EcoStudio

Other Internship Opportunities

With EcoStudio Partners

The following are summer positions or unfilled semester positions that are still available.

Students: If you are interested in learning more about the position or applying, please contact the mentor/organization directly. You can view contact info by clicking the "More" button under each project.

 
Calyx Global

Client: Calyx Global

Voluntary Carbon Markets - Research, Analytics & Market Strategy Internship

About Calyx Global:

Calyx Global is a carbon credit ratings agency that helps organizations buy carbon credits with confidence. Rigorous ratings ensure that our customers can do good for people and the planet. From nature-based solutions to emerging technologies, Calyx Global leads the market with over 1,000 ratings. We are committed to ensuring that the growth of carbon markets leads to more impact - in the fight against climate change and as a means to contribute to positive societal outcomes globally.

In this internship, you will have the opportunity to support Calyx's Research & Analytics (R&A) team across GHG Integrity and SDG Impact assessments, research on emerging project types, and voluntary carbon project activity data collection and interpretation, all of which provide benefit to real customers seeking high-quality carbon credits. 

Project Location: Remote - US East Coast timezone (flexible)

Project Level: Entry Level



Project Type

Internship

Skills Desired

  • Technical research and data extraction
  • Literature review and analytical thinking
  • Written and verbal communication, with a strong emphasis on writing skills
  • Organizational and time management skills

Not required, but interest in the carbon markets is a plus

Intern Responsibilities

Interns will have the opportunity to contribute to a variety of cross-functional projects, including:

  • Analytical Support: Maintenance of carbon project ratings and data extraction from project reporting.
  • Market & Policy Research: Investigating emerging carbon project types and tracking regulatory changes in the VCM (Voluntary Carbon Market).
  • Strategic Communication: Distilling complex technical findings into insights for business development, marketing, or policy-focused audiences.
  • Collaboration: Weekly syncs with R&A analysts to contribute to ongoing research initiatives.

Project Deliverables

Summer deliverables are dynamic and may be tailored to the intern’s specific area of interest (e.g., policy, business, or data). Likely outcomes include:

  • Research Briefs: Reports on project activity, geographic regulatory shifts, or the evolution of VCM standards.
  • Content Creation: Contributions to Calyx Global publications, such as "Insight" blog posts for our research hub or market summary decks.
  • Market Landscaping: Analysis of how high-integrity ratings influence corporate carbon procurement strategies.

Unpaid internship

Comments:

10-20 hours per week

Contact Information

For more information about this project, please contact:
Chloe Schultz
chloe.schultz@calyxglobal.com


About this Organization

Total EcoStudio projects since 2018: 6
Projects led by this mentor: 6

 
Dunning Capital Investment Banking

Client: Dunning Capital Investment Banking

Summer 2026 Sustainable Markets Internship

Join the Dunning Capital Team and work collaboratively on projects related to sustainability and finance! Students will be focused on plant-based proteins and sustainable agriculture spaces. Interns will have the opportunity to utilize their knowledge of sustainability and explore and support its development in a corporate environment. Interns meet with their mentor on a weekly basis and typically meet at least once a week outside of that with their co-interns. 

Project Location: Raleigh

Project Level: Entry Level



Project Type

Internship

Skills Desired

No specific course requirements but coursework or experience in Economics, Business, or Finance would be particularly helpful. 

Intern Responsibilities

  • Conduct market research on plant-based proteins and sustainable agriculture sectors
  • Perform basic financial analysis to evaluate industry and investment opportunities
  • Collaborate with team members to create reports, presentations, and pitch decks
  • Participate in weekly meetings with mentor and co-interns to discuss project progress
  • Present finding to managing director and/or client as required

Project Deliverables

The main deliverable from this project will be a presentation, report, or pitch deck based on the student’s market research, general financial analysis, and corporate strategy development. The students will have the opportunity to present this research to the managing directors of our firm and/or our relevant clients. Due to the dynamic nature of the industry and our client's needs, we will delve into project specifics for the coming semester closer to the internship start date.

