15 Summer Dietetic Internships for Undergraduates

For students studying or interested in dietetics, meaning the study of diet, nutrition, and their impact on health, summer internships offer a structured environment to develop core professional skills. Whether you're interested in clinical nutrition, food service management, community health, or research, an internship can help you understand how your academic knowledge fits into practical, impactful work.

Summer is also the ideal time to explore these programs, as many are designed to align with the academic calendar. Interns often get access to experienced mentors, engage in hands-on projects, and may even participate in community-based nutrition initiatives or conduct original research. In this list, we’ve carefully selected 15 prestigious, rigorous programs that are located in the United States and specifically cater to undergraduates pursuing or considering a path in dietetics. Some are hosted by top universities or hospitals, while others are rooted in local health departments or nonprofit organizations.

Here are 15 of the most relevant summer dietetic internships for undergraduates, each offering valuable training, hands-on learning, and a chance to build professional connections in the field of nutrition and dietetics. If you're looking for more prestigious internships, check out this set of blogs!

1. Ladder Internships

Subject Areas: Machine learning, software engineering, start-ups, entrepreneurship, business

Cost: Costs vary by program

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

Application Deadline:  Deadlines vary depending on the cohort. Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September) and Winter (November)

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

Eligibility: 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. You can explore all the options here on their application form. 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. The virtual internship is usually 8 weeks long.

2. NC State University’s Food Science Summer Scholars

Location: NC State University, Raleigh, NC (with off-campus options in Morehead City and Kannapolis, NC)

Cost: Free; $3,000 stipend plus housing or $1,800 housing stipend; includes expenses-paid trip to IFT annual meeting

Dates: May 15–August 1

Application Deadline: February 14

Eligibility: Open to undergraduates enrolled at a four-year accredited U.S. college; must be authorized to work in the U.S.

As a participant in NC State’s Food Science Summer Scholars Program, you’ll explore hands-on learning in food science research, education, or extension. You can choose between three tracks depending on your interest: a research-focused lab experience, an education and outreach pathway, or an exclusive research track at off-campus research sites. Throughout the summer, you’ll work closely with faculty mentors, build skills through team-based projects, and take part in weekly workshops and field trips to food industry facilities. At the end of the program, you’ll present your work at an undergraduate research symposium and attend the Institute of Food Technologists (IFT) annual meeting—with travel and lodging fully covered. This program is a solid fit if you’re considering graduate study or a career in food science, nutrition, or public outreach.

3. UIUC’s MICRO-CCS: Microbial Interactions Create Research Opportunities for Community College Students

Location: University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL

Cost: Free; $7,000 stipend, housing and some meals provided, travel allowance included

Dates: May 27–August 5

Application Deadline: March 6

Eligibility: Open to community college students who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents, and at least 18 years old by the program start date. Prior biology or chemistry coursework is recommended but not required

If you're a community college student interested in microbiology, agriculture, or environmental science, the MICRO-CCS program gives you direct access to research at a major university. Through this 10-week summer experience, you’ll join a research lab at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and work on topics like microbial interactions in soil, plants, water, or even pollinators. You’ll begin with a Research Orientation Bootcamp and receive one-on-one mentoring while participating in professional development sessions designed specifically for community college students. You’ll also receive a generous stipend, housing support, and the chance to conduct and present your research project. You can select from over a dozen lab groups, with topics ranging from food safety microbiology to soil nutrient cycling.

4. USDA Research and Extension Experience in Energy and the Environment across Agriculture Disciplines (RE2AD)

Location: Texas A&M University–Kingsville, Kingsville, TX

Cost: Free; $4,050 stipend, on-campus housing, $105/week meal allowance, round-trip travel allowance

Dates: June 2–August 1

Application Deadline: March 31

Eligibility: Open to U.S. citizens or permanent residents enrolled at a community college or four-year university with a minimum 3.0 GPA

Through the USDA-funded RE2AD program, you’ll spend nine weeks conducting interdisciplinary research focused on agriculture, energy, and the environment. You'll work in small research teams under faculty mentors on topics like renewable energy systems for farms, air and water quality, food system resiliency, or the economics of agricultural decision-making. In addition to lab and fieldwork, you’ll participate in weekly seminars, skill-building workshops, and extension experiences aimed at preparing you for graduate school or work in applied agricultural research. You'll also receive a travel stipend to attend a professional conference after the program. This opportunity is designed to give you both technical and outreach-based experience in addressing real-world agricultural sustainability challenges.

5. University of Delaware's Envision Program

Location: University of Delaware, Newark, DE

Cost: Free; $4,500 stipend, $500 research allowance, on-campus housing available

Dates: June 9–August 15

Application Deadline: TBA

Eligibility: Open to undergraduate students; participation is inclusive regardless of race, gender, or background

If you're interested in agricultural science, the Envision Program at the University of Delaware gives you a chance to experience hands-on research, storytelling, and professional development in a 10-week summer setting. You’ll work alongside faculty mentors to design your own hypothesis-driven research project and develop skills in video editing, science communication, and lab documentation. Throughout the summer, you’ll build an ePortfolio, participate in workshops, and present your research both at a formal symposium and at the Delaware State Fair. The program also covers research ethics and offers training in lab safety and videography. You don’t need prior experience—just a strong interest in agricultural research and a willingness to explore the process of becoming a scientist.

