15 Sustainability Internships for Undergraduates

Participating in an internship allows you to strengthen your resume, develop practical skills, and improve your employability while exploring career paths that align with your interests. If you’re interested in sustainability, internships offer a way to engage with pressing environmental, social, and economic challenges. You can gain exposure to how organizations approach climate action, renewable energy, ESG strategy, and community development in professional settings. As sustainability-related roles continue to grow across sectors, exploring internships early can help you understand where your interests fit best. 

What sustainability internships are available for undergraduates?

Sustainability internships for undergraduates cover a range of roles and focus areas, reflecting how interdisciplinary the field has become. Many allow you to collaborate with professionals across disciplines while building transferable skills such as data analysis, project management, and stakeholder communication. Some opportunities emphasize research and evaluation, while others focus on implementation, outreach, or program development. You’ll find these internships offered through nonprofits, research institutions, startups, and corporate sustainability teams. Together, these internships give you exposure to how organizations pursue sustainability goals and help you prepare for future academic or professional paths in the field.

To support your search, we’ve narrowed down a list of 15 sustainability internships for undergraduates that offer meaningful experience, mentorship, and skill-building opportunities. 

1. Ceres Internships and Co-Ops

Location: Ceres, Boston, MA, or San Francisco, CA (remote + hybrid options available in Boston and San Francisco; Boston for co-ops)
Stipend: $18 per hour
Program Dates: Spring Co-Ops: 20 weeks; Summer Internships: 10 weeks
Application Deadline: Varies by cohort
Eligibility: Undergraduate and graduate students

The Ceres Internship and Co-op Programs allow you to contribute to initiatives focused on advancing sustainability across business, finance, and policy. Through project-based work, you will support research, program implementation, and strategic efforts related to climate action, sustainable finance, and corporate responsibility. Your responsibilities may include data analysis, stakeholder engagement, policy research, or communications, depending on the team you join. The program allows you to collaborate with sustainability professionals across departments while gaining insight into how nonprofit organizations influence corporate and investor behavior. 

2. Ladder University Internship Program

Location: Remote
Cost: Varies (financial aid available)
Program Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year
Application Deadline: Varies by cohort
Eligibility: Undergraduate students able to commit 10-20 hours per week for 8-12 weeks

The Ladder University Internship Program is a selective, virtual internship opportunity that allows you to collaborate with startups and nonprofit organizations worldwide. These startups operate across a diverse range of industries. During the internship, you will contribute to a real-world project that addresses a genuine need within your assigned organization and will have the opportunity to present your work at the conclusion of the program. You will also work closely with your designated manager at the startup. Apply now!

3. Research Experience for Undergraduates (STEPS REU)

Location: Multiple U.S. academic institutions (varies by project)
Stipend: $7,000
Program Dates: May 19 – July 30
Application Deadline: Priority deadline: January 31; Applications reviewed on a rolling basis
Eligibility: Undergraduate students enrolled at an accredited U.S. college or university with at least one semester remaining; Must be from disciplines including environmental sciences, engineering, biology, chemistry, computer science, economics, and social sciences

The STEPS Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) allows you to engage in full-time, mentored research focused on the complex challenge of phosphorus sustainability. You’ll begin the program with a one-week orientation, where you will learn about convergence research and the interdisciplinary approach required to address environmental sustainability problems. Over nine weeks, you will work on an independent research project aligned with your academic and career interests at one of the participating STEPS institutions. In addition to your individual project, you’ll collaborate with the cohort on a shared convergence research initiative, building teamwork and cross-disciplinary research skills. The program concludes with formal presentations of both your individual research and cohort project, along with structured professional development activities that prepare you for graduate study or sustainability-focused careers.

4. The Appleton-Whittell Research Ranch Fellowship Program

Location: Southeastern Arizona (priority given to projects conducted at the Appleton-Whittell Research Ranch)
Stipend: $1,000 research award + a $500 housing voucher for lodging at the Research Ranch
Program Dates: Flexible; Research timelines vary by project
Application Deadline: March 30
Eligibility: Undergraduate students ages 18-30; Must be conducting conservation-related research in Southeastern Arizona

The Appleton-Whittell Research Ranch Fellowship Program supports you if you are an emerging scientist conducting conservation-focused research in arid and grassland ecosystems. Through this fellowship, you’ll receive funding to advance projects aligned with habitat conservation, ecosystem restoration, climate change impacts, and community engagement in science. Your research may focus on grassland conservation, species of greatest conservation need in Arizona, or natural history at any scale. In addition to financial support, you will gain opportunities to share your work through Audubon Southwest’s webinars and outreach platforms, helping you build visibility within the conservation community. The program emphasizes sound science and stewardship, allowing you to contribute meaningful research while developing as a conservation professional.

