12 Education Internships for College Students
- Stephen Turban
- 7 minutes ago
- 9 min read
As a college student interested in education, an internship can be a meaningful way to explore the field while gaining early professional experience. Education internships allow you to apply your academic learning in practical settings, whether through tutoring, curriculum design, policy research, or nonprofit work. You may find yourself assisting teachers, supporting learning initiatives, or contributing to projects that shape how students and communities experience education. These experiences not only help you develop communication, leadership, and organizational skills but also provide valuable insight into different career paths within the education sector.
To help with your search, here is a list of 12 education internships for college students.
If you are looking for online paid internships, check out our blog here.
12 Education Internships for College Students
Location: Remote! You can work from anywhere in the world.
Cost: Varies by program.
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year, including Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter.
Application Deadline: Deadlines vary depending on the cohort. Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), and Winter (November).
Eligibility: Students who can work for 10-20 hours/week for 8-12 weeks. Open to undergraduates and gap year students!
Ladder University Internship Program places you in a selective, fully virtual role with startups and nonprofits from around the world, including those focused on education, where you’ll work on real projects the organization genuinely needs. You may develop teaching tools, analyze learning platforms, create content for edtech apps, or evaluate student engagement strategies while collaborating closely with founders, managers, and cross-functional teams. Throughout the internship, you’ll build skills in project management, agile problem-solving, and innovation, supported by weekly mentorship from industry professionals. At the end of the program, you’ll present your final deliverables to stakeholders and gain access to a global alumni network that supports your long-term growth.
Location: Various Breakthrough sites nationwide
Stipend: $5,294 living allowance + $1,565 education award upon completion
Dates: 8 weeks, June 15 – August 7
Application Deadline: Early Action: January 15; Regular: February 26
Eligibility: College students at least 17 years old, interested in teaching, and able to make a full-time commitment
Breakthrough AmeriCorps Teaching Fellowship places you at the heart of an immersive summer teaching experience where you lead lessons in core subjects like reading, writing, math, and science for middle school students. You’ll begin with Pre-Service Orientation, learning instructional strategies, lesson planning, and classroom management, while connecting with fellow Teaching Fellows and your assigned Instructional Coach, who will mentor you throughout the program. Over the summer, you’ll mentor students, deliver electives, and refine your teaching and leadership skills through ongoing feedback and coaching. Beyond the classroom, you’ll participate in community-building activities, from field days to Spirit Week, and engage in career exploration panels with local education and nonprofit professionals. By the end of the program, you’ll reflect on your impact, celebrate student growth, and gain hands-on experience, professional development, and a foundation for a future career in education or nonprofit leadership.
Location: Center for Urban Teaching (CfUT), Milwaukee, WI & Green Lake, WI (retreat)
Stipend: Earn up to $4,000
Dates: Team Building/Training: June 10 - June 24; Summer School: June 25 - July 23
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: College students, recent graduates, and career changers interested in teaching
The Teaching Internship Program at the Center for Urban Teaching (CfUT) gives you a realistic, hands-on introduction to teaching in an urban school setting. Your six-week experience begins with an overnight retreat in Green Lake, Wisconsin, followed by a two-week, bootcamp-style training that prepares you to plan lessons, manage a classroom, and support student learning. After training, you’ll take the lead in your own summer school classroom for four weeks, applying what you’ve learned while receiving ongoing support and feedback. Throughout the program, you’ll build practical skills, gain clarity about whether teaching is the right path for you, and connect with peers who share your interest in education. Many past participants have gone on to full-time teaching roles after graduation, making this internship a meaningful step toward exploring a future in the field.