Unpaid internship

Contact Information

For more information about this project, please contact:
Natalia Bartkowiak
natalia.bartkowiak@dunningcapital.com


About this Organization

Total EcoStudio projects since 2018: 24
Projects led by this mentor: 2

 
ECPC Travel

Client: ECPC Travel

Sustainable Tourism Communications & Marketing Internship

About ECPC Travel:

We seek to promote tourism activities around the world while acknowledging and actively working to reverse and prevent injustices that this industry is capable of inflicting on the people and environments surrounding tourism destinations. We believe that it is important to educate consumers about the negative effects of tourism and provide them with the knowledge and ability to choose better options. Our goal is to promote businesses who are leading a paradigm shift in this industry while remaining transparent about limitations that exist. 

ECPC was founded on the idea that there are responsible tourism outfitters that got into this business for the same reason we did: a love for experiencing awe-inspiring landscapes, epic adventures, and forging connections with different cultures. We know that tourism can be a powerful, positive force in developing resilient communities and ecosystems. 

Please send a resume and cover letter to info@ecpctravel.com 

Fun Perks:

● Discount on all ECPC Travel during and 1 semester after internship end period

● Work from anywhere! Travel is encouraged :)

Time Commitment

10-15 hours/week, Intern & staff agree on a workable schedule for both parties

Hours of availability: Monday-Friday 9:00-5:00pm; occasional weekend hours as needed

Location

Position is fully remote, internship coordinator is based in Houston for occasional in-person events.


Project Location: Remote

Project Level: Entry Level



Project Type

Internship

Skills Desired

Desired Qualifications

● Self-starter comfortable with working remotely on a multi-time-zone team

● Experience working with diverse teams and/or comfortable with working with international clients from a variety of cultures and backgrounds

● Marketing and/or sustainability experience preferred, but not required

● Design experience in Canva, Illustrator, and/or Photoshop

● Reliable, punctual, and enthusiastic

● Strong motivation to make the travel world a less extractive place

● Experience with TikTok/ and other social media for businesses

● Strong written and verbal communication skills

● Photography/videography experience is a plus

● Proficiency in a second language is a plus, but not required

● Team player who works well with others

Intern Responsibilities

Internship Description

ECPC Travel is a dual-sided platform that connects adventurous, eco- and socially conscious travelers to vetted options that support local communities and protect the environment. Interns working with us will gain experience in all forms of content-based marketing and firsthand experience with product launches. 

This may include: 

  • Connecting with travel businesses on all 7 continents while conducting interviews and managing information and media collection.
  • Writing blogs and/or creating content for social media that highlight our work as well as the work that our partners are doing to preserve the environment and enrich local communities.
  • Assisting in the development of email campaigns. 

Depending on level of interest and project fit, the intern will have the opportunity to propose a side project exploring their own creative interests or build skills like video editing, photoshop, and illustrator, etc.

Project Deliverables

  • Educational social media campaigns on a topic of their choice
  • At least 1 blog about a responsible tourism topic
  • Email campaigns highlighting provider work on the ground (1-3 depending on time and intern interest)
  • Option to explore projects involving skills like video editing, illustrator, branding, etc.

Unpaid internship

Contact Information

For more information about this project, please contact:
Annie Combs
annie@ecpctravel.com


About this Organization

Total EcoStudio projects since 2018: 0
Projects led by this mentor: 0

 
Freshlist

Client: Freshlist

Local Food Market Specialist

Freshlist's mission is to cultivate a stronger, more resilient food system by empowering farmers to thrive -through environmental stewardship, economic vitality & community engagement. We support farmers by promoting sustainable agriculture, creating dependable revenue streams & strengthening consumers' connection to the local food system.

This year, Freshlist opened an in-person grocery market for our vibrant Belmont neighborhood. In the abundance of summer produce, we would like an associate who can help us manage increased traffic and sales while also maintaining quality standards and a strong connection to the farms the food comes from. We are working towards accepting SNAP/WIC payments to make local produce accessible for all of our neighbors.

