Key Program Information
Where are the internships located?
Interns will be placed in one of six locations throughout the North Central Region of the US. Students will apply through one central application and note their top choices for internship placement of the institutions/locations listed:
- University of Illinois – 1 intern located in Champaign or Galesburg Illinois (This internship will focus on agricultural conservation outreach and the Illinois Nutrient Reduction Strategy)
- Iowa State University – 1 intern located in Ames, Iowa (This internship will focus on planning events and creating accessible and engaging water quality resources for an adult audience)
- University of Missouri – 1 intern located in Columbia, Missouri (This internship will focus on water quality sampling and limnology)
- South Dakota State University – 1 intern located in Aberdeen (This internship will focus on agricultural conservation and climatology)
- University of Wisconsin-Madison – 1 intern located in Milwaukee, Wisconsin (This internship will focus on watershed management education, K-12 water literacy, and urban agriculture with youth in Milwaukee)
What will the internship focus on?
The topic of focus for the internship will vary depending on the location and your mentor. Above is a listing of each of the locations and the focus of the internship at that institution. While the internships will range in focus and format, they each will provide students with broader perspectives and experience in water-related research and extension education. Students will gain real world experience with the complexities and trade-offs associated with water-related decisions in rural and urban landscapes.
In addition, students will get to know the interns in other locations across the region and participate in multistate exchanges exposing them to other ecoregions, agriculture and municipal systems, universities, and cultural contexts. As students are exposed to opportunities in extension, the program will develop interest in individuals for water management related careers outside of dedicated research.
Are the internships paid?
All internships are paid, however payment varies based on the institution. Please note all interns will make a minimum of $15 an hour and full-time work. Subsistence support, or room and board, may be available based on the student living situation and the institution. Applicants should talk with their mentors to determine what is applicable for their situation.
Who should apply?
All undergraduate students – regardless of home institution – are encouraged to apply. Since the internships will vary in focus, students studying a variety of fields – including agronomy and conservation, community planning, engineering, environmental science, natural resource planning, plant and soil science, water resources, weather, and climate science and more – will have the experience necessary to be successful.
Please note – To be eligible you must be a US Citizen or permanent resident and a current undergraduate student in the US with at least one year of undergraduate coursework completed and at least one semester of coursework remaining after your summer internship before obtaining your bachelor’s degree. Unfortunately, international students are not eligible. In some states a valid drivers license may be required. This opportunity is only for undergraduate students.
How do I apply?
Students can apply for the summer 2026 internships using this central application. This application is hosted through Qualtrics and asks you to provide:
- Your resume
- Your institution and expected graduation rate
- A cover letter outlining your relevant background and interests and how this experience will empower you to lead a career related to watershed management outreach and/or research. You may also include a brief overview of your ideal watershed management outreach and research internship experience or future job.
- Contact information for three professional, academic, or personal references
- Information on your interests within water resource management
- Your location preference and the degree of your preference
Please note, the website Pathways to Science includes resources for students on preparing a cover letter and resume for those looking for help in creating their application materials.