Paid Internship opportunities

College Internships

CLimate Action Interns - Education & Policy focus

SVYCA is hiring two climate action interns! One will dive into innovative educational initiatives that empower youth to understand and tackle climate change and the other will engage in impactful research that shapes public policy and drives meaningful change in our communities.

Duration: Ideally, start at the end of January or early February. The internship will conclude at the end of your school year, with the potential to extend into the summer.

Qualifications:

  • Current college student

  • Experience working with or teaching high school students

  • Significant knowledge of Climate Change, its impacts locally, and practical solutions

  • Excellent communication, writing, and time management skills

  • Excellent research skills and ability to synthesize information into easy-to-read and understand materials

  • Major in Policy/Advocacy or Environmental Science/Studies

Compensation

  • This internship is structured as a learning experience as well as a practical skills development opportunity

  • Stipends will be paid bi-weekly

  • The pay range is $20-25 per hour, depending on skill level

Please email your cover letter and resume to:

  • Christine Zack, Program Manager - christine@svyouthclimateaction.org

  • MJ Sasse, Community Engagement Coordinator - mj@svyouthclimateaction.org

Click here for more detailed information on how the two roles differ and applications close on 1/22/26.

High School internships

Transit oriented communities internship

With a grant from the Valley Transit Authority (VTA), SVYCA will be hiring 4 transit oriented communities interns to educate students in the Eastside Union High School District about the climate benefits of transit.

Qualifications:

  • High school student currently in the 11th or 12th grade

  • Attends a high school located in East Side Union High School District

  • Has interest and experience inClimate Action Intern climate/environmental advocacy

Responsibilities:

  • Conduct school workshops and presentations to educate students about the link between climate action and transit

  • Encourage students to utilize public transit by educating them on trip planning, route navigation, and safe transit practices

  • Collaborate with student leaders to actively engage schools and school districts in prioritizing transit-oriented solutions

Compensation:

  • $20/hr for up to 125 hours of work.

Click here to apply by January 31st and here to learn more details about the role.

We encourage youth from underrepresented communities (ie. BIPOC, low-income, first generation, etc) to apply.

Peninsula Clean Energy internship

SVYCA has obtained a Community Outreach Grant from Peninsula Clean Energy (PCE) which allows us to continue our PCE internship program. This internship aims to educate the San Mateo County community on the transition from gas to electric infrastructure, appliances, lifestyles, and more.

Internship Qualifications:

  • High school student currently in the 10th or 11th grade

  • Attends a high school located in San Mateo County’s San Mateo, Sequoia, or Jefferson Union High School District.

  • Has interest and experience in climate/environmental advocacy.

Responsibilities:

  • Conduct a school workshop/assembly in Spring 2026 and Fall 2026 to educate students about PCE programs and electrification.

  • Meet with executive staff (Superintendent, School Board, Principals) from your school district to discuss facility electrification

  • Establish relationships with student organizations (ie. District Sustainability Committee, Student Clubs, etc.) to organize a Climate Week in the 2026-27 schoolyear, including promotion of PCE’s resources.

  • Contribute to coordinating a San Mateo County Intergenerational Climate Forum in collaboration with PCE

Compensation:

  • Installments of $250 on March 1st, June 1st, and September 1st

  • An additional $500 bonus at the end of the year upon successful completion of all PCE Grant deliverables

Click here to apply by January 17th and here to learn more details about the role.

We encourage youth from underrepresented communities (ie. BIPOC, low-income, first generation, etc) to apply.