This role is for someone who enjoys creative flexibility, community outreach, and agriculture/ local food systems. You will be surrounded by a strong team with decades of experience in local food systems to support you.

Project Location: Charlotte, NC

Project Level: Entry Level



Project Type

Internship

Skills Desired

Soft skills: organized, conversational/engaging, creative

Hard skills: Basic data analysis, familiar with social media platforms, experience in a retail environment

Intern Responsibilities

  • Help set up the market display on days it's open
  • Help with the marketing and display of seasonal products
  • Find ways to make the market interactive for people of all ages and share the impact of local food systems
  • Track inventory of in stock items
  • Create content around the market and food access in collaboration with the marketing manager

Project Deliverables

  • Seasonal Market Merchandising & Display Strategy
  • Develop and implement a rotating summer merchandising plan that highlights seasonal North Carolina   products, tells farmer stories, and improves customer flow and sales.
  • Community Engagement & Interactive Market Activation Plan
  • Design and execute interactive, educational touchpoints that make the Freshlist market engaging while reinforcing the value of local food systems.
  • Inventory Tracking & Quality Standards Improvement Plan
  • Support operational excellence during peak summer abundance by improving inventory tracking and quality control systems.

Unpaid internship

Contact Information

For more information about this project, please contact:
Burke Whaley
burke.whaley@freshlist.com


About this Organization

Total EcoStudio projects since 2018: 0
Projects led by this mentor: 0

 
Grow to Life

Client: Grow to Life

Fresh Fields Food Access: Launching an Inclusive CSA Program for Food and Nutrition Justice

We are seeking an EcoStudio intern to help launch a sustainable CommUnity Supported Agriculture (CSA) program called “Fresh Fields Food Access.” The program will sell fresh produce boxes to anyone in the commUnity while specifically targeting and making them affordable for EBT (SNAP) holders through subsidized pricing and direct EBT payment acceptance. Boxes will feature seasonal, locally grown produce from North Carolina farmers using sustainable practices, supporting environmental goals such as reduced food miles, lower carbon emissions, and minimized waste. The program will offer monthly distributions to provide consistent access to nutritious foods, with revenue from general sales helping sustain operations and expand access for low-income families.

Project Location: Triad, NC

Project Level: Entry Level



Project Type

Internship

Skills Desired

Project management, grant writing, fundraising, commUnity outreach, basic tech setup (payment systems), bilingual Spanish-speaking abilities (preferred, to support outreach to diverse commUnity members), interest in sustainable food systems, food justice, or environmental equity. No prior experience required—training and support will be provided.

Intern Responsibilities

  •  Research and build partnerships with 3–5 local sustainable farmers to secure a reliable supply of seasonal produce.
  • Set up and test an EBT machine/system, ensuring compliance and smooth integration for EBT payments (including exploration of matching incentive programs if available).
  • Develop inclusive outreach strategies: create marketing materials and campaigns to attract general commUnity members while targeting EBT-eligible households through partnerships with food pantries, WIC programs and commUnity centers.
  • Design and manage efficient box packing and delivery logistics using eco-friendly materials and low-emission transportation methods (e.g., consolidated routes or pickup points).
  • Pilot the program with a mixed group of 20–50 participants (both general and EBT users), collect feedback, track key metrics (sales, EBT usage, participant satisfaction, environmental impact), and refine processes for full launch.
  • Create simple nutrition resources (e.g., recipes or meal ideas) to include in boxes for all participants.
  • Research and build partnerships with 3–5 local sustainable farmers to secure a reliable supply of seasonal produce.  
  • Set up and test an EBT machine/system, ensuring compliance and smooth integration for EBT payments (including exploration of matching incentive programs if available).  
  • Develop inclusive outreach strategies: create marketing materials and campaigns to attract general commUnity members while targeting EBT-eligible households through partnerships with food pantries, WIC programs and commUnity centers.  
  • Design and manage efficient box packing and delivery logistics using eco-friendly materials and low-emission transportation methods (e.g., consolidated routes or pickup points).  
  • Pilot the program with a mixed group of 20–50 participants (both general and EBT users), collect feedback, track key metrics (sales, EBT usage, participant satisfaction, environmental impact), and refine processes for full launch.  
  • Create simple nutrition resources (e.g., recipes or meal ideas) to include in boxes for all participants.
  • Develop social media content, marketing materials, and promotional campaigns to raise awareness, attract donors/partners, and engage the commUnity. 
  • Research and draft grant proposals and fundraising projects to secure funding for program sustainability and growth.  

