students in Vermont that combine skill-building with meaningful, real-world exposure.
Quick Look
15 internships total spanning state government, environmental science, healthcare outreach, legal aid, education, and grassroots advocacy, hosted by organizations including the Vermont Governor's Office, the University of Vermont, VPIRG, and the Leahy Center for Lake Champlain
The strongest disclosed stipends are VT EPSCoR SOCKS Research Internship ($5,000 plus housing, food allowance, and a travel grant) and VPIRG's Summer Canvass Internship ($17.25 per hour plus bonuses)
Several internships are unpaid, including Vermont Legal Aid's Tenant Representation Project, the Shelburne Farms Education Internship, and 350Vermont (which offers a $500 appreciation stipend for those without academic credit)
Many programs are based in or around Burlington and Montpelier, while a few, like the VLCT Internship and ECHO programs, are highly limited in cohort size, accepting only two to three interns
The earliest deadlines are VT EPSCoR SOCKS (January 4) and Vermont Legal Aid (January 1), so students interested in research or legal work should begin applications well before spring
1. VTSGC Intern Share Program
Location: Vermont (on-site with Industrial Affiliates)
Cost/Stipend: NASA-funded co-sponsored internship; stipend varies by host company
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Limited; based on available NASA funding and selected affiliate projects
Dates: Summer
Application Deadline: February 06 (11:59 PM)
Eligibility: Open to high school through graduate students and recent graduates
In this program, you’ll engage in a NASA-aligned internship hosted directly at a Vermont-based industry partner, where you will contribute to projects tied to real-world research priorities and technology needs. You’ll work on-site with professionals, gaining hands-on experience that is closely integrated with the company’s core work and mission. Throughout the internship, you’ll collaborate with mentors and teams, allowing you to build technical and problem-solving skills in a professional setting. The program emphasizes meaningful project involvement, in which your work contributes to ongoing initiatives rather than to isolated tasks. You are also required to document your experience in reports, which gives you the opportunity to reflect on and present your work. A distinctive aspect is that companies design the projects and select interns independently, offering a more direct connection between your role and industry needs.
2. Ladder Internship Program
Location: Remote (work from anywhere globally)
Cost/Stipend: Starting at $2,490 (financial aid available); unpaid internship
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective; not publicly specified
Dates: Multiple cohorts offered in Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), and Winter (November); typically 8 weeks
Application Deadline: Rolling; varies by cohort
Eligibility: High school students, undergraduate students, and gap year students who can commit 10–20 hours per week for 8–12 weeks
The Ladder Internship Program is a selective, remote internship with a high-growth startup in fields such as technology, AI/ML, health tech, marketing, journalism, or consulting. During the program, you are matched with a startup team and contribute to projects that support the company’s operations or product development. You collaborate with a startup manager and receive mentorship from a Ladder Coach who provides guidance throughout the internship. Your responsibilities may include research, strategy work, content creation, or other project-based tasks, depending on the company you are placed with. At the end of the internship, you present your work and outcomes to the startup team or leadership. The program focuses on professional communication, problem-solving, and exposure to startup work environments.
3. VT EPSCoR SOCKS Summer Research Internship
Location: University of Vermont, Burlington, Vermont, USA
Cost/Stipend: $5,000 stipend; free on-campus housing; daily food allowance; travel grant up to $1,500
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: May 25 – July 31
Application Deadline: January 4 (5:00 PM EST)
Eligibility: US citizens or permanent residents enrolled in a college or university with an interest in STEM or social science fields; students graduating before the program start are not eligible
In this internship, you’ll work as part of an interdisciplinary research team contributing to an NSF-funded project focused on understanding stories through data and computational methods. You will engage in full-time, hands-on research over 10 weeks, applying tools like data collection, natural language processing, and large language models to real-world questions. Throughout the program, you’ll collaborate closely with faculty mentors and peers from different academic backgrounds, gaining exposure to transdisciplinary approaches. The internship culminates in a formal research experience in which you’ll present your findings through oral presentations and a written research paper at a symposium. You may also have the opportunity to attend a professional conference. A key aspect of the program is its focus on open-ended research projects that are part of a larger, ongoing initiative, offering a deeper experience than typical coursework.
