12 Social Work Internships
If you’re an undergraduate student looking to gain hands-on experience, enhance your skills, and build your profile in social work, an internship could be a valuable opportunity. Internships allow you to apply classroom knowledge in real-world settings, while also strengthening your resume. They demonstrate your dedication and work ethic to postgraduate admissions teams and future employers. In this blog, we’ve compiled a list of 12 social work internships for undergraduates, offering opportunities to gain experience in your areas of interest and participate in real-world projects.
Location: Remote
Cost: $2490 (financial aid available)
Application Deadline: Varies by cohort; spring cohort deadline is February 9, 2025
Internship Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year; spring cohort starts February 19, 2025
Eligibility: High school students, 10-20 hours per week
Ladder Internships is a selective program for ambitious high school students offering hands-on experience with high-growth start-ups across various industries, including tech, AI/ML, health tech, and social work. Interns work closely with managers and coaches on real-world projects, presenting their work to the company. The program includes one-on-one training in communication and time management, alongside group sessions with fellow interns. The virtual internship typically lasts 8 weeks.
2. American Red Cross Internships
Location: Remote and on-site positions across the U.S.
Cost: Paid and unpaid roles available
Application Deadline: Varies by position
Internship Dates: Varies by position
Eligibility: Undergraduate or graduate students
The American Red Cross offers internships for mission-driven undergraduate and graduate students seeking valuable work experience. Interns contribute to essential projects, gaining firsthand insight into the organization’s humanitarian efforts. These opportunities are ideal for students interested in crisis management, public health, and emergency social work, providing a meaningful foundation for future careers.
There are both paid and volunteer roles available, which can be found here.
3. The Trevor Project – Crisis Counseling Internship
Location: Remote
Cost: Unpaid roles available
Application Deadline: No deadline, apply year-round
Internship Dates: Minimum one-year commitment after completing volunteer training, one 3-hour shift per week
Eligibility: Must be 18+, based in the U.S., able to meet technology requirements, and have access to a private space for remote volunteering
The Trevor Project works to prevent suicide among LGBTQ+ youth. This internship offers hands-on experience in crisis counseling, supporting LGBTQ+ youth in crisis through digital platforms. Interns assist with 24/7 crisis intervention services, gaining valuable skills in a critical field of crisis support.
Location: Memphis, Nashville, TN, and other locations
Cost: Paid
Application Deadline: Summer 2024 applications are closed; Spring and Fall applications are open
Internship Dates: 10 weeks
Eligibility: Undergraduate or Graduate Student
Youth Villages supports children and young people facing emotional, mental, and behavioral challenges. Interns are placed in residential programs and group homes in Memphis and Nashville, TN, for a 10-week, full-time, paid internship. You will work with direct care, clinical, and leadership staff, while gaining professional development through initial training and weekly consultations with campus leadership.
Location: NYC and remote
Cost: Paid
Application Deadline:
- Summer: January 15–February 15
- Fall: July 15–August 15
- Spring: October 15–November 15
Internship Dates:
- Summer: June–August (Full-time: Max 35 hours/week, Part-time: Min 20 hours/week)
- Fall: September–December (Part-time: 10–20 hours/week)
- Winter/Spring: January–May (Part-time: 10–20 hours/week)
Eligibility: Undergraduate or Graduate Students in Public Health, Social Work, or Related Fields
The HRTP Public Health Internship Program at the NYC Health Department offers undergraduate, graduate, and professional students the opportunity to work on current public health issues. Interns gain hands-on experience and apply classroom knowledge to real-world challenges under the mentorship of experienced professionals, developing critical skills needed for success in public health.
Location: Remote and on-site nationwide
Cost: Paid and unpaid roles available
Application Deadline: Rolling applications
Internship Dates: Typically available year-round
Eligibility: Undergraduate or Graduate Students, with role-specific eligibility requirements
Green Chimneys offers internships that provide valuable training and experience for students and professionals in fields such as social work, therapeutic recreation, and farm and wildlife management. The program is designed to meet academic requirements and expand participants' knowledge.