Project Deliverables

  • Established partnerships with at least 3–5 local sustainable farmers, including signed supply agreements.
  • Fully operational EBT payment system, tested and trained for staff use.
  • Comprehensive outreach plan with marketing materials and targeted campaigns for EBT holders.
  • Logistics framework for box packing, assembly, and delivery/pickup.
  • Successful pilot CSA program with 20–50 participants, including data on participation, EBT usage, and feedback.
  • 'Established partnerships with at least 3–5 local sustainable farmers, including signed supply agreements.
  • Fully operational EBT payment system, tested and trained for staff use.
  • Comprehensive outreach plan with marketing materials and targeted campaigns for EBT holders.
  • Logistics framework for box packing, assembly, and delivery/pickup.
  • Successful pilot CSA program with 20–50 participants, including data on participation, EBT usage, and feedback.
  • A portfolio of social media posts, flyers, and promotional materials used to boost program visibility.
  • At least 2–3 draft grant proposals submitted or ready for submission.
  • At least 2-3 fundraising projects designed and executed.
  • Final report summarizing results, metrics (e.g., environmental impact estimates), and recommendations for scaling.

Unpaid internship

Contact Information

For more information about this project, please contact:
Makeda Ma'at
growtolifeorg@gmail.com


About this Organization

Total EcoStudio projects since 2018: 3
Projects led by this mentor: 3

 
Grow to Life

Client: Grow to Life

Grow to Life's Garden Club

We are seeking a creative, energetic, and organized Program Coordinator to lead and grow our Garden Club program, a vibrant garden club for K-12 students that uses hands-on arts and crafts as an engaging way to teach nutrition education, agriculture, and horticulture. The ideal candidate is passionate about youth education, sustainability, the arts, agriculture/horticulture, and commUnity impact. This role combines direct program facilitation with website management, grant writing, and fundraising to expand the program’s reach.

Project Location: Triangle, NC

Project Level: Entry Level



Project Type

Internship

Skills Desired

Genuine passion for children’s nutrition, agriculture, horticulture, gardening, environmental education, and the arts, Experience working with or teaching K-12 students, Strong organizational, communication, and project management skills, Experience with grant writing and/or nonprofit fundraising, Knowledge of nutrition, sustainable gardening, agriculture, or horticulture education, Graphic design skills, Familiarity with social media for promoting educational or commUnity programs

Intern Responsibilities

  • Program Planning & Facilitation
  • Website Design & Maintenance
  • Grant Writing & Research
  • Fundraising & Development

Project Deliverables

  • Regular, high-quality Garden Club sessions delivered to K-12 students with engaging arts-and-crafts-based lessons in nutrition, agriculture, and horticulture
  • A professional, visually appealing, and regularly updated website
  • Successful grant applications and reports that secure new funding for program expansion and sustainability
  • Effective fundraising campaigns and donor relationships that increase financial support for the program
  • Comprehensive program documentation
  • Strong partnerships with local schools, commUnity centers, and organizations 

Unpaid internship

Comments:

flexible schedule; mix of remote planning and in-person work in the Triangle area

Contact Information

For more information about this project, please contact:
Makeda Ma'at
growtolifeorg@gmail.com


About this Organization

Total EcoStudio projects since 2018: 3
Projects led by this mentor: 3

 
Grow to Life

Client: Grow to Life

Harmony Table: Expanding a Sustainable Hot Meals Program

We are seeking an EcoStudio intern to lead the development and expansion of our hot meals program, "Harmony Table." This initiative recovers surplus fresh food from producers, partners with local restaurants to prepare hot meals, and distributes them to families in need. The program serves everyone in the commUnity but prioritizes outreach to and support for elderly residents, who often face barriers to food access. By diverting edible food from landfills, reducing methane emissions from waste, and promoting local food recovery, the project advances environmental sustainability while addressing food insecurity and nutrition justice.

