15 Summer Social Work Internships for Undergraduates
If you are an undergraduate student interested in social work, an internship can be a worthwhile way to explore this field. For undergraduates, internships offer a meaningful way to strengthen your resume with work experience, build practical skills in your field, and develop a professional network that supports your future growth. Internships allow you to apply classroom learning, helping you identify your strengths and address areas for growth while gaining confidence in professional environments. For students interested in social work, summer social work internships provide a structured way to explore the field through client interactions, policy implementation, and community engagement.
Why should I do a summer social work internship in college?
Completing a summer social work internship in college gives you practical skills that translate to post-graduation employment, such as conducting assessments and facilitating group sessions. You'll gain a deeper understanding of social issues and contribute to solutions in areas you care about. Additionally, these internships help you build professional relationships that can lead to recommendations and future employment opportunities. To help you get started, we’ve put together 15 summer social work internships for undergraduates!
1. American Red Cross Internships
Location: Remote and on-site positions across the U.S.
Cost/Stipend: Paid and unpaid roles available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: Varies depending on the location and role
Application Deadline: Varies depending on the position
Eligibility: Undergraduate students
This internship places undergraduate students in projects related to public health, crisis response, and emergency social services. You may support disaster relief efforts and community outreach initiatives, gaining exposure to large-scale humanitarian operations. Through collaboration with experienced professionals, you’ll develop skills in client support and resource coordination. The program also provides insight into social policies in emergency contexts, along with mentorship from practitioners in the field. In addition, you may take part in educational workshops focused on community engagement and service initiatives.
2. Ladder University Internship Program
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: Varies according to program
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
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) | priority deadline for summer: March 8.
Eligibility: Students who can work for 8 - 12 weeks, devoting 10 - 20 hours/week
In this virtual internship, undergraduate students work with startups working on socially driven projects, including non-profit initiatives focused on education or community support. You may work under the guidance of a startup manager, contributing to tasks such as developing wellness content or supporting social impact campaigns. The internship emphasized skills such as project management, professional communication, and an understanding of startup operations within social impact contexts. Mentorship from company coaches supports professional growth, and the internship concludes with a final presentation of project outcomes to the organization. Unique opportunities include matching projects aligned with your interests, potentially in areas such as fair opportunity projects for underserved students. Apply now!
3. Youth Villages Undergraduate Internship Program
Location: Memphis and Nashville, Tennessee
Cost/Stipend: Paid
Acceptance rate/cohort size: More than 70 interns
Dates: 10 weeks, May 26 - July 31
Application Deadline: April 1
Eligibility: Undergraduate juniors or seniors
This hands-on internship places undergraduate students in residential programs and group homes. You’ll support young people with goal setting and conflict resolution using approaches such as collaborative problem-solving. Responsibilities include facilitating life skills groups, planning recreational activities, and participating in treatment team meetings. This hands-on role helps to build skills in youth development and clinical support, alongside weekly consultations from leadership. Depending on your level and experience, you may also assist with individual or group therapy alongside licensed staff. The internship emphasizes practical experience in social youth services for vulnerable populations.
4. National Urban League Summer Internship
Location: New York, NY or Washington, D.C.
Cost/Stipend: Paid stipend
Acceptance rate/cohort size: About 20 interns
Dates: June 9 - August
Application Deadline: February 16
Eligibility: Undergraduate students with a minimum GPA of 2.8
The National Urban League provides an opportunity for students to explore the intersection of non-profit management and civil rights. As an intern, you will contribute to departments such as education, workforce development, or health, helping to advance the organization's mission of economic empowerment. You will assist in the planning of the National Urban League Annual Conference and gain experience in project coordination and research. The program includes site visits and networking opportunities with leaders in the civil rights movement. This is a comprehensive introduction to how large-scale non-profits operate to serve underserved communities.
