14 Education Summer Internships for Undergraduates
- Stephen Turban
- 20 hours ago
- 9 min read
If you are an undergraduate student interested in teaching, educational policy, or youth development, summer internships can provide a solid experience while helping you shape future career paths. Whether you want to explore classroom teaching, work with nonprofits that serve students, or contribute to research on education systems, internships give you the chance to apply theory to practice.
Many of these programs are designed not just to help you build skills, but also to expose you to the real challenges and opportunities within education, ranging from lesson planning and tutoring to curriculum development and policy research. The right internship can help you develop leadership, communication, and critical thinking skills while offering professional connections that may open doors to graduate programs or full-time careers in education.
In this list, we’ve curated 14 education summer internships for undergraduates across the U.S. that combine practical experience with meaningful impact.
14 Education Summer Internships for Undergraduates
Location:Â Virtual
Cost:Â Varies by program; financial aid available
Dates:Â Multiple cohorts throughout the year, including Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter.
Application Deadline:Â Deadlines vary depending on the cohort. Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), and Winter (November).
Eligibility:Â Students who can work for 10-20 hours/week, for 8-12 weeks. Open to high school students, undergraduates, and gap year students!
Ladder Internships is a selective start-up internship program for ambitious high school students! In the program, you work with a high-growth start-up on an internship. Start-ups that offer internships range across a variety of industries, from tech/deep tech and AI/ML to health tech, marketing, journalism, consulting, and more. Ladder’s start-ups are high-growth companies on average raising over a million dollars. In the program, interns work closely with their managers and a Ladder Coach on real-world projects and present their work to the company. Here is the application form.Â
Location:Â Across 25 affiliates, check out the locations here
Stipend:Â Paid
Dates:Â 9-week program
Application Deadline:Â Opens in October; check the website for updates
Eligibility:Â Current undergraduate students
The Breakthrough Collaborative Teaching Fellowship is a prestigious summer program designed to address the national teacher shortage while preparing undergraduates for careers in education. Each year, more than 1,000 college students from 270+ universities are selected to join Breakthrough’s 25 affiliate sites across the country. Over the course of nine weeks, fellows receive 100+ hours of training, mentorship, and classroom teaching experience while developing valuable leadership skills. The fellowship is paid and often serves as a stepping stone into graduate programs, teacher certification pathways, and long-term careers in education. Many alumni go on to become full-time educators who bring their diverse experiences into classrooms nationwide.
Location:Â Greater Boston, MassachusettsÂ
Stipend:Â $7,500 stipend
Dates:Â 10-week program
Application Deadline:Â February 15
Eligibility: Open to U.S. sophomores and juniors or United States citizens studying at institutions abroad
The Forest Foundation Summer Fellowship offers a fully funded 10-week nonprofit internship where you’re placed in mission-driven organizations aligned with your skills and interests, gaining direct exposure to the nonprofit sector. Alongside placements, you will participate in six professional workshops focused on leadership, diversity and inclusion, grant writing, nonprofit finance, and civic engagement. A highlight of the program is a small-group grant writing project, where you will develop real proposals that secure $4,000-$8,000 in funding for local nonprofits. With a strong focus on mentorship and leadership development, this fellowship equips you with the practical skills, professional network, and hands-on experience to advance your career in social impact and public service.
Location:Â Washington, TX, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Boston, Colorado, Dallas/Ft. Worth, Washington/Baltimore
Stipend: Funding provided between $4,600 – $5,000, depending on length and location
Dates:Â 12 May - 8 August
Application Deadline:Â May 15
Eligibility:Â Undergraduates
The Generation Teach Summer Teaching Fellowship is a selective AmeriCorps program that prepares the next generation of educators while supporting local students. As a fellow, you will commit to teaching one academic class, such as engineering, law, math, or reading, and one enrichment class in areas like art, fitness, or team sports. All teaching materials and guidance are provided, making it an excellent first teaching experience. Beyond classroom instruction, you will receive hands-on training, mentorship, and feedback to build your teaching and leadership skills. The fellowship emphasizes community building, personal growth, and educational equity, making it a meaningful opportunity for those considering careers in education or youth development.
