14 Summer Social Work Internships for Undergraduates

If you’re an undergraduate student who wants to understand how social systems work and how people are supported within them, a summer internship in social work can be a strong place to start. These internships place you in community organizations, social service agencies, or policy centers where you can see what work in the field looks like.  Hosted by top institutions, you will have the opportunity to work with and learn from professionals in the field, helping you build your network and add to your resume. 

Social work internships also help you build perspective on the range of roles within the field. Some focus on direct service, like working with children, senior citizens, or marginalized communities, while others involve policy or advocacy work. You’ll learn how organizations manage client needs, connect with local networks, and address social issues in structured ways. 

To make your search easier, here are 14 summer social work internships for undergraduates!

14 Summer Social Work Internships for Undergraduates

1. Ladder University Internship Program

Location: Virtual

Cost: Varies by format

Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year, including fall, spring, summer, and winter

Application deadline: Varies depending on the cohort—Summer: May | Winter: November | Spring: January | Fall: September

Eligibility: College students and young professionals who can work for 5–10 hours/week for eight weeks

Ladder University Internship Program offers undergraduate students the chance to work directly with startups that have raised over $1 million in funding. These startups operate in areas like engineering, technology, and related fields. During the internship, you work on projects with guidance from a startup manager, helping you learn how startups function and what day-to-day operations look like. You also build practical skills and explore potential career paths in your field. At the end of the program, you present your work to the organization, summarizing what you accomplished and learned.

2. American Red Cross Internships

Location: Remote and on-site positions across the U.S.

Cost/Stipend: No cost. Paid and unpaid roles available; academic credit may be arranged through your university for unpaid positions.

Application Deadline: Varies by position, check here for current listings and deadlines

Dates: Start and end dates vary by role; most summer internships run May–August, with some year-round opportunities

Eligibility: Undergraduate and graduate students; eligibility requirements vary by position 

The American Red Cross offers internship opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students interested in fields such as public health, crisis response, and emergency social services. As an intern, you’ll support ongoing projects that contribute to the organization’s day-to-day work in disaster relief and community support. These roles are designed to provide exposure to how large-scale humanitarian efforts are managed in real time. Internships are available in both paid and volunteer formats, which can be found here.

3. Seattle Children’s Summer Scholars Program

Location: Seattle Children’s Research Institute, Seattle, WA

Cost/Stipend: No cost. A stipend is provided 

Application Deadline: January 15

Dates: Nine weeks in the summer

Eligibility: Students who are currently enrolled, or will be enrolled, in an undergraduate, community, or technical college

The Seattle Children’s Summer Scholars Program is a nine-week research internship for students interested in child and adolescent health. During the program, you’ll work approximately 35 hours per week on a research project under the guidance of a mentor. Projects may focus on areas such as neuroscience, pediatrics, clinical psychology, public health, or related fields, and may involve basic, clinical, translational, or community-based research. In addition to research, you’ll take part in workshops covering topics like research ethics, healthcare careers, and the role of culture and diversity in medical settings. 

4. Youth Villages Undergraduate Internship Program

Location: Youth Villages residential programs and group homes in Memphis and Nashville, Tennessee

Cost/Stipend: Paid internship; full-time for 10 weeks during summer, hourly wage provided

Application Deadline: April 1

Dates: May 26 - July 31 (10 weeks)

Eligibility: Undergraduate students (junior or senior level) with a strong interest in social services, youth development, psychology, or clinical care

Youth Villages offers paid summer internships for undergraduate students studying social services, psychology, or similar fields. These internships take place in their residential treatment centers and group homes. As an intern, you will work directly with youth by helping them reach personal goals, supporting them during conflicts, and assisting with planning and leading fun activities. You’ll also guide life skills sessions to help them grow. You’ll take part in team meetings where staff plan care and treatment. You’ll learn how to use proven methods like Collaborative Problem Solving to support youth effectively.

5. Columbia-WHO Center for Global Mental Health Undergraduate Summer Internship

Location: Virtual/Columbia University, New York, NY

Cost/Stipend: Free. Students without funding from their home university may apply for a stipend up to $2,000.

Dates: 8-week program starting in June; interns attend daily seminars and work on assigned projects Monday–Thursday.

Application Deadline: January 31

Eligibility: Rising senior undergraduate students with a strong interest in global mental health research and equity-informed implementation.