4. CSHIP (College Student Healthcare Internship Program)
Location: Vermont (primarily remote with projects across rural communities)
Cost/Stipend: Paid; 100-hour internship
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: June – August
Application Deadline: End of March
Eligibility: Students currently enrolled in a degree or certification program leading to a health-related profession; open to all fields of study with an interest in healthcare careers
In this program, you’ll take on a structured, part-time, non-clinical internship focused on healthcare projects within Vermont’s rural communities. You will work on a 100-hour project with organizations such as hospitals, public health agencies, and community health providers, gaining exposure to different areas of the healthcare system. Alongside project work, you’ll engage in supplemental learning that explores topics such as health inequity, social determinants of health, and rural healthcare delivery. You will also develop selected career-readiness skills such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving through guided practice. The experience includes collaboration with professionals and community stakeholders, giving you insight into real-world healthcare challenges. A distinguishing element is the integration of project work with a structured curriculum that connects your experience to broader healthcare systems and community needs.
5. The Governor’s Internship Program
Location: Vermont (Governor’s Office)
Cost/Stipend: Not specified
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: Fall/Winter (September–December); Winter/Spring (January–April); Summer (May/June–August)
Application Deadline: August 8 (Fall/Winter); December 5 (Winter/Spring); April 10 (Summer)
Eligibility: Open to students and recent graduates interested in government, politics, and public service
In this program, you’ll gain direct exposure to the day-to-day operations of the Governor’s Office, allowing you to observe how state government functions in practice. You will contribute to ongoing tasks and projects, helping you understand the workflow and responsibilities involved in public service. Throughout the internship, you’ll interact with government professionals, giving you insight into policy, administration, and decision-making processes. The experience helps you develop an understanding of the challenges and priorities affecting residents across the state. You’ll work in a professional environment where collaboration and communication are key, helping you develop workplace skills relevant to public sector roles. A notable aspect of the program is its focus on providing a close-up view of government operations across different terms of the year.
6. Outreach Intern (State of Vermont – Secretary of State’s Office)
Location: Montpelier, Vermont (with travel across the state)
Cost/Stipend: Paid
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: Summer
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: Open to all applicants; suitable for students and individuals interested in civic engagement, public communications, or political science; personal transportation required
In this internship, you will focus on public outreach efforts tied to the election season, working on initiatives that promote voter registration and education. You’ll assist with designing outreach materials, planning events, and creating social media content, giving you hands-on experience in public communication. A significant part of your role involves traveling to events across the state, where you engage directly with communities and support civic participation. You’ll collaborate with team members and interact with senior leadership, gaining exposure to how public-facing government initiatives are executed. The role also helps you build skills in public speaking, digital media, and community engagement through practical involvement.
7. Senator Welch State Office Internship (Vermont)
Location: Vermont (State Office)
Cost/Stipend: Paid
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: Summer (June–August); Spring (January–May); Fall (September–December)
Application Deadline: March 23 (11:59 PM)
Eligibility: Students who have completed at least one year of college; preference for those with a Vermont connection
In this internship, you’ll work alongside professional staff in the state office, gaining insight into how constituent services and community engagement are handled. You will take part in activities such as attending community meetings and events, which will help you understand how public representatives interact with local stakeholders. Your responsibilities include fielding phone calls from constituents, drafting letters, and conducting research, which builds your communication and analytical skills. You also contribute by writing memos and supporting ongoing office work, giving you a structured view of daily operations. The experience involves close collaboration with staff members, allowing you to observe and participate in real-world public service tasks. A key aspect of the program is its focus on direct constituent interaction and community-based work within the state.
8. Vermont Legal Aid – Tenant Representation Pilot Project Internship
Location: Springfield, Vermont (hybrid: primarily remote with some in-person requirements)
Cost/Stipend: Unpaid; potential access to work-study, public interest, or AmeriCorps funding; externship credit possible
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: Late January/Early February – 10 weeks (part-time)
Application Deadline: January 1
Eligibility: Open to students; minimum 10–20 hours per week commitment; interest in legal services, housing, or public interest law
In this internship, you’ll work directly with the Tenant Representation Pilot Project, supporting efforts to assist tenants facing eviction and related legal challenges. You will engage in substantive law training that introduces you to areas such as eviction defense, housing issues, healthcare access, and public benefits. Your work includes developing practical skills in client interviewing, legal research, and legal writing, with an emphasis on trauma-informed lawyering. You’ll collaborate with attorneys and staff, gaining exposure to real cases and the processes involved in civil legal advocacy. The role combines remote work with some in-person engagement, offering flexibility while maintaining professional interaction. A defining aspect of this internship is its focus on serving vulnerable communities through hands-on involvement in public interest legal work.
