The Sustainable Stanford Internship
Work with the teams that bring sustainability to life across Stanford’s campus!
As a Sustainable Stanford Intern, you engage in hands-on projects that support the operational backbone of campus sustainability, becoming part of teams that manage energy, water, waste, transportation, and sustainable purchasing initiatives. This internship allows you to explore how sustainability comes to life through real projects and practical problem-solving, collaborating with staff across Stanford’s operational units to make tangible improvements. Interns play a vital role in advancing campus-wide sustainability by supporting projects that enhance efficiency, transform culture, and strengthen daily operations. Along the way, you gain clarity about your interests, expand your professional network, and discover new pathways within the sustainability field.
Key Details
- Eligibility: Enrolled Stanford undergraduate and graduate students
- Commitment: approx. 5-8 hours per week, September 2026 through June 2027 (possible summer ‘26 start, and summer ‘27 continuation with mentor approval)
- Compensation: Starting at $20/hour.
- Structure: Project-based, supported by expert staff mentor
- Cohort: 25+ Interns per Academic Year
Responsibilities
- Support operational sustainability projects by helping plan, track, and implement initiatives that improve energy, water, waste, transportation, and resource systems across campus.
- Collaborate with staff mentors and stakeholders to understand operational needs, troubleshoot challenges, and contribute practical solutions.
- Collect and analyze data to identify opportunities, benchmark performance, and measure progress toward sustainability goals.
- Create tools, guides, and communications that help campus partners adopt best practices and strengthen everyday sustainability operations.
- Share project insights through clear updates, reports, and presentations that support decision-making and highlight campus impact.
Benefits and Opportunities
As a Sustainable Stanford Intern, you gain hands-on experience applying sustainability concepts in real operational environments. You work alongside professionals across the university, build practical skills, and gain exposure to a wide range of sustainability career paths. This role helps you develop confidence, expand your network, and strengthen your ability to contribute meaningfully to sustainability efforts both on and beyond campus.
Learn more:
- Build skills in project coordination, data analysis, communication, and operational problem-solving
- Work directly with staff experts who mentor your growth and share real-world perspectives.
- Explore different areas of sustainability practice across Stanford’s diverse operational units.
- Contribute to projects that produce visible, measurable improvements on campus.
- Present your work and gain professional experience sharing insights with partners and decision-makers.
Testimonials
“I feel I have affected change at Stanford by facilitating university-wide collaboration in developing the climate action plan, which is a significant and important undertaking for the university. I feel my work has been impactful in helping bridge communities and synthesize diverse perspectives on climate action at Stanford.“
-Anushka Vijay, BS Earth Systems ’26
“This internship was a dream and I loved my mentor. My studies are not centered around sustainability (I am an international relations major) but I did this internship because I cared about our work.”
-Priscilla Chen Hsu, BA International Relations and Affairs ’24
“I learned a lot about myself and it shaped what I want to do in the future as well as highlighted the importance of social sciences in my studies.“
-Hailey Demars, BS Environmental Science ’26
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