Environmental issues are everywhere, and with industries polluting rivers and lakes, there’s a growing need to address them. These opportunities let you work on projects tied to current issues and connect with a like-minded community of people in the field. Here’s a list of environmental science opportunities for high schoolers.
First, consider signing up for the Qurios Institute mailing list for updates from Rishab and posts about more opportunities and scholarships.
UChicago’s Young Innovators Climate and Energy Program
This one-week residential program gives students a window into careers in climate and energy policy. If accepted, you learn about current climate and energy issues from faculty at the Energy Policy Institute at the University of Chicago (EPIC), the Becker Friedman Institute, and the Climate Impact Lab. You also get a tour and discussion panel with industry professionals, and an introduction to a community passionate about the environment.
The program is open to students in their junior year. You apply online with a transcript, supplement and essays, and a teacher recommendation. There’s no application fee, and the deadline is typically in early March.
Teen Research and Education in Environmental Science (TREES)
TREES is a summer research and mentorship program offering hands-on environmental research to motivated high school students. Each summer, about eight high schoolers work with mentors on projects they choose and design. Scholars also attend a research seminar from a University of Pennsylvania professor on environmental health and toxicology, plus a field trip to a place of environmental interest. Other activities include workshops on college admissions, careers, and presentation skills, along with social and cultural activities.
What’s unique is that students are mentored throughout the year, even after the program ends. Many use the opportunity to present their work at science fairs and at school, or to win awards and scholarships, and some have published their work in scientific journals. It isn’t a guaranteed pipeline to prestigious colleges, but the community and the rigor of the work can improve students’ chances of being accepted.
The application typically closes in early February, with admissions decisions released by early April.
To apply, you must:
- Have completed grade 9, 10, or 11 by the summer.
- Have a 3.0/4.0 GPA.
- Live in Philadelphia or the surrounding area.
- Have parental consent.
The program encourages students from underrepresented groups to apply, and it’s free to apply.
The key to these opportunities is going out, researching and experimenting on a real problem, and then presenting your work. Many people can do the research, but not many know how to present it well.
If you want to win prestigious science fairs and earn recognition, check out Rishab’s A-Z Science Fair Masterclass course, designed to help you work your way to the international stage.
LINC Summer High School Program
Linking Individuals to their Natural Community (LINC) is a summer program for high school students focused on community building, service learning, and exploring local communities and parklands. This six-week program brings together high schoolers from the Bay Area for experiences that include:
- Service projects.
- Professional development: resume building, mock interviews, and a career panel.
- Building soft skills like public speaking, teamwork, and healthy communication.
- Learning technical skills like wildlife monitoring and habitat restoration.
- Overnight trips, such as camping in a national or state park.
- Practicing wildlife observation with tools like iNaturalist and field guides.
- Team-building activities like cooking, kayaking, and field games.
- Networking with other youth from across the Bay Area.
- Learning about your local, state, and national parks.
The program meets Tuesday through Friday for six weeks. At the end, participants receive up to a $2,400 stipend. Applications are typically due in early-to-mid March.
Youth Engaged in Sustainable Systems (YESS)
Youth Engaged in Sustainable Systems offers programs that give high schoolers experience exploring green careers, help with presenting a restoration project proposal, and stories from restoration professionals at federal agencies and Native American tribes.
Along with a $1,800 stipend and a full science credit, the YESS student internship is open to high schoolers in grades 9-12 interested in restoration. The program brings in perspectives from Native American tribes, professional crews, and the US Forest Service. Applications are typically open through late May.
Hutton Junior Fisheries Biology Program
The Hutton Junior Fisheries Biology Program is an eight-week paid summer internship and mentoring program for high school students, sponsored by the American Fisheries Society (AFS). Students receive a $3,000 stipend and an all-expenses-paid trip to the Hutton Scholars Summit. Through its network of mentors, the program can place students across all 50 states, Canada, Mexico, and Puerto Rico, within about a 45-minute commute of the student’s home.
At past summits, students attended college and career workshops, took part in a fish derby and college tours, and helped with vegetation and crayfish planting. It’s a great hands-on experience for students interested in aquatic science, especially those from groups underrepresented in the profession. The application portal opens in November and closes in mid-January.
Oakland Zoo (Conservation Society of California)
The Oakland Zoo offers high schoolers several ways to get involved, from zoo maintenance to animal education. Its teen summer internship has different roles for students interested in different fields:
1. Guest Engagement Internship
The Guest Engagement Intern supports guests as they engage with content in the Habitarium, an indoor children’s exploration museum. The time commitment is 2 days per week. More details on the Teen Guest Engagement Internship (Habitarium).
2. California Trail Education Internship
The California Trail Education Intern supports Education Specialists as they engage guests in the California Trail section of the zoo. The time commitment is 2 days per week.
3. Teen Ambassador Animal Interpretation Program Internship
The Teen Ambassador Animal Interpretation Program Intern supports the Animal Ambassador Program Manager by assisting and leading informal educational programs throughout the zoo. The time commitment is 2 days per week (weekdays only).
4. Facilities Maintenance Internship
The Facilities Maintenance Intern supports the Maintenance team with administrative and hands-on work for the upkeep and expansion of the zoo’s facilities. The time commitment is flexible.
Applications for these internships are usually due around April 1st.
Final Words
If you’re out of luck because registration closed, you’re too young or too old, or for any other reason, don’t be afraid to look for opportunities on your own. One of the best ways to find a local one is to come up with your own research idea first, then use Rishab’s STEM Student Guide, which includes a guide to cold-emailing professors for help.
For more high school STEM competitions, check out Rishab’s video on STEM programs and competitions, which pairs advice with tips for succeeding.
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