Sustainability is the practice of meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. It integrates environmental health, social equity, and economic vitality. As a high schooler, engaging with this field means developing a comprehensive understanding of how human systems and natural environments intersect. By participating in sustainability initiatives, you can gain strong technical skills in resource management, data analysis, and ecological restoration. This work provides you with a framework for addressing complex global challenges through local, science-based solutions.
Why should you choose a sustainability internship?
Choosing a sustainability internship allows you to apply theoretical classroom knowledge to real-world environmental and social issues. These programs offer you direct exposure to professional fields such as conservation biology, renewable energy, and urban planning. They also offer opportunities to develop proficiency in relevant technical tools, such as Geographic Information Systems (GIS), water quality monitoring equipment, or sustainable agricultural techniques. Last but not least, these experiences provide you with professional networking opportunities and a clear understanding of the regulatory and scientific standards governing environmental protection. By working with established organizations, you can also contribute to measurable outcomes in biodiversity, climate resilience, and community health. These internships give you a massive advantage when applying to colleges or future jobs by showing that you’re proactive, care about the planet, and know how to work in a professional setting.
If you are more interested in a specific field within the sustainability sphere, such as marine biology, you should check out these camps instead. If you’d rather work specifically in the environmental sub-sector, we have a list of environmental internships as well.
To help you choose, below, we have listed our top picks for sustainability internships for high school students.
15 Sustainability Internships for High School Students
1. Stanford Young Investigators
Location: Stanford University, Stanford, CA
Stipend: Honorarium given to qualified students
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective, around 20–30 interns selected
Dates: Third Tuesday in June to the first Thursday of 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)
Stanford Young Investigators is a research-focused internship program that allows you to assist with research in Earth systems and energy resources at the Stanford Doerr School of Sustainability labs. There are 7 different sub-fields available to research in, with differing time commitments, so you can choose what you’re most interested in: History of Life and Biodiversity, Oceans, Geology, Energy, Environmental Science and Engineering, Agriculture, and Social Sciences. Almost regardless of what you choose, you will learn data collection, laboratory maintenance, and the use of software for environmental data analysis. You’ll receive mentorship from university faculty and graduate students to guide your scientific inquiry.
2. Youth Conservation Corps (YCC)
Location: Various National Park sites across the United States.
Stipend: Paid, amount not disclosed
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; individual crews typically 5–10 students per site
Dates: Varies by site, generally around 8–10 weeks in the summer
Application Deadline: Varies by site and role
Eligibility: U.S. citizens or permanent residents who are between 15–18 years of age and residing within commuting distance of a YCC site
YCC allows you to perform environmental restoration and trail maintenance at various National Park locations to support resource protection. Your work focuses on managing invasive species, protecting local wildlife habitats, and preserving historic structures. You learn to use specific field tools and adhere to safety standards while working in diverse outdoor environments. The program includes educational components regarding natural resource management and the history of park preservation. You work as part of a crew to complete projects that impact public lands directly. This is a paid opportunity for you to experience professional careers in conservation and land management.
3. NASA STEM Enhancement in Earth Science (SEES)
Location: University of Texas at Austin, TX
Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; 15–25 students selected annually
Dates: Project-specific online work with mentors from May 15 – July 3, followed by on-site internship from July 5 – 18
Application Deadline: February 22
Eligibility: Current high school sophomores and juniors who are U.S. citizens aged 16+ and first-time applicants
SEES is an exclusive opportunity to work with professional scientists at NASA to analyze Earth-observing satellite data related to climate change and land use. You will learn to use specialized NASA software and data processing tools to answer specific scientific questions. The program requires you to complete a research project and present your findings at a final symposium. You develop skills in data visualization, remote sensing, and technical scientific communication. The internship begins with a virtual component followed by an in-person residential phase on campus. This is a rare opportunity to contribute to real-world NASA missions in aerospace and environmental research.
4. Hutton Junior Fisheries Biology Program
Location: Local placements available within a 45-minute distance from your home.
Stipend: $3,000
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; 20–45 students
Dates: Eight weeks in the summer from June to August, varying by mentor and location
Application Deadline: January 25
Eligibility: Rising and graduating high school seniors, ages 16 and up
You will work alongside professional fisheries biologists to monitor and manage aquatic ecosystems in field and lab settings. Responsibilities can include collecting field samples, managing laboratory data, and assisting with fish population surveys. It’s a good way to develop technical skills in using water quality monitoring equipment and biological sampling tools like seines or electrofishing gear. The program provides you with a local mentor who guides you through the scientific and regulatory aspects of fisheries management. This role offers you direct experience in professional resource management careers and aquatic science.