Goals & Impact:

  • Divert surplus food from waste streams to reduce environmental harm (e.g., landfill methane, resource depletion).
  • Provide nutritious hot meals to commUnity members, with targeted support for elderly individuals to combat isolation and malnutrition.
  • Build a resilient, partnership-driven model for food recovery that promotes sustainability and equity.
  • Enhance commUnity resilience to food system challenges while fostering local economic ties.

Project Location: Triangle, NC

Project Level: Entry Level



Project Type

Internship

Skills Desired

Project management, commUnity outreach, grant writing, social media/marketing/promotions, bilingual Spanish-speaking abilities (strongly preferred, to support communication with diverse donors, partners, and participants), interest in sustainable food systems, food recovery/waste reduction, or nutrition justice. No prior experience required - training and support will be provided.

Intern Responsibilities

  • Contact local food producers (e.g., farms, grocers, distributors) to solicit and secure in-kind donations of fresh, surplus food.
  • Build and maintain relationships with restaurants willing to cook donated food into nutritious hot meals (including outreach, agreements, and coordination).
  • Coordinate logistics for food pickups (as needed) and transport to partner restaurants using efficient, low-emission methods.
  • Organize and host on-site food distribution events where families (with a focus on elderly participants) can pick up hot meals.
  • Develop social media content, marketing materials, and promotional campaigns to raise awareness, attract donors/partners, and engage the commUnity.
  • Research and draft grant proposals to secure funding for program sustainability and growth.
  • Track program data (e.g., pounds of food recovered, meals distributed, participant demographics) and create a comprehensive report on operations, impacts, and recommendations.

Project Deliverables

  • Secured commitments for in-kind donations from at least 5–10 food producers.
  • Established or strengthened partnerships with 3–5 local restaurants for meal preparation.
  • Hosted at least 2-4 on-site hot meal distribution events during the semester.
  • A portfolio of social media posts, flyers, and promotional materials used to boost program visibility.
  • At least 2–3 draft grant proposals submitted or ready for submission.
  • Final report documenting food recovery volume, waste diversion estimates (environmental impact), participant feedback (with emphasis on elderly reach), and strategies for ongoing program success.

Unpaid internship

Contact Information

For more information about this project, please contact:
Makeda Ma'at
growtolifeorg@gmail.com


About this Organization

Total EcoStudio projects since 2018: 3
Projects led by this mentor: 3

 
National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners

Client: National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners

Summer 2026 Communications Intern

More

About this Organization

Total EcoStudio projects since 2018: 0
Projects led by this mentor: 0

 
North Carolina Policy Collaboratory

Client: North Carolina Policy Collaboratory

Collaboratory Communications Intern

More

About this Organization

Total EcoStudio projects since 2018: 13
Projects led by this mentor: 12

 
Piedmont Conservation Council

Client: Piedmont Conservation Council

Digital Media and Community Outreach Intern

Piedmont Conservation Council (PCC) seeks an EcoStudio intern to support our outreach and visibility efforts across the Piedmont region. The intern will help communicate the impact of our conservation and sustainability projects through creative digital media and limited in-person event support.

The intern will assist in developing engaging content for PCC's website and social media platforms, documenting project highlights, and strengthening our online presence. They will also help coordinate or participate in a small number of outreach events (2-3) to share PCC's work directly with local communities. This project will expand PCC's capacity to engage new audiences, raise awareness of local environmental challenges, and support the long-term visibility of our regional impact.