5. FUJIFILM Sustainability Intern

Location: FUJIFILM Biotechnologies, Holly Springs, NC
Stipend: Paid
Program Dates: May 26 – August (duration varies by internship structure)
Application Deadline: April 13
Eligibility: Currently enrolled undergraduate or master’s students in environmental science, sustainability, engineering, life sciences, or related fields; U.S. work authorization required

The FUJIFILM Sustainability Internship allows you to support real-world sustainability initiatives within a large-scale biotechnology manufacturing facility. In this role, you will contribute to projects focused on carbon neutrality, water minimization, zero-waste goals, green building design, and low-impact development. Your work may include life cycle impact modeling, researching industry best practices, and helping develop business cases for integrating sustainability programs across operations. You’ll collaborate closely with the Environmental Health, Safety, and Sustainability team, as well as cross-functional partners and senior leadership. The internship also offers exposure to certification processes such as LEED Gold and Fitwel/Well standards, along with opportunities to present your final project at the conclusion of the program. 

6. MobilizeGreen Internships and Fellowships

Location: Various locations across the U.S. (in-person, hybrid & virtual opportunities available)
Stipend: Paid
Program Dates: Varies by program
Application Deadline: Rolling; Varies by program and federal funding cycles
Eligibility: Undergraduate students, recent graduates, and early-career professionals 

MobilizeGreen offers a range of paid internships, fellowships, and career readiness programs that allow you to gain hands-on experience in sustainability and public service. Through conservation internships, you’ll work on public lands such as national parks, forests, and wildlife refuges, building skills in ecology, resource management, and environmental leadership. Infrastructure fellowships place you in cohort-based roles with agencies like the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, where you’ll support engineering, maintenance, GIS, hydrology, and facilities projects that sustain public lands. MobilizeGreen also offers virtual internships, allowing you to complete project-based work in sustainability, communications, data analysis, and social impact with mission-driven organizations. Across programs, you’ll receive mentorship, professional development, and exposure to federal career pathways.

7. Washington Applied Sustainability Internship (WASI)

Location: Various organizations across Washington State
Stipend: Paid (amount varies; funded in part through EPA Pollution Prevention Grants)
Program Dates: June 15 – mid-August
Application Deadline: April 15
Eligibility: Washington state–based undergraduate students with junior or senior standing (including graduating seniors) in business, economics, engineering, environmental science, green chemistry, physical sciences, or sustainability-related fields

The Washington Applied Sustainability Internship (WASI) allows you to work directly with businesses and industry partners to address real-world pollution prevention and sustainability challenges. During the summer internship, you’ll research and analyze opportunities to reduce hazardous waste, conserve energy and water, identify safer chemical alternatives, and improve operational efficiency. Your work may involve recommending or helping implement process changes that reduce emissions, protect waterways, and enhance employee health and safety. You will be placed with a host business while receiving technical support from advisors at the Washington State Department of Ecology. Through this applied experience, you will gain hands-on exposure to sustainability-focused problem-solving in an industry setting while contributing to environmental protection efforts across Washington State.

8. Glumac Sustainability Intern

Location: Glumac, Seattle, WA
Stipend: Paid (exact stipend not publicly disclosed)
Program Dates: June – August (9 weeks)
Application Deadline: January 31
Eligibility: Undergraduate students

The Glumac Sustainability Internship allows you to gain hands-on experience working on real-world sustainability projects within a global building design consulting firm. During the nine-week summer program, you’ll work alongside experienced professionals on initiatives focused on sustainable and resilient building design. A key component of the internship includes contributing to the development of the University of Washington’s Sustainability Action Plan, giving you exposure to applied sustainability planning at an institutional level. You will be part of a multidisciplinary intern cohort, collaborating with peers from different academic backgrounds while participating in training sessions and a group project. 

9. Smithsonian Environmental Research Center (SERC) Internships

Location: Smithsonian Environmental Research Center, Edgewater, MD; Remote options available
Stipend: Minimum $650 per week
Program Dates: Summer internships are typically 10-16 weeks
Application Deadline: February 15
Eligibility: Currently enrolled undergraduate or master’s students, or recent graduates; U.S. citizens, permanent residents, and international students (REU funding limited to U.S. citizens and permanent residents)

The Smithsonian Environmental Research Center (SERC) Internship Program allows you to gain hands-on experience in environmental research and public engagement under the mentorship of leading scientists and educators. During the internship, you will work on an independent project aligned with your academic and professional goals, with opportunities spanning environmental chemistry, marine and estuarine ecology, terrestrial ecology, molecular ecology, and more. SERC also offers public engagement internships in areas such as environmental education, participatory science, and science writing. Throughout the program, you’ll participate in seminars, networking events, and professional development activities designed to strengthen your research and communication skills. The internship concludes with a formal presentation of your project to the SERC community.