5. National Organization for Women (NOW) Internship Program
Location: Washington, D.C. (remote/hybrid options possible)
Cost/Stipend: $700 monthly allowance
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: Minimum 10 weeks (20 - 24 hours/week)
Application Deadline: Varies depending on the term (for example, November for spring)
Eligibility: College students or recent graduates
This internship gives you experience in grassroots organizing and feminist advocacy as you assist with campaigns aligned with organizational priorities. Responsibilities include research, event planning, communications, and administrative support in a nonprofit setting. You’ll develop practical skills in policy analysis and community outreach through mentorship from activists and nonprofit staff. The program emphasizes project-based work focused on social justice initiatives while offering flexible scheduling to accommodate academic needs.
6. NYC Department of Social Services (DSS) Summer Internship
Location: New York City, NY
Cost/Stipend: $577.50 - $665.00 per week
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Large cohort (city-wide)
Dates: June 1 - August 14
Application Deadline: March 29
Eligibility: Enrolled undergraduate students
Operating through the NYC Summer Internship Program, this role places students within the city's largest social service agency. You will gain experience in how the government manages public assistance, housing services, and child support programs. Interns are assigned to specific bureaus where they assist with administrative tasks, data entry, and policy research projects. The program also offers professional development sessions that introduce participants to careers in civil service. This is a great opportunity for students who want to understand the logistical complexities of municipal social services.
7. Catholic Charities Kansas City Summer Internship
Location: Kansas City, MO/KS
Cost/Stipend: $20/hour
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 20 positions
Dates: May 18 - July 24
Application Deadline: March 31
Eligibility: Catholic college students (sophomore level or higher) preferred
The Catherine V. Merrill Foundation funds a specific summer program for students to serve at various non-profits, including catholic charities. You will gain experience serving individuals who struggle economically while learning about the causes and possible solutions to poverty. The program includes weekly reflection papers and peer meetings to help you connect your daily service with larger social justice principles. You might work in ELL (English Language Learning) programs, digital navigation for seniors, or community support hubs. This is a highly community-focused role that emphasizes the human connection in social work.
8. SAMHSA Internship Program (via The Washington Center)
Location: Washington, D.C.
Cost/Stipend: Paid stipend (varies)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: 10 weeks, June 1 - August 7
Application Deadline: February 15
Eligibility: Sophomore, junior, or senior; minimum GPA of 2.75
Through The Washington Center, students can intern with the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) to work on national public health initiatives. You will assist federal staff in managing programs related to addiction recovery, mental health awareness, and suicide prevention. The internship provides exposure to government-level project management and the implementation of large-scale social service policies. You can expect to engage in data analysis, help draft reports, and participate in agency-wide professional development seminars. This role highlights the administrative and regulatory side of the social service sector.
9. Save the Children Summer Internship
Location: Washington, D.C. or Fairfield, CT
Cost/Stipend: Paid hourly
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: June - August
Application Deadline: Early March
Eligibility: Full-time undergraduate students | US work authorization required
Save the Children offers internships that focus on improving the lives of youth through education, health, and protection programs. In a social work-aligned role, you might support their U.S. Programs division by researching early childhood education policies or assisting with advocacy campaigns. You will collaborate with cross-functional teams and gain insight into international non-profit operations. The program emphasizes mentorship and provides a structured environment for learning about child welfare on a global scale. Participants often have the chance to present their project findings to senior leadership at the end of the summer.
10. Child Mind Institute Summer Internship
Location: New York City, NY
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive
Dates: June 22 - July 31
Application Deadline: Fixed timeline
Eligibility: Rising juniors or seniors; psychology, social work, or education majors preferred
Child Mind Institute Summer Internship offers a unique opportunity for undergraduates to work directly with children who have ADHD and other behavioral challenges. As a counselor intern, you will be trained in behavior management techniques and help implement individualized treatment plans for youth. You will work alongside clinical psychologists and social workers, gaining deep insight into the therapeutic process and client assessment. The role involves facilitating social skills groups and monitoring progress through daily data collection and reporting. This immersive clinical experience is suited for students aiming for careers in school social work or pediatric mental health.