Location:Â Green Lake, Wisconsin, and partner schools
Stipend:Â $4,000
Dates:Â June 10 - July 23
Application Deadline:Â Not specified
Eligibility: 18 years or older, must have enrolled at a college or university, or have earned a bachelor’s degree.Â
The CfUT Teaching Internship begins with an overnight retreat in Green Lake, WI, followed by two weeks of rigorous training and leadership development. You’ll then take charge of your own classroom for four weeks of summer school, applying your skills in real time. The program emphasizes confidence-building, professional growth, and strong community bonds, with over 96% of graduates securing teaching roles after college. This internship offers practical experience, mentorship, and a clear pathway into a teaching career.
Location:Â California
Stipend:Â Paid (living allowance + education award upon completion)Â
Dates:Â June 16 - August 8
Application Deadline:Â February 17
Eligibility:Â 17-24 years old, have at least a high school diploma or GED
The AmeriCorps Teaching Fellows program offers a hands-on summer experience for students passionate about education and youth development. You’ll commit to 300+ hours of service, teaching small groups of 8-12 students in core subjects and electives while also serving as mentors and role models. A typical summer begins with orientation and training in classroom management, followed by leading 1-2 core classes and one elective each day. You’ll also serve as crew leaders, plan extracurricular activities, attend weekly professional development sessions, and help foster a positive learning community. You’re paired with an experienced Instructional Coach who provides guidance, feedback, and support. This opportunity is ideal for students considering careers in teaching, leadership, or public service, and offers the chance to make a meaningful impact while developing professional skills.
Location:Â Washington, D.C
Stipend:Â Student Volunteer Trainee Program: Unpaid | Pathways Internship: Paid
Dates:Â Student Volunteer Trainee Program: May - August, 8 weeks | Pathways Internship: May/ June, can last up to 1 year
Application Deadline: Student Volunteer Trainee Program: March | Pathways Internship: February
Eligibility:Â Undergraduate students
The U.S. Department of Education (ED) offers summer internships for undergraduates eager to gain firsthand experience in federal education policy and administration. You can apply either through the Student Volunteer Trainee Program or the Pathways Internship Program. The Student Volunteer Trainee Program offers you a chance to work directly with ED staff while learning about federal education policy and administration. You can usually expect to work 20-40 hours per week, gaining practical exposure to projects such as policy research, communications, and program support. The Pathways Internship Program provides structured, paid work experience that can lead to permanent roles within the federal government. You’ll work on policy, grants management, research, and communications, with responsibilities tailored to your academic interests.
Location:Â New York CityÂ
Stipend:Â $16/hour
Dates:Â June - August
Application Deadline:Â Opens in FebruaryÂ
Eligibility:Â Current college students with prior experience working with youth (summer camps, schools, tutoring, afterschool, etc.). Check out the website for more details
Funded by Morgan Stanley and run by the Partnership for Afterschool Education (PASE), this competitive summer teaching fellowship immerses you in hands-on instruction and mentoring in NYC’s summer camps and enrichment programs. As a Morgan Stanley Fellow, you help deliver academic and enrichment classes like literacy, math, STEM, and art to elementary and middle school students in under-resourced communities, in settings like citywide summer camps and expanded learning academies. The program includes training workshops and citywide conferences with education leaders, so you learn effective teaching methods and network with experienced educators and corporate partners. You will earn real teaching experience while observing education from the policy/leadership side, and join a citywide alumni network upon completion.
Location:Â Washington, D.C
Stipend:Â Interns receive a daily stipend to defray expenses
Program Dates:Â May 27 - August 8
Application Deadline:Â Rolling admissions
Eligibility:Â Be at least in their junior year of collegeÂ
The Center for Education Reform (CER) summer internship offers undergraduates the chance to deepen their knowledge of education policy, organizational systems, and reform practices. You will work on projects ranging from research and policy briefs to communications and social media content, while also supporting day-to-day operations. The program emphasizes professional skill development in research, writing, and organizational management. With mentorship, exposure to real-world education policy, and hands-on experience, this internship provides a strong foundation for those considering careers in education, public policy, or the nonprofit sector.