Project Location: Triangle Area/Hybrid

Project Level: Entry Level



Project Type

Internship

Skills Desired

  • Strong communication and writing skills
  • Familiar with social media platforms (Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn)
  • Basic photography or graphic design (Canva or similar)
  • Interest in environmental or sustainability topics
  • Comfortable helping at occasional outreach events
  • Basic website or spreadsheet skills (WordPress, Google Sheets)
  • Reliable, organized, and able to work independently
  • Comfortable working Remote

Intern Responsibilities

  • Travel to PCC project sites across the Piedmont region to document conservation and sustainability efforts through photos, videos, and possibly interviews.
  • Develop engaging visual and written content for PCC's website, social media platforms, and potential e-newsletter (e.g., project highlights, infographics, social media posts) to showcase PCC's work.
  • Update and organize website pages to improve accessibility and showcase current projects.
  • Record outreach and engagement metrics such as event attendance, volunteer participation, and online engagement.
  • Analyze outreach trends and provide recommendations to strengthen PCC's digital and community engagement strategy.
  • Collaborate with PCC staff to ensure consistent and accurate messaging across all outreach materials.
  • Assist PCC staff in planning or participating in 2-3 local outreach events (tabling, community festivals, or partner events).
  • Provide recommendations for improving PCC's digital and community outreach strategies.
  • Assist in going through old project files and organize them in a digital format

Project Deliverables

  • Digital Content Package: 15-20 short educational posts or infographics about PCC's conservation and sustainability efforts.
  • Website Updates: Refreshed project pages and improved organization of PCC's website content to enhance visibility and accessibility.
  • Outreach Support Summary: Documentation or reflection on participation in 2-3 community events.
  • Engagement Tracker: track and analyze outreach metrics such as event attendance, volunteer engagement, and online reach.
  • Photo and Video Library: A curated collection of high-quality images and short video clips documenting PCC project sites, partners, and community impact. This includes any past project files turned from paper copy to digital.
  • Final Summary Report: A concise overview of accomplishments, materials produced, and recommendations for sustaining outreach, something that can be referred back to for the future.

Unpaid internship

Comments:

Remote (with occasional travel to project sites, meetings and outreach events) - We would like this student to be able to travel to different past project sites to be able to get updated photos, as well as be able to travel to occasional in person meetings and outreach events.

Contact Information

For more information about this project, please contact:
Haley Bock
haley@piedmontconservation.org


About this Organization

Total EcoStudio projects since 2018: 3
Projects led by this mentor: 1

 
UNC Energy Management

Client: UNC Energy Management

Summer 2026 Energy Management Intern

Role Summary: Support UNC–Chapel Hill’s Energy Services and Sustainability teams by analyzing electric utility bills, validating monthly reporting, mapping electrical service boundaries, and modeling campus solar PV potential. The internship culminates in a final report and leadership presentation with actionable recommendations.

Proposed 12‑Week Timeline

1 Onboarding, data access, tool setup: Data access verified; project brief; QA plan

2-3 Electric bill analysis: Cleaned billing dataset; anomaly list

4-5 Bills vs. monthly report validation: Variance analysis; root‑cause hypotheses

6 Service mapping (UNC vs Duke Energy): Service‑type master list; draft schematic

7-9 Helioscope solar modeling (priority sites): Site models; ranked feasibility table

10-11 Incentives research; draft report & slides: Draft report and deck for review

12 Final revisions; leadership presentation: Final report, appendix, and presentation

Project Location: Hybrid

Project Level: Advanced



Project Type

Internship

Skills Desired

Required:

  • Pursuing a BS/MS in Mechanical, Electrical, Energy, Industrial Engineering, Sustainability, Data Science, or related field (or equivalent experience).
  • Intermediate Excel skills (pivot tables, lookups) and basic data cleansing; comfort with large CSV files.
  • Ability to interpret utility bills and basic electrical concepts (kW vs kWh, demand charges, TOU).
  • Strong written and verbal communication; organized and detail‑oriented.

Preferred:

  • Experience with Power BI or Tableau; basic SQL a plus.
  • Exposure to Helioscope (or PVsyst), PV design, or rooftop/parking canopy assessments.
  • Familiarity with GIS, one‑line diagrams, and campus utility systems.

