The mission of the Institute for Broadening Participation is to increase diversity in the science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) workforce. Since 2003, IBP has connected underrepresented students with STEM funding and research opportunities and has provided faculty and administrators with tools and resources to help promote the positive factors that keep underrepresented students on the STEM pathway into successful STEM careers. The institute's website provides a wealth of resources for students seeking scholarships, fellowships, and internships.

Five different internship programs may be available through the Delaware Nature Society including (1) year-long environmental education intern, (2) summer environmental education intern, (3) stream watch intern, (4), research intern, and (5) legislative intern. Some positions are paid and some are volunteer.

Delaware Audubon Society (DAS) is seeking two interns to assist its board of directors with efforts to bolster the development of an advocacy program to protect Delaware's birds from the impact of a global warming. Delaware has the lowest elevation of any state in the U.S. and is particularly susceptible to sea level rise impacts on critical bird habitats. This is particularly concerning as Delaware's Coastal Zone, a globally important bird area, is being impacted by climate change. The internship will entail approximately 5-10 hours per week throughout the fall, winter, and/or spring semester.  Students must have completed two years of academic work (30 credit hours). Preference will be given to students with specific coursework in an academic major related to public policy, environmental policy, environmental science, communications, and/or journalism. The internship will include a modest stipend (approximately equivalent to $15/hour or $1,500/semester).  Delaware Audubon will coordinate with higher education institutions to facilitate the internship’s use for academic credit, or to meet a student’s service learning requirement for a declared major. For more information and application instructions, download this document.

The mission of the GLOBE program is to prepare young professionals for successful careers in the environmental industry. The Nature Conservancy hires college students and recent college graduates for paid summer internships in variety of career areas, and their internship program offers a structured orientation, professional training, network opportunities, mentoring program, and real-world work experience. The GLOBE Program recruits individuals from a variety of backgrounds and experiences and will match qualified and enthusiastic undergraduate students, graduate students, and recent graduates with an internship suited to their area of study, ensuring that each intern has a high-quality experience, a committed mentor, and a relevant project that provides each intern with additional skills and training that will help them begin their conservation career path. 

Positions are available for spring, summer, and fall, ranging from 12 weeks to a year. Includes a stipend and sometimes housing. Positions are available for people with skills and knowledge in education, history, exercise science, the environment, engineering, hospitality, theater and performing arts, and more. Contact the intern office at 302-739-9193 or visit the state parks internship webpage.

The National Aquarium offers students hands-on internship experience in a variety of departments, including but not limited to, animal care, marketing, government affairs, human resources and development. Students must receive college credit for the internship and are required to work a minimum of 120 hours during the semester. The internship is unpaid. Read this UDaily story to find out how Sarah Thorne, a UD junior, spent her summer interning for the aquarium.

This intensive nine-week summer research experience engages students in cutting edge, transdisciplinary research of immediate relevance to people in urban areas. Under the guidance of one or more scientific mentors, students perform an independent research project of their own design that supports integration between social, natural sciences, and engineering as well as connections to the national network. Students write abstracts and present a poster during the UWIN All Scientists’ meeting in early August with full participation of students, mentors, scientists and professionals from the network. Students complete a research report and submit appropriate data and metadata to their mentors and the program coordinator by the end of the final week of the program. Students have the option to apply for a small pool of funds to produce a paper for a peer-reviewed journal, or to present their work at a professional society conference.

The marine science internship program takes place at the University of Delaware’s College of Earth, Ocean, and Environment on the Hugh R. Sharp Campus in the resort community of Lewes. This modern campus is located on the shores of Delaware Bay and the Atlantic Ocean near Cape Henlopen State Park. Interns work with faculty and research staff in a graduate student atmosphere on a research topic in chemical, physical, or biological oceanography, marine biology, marine geology or marine biogeochemistry. Interns work semi-independently on a project designed by the intern and assigned faculty advisor and present written and oral reports at the end of the summer. The program runs for 10 weeks. Interns are expected to attend weekly seminars presented by faculty and research staff. Accommodations are provided at the Daiber Housing Complex, which consists of two- and three-bedroom, semi-detached ranch houses. Student support includes a $5,600 stipend, free housing, and travel assistance for the 10-week session.

The DRBC often seeks an intern to work in the Water Resource Planning Section and/or Monitoring section. These paid internships are typically available for approximately 30 hours/week, May–August. Students majoring in environmental science, engineering, or planning are encouraged to apply. Check the DRBC website for updates.