What are some environmental internships for gap year students?

I'm interested in doing an environmental internship during my gap year. Are there notable programs or organizations that offer internships specifically for those taking a year off after high school?

There are several organizations that offer environmental internships suitable for gap year students:

1. The Student Conservation Association (SCA) offers volunteer opportunities and internships in conservation projects in national parks, forests, and urban green spaces across the United States. SCA's internships are hands-on and field-based, providing a terrific opportunity to learn about conservation.

2. The National Park Service (NPS) occasionally offers internships in various areas, including resource preservation, park management, and education. Although these opportunities may not always be advertised as gap year internships, the length and timing may be suitable for gap year students.

3. Greenpeace runs an internship program where gap year students can get involved in campaigns related to climate change, deforestation, overfishing, and other environmental issues.

4. The Sierra Club, one of the oldest organizations in the United States dedicated to environmental preservation, occasionally offers internships. Their internships often involve advocacy work, environmental education, and campaign strategy.

5. Earthwatch Institute operates a program that meshes the gap year experience with opportunities to contribute to scientific research. While not strictly an internship, participants become "citizen scientists," contributing to real environmental research projects.

6. The World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms (WWOOF) offers opportunities to work on organic farms around the world. This might be a good fit if you're interested in sustainable agriculture.

These programs can provide amazing opportunities to involve yourself deeply in environmental work, help you build a network in the environmental sector, and significantly boost your CV while you're taking time out of school. As you explore your options, remember to consider whether a gap year internship aligns with your interests, fits within your gap year plan, and provides the growth opportunities you're seeking. Good luck with your gap year planning!