14 Sustainability Internships for High School Students
If you’re a high school student interested in sustainability, applying for an internship in this field can help you explore different career paths, network with industry professionals, and gain practical experience. You will have the chance to work with nonprofits, startups, educational institutions, and municipal programs where you can support projects that focus on reducing environmental impact. Completing an internship in sustainability can also boost your college applications by demonstrating your commitment to the field to admissions officers.
Sustainability internships allow you to explore diverse areas, such as renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, environmental policy, urban planning, and more. You will learn how to promote sustainable practices by working on tasks ranging from research and data analysis to writing reports, community outreach, designing campaigns, and organizing events. To help you get started, we've put together the top 14 sustainability internships for high school students.
1. Stanford Young Investigators
Location: Stanford University, Stanford, CA
Cost/Stipend: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective
Dates: Internships start on the third Tuesday in June | final presentation on the first Thursday in August
Application Deadline: March 15
Eligibility: High school sophomores, juniors, or seniors who reside and attend school within approximately 25 driving miles of Stanford (Bay Area)
The Stanford Doerr School of Sustainability offers Stanford Young Investigators, a program for students interested in exploring sustainability, earth science, environmental sciences, and related fields. Participants explore focus areas such as Oceans, Environment, & Earth Systems, Agriculture Group, Earth & Planetary Sciences, and History of Life and Biodiversity. Throughout the program, you work with mentors on projects, research activities, and fieldwork that address real environmental challenges. Your mentors will be scientists, engineers, and industry professionals who’ll help you explore the field and navigate the internship.
2. Ladder Internship Program
Cost: Varies depending on program type. Full financial aid available.
Location: Remote! You can work from anywhere in the world.
Application Deadline: Deadlines vary depending on the cohort. Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), and Winter (November).
Program Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year, including Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter.
Eligibility: Students who can work for 10-20 hours/week for 8-12 weeks. Open to high school students, undergraduates, and gap year students!
Ladder Internships is a selective start-up internship program for ambitious high school students! In the program, you work with a high-growth start-up on an internship. Start-ups that offer internships range across a variety of industries, from tech/deep tech and AI/ML to health tech, marketing, journalism, consulting, and more. Ladder’s start-ups are high-growth companies on average, raising over a million dollars. Interns work closely with their manager at the startup on real-world projects and present their work to the company. The virtual internship is usually 8 weeks long.
3. Youth Conservation Corps
Location: Multiple locations across the U.S.
Cost/Stipend: Paid
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: 8 - 10 weeks during the summer (vary depending on the site)
Application Deadline: Varies depending on the site
Eligibility: U.S. citizens or permanent residents who are between 15 to 18 years of age; able to commute to the site and work legally in the U.S.
The Youth Conservation Corps, offered by the National Park Service, provides an immersive program in park management and environmental conservation. You’ll see sustainability in practice by taking part in activities such as building trails, cleaning campgrounds, improving wildlife habitats, restoring streams, and preserving historic buildings. You’ll also understand how STEM principles support ecosystems and conservation projects. The program includes educational field trips and career exploration through interaction with conservation professionals and park service staff.
4. Hutton Junior Fisheries Biology Program
Location: Varies based on mentors; program offered across all U.S. states
Cost/Stipend: Stipend is US $3,000 for the 8-week program
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: 8 weeks in the summer
Application Deadline: January 19
Eligibility: High school students (typically juniors or seniors) interested in fisheries/aquatic sciences
The Hutton Junior Fisheries Biology Program is an 8-week summer internship program for students interested in fisheries, aquatic science, and environmental science-aligned fields. During the program, you’ll be paired with a mentor and participate in activities such as sampling fish populations, electro fishing, working at hatcheries or habitat restoration sites, and contributing to outreach activities. You will develop skills in field and lab research, and gain insight into how aquatic ecosystems are managed, how fish habitats are monitored, and how various activities support ecological balance in marine environments. Previous interns have shared that the internship increased their awareness of their environmental footprint and encouraged them to think about solutions to environmental issues.
5. Rockaway Initiative for Sustainability and Equity (RISE) Environmentor Internship
Location: RISE Center, Far Rockaway, NY
Cost/Stipend: Stipend of up to US $1,200
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: June through mid-August (exact dates are not specified)
Application Deadline: Exact dates not specified
Eligibility: High school students in grades 9 - 11; live in or attend school in or near the Rockaway Peninsula (NYC)
The Rockaway Initiative for Sustainability and Equity (RISE) offers Environmentor as a science research mentorship program for students. During the program, you’ll conduct research under the mentorship of scientists. The study is focused on the Rockaway Peninsula, and past interns have conducted research on coastal and estuarine ecosystem monitoring, habitat restoration, flood and environmental impact assessment, and air quality analysis. The program includes workshops, mentoring by science professionals, and conservation-focused community service. The program provides an immersive experience and includes learning through field trips, observations, and activities such as kayaking, biking, and surfing.
6. USC Center for the Political Future Internship
Location: Virtual or in-person at USC Dornsife Center for the Political Future, Los Angeles, CA
Cost/Stipend: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: June 1 - August 1
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: High school students with a minimum GPA of 3.5
The USC Dornsife Center for the Political Future (CPF) offers an internship program for high school students who are interested in solving environmental issues through the legislative process. You’ll study in detail the policymaking process and examine how environmental and sustainability laws are passed. You will be working on a legislative policy memo and processing an analysis of a related bill, while conducting the necessary research to inform legislation. You’ll also have the opportunity to explore potential career paths in this field by interacting with environmental policy experts.
