Are you interested in exploring careers in environmental fields? We are looking for curious, creative, and enthusiastic teens with a commitment to community and equity to join our Summer 2026 intern cohort! No previous experience in environmental issues required.

This internship program integrates multiple disciplines and ways of knowing to support a diverse community of interns in finding a career path that is right for them.

Contact us at uwbgeduc@uw.edu with any questions.

2026 Summer Internship Application

Image of high school interns posing around a tree.

 

  • WHO:   Teens ages 16 – 18
  • WHEN: June 29 – August 7, 2026, Monday-Friday.  Hours vary but usually 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
    • Hours are subject to adjust
    •  
    • up to an hour on either end with prior notice. Daily hours will not exceed 6.
  • WHERE: Washington Park Arboretum. Interns will also spend time meeting with environmental professionals from different backgrounds and types of environmental organizations across the Puget Sound regions.
    • Transportation to and from the internship is not provided.
    • Transportation for off-site travel will be provided. We may also use public transit for off-site travel.
  • This is a paid internship experience. The 2026 stipend is $2,000.
  • APPLICATION DEADLINE: May 29, 2026

What will I do?

  • Prepare for a career as an environmental professional
  • Develop your leadership skills
  • Identify personal strengths and skills
  • Meet with environmental professionals from different backgrounds and types of environmental organizations across the Puget Sound region. Past visits have included University of Washington, Islandwood, the Seattle Environmental Protection Agency regional office, Beavers Northwest, Beacon Food Forest, and PNW Climate Week Green Jobs and Activation Fair.
  • Build a sense of teamwork and community
  • Work with children in various outdoor education settings
  • Participate in an environmental team project in the Washington Park Arboretum

Interns participating in a service learning project to remove unwanted plantsComments from Summer Interns

“I loved this internship! I found everything very educational and worthwhile. Meeting professionals in the environmental field makes me feel less worried about the future. I also made lots of friends. Thank you so much for this opportunity!”

“The favorite thing I learned was through the course of the project—the information about my plant, the pacific crab apple, but also valuable interpersonal skills like communication, collaboration, and decision-making.”

 

QUESTIONS?

Please contact us at uwbgeduc@uw.edu

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