5. Citizens’ Climate Lobby (CCL) – National Youth Action Team
Location: Remote
Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Open enrollment; cohort size not disclosed
Dates: Year-round
Application Deadline: Rolling basis
Eligibility: Youth under 18 (Middle and high school students)
As a participant in the Citizens’ Climate Lobby youth program, you get involved in sustainability by focusing on national climate policy and grassroots organizing. You study concrete environmental topics like legislative advocacy, civic engagement, and specific solutions such as carbon pricing. During the program, you will directly lobby elected representatives, organize local climate action campaigns, and give educational presentations to your community. A unique feature of this setup is its entirely youth-led structure, allowing you to work on real federal legislation alongside other students nationwide. By the end, you develop practical skills in public speaking, policy analysis, and community organizing that help you make a concrete impact.
6. Clean Water Ambassadors Internship
Location: Seattle, Washington
Stipend: $21/hr
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective, fewer than 30 applicants chosen
Dates: 5 weeks in the Summer
Application Deadline: April 22
Eligibility: High school students at least 16 years of age by July residing in King County; current and valid identification and proof of U.S. work eligibility
You will study wastewater management and environmental justice within the Seattle regional infrastructure through a partnership with King County. As an intern, you’ll be participating in field trips to treatment plants and conducting interviews with environmental engineering professionals. You will learn about the engineering and chemistry required to maintain clean water systems for urban populations. The program requires you to design and deliver educational content for younger students on water conservation and sustainability. It’s a solid option to gain experience in community outreach, public speaking, and environmental advocacy.
7. Marjot Foundation Independent Research in Environmental Sciences
Location: Marjot Foundation, Falmouth, MA
Stipend: $5,000 grant is provided to cover research stipends
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive, only a handful of grants are awarded every season
Dates: Program lasts one year after receiving the grant
Application Deadline: April 20
Eligibility: High school students in grades 9–12 from New England and New York
The Marjot Foundation provides a unique opportunity by funding your original research project focused on an environmental issue of your choice within your local ecosystem. You manage a project grant to cover equipment, research stipends, and travel associated with your study. The research project is fully designed and executed by you, and will involve field or lab-based data collection and a thorough literature review of your selected topic. You are required to submit a comprehensive research report and present your findings to the foundation upon completion. The program encourages you to develop independent inquiry skills and high levels of scientific rigor.
8. RISE Environmentor Program
Location: RISE Center, Far Rockaway, NY
Stipend: Up to $1,200
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; typically 12–15 students
Dates: June – Mid-August
Application Deadline: Early May
Eligibility: High school students in grades 9–11 who live in or attend school in or near the Rockaway Peninsula (NYC)
In this program, you will work on coastal resilience and environmental research projects based in the Rockaway area of New York City. Your duties may include water quality testing, identifying local species, and monitoring shoreline health through field observations. You will use scientific equipment to collect data and perform laboratory analysis under a mentor’s guidance. The program also incorporates workshops on urban ecology, environmental justice, and climate adaptation strategies to provide a more holistic learning experience. It concludes with a final research poster presentation to be shared at a public symposium for the community.
9. Wave Hill Forest Project
Location: Bronx, New York
Stipend: $2,275
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive; approximately 25–28 students each summer
Dates: Summer
Application Deadline: February 27
Eligibility: NYC high school students; 16+ years old by May 1; U.S. work eligibility required; ability to work in unpaved natural areas, use heavy tools, and bend at the waist; separate SYEP application required
The Wave Hill Forest Project internship allows you to participate in forest restoration and ecological management within the Bronx and other urban park sites. Your work involves removing invasive plant species and restoring native woodland habitats to improve biodiversity. The internship also includes a college-level course in restoration ecology, ensuring you learn ecology theory while gaining practical fieldwork experience alongside professionals. You will learn to identify local tree species and understand the ecological requirements of urban forest systems. If you want to contribute to improving the ecological health of your local urban environment while being paid for it, this is a good opportunity.
