In partnership with frontline and community-based organizations, interns gain firsthand exposure to environmental justice and climate resilience initiatives. These work-based experiences build the knowledge, skills, confidence, and professional networks young people need to thrive as the next generation of sustainability leaders.
Our Impact: Growing the Green Workforce
Since 2020, we’ve supported
141
Paid Interns
25
Mentor Organizations
100% of 2025 internship participants feel better prepared to enter the workforce.
”My internship opened my eyes to green and sustainability action. I did not know that many people were fighting and advocating for a better environment. Being part of it as a young person helped me to grow. Working with professionals for a cause that everybody will benefit from makes me proud of myself and increases my confidence in the workplace.
2025 Summer Intern
Career-Connected Learning
Interns bridge classroom learning with real-world sustainability work. They explore career paths, contribute to impactful projects, and, with the support of EcoRise, build essential 21st century skills like communication, collaboration, and problem-solving. Guided by industry mentors, interns leave the program with a clearer vision for their future and the confidence to pursue it.
Community Building
Relationships are at the heart of our internship experience. Through workshops, networking events, and collaborative projects, interns engage with green professionals from diverse sectors. These connections provide invaluable career insights, foster a sense of belonging in the sustainability movement, and create lasting bonds with mentors and peers who share their commitment to building a more just and resilient future.
Holistic Approach to Resilience
We believe that climate resilience is strengthened by cultural connection and personal well-being. Our internships include field experiences that highlight the cultural, social, and wellness aspects of sustainability work. Interns explore how environmental solutions can honor cultural traditions, promote equity, and nurture the restorative power of nature—broadening their understanding of what it means to lead in the green economy.
The Power of Experience: What Interns Say
”[The internship] really made me realize how much I didn't know about sustainability and how it’s not taught to the youth or really even the community at all. I feel like my eyes were really opened to the bigger problems and the real solutions we should be focusing on. It has made me even more passionate about conservation and sustainability.
2023 Summer Intern
Program Partners
We’re grateful to the volunteer mentors who inspire these young leaders to take their first steps toward careers that will shape a more just and sustainable future.
These hands-on career opportunities were supported by our wonderful partners