The Columbia-WHO Center for Global Mental Health offers an 8-week, full-time summer research internship for rising college seniors with an interest in global mental health. As a participant, you’ll be assigned to a research project that aligns with your academic background and interests. You’ll work under the guidance of faculty mentors from disciplines such as psychiatry, psychology, epidemiology, social work, or medical anthropology. Your day-to-day tasks may involve literature reviews, data organization or analysis, assisting with writing projects, and preparing presentations. In addition to your research work, you’ll take part in daily seminars that cover topics like research ethics, mental health systems, and intervention approaches in global contexts.

6. Fox Chase Cancer Center Adult Volunteer Program

Location: Fox Chase Cancer Center, Northeast Philadelphia, PA

Cost: Free

Application Deadline: Typically opens in early spring

Dates: Summer session runs approximately 10 weeks, June through August

Eligibility: Must be 18 years or older, complete a background check, and submit medical documentation of required health screenings

Fox Chase Cancer Center offers a range of adult volunteer opportunities that focus on supporting hospital operations and patient services. As a volunteer, you may assist with administrative tasks, help patients navigate the facility, or take part in educational outreach efforts. These roles are designed to provide practical support to staff while allowing volunteers to contribute to the hospital community. If you prefer to help from home, the center also welcomes off-site crafters ,  individuals who donate handmade items for patients. Fox Chase also permits job shadowing for students pursuing pre-med studies. 

7. National Organization for Women (NOW) Internship Program

Location: National Organization for Women, Washington, D.C. (remote and hybrid options may be available for some terms)

Cost/Stipend: Free; academic credit can be arranged in partnership with the intern’s academic institution

Application Deadline: August 22 for Fall. Seasonal deadlines announced separately

Dates: Flexible start/end dates based on academic calendar; minimum 6-week commitment required (20–24 hours per week minimum; full-time strongly encouraged for summer)

Eligibility: Open to college students and recent graduates

The NOW internship program gives you the chance to gain experience in grassroots organizing, feminist advocacy, and nonprofit work. As an intern, you’ll help with ongoing campaigns and projects focused on intersectional feminist issues. You’ll work alongside experienced activists and national staff who will mentor you throughout the program. Your tasks may include research, planning events, handling communications, and providing administrative support. You’ll get to see how a nonprofit operates from the inside. The program is flexible with start and end dates, making it easier to fit around your academic schedule.

8. The Philadelphia Project Summer Internship

Location: The Philadelphia Project, 7500 Germantown Ave, Philadelphia, PA

Cost/Stipend: No cost to apply. Interns fundraise individually, and all raised funds support housing, meals, and programming

Dates: May 19 - August 8 (tentative; confirm current-year dates on the official site)

Application Deadline: Not specified; typically early spring

Eligibility: Open to early college students committed to service, youth ministry, and community work.

The Philadelphia Project Summer Internship is a live-in program designed for students who want to get involved in nonprofit work that helps local communities. As an intern, you’ll take on a leadership role by supporting youth groups visiting Philadelphia for week-long service trips. You’ll help plan and manage daily activities like service projects, group discussions, and evening events. You’ll live on-site for the entire program and help with outreach in neighborhoods and partnerships with local churches. Depending on your role, you might work in construction, children’s programs, office support, media, or community services such as food distribution and shelter assistance.

9. DOROT Community & Corporate Group Volunteer Opportunities

Location: DOROT, Manhattan and Westchester, NY, and various community sites

Cost/Stipend: Unpaid; no cost to participate in community volunteering

Application Deadline: Rolling; groups may contact DOROT to schedule involvement

Dates: Package Delivery and group events offered five times per year (Winter, Passover, Summer, Rosh Hashanah, Thanksgiving); flexible scheduling for cardmaking and gift drives

Eligibility: College students and adults (group participation; high school students and youth may need to inquire for specific age-appropriate opportunities)

DOROT gives you and your group the chance to volunteer in ways that support older adults and build stronger community connections. Whether you're part of a college, company, or local organization, you can take part in programs that make a difference. One popular option is Package Delivery. You’ll help put together care packages and deliver them to seniors during holidays and seasonal drives. Another is Cardmaking, where your group can create birthday and holiday cards to brighten someone’s day. You can also organize a gift drive. That means buying, wrapping, and sending birthday gifts to DOROT, which they’ll distribute to older adults. These activities help build meaningful relationships between generations and raise awareness about social isolation among seniors.