10. National Audubon Society Conservation Leadership Crew
Location: St. Louis, MO
Stipend: $15/hr
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Extremely selective, 5–10 interns per season
Dates: Ferguson-Florissant Students: March 16–20; Hazelwood Students: March 23–27
Application Deadline: February 8
Eligibility: Current high schoolers from the Ferguson-Florissant and Hazelwood School Districts
In this week-long program, you will implement conservation strategies to protect bird species and their habitats in your local region. You will work with Audubon Society staff on habitat restoration, bird monitoring, and public education about avian conservation needs. You’ll learn to use binoculars, GPS devices, and field guides to track bird populations and habitat health. The program provides you with leadership training and exposure to careers in wildlife biology and non-profit management. If you’re looking for a shorter, collaborative, outdoorsy opportunity, this program can be a good fit.
11. SUNY Oneonta Biological Field Station Internships
Location: Various locations in New York State
Stipend: $3,500
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Extremely selective, each internship only has 1–3 openings
Dates: 8 weeks in the summer, exact dates varying by location and role
Application Deadline: March 18
Eligibility: New York State high school students aged 16+
SUNY Oneonta offers a variety of internships at multiple biological field stations on Otsego Lake and surrounding watersheds in New York, providing hands-on experience in biological monitoring and ecological research. Your work can include collecting water samples, analyzing water chemistry, and identifying aquatic organisms in a laboratory setting. You’ll learn to use specialized laboratory equipment and field sampling tools to support long-term environmental datasets for the station. The program gives you the opportunity to work alongside university researchers and professional field biologists and develop proficiency in data recording, scientific observation, and freshwater ecosystem management.
12. Go Green Initiative Internship
Location: Pleasanton, CA or virtual
Stipend: Paid and unpaid opportunities available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; approximately 30–35 students per year
Dates: 7 weeks in the Summer
Application Deadline: Typically, mid-to-late March
Eligibility: Current high school students
The GGI Internship focuses on projects that improve environmental health and sustainability within school districts and local municipalities. You will be involved in analyzing data related to waste diversion, water quality, and energy consumption in school facilities. You’ll learn to track metrics and assist in drafting policy recommendations for school boards. The program includes training on the intersection of public health and environmental regulation. Past interns have worked with local city management and regulatory agencies on improving waste reduction compliance. This role helps you build foundational skills in data management and local government advocacy.
13. Sustainable Westchester Internship
Location: Multiple locations in NY, depending on role
Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; typically 2–5 students per session
Dates: May – June
Application Deadline: Rolling basis
Eligibility: High school seniors in Westchester County, NY
In this internship, you will support municipal-level sustainability initiatives such as community solar, zero-waste programs, and clean transportation. Your work could involve researching renewable energy policies or assisting with public outreach for green energy adoption. You will learn to interpret local environmental data and contribute to the development of educational content for community members. The program allows you to interact with elected officials and subject matter experts in the clean energy sector. It’s a practical way to gain experience in community organizing and professional communication within a non-profit framework, while engaging with the logistical challenges of implementing climate solutions at the county level.
14. EnergyMag Virtual Research Internship
Location: Virtual
Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; 20–40 interns
Dates: Rolling. Half-time internships of 2-8 weeks in the summer, quarter-time internships of 1-9 months in the academic year
Application Deadline: Rolling basis
Eligibility: High school sophomores, juniors, and seniors who have completed at least one honors science or honors English class and a GPA over 3.25
EnergyMag provides a fully remote opportunity to conduct research on technical literacy in energy systems and sustainability trends. Your primary task is to produce a technical report or a literature review on a specific energy sector. You will get to work with a mentor to refine your research question and analyze industry data regarding clean energy markets. The program focuses on developing your technical literacy in energy systems and sustainability trends, offering a flexible schedule and emphasizing the development of technical writing and research skills.
15. Seaside Sustainability Internship
Location: Virtual and in‑person options in Gloucester, MA
Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive; over 250 interns annually across all seasons
Dates: 5-month contract periods
Application Deadline: Rolling basis
Eligibility: All high school students
In this internship, you will join a specific functional team working in sectors like marine science, sustainability consulting, or climate action & advocacy. Interns are usually assigned project-based tasks like researching alternatives to single-use plastics or developing environmental curricula for schools. You will be expected to work like a contributing team member, participating in weekly team meetings and using project management software to track your deliverables. The virtual format allows you to collaborate with a diverse international cohort on tangible environmental solutions.
One more option – Horizon Academic Research Program
If you’re looking for a competitive mentored research program in subjects like data science, machine learning, political theory, biology, and chemistry, consider applying to Horizon’s Research Seminars and Labs! This is a selective virtual research program that lets you engage in advanced research and develop a research paper on a subject of your choosing. Horizon has worked with 1000+ high school students so far and offers 600+ research specializations for you to choose from. You can find the application link here!
Image Source – Seaside Sustainability