Location: Remote (also available in Africa, Asia, and Latin America for on-site positions)
Cost: Unpaid
Application Deadline: Rolling
Internship Dates: 8-12 weeks, depending on the role
Eligibility: Undergraduate or Graduate Students in various fields
Root offers internships with nonprofit organizations worldwide, providing valuable work experience while supporting grassroots efforts. Internships are available in fields such as computer science and social work, allowing you to develop professionally while contributing to important causes.
8. Mayo Clinic Social Work Internship
Location: In-person in Minnesota and Wisconsin
Cost: Unpaid
Application Deadline: February 15 for the Summer Term
Internship Dates: 12 weeks in the Summer
Eligibility: College students with a minimum 3.0/4.0 GPA
This internship will provide you with clinical knowledge and skills to become a well-rounded medical social worker. At Mayo Clinic, you'll learn at a renowned medical center and may have the opportunity to conduct psychosocial assessments, clinical interventions, case management, discharge planning, support group coordination, and more.
9. Childhood Cancer Society Volunteer Associates Program
Location: Remote
Cost: Unpaid
Application Deadline: Rolling
Internship Dates: 12-16 weeks
Eligibility: Undergraduate or Graduate Student
This internship offers the opportunity to work with a nonprofit supporting families affected by pediatric cancer. As an intern, you will be involved in outreach, communication strategies, and online content creation to raise awareness and provide support. It’s a great opportunity for students seeking remote experience in nonprofit social work roles.
10. National Organization for Women (NOW) Social Justice Internship
Location: Remote and on-site around the country
Cost: Paid and Unpaid roles available
Application Deadline: Fall cycle is open
Internship Dates: Part-time and Full-time work; dates selected with the Intern Coordinator
Eligibility: Open to undergraduates and graduates interested in social justice
The National Organization for Women (NOW) is the largest grassroots feminist organization in the United States, with chapters in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. Founded in 1966, NOW promotes feminist ideals through intersectional activism, aiming to eliminate discrimination and protect the equal rights of women and girls in all areas of social, political, and economic life.
Each semester, NOW interns engage in various activities that equip them with the tools and knowledge to become activist leaders. This internship can also be arranged for academic credit.
11. Children's Minnesota Foundation Social Work Internship
Location: Minneapolis, MN
Cost: Paid
Application Deadline: Varies by position
Internship Dates: Choose either one full academic year (Sept-May) with 20 paid hours/week for a total of 600 hours, or a summer block placement (June-Aug) with 40 paid hours/week for a total of 600 hours
Eligibility: Master’s-level social work program students
The social work internship program provides hands-on experience in social work, emphasizing cultural awareness and issues related to equity and diversity. The program is designed to support students working with an equity-focused approach while fostering an environment that reflects the diversity of the patients and families served by the Children's Minnesota Foundation.
12. DOROT’s Summer College Internship
Location: Hybrid
Cost: Unpaid
Application Deadline: Fall 2024 positions are filled. Spring 2025 recruitment begins in late fall.
Internship Dates: Vary by position
Eligibility: Undergraduate students
Through a semester- or year-long Academic Internship, you will learn about social isolation and its significant impact on older adults, while gaining insight into how DOROT’s programs address this issue. Interns are given substantive work and project experience, connecting with older adults either onsite at DOROT or through home visits. You will be entrusted with meaningful responsibilities and have the chance to contribute to your assigned department.
DOROT is seeking college interns to work in-person or in a hybrid model, with one position potentially available for remote work. Hybrid and in-person interns will also go on home visits to older adults in the community. Each intern will be assigned to at least one older adult for weekly engagement.
Looking for an immersive internship experience?
Check out Ladder Internships!
Ladder Internships is a selective, virtual internship program that connects students with startups and nonprofits from industries around the world! As part of the internship, you will work on real-world projects that are important to the startup and present your work at the end of the internship. You will also be mentored by their manager from the startup as well as a Ladder Coach. Apply now!