Intern Responsibilities

Key Responsibilities (What You’ll Do)

1. Analyze actual electric bills for each campus building. Extract kWh, kW, demand charges, riders, tariffs, and power factor; normalize 12–24 months of data; identify anomalies and savings opportunities.

2. Validate monthly internal reports. Compare billed usage vs. monthly Energy Services reports; quantify variances; identify root causes (meter multipliers, estimated bills, data lags).

3. Map service type (UNC main electric distribution vs. Duke Energy direct service). Review one‑line diagrams/GIS and produce a verified service‑type master list and simple map/schematic.

4. Evaluate solar PV potential across campus using Helioscope. Prioritize sites, run shade and layout studies, estimate annual kWh, system size, and performance ratio, and rank opportunities.

5. Deliver a final report and leadership presentation. Summarize findings and outline relevant Duke Energy renewable/EE incentives and demand‑side programs; include next‑step roadmap.

Project Deliverables

Learning Outcomes (What You’ll Gain)

  • Utility bill analytics and rate structure fundamentals (kWh, kW, TOU, riders, tariffs).
  • Data QA/QC and dashboarding (Excel / Power BI).
  • Campus electrical distribution basics and service boundary mapping.
  • Solar PV modeling workflows with Helioscope; interpreting PV performance metrics.
  • Professional technical writing and executive presentation skills.

Expected Deliverables

  • Cleaned, documented billing dataset (building‑level).
  • Variance analysis dashboard/tables comparing bills vs. monthly reports.
  • Verified service‑type master list and simple system map/schematic.
  • Helioscope site models and ranked solar feasibility table.
  • Final written report (10–15 pages) + leadership presentation.

Unpaid internship
Eligible for RESPC Internship Scholarship
RESPC Internship Scholarship

Comments:

Tools & Access Provided

  • Secure access to Energy Services billing archives and monthly reporting datasets.
  • Helioscope license and orientation; internal solar feasibility templates.
  • Standard productivity and visualization tools (Microsoft 365, SharePoint, Power BI).

How to Apply

Submit a single PDF including:

  • 1‑page resume
  • Brief cover letter (max 300 words) describing relevant coursework/projects
  • Optional: sample analysis or visualization (1 page)

Email: energy‑management‑internships@unc.edu
Subject line: "Summer 2026 Energy Management Internship - Application"

UNC‑Chapel Hill is an equal opportunity employer. We value diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and interns.

Contact Information

For more information about this project, please contact:
Larry Saavedra-Torres
larryst@unc.edu


About this Organization

Total EcoStudio projects since 2018: 27
Projects led by this mentor: 0

 
UNC Energy Services

Client: UNC Energy Services

Water Resources Intern

UNC Chapel Hill Energy Services operates a number of different utilities in support of the University’s various responsibilities and pursuits. Among these utilities are the reclaimed water and the stormwater utilities. In an effort to reduce the environmental impact and cost of using potable water for non-potable applications, the University has used these two water resources. The University has invested in significant infrastructure to support this pursuit. 

UNC Chapel Hill is constantly planning new construction projects, including new buildings and rehabilitation of existing buildings. The purpose of this EcoStudio project is to analyze the value of using non-potable waters in a variety of applications, including landscape irrigation, toilet flushing, and other uses for future projects. This will focus on the financial costs associated with each service and an analysis of the life cycle environmental impacts associated with each service.

Project Location: Chapel Hill

Project Level: Advanced



Project Type

Internship

Skills Desired

The Intern should have an interest in accounting and/or data science. The intern should also have a foundational knowledge of the concept of environmental economics. They should possess an eagerness to learn about the construction and maintenance of water resource utilities. The intern will be encouraged to ask questions of a variety of professionals in an effort to better understand the utilities and their benefits and limitations. 

