Student Guidelines

Before You Apply

Each internship role differs in eligibility, qualifications, compensation, work format (onsite, hybrid, or remote), duration, and application deadline. Please review each job description carefully to determine whether it is a good fit for your background, goals, and circumstances.

  • Graduating students (June 2027) are eligible to apply for domestic roles only.
    • International students who are graduating may not apply for domestic roles unless they plan to use OPT toward the internship.
  • To apply for international roles, you must be a returning student enrolled in the following fall quarter.
  • Review the eligibility details for each position to ensure compliance with employer and visa requirements.

Application Process

The Stanford Doerr School of Sustainability will oversee the application process, including student recruitment and application collection. A separate application must be submitted for each position, and there is no limit to how many positions each student can apply to. 

With your application you will be asked to submit: 1) A one-page cover letter detailing your qualifications, experience, and why you are suited for the specific position, 2) A resume, and 3) An unofficial Stanford transcript.

Hiring Process

While the Sustainability Pathways Internships team assists with recruitment and application process, host organizations will conduct their own interviews and make final selection decisions. Candidates who move forward in the process will be notified directly by the host organizations. As the direct employers for the internship roles, host organizations determine and administer their own hiring policies and procedures, which all candidates are expected to follow.

  • If you have questions about your application status or communication with an employer, please reach out to the SPI team.
  • The Stanford Doerr School of Sustainability does not make recommendations to employers regarding specific candidates.

After Accepting an Offer

Once you have accepted an internship offer:
  • The SPI team will notify other companies to withdraw your candidacy from remaining positions.
  • If a student reneges on an offer after signing, they will be ineligible to apply for or participate in the Sustainability Internship Program in the future.
Full-Time Commitment

Participation in the program requires a full-time commitment of 40 hours per week. Students may not concurrently hold another position or ongoing commitment that exceeds 10 hours per week during the internship period.

Any outside commitment of 10 hours per week or less must be disclosed to the internship employer in advance and approved by the employer to ensure it does not conflict with the internship schedule or responsibilities.

Program Structure and Employment Relationship

Students selected for the Sustainability Pathways Internships enter into an internship or employment relationship directly with the host organization. Host organizations are responsible for hiring, supervision, compensation, workplace policies, and all other terms and conditions of the internship. Stanford administers the program and may provide programmatic or financial support but does not enter into an employer-employee relationship with participating students.

All interns are required to complete the following program requirements:
  • Attend a mandatory introductory meeting with the internship manager
  • Attend a mandatory internship readiness workshop
  • Submit a reflection report detailing their summer experience
  • Submit end-of-program feedback upon completion of internship
  • Engage in cohort activities when available

Payment

Interns will receive payment directly from their host organizations. Interns will be responsible for any of the tax implications of this income.

Financial Aid Considerations

Eligible undergraduate students may receive up to $1,500 in dynamic financial aid, depending on their financial aid status. Aid eligibility is determined by the Financial Aid Office. Graduating seniors are not eligible for financial aid.

Students interning in the San Francisco Bay Area, Los Angeles, New York City, Washington, D.C., Boston, Chicago, Honolulu, Boulder, or Seattle may receive an additional $500 cost-of-living supplement. Cost-of-living supplements are not available for students working fully remotely.

Students receiving relocation, housing, or cost-of-living assistance from their internship host organization may not be eligible for additional Stanford-funded financial aid or cost-of-living supplements.

Travel, Housing, and Living Expenses

Interns are responsible for arranging and covering their own housing, transportation, and other living expenses during the internship period. Supplements for visa fees and airfare may be available for students participating in overseas internships but are not guaranteed.

Have more questions? Please refer to the FAQ page for additional information about program policies and requirements.