10. Green Chimneys Social Work Internship Program

Location: Green Chimneys, Brewster, NY

Cost/Stipend: Unpaid internship

Application Deadline: Varies by program; check the official site for updates

Dates: Academic year placements; flexible hours based on program and student availability

Eligibility: Undergraduate (senior year) and graduate students in social work or clinical psychology programs; advanced standing students for specific internships

Green Chimneys offers social work internships that give you real-world experience working with children and youth who have special needs. You’ll be part of a team that supports young people aged 6 to 21 in different care settings. As an intern, you’ll take part in staff training and earn certifications in Therapeutic Crisis Intervention and First Aid/CPR. You’ll be supervised by licensed social workers who guide you as you learn. Your role will involve case management, therapeutic support, and helping during crises. 

11. The Trevor Project Volunteer Opportunities

Location: Primarily virtual/remote (headquartered in West Hollywood, CA)

Cost/Stipend: Volunteer positions; unpaid

Application Deadline: Rolling; ongoing recruitment

Dates: Flexible scheduling year-round

Eligibility: Individuals aged 18+ committed to LGBTQ youth support and crisis intervention

The Trevor Project offers volunteer opportunities where you can help LGBTQ youth in crisis through phone, text, and chat services. You’ll receive thorough training in active listening, suicide prevention, and LGBTQ cultural awareness so you can support young people safely and effectively. Volunteer shifts are flexible, but they do require a serious time commitment. You’ll need to follow strict rules around confidentiality and safety to protect those you’re helping. In addition to crisis support, you may also take part in outreach and education efforts that promote acceptance and raise awareness about the challenges LGBTQ youth face. 

12. JSSA Nonprofit Social Work and Mental Health Internships

Location: JSSA, National Capital Region (Maryland, Washington, D.C., Northern Virginia)

Cost/Stipend: Unpaid; educational credit available; commuting required

Application Deadline: Summer applications open in January 

Dates: Varies by academic calendar and placement

Eligibility: Open to undergraduate social work and mental health students who can live and commute within the National Capital Region.

JSSA offers internships for high school, college, and graduate students who are studying mental health or social work. These internships help you apply what you’ve learned in class to real-life situations. You’ll work with people of all ages and backgrounds across the National Capital Region. As an intern, you’ll get hands-on experience in community-based social work and mental health services. You’ll interact directly with clients and take part in the daily work of the organization, all while helping JSSA provide high-quality care.

13. St. Jude Children's Research Hospital Social Work Internship

Location: St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN

Cost: Free

Application Deadline: January 1 – March 15 annually

Dates: Fall/Spring semester placement or Fall Block/Accelerated placement available for BSW students; graduate placements vary by academic requirements

Eligibility: Undergraduate (BSW) and graduate (MSW) students enrolled in CSWE-accredited programs

St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital offers social work internships for undergraduate and graduate students who want to learn about medical social work with children and families. As an intern, you’ll support patients facing serious illnesses such as cancer, HIV, and blood disorders. You’ll join care teams, attend medical and psychosocial rounds, and build skills in assessment and counseling. Your work will include helping families understand treatment plans, completing psychosocial assessments, and supporting patients from different backgrounds, including international families. You’ll gain experience in areas like leukemia and lymphoma, bone marrow transplant, solid tumor, neuro-oncology, and cancer survivorship.

14. Mayo Clinic Social Work Internship (Minnesota)

Location: Multiple Mayo Clinic Health System sites in Minnesota (Rochester, Albert Lea, Austin, Mankato, Red Wing, St. James) and Wisconsin (Eau Claire, La Crosse)

Cost/Stipend: Free

Application Deadline: Summer: Feb 15; Fall: Apr 15; Spring: Oct 1

Dates: 12, 18, or 32 weeks, depending on academic term; hours are typically weekdays, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m., coordinated with faculty

Eligibility: Undergraduate (BSW) and graduate (MSW) social work students enrolled in a CSWE-accredited program and completing the internship in conjunction with a required field seminar course

The Mayo Clinic Social Work Internship in Minnesota gives you hands-on training in medical social work. As an intern, you’ll work with healthcare teams across Mayo Clinic’s hospitals and clinics. You’ll help support patients in medical, surgical, and psychiatric settings. If you’re a bachelor's student, you’ll take part in psychosocial assessments, offer counseling, refer patients to community services, and help educate families. You may also help organize support groups. Your role will include case management and planning for patient discharge. 

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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