Summer Internships

How to Apply

The 2017 application cycle is closed. Look for new openings in February 2018.

Azi Akpan '16 was a summer intern at Oceana

Atkinson Center summer internships, sponsored by David and Pat Atkinson and Jill and Ken Iscol, give Cornell undergraduate and graduate students hands-on experience at the intersection of science and policy. These internships expose student scholars and budding scientists and social scientists to the inner workings of leading environmental advocacy groups, such as Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) and Oceana. The interns work on cutting-edge sustainability issues in vibrant workplaces to gain subject matter expertise and workplace skills.

Summer 2017 Interns

Students selected for our 2017 summer internships at the Environmental Defense Fund, Oceana, and CARE will head into the field shortly! Watch this page for 2018 summer opportunities.

Summer 2016 Interns

Undergraduate and graduate students were selected for summer internships with the Environmental Defense Fund, Oceana, CARE, and Oxfam.

Read about a CARE intern's work in Haiti.

Summer 2015 Interns

With new funding from the Iscols and the Atkinsons, we sent twice as many summer interns into the field in 2015. Twelve Cornell undergrads and grad students worked as Atkinson Center summer research fellows at Environmental Defense Fund and Oceana offices in Boston; New York; Washington, D.C.; San Francisco; and Monterey, California.

Read about a 2015 intern's experience at Oceana in our blog.

Summer 2014 Interns

Five Cornell undergraduates made real-world impacts on environmental policy in 2014 as Atkinson Center summer interns at Environmental Defense Fund and Oceana. Working in EDF and Oceana offices in Washington, D.C.; San Francisco; and Monterey, California, the interns contributed to environmental advocacy on marine conservation, climate change and air quality, and sustainable agriculture.

Read about the 2014, 2013, and 2012 summer interns in our blog.