6. Cornell Human Ecology’s Engage Undergraduate Summer Internships – Nutrition + Health

Location: The Center for Discovery, Harris, NY

Cost: Free; $6,000 stipend, housing provided

Dates: June 16–August 8

Application Deadline: February 28

Eligibility: Open to Cornell Human Ecology undergraduates; must have completed NS 1150 and NS 1220; pre-Dietetics or DPD track students preferred

Through the Engage Summer Internship program, you can work on-site at The Center for Discovery in Harris, NY, focusing on applied nutrition and health care for individuals with complex medical needs and developmental disabilities. As an intern in the Nutrition + Health track, you’ll work with dietitians, chefs, and farmers to deliver clinical and community-based nutrition programming. You’ll take part in the full nutrition care process, including dietary assessment, intervention, education, and program evaluation. This is a fully residential experience where you’ll live on-site and complete a comprehensive orientation, including training on professional care standards. By the end of the summer, you’ll have developed skills in areas like recipe development, menu planning, or nutrition data analysis, depending on your assigned projects.

7. ASPHN’s Fellowship for Public Health Practice

Location: Varies by placement (remote and in-person options available across the U.S.)

Cost: Free; $3,000 scholarship; no housing or travel funding provided

Dates: 12-week program (Fall cohort: typically early September–late November)

Application Deadline: June 30

Eligibility: Open to undergraduate and graduate students in U.S. institutions who are in good academic standing; students from minority-serving institutions (MSIs) or underrepresented backgrounds encouraged to apply

The ASPHN Fellowship for Public Health Practice is a 12-week, paid fellowship focused on real-world public health issues, including nutrition, chronic disease prevention, health policy, and community wellness. You'll be placed with a federal, state, or local agency where you'll work on projects aligned with your interests, such as obesity prevention, food policy, aging, or mental health. Alongside your fieldwork, you’ll also attend professional development webinars, receive mentorship, and receive support in applying to graduate programs. This program is designed to help you build public health competencies while contributing to meaningful community health efforts.

8. WHO Global Internship Programme

Location: WHO offices worldwide (including Geneva, Washington, regional and country offices)

Cost: Free; financial support may be available (including a living allowance and meal vouchers); no travel or housing coverage unless noted in specific vacancy

Dates: 6 to 24 consecutive weeks, depending on department needs

Application Deadline: Rolling (applications accepted through Stellis, WHO’s online system)

Eligibility: Must be at least 20 years old and currently enrolled in (or recently graduated from) an undergraduate, graduate, or postgraduate program; must have completed at least 3 years of full-time university studies; fluency in at least one of WHO’s working languages required

The WHO Global Internship Programme allows you to contribute to international public health efforts while gaining professional experience in a highly structured, global environment. You can apply for internships across the WHO’s headquarters, regional, or country offices in technical areas like nutrition, infectious disease, mental health, health systems, or public policy. Internships last anywhere from 6 to 24 weeks and are full-time. You’ll work under a supervisor and receive training, mentoring, and access to a network of global health professionals. Placement varies by office and role. This program is a strong fit if you're interested in policy-level work and cross-cultural health issues.

9. Cornell College of Agriculture and Life Sciences’ Food Science Summer Scholars Program

Location: Cornell University, Ithaca, NY

Cost: Free; stipend of $6,000 (if you arrange your own housing) or $5,000 with on-campus housing provided

Dates: June 1–August 7

Application Deadline: December 15

Eligibility: Open to current sophomores and juniors (U.S. and international students studying full-time at U.S. institutions with valid F-1 or J-1 visas); GPA of 3.0+ preferred

If you're looking to explore food science through hands-on research, the Food Science Summer Scholars Program at Cornell gives you a structured 10-week opportunity to work in a faculty lab on a focused research project. You’ll also take part in industry field trips, participate in workshops on topics like ethics and graduate school applications, and learn from professionals in government and private sectors. Throughout the program, you’ll build presentation skills and share your findings with peers and faculty. This program is open to students beyond food science majors, so you can apply even if you come from another academic background related to health or science.

10. Cal Poly’s Summer Undergraduate Research Program (SURP) – Food Science & Nutrition

Location: California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, CA

Cost: Free; $5,000 stipend provided

Dates: Typically mid-June to late August (10 weeks; exact dates vary)

Application Deadline: Not published

Eligibility: Open to Cal Poly undergraduate students in Food Science, Nutrition, or related majors

As a SURP participant at Cal Poly, you’ll spend your summer conducting research alongside faculty in the College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences, with a focus area in Food Science or Nutrition. You’ll work on applied, often industry-connected projects—such as improving dietary interventions or exploring food safety techniques—while learning how to collect and analyze data, present findings, and contribute to ongoing studies. This 10-week program follows Cal Poly’s "Learn by Doing" model, giving you both lab experience and career development opportunities. You’ll also earn a stipend and get the chance to strengthen your professional skills in communication, critical thinking, and scientific reasoning.