Location: Virtual
Stipend: Up to $1,200 in the fall; Up to $1400 in the spring
Dates: September 9 - December 13 (Fall); January 21 - April 25 (Spring)
Application Deadline: TBA
Eligibility: Have at least a 2.5 undergraduate GPA (or 3.0 high school GPA for first-year students); at least 18, authorized to work in the U.S., complete a background check; current/former undergraduate students or alumni
Teach For America Ignite Fellowship offers a part-time, paid virtual tutoring role where you work directly with a small group of students to accelerate learning and foster belonging. You will connect online, typically 2–3 students at a time, and provide support in elementary reading, middle school math, or high school post-secondary access. The program includes two weeks of onboarding followed by 12 weeks of hands-on tutoring, giving you training in instructional techniques and student mentorship. Along the way, you’ll build meaningful relationships, gain insight into the education system, and develop transferable leadership and communication skills. By the end of the term, you’ll receive a financial award while making a measurable impact on students’ learning and confidence.
Location: Smithsonian Institution, Washington, D.C.
Stipend: $5,200 stipend + $3,000 housing allowance
Dates: 10 weeks, June 2 - July 25
Application Deadline: February 14
Eligibility: U.S. citizens or permanent residents; rising college freshmen through seniors
Claudine K. Brown Internship in Education places you at the heart of the Smithsonian’s central education office, where you’ll collaborate across 21 museums, nine research centers, and the National Zoo. You will gain hands-on experience in creating, developing, and sharing innovative educational programs and resources for diverse audiences, both online and in-person. Throughout the internship, you’ll engage in content creation, communications strategy, and planning for initiatives like the Smithsonian National Education Summit, while learning from mentors and experienced educators. You’ll also research and draft educational materials, participate in brainstorming sessions, and connect with a community of over 300 Smithsonian educators. By the end of the program, you will strengthen your skills in research, writing, collaboration, and professional communication while gaining insight into museum education and leadership.
Location: Remote
Stipend: $1,000 monthly stipend (for 10 hours/week, up to $3,000 per semester)
Dates: 12 weeks
Application Deadline: Rolling basis
Eligibility: College students interested in digital learning equity
Every Learner Everywhere Student Internship Program places you in a paid, remote role where you work on projects aligned with your skills and interests, contributing to initiatives in digital learning and higher education. Over a 12-week term, you’ll collaborate with network professionals, build meaningful connections, and gain practical experience in a professional setting. You’ll dedicate around 10 hours per week, earning a monthly stipend while developing skills in project management, communication, and digital technologies. The program also introduces you to a network of student interns and alumni, providing mentorship and guidance for future opportunities. By the end of your internship, you’ll have strengthened your professional portfolio and expanded your understanding of digital education and learning innovation.
Location: Charlotte, NC (various Freedom School sites)
Stipend: Paid stipend (amount based on experience and education level)
Dates: 6 weeks, approximately May 27 - July 1
Application Deadline: April 18
Eligibility: College students with at least 1 year of undergraduate studies completed and experience leading and working with youth.
Servant Leader Intern with Freedom School Partners places you in a dynamic summer program where you will lead a classroom of 10 or more scholars, deliver the Integrated Reading Curriculum, and energize the day as Harambee leader. You’ll facilitate enrichment activities, chaperone field trips, and participate in Family Engagement Nights while collaborating with site staff to create a structured and supportive learning environment. You will maintain attendance records, uphold health and safety standards, and serve as a positive role model demonstrating organizational values. Through mentorship and required training, you will develop leadership, teaching, and community engagement skills. This immersive experience allows you to foster a love of reading, build meaningful relationships, and make a lasting impact on young scholars’ lives.
Location: Washington, D.C. and virtual placements
Cost: Unpaid (volunteer-based)
Dates: 8-10 weeks (Fall, Winter/Spring, or Summer sessions)
Application Deadline: Varies by session
Eligibility: At least 16 years old; attend an accredited educational institution (high school, college, etc.)
The Student Volunteer Trainee Program is one of the education internships for college students that places you in a volunteer internship with the U.S. Department of Education, giving you hands-on experience in your field of study or career interest. You’ll support departmental projects, gain insights into federal education initiatives, and develop both personal and professional skills. Depending on timing, you can participate during the fall, winter or spring, or summer sessions, with opportunities that may be adjusted based on circumstances. Throughout the program, you’ll learn about the inner workings of a federal agency, collaborate with professionals, and build practical experience to enhance your resume. By the end of your internship, you’ll gain a clearer understanding of education policy and government operations while strengthening skills relevant to your future career.
