Internships
Accelerate Climate Solutions' intern program is designed to give high school and college students experience working locally on environmental issues and teach them about climate communications, policy, and technology. Working with these students helps us fulfill our mission to support the next generation of environmental leaders and build the green workforce of tomorrow.
2026 Internship Opportunities
Our internship is open to high school and college students who are able to participate in person at our offices in Naperville. Paid internship teams are filled, but there are plenty of ways to contribute as a volunteer intern.
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There’s no time to waste in addressing the climate crisis.
Highlights:
Guest speakers every Wednesday afternoon:
Dr. Rob Sargis on the connection between health and climate change.
Joe Hus on the clean energy transition.
Faye Siota on climate impacts in the Solomon Islands.
And more!
Work with peers who also care about taking action on climate.
Mini grants available for your project.
Looks great on job applications and resumes.
Next Steps:
Review the Volunteer Internship Details document for team descriptions and schedule.
Complete the Volunteer Intern Onboarding form.
Plan to attend Intern Orientation on June 3, 1:30-4:30, 95th St. Library.
If you complete a minimum of 40 hours this summer, you will receive a certificate and be eligible for a reference letter.
Questions? Please contact us.
We’re going to have an awesome summer! Be part of it!
Intern Experience
"I was able to experience proposing ideas to policymakers, conducting surveys, and analyzing data thoroughly. I always enjoyed coming to work. It was never a chore. "
Lana A, Summer 2024 Intern and BLAST Winner
Past Intern Projects
01
Bike Plan
Our interns worked to develop a comprehensive bike plan for Naperville, conducting extensive research using surveys and past accident data and presenting their findings to the Naperville City Council. See the bike plan here.
02
BLAST Competition
Our interns helped develop the structure of the BLAST competition, reached out to teachers, and created publicity.
03
The World We Inherit: A Climate Gallery
Accelerate Climate Solutions interns collected stories from across generations and across the globe to inspire climate action. At this one-day event at the First Congregational United Church of Christ Naperville, visitors viewed art and multimedia and learned through interactive presentations.
04
Civic Engagement
Our interns have presented to the Naperville City Council and school boards, met with elected officials, organized a rally, and were interviewed by reporters. See our interns presenting to City Council.
05
Our interns organized EcoBLAST, an environmental fair promoting sustainability with upcycling, a thrift shop, and an eco-friendly art showcase. This event was part of our broader efforts to promote reuse.
06
And more!
Learn more about our many projects on our Impact Projects page.
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