15 Internships for College Students in Vermont

If you want to test a career before committing to it, internships are one of the few ways to do that while still in college. These internships place you in environments where you are expected to observe, adapt, and contribute. You might start with small tasks, but you begin to see how work flows, how people collaborate, and how responsibilities are handled. It gives you a clearer idea of what working in a field actually feels like, not just what it looks like on paper.

Why should I do an internship in college?

Vermont offers internships through organizations like the University of Vermont, VELCO, and the Vermont Judiciary. Depending on the internship you choose, you could work on research tied to data science or environmental conservation, gain exposure to legal or public sector work, or contribute to a business or entrepreneurship initiative. Whether you're attending college in Vermont or coming from out of state, you can find an internship suited to your interests and experience level.

To help you explore your options, here are 15 internships for college students in Vermont.

If you’re looking for remote internships, check out our blog here.

Key takeaways

• These internships span data science research, environmental conservation, astronomy, energy infrastructure, legal work, public health, business, and food systems, so college students across a wide range of majors can find a relevant option in Vermont.

• Several programs offer strong financial support in addition to a stipend, including Vermont EPSCoR SOCKS ($5,000 stipend plus free housing and travel grant) and Middlebury Vermont Innovation Summer ($5,000 funding award), making them practical options for students who need to cover living costs.

• Most internships are in-person and based at Vermont institutions, such as the University of Vermont, VELCO, Middlebury College, and Audubon Vermont, though the Ladder University Internship Program and several public health listings are fully remote.

• Application deadlines vary widely, with the earliest being Vermont EPSCoR SOCKS (January 4) and KNAC (February 10), while programs, such as VELCO AGILE, State of Vermont, and UVM Food Systems, accept rolling applications throughout the year.

1. Vermont EPSCoR SOCKS Program Summer Research Internship

Location: University of Vermont campus, Burlington, VT

Stipend: $5,000 stipend + free housing + food allowance + travel grant (up to $1,500)

Acceptance Rate: Highly competitive (10–15% estimated)

Dates: May 25 – July 31 (10 weeks)

Deadline: January 4

Eligibility: U.S. citizens/permanent residents enrolled in college (STEM or social sciences)

The SOCKS program is a 10-week research internship where you work on projects that combine data science with humanities-based questions. You are placed within a research team and work with tools like natural language processing to analyze large collections of text or narratives. The work involves handling datasets, writing code, and interpreting patterns that emerge from the analysis. You meet regularly with faculty and team members to discuss progress and adjust your approach. Since the projects are part of ongoing NSF-funded research, your work connects to larger questions already being studied. The program also includes writing, since you are expected to produce a formal research paper by the end. 

2. Ladder University Internship Program

Location: Remote! You can work from anywhere in the world.

Cost: A stipend is paid (varies by role)

Acceptance Rate: Competitive

Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year, including Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter.

Deadline: Varies by 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 is a selective, virtual internship program where you work with startups and nonprofits from around the world! The startups range across a variety of industries. As part of their internship, each student will work on a real-world project that addresses a genuine need for the startup they are working with and present their work at the end of their internship. Interns work closely with their manager at the startup. Apply now!

3. University of Vermont SURF Program

Location: Burlington, VT

Stipend: $4,500 stipend + up to $500 research funding

Acceptance Rate: Competitive (20–30% estimated)

Dates: Summer (10–12 weeks, varies)

Deadline: Typically spring (varies by award)

Eligibility: Undergraduate students at the University of Vermont

SURF is a summer research fellowship where you design your own project and carry it forward under the guidance of a faculty mentor. The process begins with defining a research question, which then shapes how you collect and analyze your data. You spend several weeks working through your project, adjusting methods as needed and documenting your progress. The program includes check-ins and structured milestones, but most of your time is spent working independently. Funding support helps you cover research-related expenses for your project. You also present your work at the end, which requires you to clearly organize both your findings and your process. 

4. Audubon Vermont Youth Conservation Leadership Program – College Internships

Location: Green Mountain Audubon Center, Huntington, VT

Stipend: A stipend is paid (varies by role)

Acceptance Rate: Competitive

Dates: Fall, Spring, and Summer terms

Deadline: Varies by internship cycle

Eligibility: College-aged students from all backgrounds

Audubon Vermont’s internships place you in conservation work that happens outdoors as well as in community settings, depending on the role you take. You might spend time assisting with fieldwork, supporting environmental education programs, or working on local conservation initiatives tied to specific ecosystems. The work changes with the season, so some roles involve more direct field observation while others focus on outreach or program support. You interact regularly with conservation staff, which gives you a sense of how projects are planned and carried out. Community-facing work is part of the experience, especially when programs involve schools or local groups. 