Location: Virtual
Cost: Volunteer-based (unpaid)
Dates: Ongoing
Application Deadline: Rolling basis
Eligibility: College students and young professionals interested in tutoring
The Education Project Tutoring Program pairs interns with K–12 students from low-income and minority backgrounds for one-on-one virtual tutoring in core subjects like math and reading. You’ll develop lesson plans, track student progress, and practice personalized instruction while building cultural competency. The program provides training in effective tutoring techniques and opportunities to lead small group workshops on study skills. You’ll collaborate through weekly check-ins with program coordinators and receive mentorship from experienced educators to reflect on your teaching. This flexible, ongoing program lets you gain hands-on experience in education while balancing your own coursework.
Location: Virtual
Cost: Volunteer-based (unpaid)
Dates: Ongoing
Application Deadline: Rolling basis
Eligibility: College students and professionals interested in tutoring or college counseling, complete the UPchieve 101 course and subject certification.
UPchieve Volunteer Tutoring Program places you in a flexible, online tutoring role where you work one-on-one with low-income middle and high school students to support their academic growth and college readiness. You can choose your schedule and subjects, from math and science to reading, writing, and standardized test prep, tailoring your availability to fit your life. As a volunteer, you’ll receive training, resources, and ongoing support to help you succeed, while tracking your hours for community service credit. You’ll also join a network of fellow tutors through Slack and virtual meetings, sharing experiences and building connections. Through your guidance, you’ll help students overcome real academic challenges, build confidence, and shape their education path.
Location: Buffalo, NY or remote
Cost/Stipend: Unpaid or stipend-based
Dates: Varies, typically summer (8-12 weeks)
Application Deadline: Rolling basis
Eligibility: College students passionate about edtech and nonprofits; interest in international education access.
Educators of America Internship Program places you in a remote role where you’ll gain hands-on experience in the nonprofit and education sectors while contributing to the mission of connecting teachers with the tools, technology, and training they need. You’ll work on projects such as grant writing, nonprofit marketing and communications, grant research, and program support, collaborating with a distributed team across the U.S. and internationally. Through this internship, you’ll develop professional skills in project management, communication, and research while supporting meaningful initiatives that improve student engagement and achievement. Flexible and fully online, the program allows you to build experience and make an impact from anywhere.
Location: St. Paul's School, Concord, NH
Cost/Stipend: $4,950 of tuition. Financial aid is available.
Dates: 5 weeks, June 21 – July 26
Application Deadline: January 6
Eligibility: Enrolled undergraduate college students (rising seniors preferred); interest in teaching or education careers; background check required
The Advanced Studies Program Summer Teaching Internship allows you to teach and mentor high-achieving students at St. Paul’s School while gaining hands-on experience in a residential academic setting. You’ll assist with curriculum, plan lessons, and lead classroom activities, all while supporting students’ academic and personal growth. Working closely with faculty, you’ll develop your pedagogy and instructional skills and receive mentorship tailored to aspiring educators. The immersive summer experience helps you build practical skills in classroom management, curriculum design, and residential life. By the end, you’ll leave with a strong foundation for a future career in education and a deeper insight into teaching in a rigorous academic environment.
One other option—the Lumiere Research Scholar Program
If you’re interested in pursuing independent research, consider applying to one of the Lumiere Research Scholar Programs, selective online high school programs for students founded with researchers at Harvard and Oxford. Last year, we had over 4,000 students apply for 500 spots in the program! You can find the application form here, check out students’ reviews of the program here and here.
Also check out the Lumiere Research Inclusion Foundation, a non-profit research program for talented, low-income students. Last year, we had 150 students on full need-based financial aid!
Stephen is one of the founders of Lumiere and a graduate of Harvard College, where he earned an A.B. in Statistics. He founded Lumiere as a PhD student at Harvard Business School. Lumiere is a selective research program where students work 1-1 with a research mentor to develop an independent research paper.
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