11. Columbia-WHO Center for Global Mental Health Undergraduate Summer Internship
Location: Virtual or Columbia University, New York, NY
Cost/Stipend: None (stipend up to $2,000 available if needed)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: 8 weeks starting in June
Application Deadline: January 31
Eligibility: Rising senior undergraduates interested in global mental health research
As an intern, you are assigned to a global mental health research project aligned with your background. You’ll work under the supervision of faculty from disciplines such as psychiatry or social work and contribute to literature reviews, data analysis, and writing. Daily seminars cover research ethics, mental health systems, and evidence-based interventions, strengthening your knowledge in policy and practice. You will present your work at the conclusion of the internship, building communication and professional development skills. Mentorship from experts also provides you with insights into career pathways in mental health equity as well.
12. International Rescue Committee (IRC) Summer Internship
Location: Various U.S. cities (for example, Atlanta, Seattle, NYC)
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: May 11 - August 15
Application Deadline: April 10
Eligibility: Current undergraduate students
The IRC offers summer social work internships for undergraduates that focus on refugee resettlement and humanitarian aid. In these roles, you may assist with case management for newly arrived families, helping them navigate local healthcare and education systems. You will learn about the challenges of forced migration and the practical steps required to provide effective social services to diverse populations. Interns often participate in community outreach and help organize workshops on financial literacy or job readiness. This position is suitable for those interested in global social work and direct client service.
13. JSSA Undergraduate Internship Program
Location: National Capital Region (MD, DC, VA)
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: June - August
Application Deadline: Applications for the summer cohort open in January
Eligibility: Undergraduate students able to commute in the region
JSSA Undergraduate Internship Program offers experience in a human services nonprofit, with the ability to engage with multiple departments. Under the supervision of licensed mental health professionals or trained staff, you will enter data and prepare reports that support program development, assist with coordinating and attending continuing education trainings, collaborate on community education materials covering topics such as teenage anxiety or parenting skills, complete hospice orientation with potential patient support, contribute to cross departmental projects, and help organize summer programs for children. You’ll begin with an orientation, create a schedule with your supervisor, receive one hour of weekly supervision plus daily guidance, and complete required compliance paperwork before starting fieldwork.
14. Mayo Clinic Social Work Internship (Minnesota)
Location: Multiple sites in Minnesota and Wisconsin
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: 12, 18, or 32 weeks
Application Deadline: February 15 (summer)
Eligibility: Enrolled in a CSWE-accredited BSW or MSW program, with a GPA of 3.0
The Mayo Clinic Social Work Internship provides participants with clinical training in medical social work within a major health care system. As an intern, you’ll join interdisciplinary teams across medical, surgical, and psychiatric settings, where you will evaluate and support patients and families facing chronic, acute, and terminal illnesses. Your work may include services related to organ transplantation, cancer, HIV AIDS, Alzheimer's disease, and mental health, as well as discharge planning and caregiver support. You train in a large academic medical center with a designated cancer center and organ transplantation program, and upon completion, you’ll receive a certificate from the Mayo Clinic School of Health Sciences.
15. Make-A-Wish Social Services Internship
Location: Various regional chapters
Cost/Stipend: None (Unpaid; academic credit available)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: June - August
Application Deadline: April 1
Eligibility: Current undergraduate students
While often viewed as a wish organization, Make-A-Wish requires significant social service coordination to manage family relationships and medical documentation. In this internship, you will support the program services team by assisting with family interviews and coordinating with medical professionals. You may learn about the psychosocial impact of critical illness on families and gain experience in professional communication and file management. This role provides a unique perspective on social work in a specialized non-profit setting. The program concludes in a project where you’ll present your contributions to the chapter’s leadership team.
Image source - American Red Cross logo