9. VLCT Summer Internship Program (Vermont League of Cities and Towns)
Location: Montpelier, Vermont (hybrid: on-site, field visits, and remote)
Cost/Stipend: $17/hour (paid)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Very limited; approximately two interns (one per team)
Dates: June 1 – August 7
Application Deadline: March 27
Eligibility: College juniors, seniors, and graduate students with an interest in local government; must have relevant skills in communication, organization, and basic software tools
In this internship, you’ll work with teams focused on municipal support, communications, or risk management, gaining insight into how local governments operate. You will choose between tracks such as the Municipal Assistance Center and Communications or Risk Management Services, each offering different types of project-based work. Your responsibilities may include researching municipal laws, supporting communications strategies, or learning about risk pooling alongside professionals in the field. The role involves a mix of office work, field visits to member municipalities, and occasional remote tasks, providing a varied work environment. You’ll collaborate with staff and engage with member communities, building practical skills in research, communication, and data handling. A notable aspect of the program is its exposure to real-world local governance systems and direct interaction with municipalities across the state.
10. 350Vermont Summer Organizing & Communications Internships
Location: Burlington, Vermont (primarily remote with some in-person events)
Cost/Stipend: Unpaid; $500 appreciation stipend (for those without academic credit or external funding)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: Early June start; 12 weeks (5–10 hours per week)
Application Deadline: April 13 (9 AM)
Eligibility: Open to students interested in climate justice, organizing, or communications; availability for a part-time weekly commitment
In this internship, you’ll contribute to grassroots climate initiatives by working on either organizing or communications efforts across Vermont. If you choose the organizing track, you’ll help plan events, coordinate volunteers, conduct outreach, and support campaign activities, giving you exposure to how community-driven initiatives are run. In the communications track, you’ll focus on developing and managing social media content, collaborating on ideas, and supporting engagement efforts through digital storytelling. You’ll work closely with team leads, gaining insight into campaign strategy and execution while building practical skills in communication and coordination. The role may also involve attending events, assisting with administrative tasks, and contributing to collaborative projects. A defining aspect of the program is its emphasis on grassroots involvement and flexible, part-time participation alongside ongoing campaigns
11. Vermont Center for Ecostudies Part-time Video Intern
Location: White River Junction, Vermont (fieldwork + office; Upper Valley region)
Cost/Stipend: $16/hour (paid); mileage reimbursed; no housing provided
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: Summer (part-time, 2–3 days per week; rolling until filled)
Application Deadline: Rolling until position is filled
Eligibility: Undergraduate, graduate, and recently graduated students in film or related fields; must have access to transportation and be comfortable with outdoor fieldwork
In this internship, you’ll document wildlife research and conservation efforts by capturing video content both in the field and at the organization’s office. You will work closely with communications professionals, including a journalist and a coordinator experienced in documentary editing, gaining guidance on storytelling and production. Your role involves filming fieldwork, conducting interviews with researchers, and compiling footage into a short edited video project. You’ll balance independent work with collaboration, often adapting to outdoor conditions and flexible schedules to capture content. The experience helps you develop practical skills in videography, editing, and narrative development within a conservation context. A defining aspect of the internship is its combination of creative media work with direct exposure to ongoing environmental research projects.
12. VPIRG Summer Canvass Internship (Vermont Public Interest Research Group)
Location: Vermont (based out of Burlington with travel across the state)
Cost/Stipend: $17.25/hour + bonuses; potential class credit
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: May 4 – August 20 (rolling start dates through late June)
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Open to students and young adults interested in advocacy, environmental issues, and public policy; no prior canvassing experience required
In this program, you’ll take part in a statewide outreach campaign focused on engaging residents around environmental, political, and social issues. You will work as a canvasser, traveling across Vermont to have face-to-face conversations, gather support for campaigns, and help build community engagement. Your responsibilities include fundraising, educating the public, and organizing efforts to support ongoing advocacy initiatives. The role involves a mix of independent and team-based work, including opportunities to travel, camp, and operate from different locations across the state. You’ll collaborate with organizers and receive mentorship, helping you develop communication and grassroots organizing skills.