10. WWF BRIDGE Summer Internship Program

Location: Virtual and hybrid options available (many roles connected to WWF-US offices)
Stipend: $20.50/hour (undergraduates); $22.50/hour (graduates)
Program Dates: June – August (10 weeks)
Application Deadline: Varies by year and role
Eligibility: Current associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral students (doctoral students must have completed no more than two years of coursework)

The WWF BRIDGE Summer Internship Program allows you to gain hands-on experience in conservation and sustainability while exploring the environmental sector as a potential career pathway. Designed for students with limited prior professional experience, the program emphasizes skill-building, exposure, and access to conservation-focused work. During the 10-week internship, you will work on projects across teams such as conservation science, policy, marketing and communications, impact investing, development, and operations. You’ll collaborate with WWF professionals while developing transferable skills in research, analysis, communication, and project management. In addition to project work, you will participate in structured professional development, including resume and interview training, networking with WWF leadership, and access to external learning resources. Through BRIDGE, you’ll gain practical experience, mentorship, and early-career exposure that can help launch a future in sustainability or conservation-focused roles.

11. Campus Sustainability Internship Program 

Location: University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI
Stipend: Paid (varies by year and role)
Program Dates: Academic year (year-long internship)
Application Deadline: January 16
Eligibility: Undergraduate students of any major with an interest in sustainability 

The Campus Sustainability Internship Program allows you to work as part of a student team advancing sustainability initiatives across the UW-Madison campus. During this year-long internship, you’ll collaborate with campus offices, departments, and auxiliary units to raise awareness of sustainable practices and support behavior change. Depending on your team, your work may involve communications and media production, peer-to-peer education, event sustainability consulting, lab and office certification programs, podcast creation, or academic research and data analysis. You’ll gain practical experience applying sustainability solutions within a large institutional setting while developing professional skills in collaboration, project management, and stakeholder engagement. 

12. Stanford Doerr School of Sustainability Summer Internship Program

Location: Varies by placement
Stipend: Varies by employer
Program Dates: Summer (varies by internship)
Application Deadline: Varies by internship
Eligibility: Stanford undergraduate, coterm, master’s, and PhD students 

The Stanford Doerr School of Sustainability Summer Internship Program allows you to gain hands-on experience with organizations addressing critical sustainability challenges. Through curated internship placements, you’ll work on real projects related to energy systems, climate action, environmental solutions, and sustainability innovation. The program helps you connect your academic training at Stanford with applied, mission-driven work while exploring potential career pathways. You’ll contribute meaningfully to host organizations while building professional skills, industry knowledge, and practical experience. By participating, you’ll gain exposure to sustainability-focused roles across sectors and engage with employers seeking emerging talent in climate and environmental fields.

13. Earth Systems Public Service Fellowships

Location: Various nonprofit organizations or government agencies across the U.S.
Stipend: $7,000; Financial aid and supplemental funding available
Program Dates: Summer (9 weeks; full-time)
Application Deadline: February 3
Eligibility: Stanford freshmen, sophomores, and juniors pursuing interdisciplinary environmental studies and interested in public service

The Earth Systems Public Service Fellowship allows you to apply interdisciplinary environmental coursework to real-world public service work. Through a self-designed internship, you will spend nine weeks working full-time with a nonprofit organization or government agency focused on environmental sustainability. You may continue with an organization you’ve previously engaged with through coursework, research, or volunteering, or identify a new partner aligned with your interests. Throughout the fellowship, you’ll work closely with a supervisor or mentor while developing as an interdisciplinary environmental scholar and problem-solver. The program emphasizes hands-on learning, civic engagement, and professional growth within the public service sector, helping you connect academic training to impactful sustainability-focused work.

14. Environment and Policy Internships (EPIC)

Location: Various organizations across the U.S.; International placements available
Stipend: $8,000 – $9,500, depending on financial need
Program Dates: Summer (10 consecutive weeks)
Application Deadline: February 2
Eligibility: Stanford freshmen, sophomores, juniors, and coterm students in good academic standing; Must be enrolled during winter and spring quarters

The Environment and Policy Internships (EPIC) program allows you to gain hands-on experience in environmental policy through a paid summer fellowship with nonprofit organizations or government agencies. Through full-time placements, you will work on projects addressing pressing sustainability challenges in areas such as climate policy, environmental justice, natural resource management, and public-sector decision-making. You’ll also receive close mentorship from environmental professionals while contributing meaningfully to policy research, program development, and implementation efforts. The program also includes cohort-building activities, academic mentorship, and structured reflection through Stanford’s Cardinal Quarter framework. 

15. Student Sustainability Intern (UW Sustainability)

Location: University of Washington, Seattle, WA (hybrid)
Stipend: $23 per hour
Program Dates: Fall – Spring (part-time during the academic year; 12 hours per week)
Application Deadline: September 30
Eligibility: Current University of Washington undergraduate students 

The Student Sustainability Intern position allows you to work closely with the UW Sustainability team on outreach, engagement, and sustainability initiatives across campus. In this role, you’ll help plan and coordinate events, develop partnerships with student organizations, and support sustainability-focused projects led by the university. Your responsibilities may include representing UW Sustainability at events, assisting with project meetings, promoting campaigns, and helping organize both virtual and in-person programming. You’ll collaborate with campus partners, speakers, and exhibitors while gaining experience in communications, event coordination, and stakeholder engagement. The position emphasizes teamwork, initiative, and intersectional sustainability, giving you practical experience in advancing sustainability efforts within a large university setting.

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