5. Keck Northeast Astronomy Consortium Summer Undergraduate Research Experience (KNAC)

Location: Includes Middlebury College and other partner campuses

Stipend: Paid (varies by institution)

Acceptance Rate: Competitive (15–25% estimated)

Dates: Summer (varies by host institution)

Deadline: February 10

Eligibility: Undergraduate students (typically from consortium institutions)

KNAC places you at one of several partner colleges, where you work on an astronomy research project under a faculty mentor. Your work might involve analyzing telescope data, running simulations, or studying theoretical models, depending on the project. The program is collaborative, so you interact with students from other institutions working on related topics. You spend most of your time working on your project rather than attending structured classes. Regular discussions with your mentor shape how your work develops over the summer. The program continues beyond the summer with a fall symposium where all participants present their findings.

6. VELCO AGILE Internship Program

Location: Vermont

Stipend: Paid

Acceptance Rate: Competitive (25–35% estimated)

Dates: June – August (8–10 weeks)

Deadline: Rolling (applications open Oct–Nov)

Eligibility: Undergraduate and graduate students enrolled full-time

VELCO’s AGILE internship places you within teams working on Vermont’s electric grid and energy infrastructure. You might be working on technical tasks related to power systems or supporting sustainability and grid modernization projects. The internship runs through the summer, with work tied to ongoing company initiatives rather than isolated assignments. You attend meetings where projects are discussed, which gives context to the work you’re doing. The program introduces agile project methods, so tasks are often broken into smaller, trackable steps. You interact with engineers and other staff as you work through assigned responsibilities. 

7. State of Vermont Internship Opportunities

Location: Vermont (some roles may be remote/hybrid)

Stipend: Paid or unpaid (varies by the role)

Acceptance Rate: Varies by department

Dates: Year-round (summer, fall, spring)

Deadline: Rolling (varies by role)

Eligibility: College students and recent graduates

These government internships allow you to gain practical experience while contributing to public service and state initiatives. You explore roles across departments such as environmental conservation, public health, administration, and policy. You apply classroom knowledge to real-world challenges affecting communities and governance. You build professional skills, gain references, and understand how state systems operate. You may work on research, fieldwork, or administrative projects depending on your role. By the end, you develop a strong foundation for careers in public service, policy, or government sectors.

8. Vermont Judiciary – Supreme Court Internships

Location: Vermont, USA (primarily in-person; limited remote elements)

Stipend: None

Acceptance Rate: Competitive (not publicly disclosed)

Dates: Typically semester-based or summer

Deadline: Varies by term

Eligibility: Law students and undergraduate students interested in legal careers

The Vermont Judiciary internship places you in a legal environment where you observe and assist with court-related work. You may spend time reviewing case materials, organizing documents, or supporting administrative tasks tied to court proceedings. Much of the experience comes from being present during hearings and observing how cases move through the system. You also see how legal documentation is prepared and handled. The role requires attention to detail, especially when working with case files. Some aspects involve digital systems as courts increasingly use remote processes. 

9. University of Vermont Larner College of Medicine – Public Health Internships Resources

Location: Remote + U.S. (varies by organization)

Stipend: Free to apply | Paid & unpaid opportunities available

Acceptance Rate: Varies by program (generally competitive for top orgs like Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)

Dates: Year-round (summer, fall, spring cycles)

Deadline: Rolling/varies by organization

Eligibility: High school seniors, undergraduate, and graduate students

This resource hub doesn’t place you directly, but connects you to a wide range of public health internships across different organizations. You explore opportunities in areas like disease prevention, policy, research, and community health, depending on your interests. Many of these roles involve working with data, outreach programs, or research teams. The platform brings together listings from organizations such as the CDC and the WHO, among others. Some roles are remote, which makes them accessible regardless of location. You choose opportunities based on your focus rather than following a single structured program. It works more like a starting point for navigating the public health field.

10. University of Vermont College of Arts and Sciences – Health & Society Internships

Location: USA + International (some remote possibilities depending on placement)

Stipend: Some funded opportunities (e.g., UGHE internships)

Acceptance Rate: Not specified (varies by internship site)

Dates: Year-round (summer, semester-based options)

Deadline: Depends on the internship provider

Eligibility: Undergraduate students (Health & Society or related fields)

This pathway connects you with internships in areas related to public health and social impact, often through external organizations. You might work with nonprofits, government agencies, or international groups, depending on the opportunity you choose. The work can involve research, community engagement, or policy-related tasks. Some roles include exposure to global health systems, especially in international placements. The program also allows you to earn academic credit for your internship. You are expected to manage both the internship work and any academic requirements tied to it. The experience changes based on the organization you work with.

11. Middlebury College – Vermont Innovation Summer

Location: Vermont, USA (in-person; limited remote flexibility depending on role)

Stipend: $5,000 funding award

Acceptance Rate: Selective (cohort-based; not publicly disclosed)

Dates: Summer (typically 8–10 weeks)

Deadline: Spring (varies each year)

Eligibility: College students (primarily Middlebury students)

Vermont Innovation Summer connects you with startups and organizations across the state while placing you in a cohort of other participants. Alongside your internship or independent project, you take part in workshops and group sessions that focus on entrepreneurship and problem-solving. The $5,000 funding allows you to focus on the work without needing a separate summer job. You interact regularly with mentors and other participants during the program. The structure includes both individual work and group-based activities. You also attend events where ideas and projects are discussed collectively. The experience is shaped as much by the cohort as by the work you take on.