7. Marjot Foundation Independent Research in Environmental Sciences
Location: Marjot Foundation, Falmouth, MA
Cost/Stipend: Students receive a grant to conduct their research work
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective
Dates: The program lasts one year
Application Deadline: October 15 | April 20
Eligibility: High school students in grades 9 - 11; students from New England and New York
The Marjot Foundation provides funds to high school students interested in conducting research in Environmental Sciences. To apply to the program, you will have to write a research proposal outlining your research goals, which can be either a field or laboratory research project. Past participants have focused on project areas such as coastal ecosystem restoration, water and air pollution assessment, microplastic and waste reduction, climate and ocean change impacts, and sustainable waste management through bio-based solutions. You will have to present your work at the end of your project and submit a final report detailing your research process.
8. Go Green Initiative Internship
Location: GGI’s incubator district, Pleasanton, CA; virtual options are also open
Cost/Stipend: Paid
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: 7 weeks in the summer (exact dates not specified)
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: High school and college students
The Go Green Initiative offers an internship program for high school students interested in exploring sustainability. As an intern, you'll receive training and work on projects supporting community-based initiatives in environmental health, safety, and sustainability. You’ll participate in public education efforts and help your communities in areas such as waste, water, energy, and food systems. Past interns have worked together with local management and regulatory agencies to promote waste reduction compliance. The internship also includes collaborative projects, field trips, and youth summits.
9. Sustainable Westchester’s Zero Waste Internship Program
Location: Primary location in Mount Kisco, NY, and other sites within Westchester County, NY
Cost/Stipend: Paid
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: Dates vary depending on the internship track
Application Deadline: Applications by email (resume plus cover letter) to a specific contact are required
Eligibility: High school seniors
Sustainable Westchester offers a zero-waste internship program designed for students passionate about advocating for environmental issues through community-based work. As an intern, you’ll work in your community and collaborate with local advocacy groups to promote their work on waste management, recycling, and reducing non-biodegradable materials. You will build skills in communication, leadership, and project management by working on tasks such as research, creating databases, organizing, and educational outreach. You will also explore multiple career pathways by working alongside elected officials, municipal leaders, community members, subject matter experts, and environmental consultants.
10. EnergyMag Virtual Internship Program
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: Unpaid
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: Flexible based on various cohorts
Application Deadline: Applications processed on a rolling basis
Eligibility: High school students in grades 10 - 12; GPA over 3.25; completed at least one Honors Science or Honors English class (exceptions are possible)
EnergyMag offers internships for students interested in exploring renewable energy solutions and learning about the energy storage industry. During your internship, you’ll learn how to research a scientific or business issue related to renewable energy and how to evaluate sources, synthesize information, and strengthen your written skills. You’ll work alongside mentors and gain insight into how public education and awareness efforts support the growth of renewable energy storage.
11. Seaside Sustainability Internship
Location: Virtual and in‑person options in Gloucester, MA
Cost/Stipend: Unpaid
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: Flexible and vary depending on the cycle; minimum of 5 months
Application Deadline: Varies depending on the cycle
Eligibility: High school, college, and post‑graduate students
Seaside Sustainability offers an internship program for students interested in working with an organization that tackles environmental challenges through education and outreach projects. You can gain experience in diverse roles, such as climate action and advocacy, marine science and technology, sustainability consulting, website and technology support, and marketing and public relations. As an intern, you will collaborate with mentors on tasks such as market research, outreach, and supporting initiatives in climate action and sustainability consulting.
12. The Green School Alliance Student Internship
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: Unpaid
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: Rolling dates
Application Deadline: Applications processed on a rolling basis
Eligibility: High school and college students aged 15 years or above
The Green School Alliance offers an internship program for high schoolers looking to advocate for sustainability while gaining practical experience. As an intern, you’ll work on outreach programs that promote environmental responsibility and gain experience in writing, community engagement, visual communication, and research. You’ll work alongside mentors and develop communication and leadership skills by promoting sustainability on a community level through outreach to schools and other organizations.
13. Regenerative Education Alliance
Location: Penngrove Farms, Sonoma County, CA
Cost/Stipend: Unpaid
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: An internship cycle spans across one academic semester (between 10 - 20 hours)
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: High school students interested in sustainability, regenerative agriculture, and community service
The Regenerative Education Alliance offers students the chance to gain practical experience in sustainable agriculture, food security, and community advocacy. You will learn about regenerative agriculture practices, sustainable food production, and food security by working alongside local farmers, educators, and non-profit developers. You will also collaborate with local non-profits and farms, plan community-based events such as food distribution and donations to local food banks, and promote sustainable farming practices.
14. 350Marin Student Internship Program
Location: Various locations across Marin County, CA
Cost/Stipend: Unpaid
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: Flexible (internships run throughout the school year)
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: High school students based in Marin County, interested in climate activism and grassroots organizing
350Marin offers a student internship program for high school students interested in climate activism. You will assist local climate activism campaigns, work alongside activists, and gain insight into how environmental advocacy-based grassroots organizations operate. Your internship experience will be tailored to your areas of interest, whether advocacy, outreach, or research. During the internship, you can work on a research project, and you’ll have the opportunity to present your internship experience and key learnings at the end of the program.
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