Location:Â Statewide
Stipend:Â Unpaid
Dates:Â Summer (8 weeks, typically June-August)
Application Deadline:Â Opens in spring; closes late March/early April
Eligibility:Â Undergraduate and graduate students, age 18 or older, currently enrolled in a degree program
The New York State Education Department offers you an opportunity to gain professional experience through its Student Internship Program. You’ll be placed in program offices across areas such as P-12 Education, Higher Education, Professions, Management Services, Cultural Education, and more. Assignments provide exposure to public policy, government operations, education administration, and leadership while contributing to statewide education initiatives. The Department operates as the administrative arm of the Board of Regents, overseeing educational services from early childhood through graduate study, as well as managing state archives, libraries, museums, and over 50 licensed professions. Internship placements are available across this wide scope of work, giving you the chance to align assignments with your academic and professional goals.
Location:Â VirtualÂ
Stipend:Â Stipend is provided
Dates:Â 14 weeks
Application Deadline:Â Varies
Eligibility: Have at least a 2.5 undergraduate GPA (or 3.0 high school GPA for college freshmen) and be authorized to work in the U.S. Be current undergrads, grad students, TFA alums, or renewing fellows
The Ignite Fellowship is a part-time, online tutoring program where fellows mentor and instruct a small group of 2-3 students in subjects such as elementary reading, middle school math, or post-secondary readiness. As a fellow, you will commit 3-5 hours per week for a 14-week term, with the first two weeks focused on onboarding and training, followed by 12 weeks of direct tutoring. In addition to structured teaching practice, you will build meaningful relationships with students, foster a sense of belonging, and help accelerate academic progress. This program is designed for students passionate about educational equity who want flexible, paid experience that aligns with their school schedule.
Location:Â Virtual
Stipend:Â Unpaid
Dates:Â Academic year (September-May)
Application Deadline:Â Not mentioned
Eligibility:Â Must be a U.S. citizen; a high school graduate enrolled in an accredited degree-seeking undergraduate, graduate, or doctoral program
The Virtual Student Federal Service (VSFS) is a U.S Department of State program that offers virtual internships for post-secondary students during the academic year. You will work around 10 hours per week on unclassified projects that support domestic or overseas government offices, gaining exposure to real-world challenges while developing professional skills. The program provides the flexibility of remote work and may qualify for academic credit depending on university policy. Projects span a variety of disciplines, from policy research to communications, data analysis, and more, allowing students to contribute meaningfully to government initiatives while managing their coursework.
Location:Â Virtual
Stipend:Â Unpaid volunteer-based
Dates:Â Ongoing
Application Deadline:Â Rolling
Eligibility:Â College students and young professionals
As a tutor with The Education Project, you will provide free virtual support in core subjects to K-12 students from underrepresented and low-income communities. Beyond helping with schoolwork, you will act as a mentor, motivating students, building confidence, and guiding them to think about future opportunities, including college. The program partners with schools and leverages technology to expand access to learning. For undergraduates, it’s a meaningful way to gain hands-on teaching experience, strengthen communication skills, and make a lasting difference in students’ academic journeys.
Location:Â Virtual
Stipend:Â Free volunteer opportunity (unpaid)
Dates:Â Year-round, flexible scheduling
Application Deadline:Â Rolling
Eligibility:Â At least 9th grade or higher
UPchieve connects volunteers with low-income middle and high school students across the U.S., offering free, on-demand tutoring and college counseling. You’ll provide one-on-one online academic support in core subjects and guidance for students preparing for college. The program is designed with complete flexibility; you can choose your schedules through a 24/7 availability calendar with no minimum time commitment. You’ll receive training, certification, and ongoing resources, along with the chance to join an active tutor community through Slack and monthly meetups. This is a meaningful way to build teaching and mentorship experience while making education more accessible.
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.
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 Harvard College graduate. 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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