11. Congressional Hunger Center’s Zero Hunger Internship

Location: Washington, D.C.

Cost: Free; $4,000 stipend plus travel support

Dates: 10 weeks (typically early June to early August)

Application Deadline: Closed for Summer 2025; applications for Summer 2026 will open later this year

Eligibility: Open to undergraduate students and recent graduates (within 12 months of graduation); demonstrated interest in hunger, food security, or social justice required

The Zero Hunger Internship offers you the opportunity to explore domestic and global hunger policy while gaining hands-on experience at an anti-hunger organization in Washington, D.C. Over 10 weeks, you’ll work full-time on a project designed by your host site, which could focus on policy, research, communications, advocacy, or fundraising. Alongside this, you’ll participate in a five-part seminar series and leadership development curriculum, designed to connect field-level hunger issues with federal policy. You’ll also complete a capstone project focused on food insecurity in your home community. If you're passionate about hunger and food justice, this program offers both career development and a chance to deepen your understanding of systemic issues.

12. CONSERVE’s Undergraduate Summer Internship Program

Location: Various U.S. and international sites; some positions fully remote

Cost: Free; $6,000 stipend for U.S. placements; competitive international wage (housing/travel not included)

Dates: June 2 – August 8

Application Deadline: February 21

Eligibility: Open to rising sophomores, juniors, and (with lower priority) seniors; 3.0 GPA minimum; international students eligible for most roles

The CONSERVE Undergraduate Summer Internship Program immerses you in impactful, interdisciplinary research at the intersection of food, energy, water, climate, and health. Whether working in-person or remotely, you’ll join one of three major initiatives—CONSERVE, DAWN, or the Global FEWture Alliance—to tackle real-world environmental challenges. During the 10-week program, you'll conduct hands-on research, participate in career development workshops, and gain exposure to graduate-level thinking and systems-based approaches. If you're considering a career or advanced study in environmental health, public policy, agriculture, or sustainability, this could be a meaningful opportunity to grow as a changemaker.

13. International Medical Aid Nutrition Placement/Dietetic Internships

Location: Multiple international sites (including East Africa, South America, and the Caribbean)

Cost: Program fees vary by location; scholarships and financial aid are available

Dates: Rolling start dates, with placements typically lasting 4–12 weeks

Application Deadline: Rolling

Eligibility: Open to undergraduate and graduate students in nutrition or dietetics, licensed professionals, and international students; no prior clinical experience required for undergraduates

If you're looking to take your nutrition or dietetics training beyond the classroom and onto the global stage, International Medical Aid’s Nutrition Placement/Dietetic Internships could be a meaningful opportunity. Through this program, you’ll work in hospitals, clinics, and community health settings abroad, participating in nutritional assessments, dietary planning, and public health initiatives. You'll gain direct experience under the guidance of nutritionists and dietitians while developing cultural competency and a global health perspective. Each placement is customized to your academic background, interests, and professional goals.

In addition to clinical shadowing, you'll engage in health education, simulation-based training, and community outreach. Weekly cultural immersion treks and access to Harvard Medical School’s HMX courses round out a comprehensive international learning experience.

14. RINT Internship & Apprenticeship Program 

Location: North Kingstown, Rhode Island (on-site preferred)

Cost: Free

Dates: Rolling

Application Deadline: Rolling

Eligibility: High school students, undergraduate/graduate students, dietetic interns, and Registered Dietitians

The Rhode Island Nutrition Therapy (RINT) Internship & Apprenticeship Program offers hands-on opportunities for you to explore clinical and community nutrition alongside a team of experienced Registered Dietitians. Whether you're a high school student, college student, dietetic intern, or a newly credentialed RD, you’ll get to observe and lead nutrition counseling sessions, work on group education programs, develop educational materials, and even propose your own innovative projects. This customizable experience could be a great option if you’re passionate about nutrition and want to explore specialties such as eating disorders, nutrition therapy for ADHD, metabolic health, or intuitive eating in a private practice setting.

15. Penn State’s Training of Future Professionals along the Human-Food Interface through Research and Experiential Learning for Undergraduates

Location: Penn State University, University Park, PA

Cost: No fee; $6,774 stipend and travel support provided

Dates: June 1 – July 24

Application Deadline: February 14

Eligibility: Open to U.S. citizens and permanent residents; must be enrolled undergraduates with at least one semester remaining as of June 1 and have completed one year of college-level coursework in a related field

If you're looking for a structured, research-focused experience in nutrition and food science, Penn State’s summer program offers an 8-week opportunity to work alongside faculty, graduate students, and postdocs. You'll work on an independent research project related to topics like sensory science, food metabolomics, or human ingestive behavior. The program includes professional development, field trips, and career exploration opportunities that broaden your understanding of the human-food interface.

You’ll be placed in a lab on Penn State’s University Park campus and gain skills in experimental design, data analysis, and scientific communication. The program emphasizes both applied and fundamental research and provides a strong foundation for graduate school or careers in food and nutritional sciences.

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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