Intern Responsibilities

The intern will be responsible for learning about the University's water resources, including applications, infrastructure, funding, and other related components of the utilities. The intern will assist the Water Resources staff to limit the scope appropriately to a level that will work for both the intern and staff. The intern will work with Water Resources staff to understand what data is needed to perform the analysis of these utilities. UNC Water Resources staff will work with the EcoStudio intern to provide an overview of our water resource utilities, including our stormwater utility and the utilities provided by Orange Water and Sewer Authority (OWASA). This will include meetings with UNC Water Resources staff, UNC EHS staff, relevant educational materials, and other educational materials. The intern will be expected to ask questions to better understand the utilities. The intern will also be expected to present their final report to a group of Energy Services staff by the end of their internship. 

Project Deliverables

The deliverables of the project will include a report outlining an assessment of each of the water resource utilities, including a quantitative comparison of potable water usage under various scenarios of non-potable water replacement. This comparison could include, but is not limited to, a table used to compare financial and environmental benefits of harvested rainwater, reclaimed water, and potable water. The intern would also be asked to suggest the next steps involved in future assessment of these resources, using the findings and limitations in their own assessment as the framework for this discussion.

Unpaid internship

Contact Information

For more information about this project, please contact:
Alex Geddie
awgeddie@unc.edu


About this Organization

Total EcoStudio projects since 2018: 9
Projects led by this mentor: 1


Other Internships At UNC

Pavel Molchanov Scholars Program for Summer Internships

The Molchanov Scholars Program is an endowed internship program at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill's Institute for the Environment. The program is a partnership between the UNC Institute for the Environment and environmentally-focused small businesses, non-profit organizations and government institutions in North Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia. Each summer undergraduate students are matched with an environmental internship where they gain hands-on, professional training. Each Molchanov Scholar receives a $5,000 stipend to support their summer experience.

More Information

1789 Hub powered by Innovate Carolina

1789 Hub is a community for all UNC students interested in innovation and entrepreneurship. It is free to join and membership gives you access to resources including mentorship, internships, funding, and events. In addition to our job and internship board, we also offer summer internship funding through the Carolina Innovators Connect program. This funding is meant to help support students who receive unpaid summer internships.

For questions, please reach out to 1789hub@innovate.unc.edu

These are other internship opportunities that we've heard of that may be of interest to our students. You will need to contact and apply to each organization and opportunity separately. We'll do our best to keep this page up-to-date, but there may be some opportunities that have already expired.


Off Campus - Regularly Occurring

STEM Internships and Fellowships

Undergraduate Internships and Fellowships: Find opportunities to conduct authentic research through internship programs across the country

Internships with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

EPA Student Internships

NOAA Student Opportunities

This listing includes all kinds of opportunities for students at every grade level. You can filter the results to just show what you want. Also check out the NOAA undergraduate scholarships, because they have some paid internships listed here.

Internships with USDA

Check out the Resource Assistants Program. All RAP interns receive Direct Hire Authority (DHA) at the successful conclusion of their internship, which is a useful tool that can help with future employment in a federal agency.

Kay Blada Recycling Internship Program

Kay Blada Recycling is a 501(c)(3) certified non-profit, founded in 2015 and dedicated to alleviating poverty and cleaning up plastic waste in Haiti, while providing environmental education to the children of the community.

Internships with NCPIRG

NCPIRG Students is a student organization that works with UNC students to protect the environment, and promote civic engagement. This Fall our priority campaign is our New Voters Project, where we will be working with the student government and other student groups this fall to make sure no one misses Election Day. We have virtual volunteer and internship opportunities doing outreach, organizing events, and spreading the world through media and social media. Click here to sign up for an information session and apply.

Peace Boat US

Peace Boat US offers an excellent opportunity to gain insight and experience in the civil society, non-profit, non-governmental field, with one of the most unique and interesting NGO's in the world - experience that will help you stand out. Interns and volunteers support office administration, attend events at the UN as Peace Boat US representatives, support campaigns, projects, and educational programs through outreach efforts, and write news and blog articles about our activities. Especially valuable skills and qualities include being multi-lingual (Spanish, Arabic, Chinese, French, and Japanese are especially helpful), graphic design, networking, photography, communications, public speaking, and very importantly, a passion to support the issues that Peace Boat US works on.

Questions?

Send an email to ecostudio@unc.edu.


 

Instagram   LinkedIn