12. Vermont Small Business Development Center – Business & Marketing Internships

Location: Vermont, U.S. (primarily in-person)

Stipend: Varies by role

Acceptance Rate: Not disclosed

Dates: Summer internships (typical)

Deadline: Varies annually

Eligibility: Undergraduate students (business, marketing, entrepreneurship fields)

Interning with the Vermont Small Business Development Center gives you direct exposure to entrepreneurship and small business consulting. As an intern, you may work on client projects, assist with marketing and communications, and contribute to business development initiatives. This experience is especially good if you’re interested in startups, consulting, or running your own business. You’ll apply classroom knowledge to real-world challenges, collaborate with professionals, and gain insight into how local businesses grow and operate.

13. National Life Group – Summer Internship Program

Location: Vermont & Texas (In-person)

Stipend: Paid (exact amount not disclosed)

Acceptance Rate: Competitive

Dates: 10-week summer program

Deadline: Typically late winter / early spring

Eligibility: Undergraduate students (Sophomore–Senior, minimum 3.25 GPA)

National Life Group’s internship is a 10-week program where you work within departments like finance, marketing, or actuarial science. You are assigned projects that connect to ongoing work within the company rather than isolated training tasks. The program includes sessions with company leaders, where you learn how different parts of the organization function. You also interact with other interns while working through assignments. The structure combines individual project work with scheduled events and meetings. You are expected to keep up with deadlines and contribute to your team’s work. Over time, you start understanding how different roles fit into the company’s broader operations.

14. Lake Champlain Sea Grant – Watershed Educator Internship

Location: Vermont & New York (in-person; field-based)

Stipend: $15/hour stipend or academic credit

Acceptance Rate: Moderate (cohort-based)

Dates: Fall: Aug–Nov; Spring: Feb–May

Deadline: Varies by the cohort 

Eligibility: Undergraduate students interested in environmental science & education

This internship focuses on environmental education, where you teach students about water systems and ecology through structured programs. You begin with training in watershed science before working directly with K–12 students. The work involves a mix of classroom sessions and outdoor activities. You explain concepts related to ecosystems, water cycles, and sustainability in practical settings. The role requires clear communication, especially when working with younger students. You also spend time preparing materials and organizing sessions. The experience is shaped by both teaching and field-based work.

15. University of Vermont – Food Systems Internships

Location: Vermont (mostly in-person; limited remote roles possible)

Stipend: Varies (paid & unpaid depending on host organization)

Acceptance Rate: Not specified

Dates: Year-round (aligned with academic terms)

Deadline: Rolling (depends on host organization)

Eligibility: Undergraduate & graduate students in food systems or related fields

This program integrates internships into academic learning, allowing you to explore careers in agriculture, sustainability, food policy, and community food systems. You can work with farms, nonprofits, research organizations, or food-based businesses. Internships range from hands-on farming and production to research, marketing, and policy advocacy. The experience helps you understand how food systems operate from production to consumption, while building practical skills and industry connections for future careers in sustainability and food innovation.

Frequently asked questions

What internships are available for college students in Vermont?

Options include research internships, such as Vermont EPSCoR SOCKS, UVM SURF, and KNAC, environmental and conservation internships, such as Audubon Vermont and Lake Champlain Sea Grant, energy and infrastructure internships, such as VELCO AGILE, legal and government internships, such as Vermont Judiciary and State of Vermont opportunities, and business and entrepreneurship internships, such as Vermont Small Business Development Center and Middlebury Vermont Innovation Summer.

Are there paid internships for college students in Vermont?

Yes, most internships on this list are paid. Vermont EPSCoR SOCKS offers a $5,000 stipend plus housing and travel support, UVM SURF offers $4,500 plus research funding, VELCO AGILE and National Life Group offer paid placements, and Lake Champlain Sea Grant pays $15 per hour. The Vermont Judiciary internship is unpaid, and compensation for State of Vermont roles varies by department.

Which Vermont internships are best for students interested in environmental science?

Students interested in environmental science might consider Vermont EPSCoR SOCKS for data science and humanities research, Audubon Vermont for conservation fieldwork and environmental education, Lake Champlain Sea Grant for watershed science and K-12 education, and UVM Food Systems for agriculture, sustainability, and food policy.

When should I apply to internships for college students in Vermont?

The earliest deadlines are Vermont EPSCoR SOCKS (January 4) and KNAC (February 10). VELCO AGILE opens applications in October and November for the following summer. Several programs, such as State of Vermont, UVM Food Systems, and Ladder University, accept rolling applications year-round, so students should begin researching options in the fall semester.

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.