13. Shelburne Farms Education Internship
Location: Shelburne, Vermont
Cost/Stipend: Unpaid; college credit (3 credits, arranged by applicant); admission to Shelburne Farms provided
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: Seasonal – Fall (September–December); Spring (January–May); Summer (May–August)
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: Undergraduate students (preferred junior or senior standing) with an interest in education, sustainability, or farm-based learning; must be able to commit to the schedule and receive college credit
In this internship, you’ll work closely with education programs, primarily supporting school field trips for elementary students while also contributing to early childhood and public programs. You observe, co-teach, and lead activities, gaining hands-on teaching experience in an outdoor, farm-based learning environment. You will participate in daily team meetings, planning sessions, and preparation work, which will help you understand how educational programs are designed and delivered. Throughout the internship, you’ll engage in reflection, maintain logs, and receive mentorship and feedback to support your development. You will also assist with special events and occasional weekend programs, collaborating with staff and engaging with diverse groups of learners.
14. ECHO Animal Care Internship (Leahy Center for Lake Champlain)
Location: Burlington, Vermont
Cost/Stipend: $16.00/hour (paid)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 3 interns (1 summer+fall, 2 summer only)
Dates: Summer (June–August; flexible start/end); optional extension into Fall
Application Deadline: March 13
Eligibility: Students or individuals with an interest in animal science, wildlife biology, environmental science, or related fields; must be able to commit ~20 hours/week
In this internship, you’ll work directly with animal care staff in a science center environment, supporting the care of fish, reptiles, amphibians, and other species. You’ll carry out hands-on tasks such as preparing diets, feeding animals, cleaning enclosures, and maintaining habitats, while also learning to perform these responsibilities independently after training. You will contribute to animal well-being by maintaining records, assisting with medication administration, and researching species-specific care practices. The role also involves creating and delivering educational programs and exhibit-based presentations, helping you build communication skills alongside technical knowledge. You’ll collaborate with staff and may participate in occasional field collection trips, gaining exposure to both in-house and outdoor work.
15. ECHO STEM Education Internship (Leahy Center for Lake Champlain)
Location: Burlington, Vermont
Cost/Stipend: $16.00/hour (paid)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 2 interns
Dates: June 3 – Week of August 19
Application Deadline: Rolling (until filled)
Eligibility: Students or individuals pursuing or having completed a degree in science or education; interest in informal STEM education; ability to work 32 hours/week, including weekends.
In this internship, you’ll work with the Public Programs team to deliver hands-on STEM learning experiences to visitors in a museum setting. You’ll facilitate interactive activities for diverse audiences, helping guests engage with science concepts through the Engineering Design Process. Your role includes preparing and maintaining exhibit spaces, supporting public programs, and ensuring a smooth visitor experience throughout the day. You’ll collaborate with staff to develop and refine educational activities, contributing to ongoing program improvements. The environment is fast-paced and requires strong communication, teamwork, and adaptability while interacting with visitors of all ages.
Questions Students Often Ask About These Programs
1. Several of these internships, like the VLCT program and ECHO internships, only take two or three interns. How can I make my application more competitive for such a small cohort?
For internships with very limited spots, demonstrating specific, relevant experience or coursework matters more than general enthusiasm. If you've taken classes or done coursework related to the field, whether that's local government, animal science, or STEM education, calling that out clearly in your application helps you stand out among a small applicant pool. It's also worth applying as early as possible, since several of these smaller programs, like the Vermont Center for Ecostudies internship and ECHO STEM internship, review applications on a rolling basis and can fill positions before the stated deadline.
2. A few of these internships are unpaid but mention work-study, AmeriCorps funding, or academic credit instead. How do those options actually work?
These alternatives are ways to offset the lack of direct pay rather than a stipend itself. Work-study funding comes through your college's financial aid office and only applies if you already qualify for it, so you'd need to check with your school before assuming it's available. Academic credit, offered at internships like Vermont Legal Aid and Shelburne Farms, typically needs to be arranged through your own university department in advance, so it's worth confirming with your academic advisor that the internship will actually count toward your program before committing to an unpaid placement.
3. I'm interested in environmental or conservation work specifically. Which of these internships would give me the most hands-on field experience rather than office-based tasks?
The Vermont Center for Ecostudies Video Internship and ECHO Animal Care Internship are your strongest options for direct, hands-on fieldwork, since both involve regular outdoor or in-person work with wildlife, habitats, or field research documentation rather than primarily desk-based tasks. VPIRG's Canvass Internship also involves significant time outdoors and traveling across the state, though the focus there is on public outreach and advocacy rather than direct environmental science work. If you want fieldwork specifically tied to research and data, the VT EPSCoR SOCKS internship is more research-intensive but still hands-on in a different, more academic sense.