UNLESS OTHERWISE SPECIFIED, ALL INTERNSHIPS ARE IN-PERSON AND FULL-TIME

Sustainable Communities Internship Program opportunities for Summer 2026 are listed below. They represent a diverse set of organizations and projects working on various issues as indicated in each description. All Georgia Tech students are welcome to apply. This experiential, professional development program aims to help students gain experience working with community partners on sustainability challenges and translate that experience into their life and career goals.

We are committed to supporting partners and students who are traditionally under-represented in sustainability and STEM fields. These include but are not limited to partners and students from racial/ethnic minority groups, women, limited income backgrounds, and first-generation college students.

Partner: 28ish

28ish is a women's health and education startup focused on menstrual cycle awaremenss, data literacy, and personal agency  We sit at the intersection of health, technology, education, and storytelling.  Our mission is to help people better understand how their menstrual cycle shapes how they feel, think, communicate, and move through the world. Our work spans product development, research, content creation, user experience, and community education. Interns who work with us are exposed to early stage startup thinking, real-world problem solving, and meaningful work that directly impacts how women understand their bodies and advocate for their health.

We anticipate internship opportunities ranging from hands-on software development (e.g. building or enhancing platform features) to helping craft and deploy our go-to-market strategy.  The intern may assist with refining data algorithms to better analyze user feedback, or support our marketing team in creating targeted campaigns that highlight the power of cyclical living.  We place a high value on collaboration and real-world learning  and we're excited to offer a dynamic environment where interns can contribute meaningfully to our mission of helping women harness their biological rhythms.

Depending background and interest, the intern may support user research and data organization, explore early-stageanalysis of cycle-related patterns, assist with product testing and documentation, or help translate complex ideas into clear, human-centered, content. More technically include interns may might work with datasets, dahsboards, or internal tools that help us better understand user behavior and product performance.  More creative or communication-focused interns may contribute to educational content, storytelling, social media, or UX writing that helps users make sense of their data and experiences.

We are considering a membership at TSQATL (located in Tech Square) and the intern would report there for work.

Partner: A Sip of Paradise Garden

A Sip of Paradise Garden is a non profit community garden and wellness space in Atlanta created for  hospitality and service industry professionals. Our mission is to support sustainability in all its forms through gardening, wellness programming, education, and community building.  Interns gain meaningful, real-world experience in nonprofit work, sustainability, programming, and storytelling while contributing to a mission rooted in care, creativity, and community.

Several projects are planned for the summer intern, but a primary focus will be supporting the growth and organization of A Sip of Paradise Garden during our active programming months. Potential projects include assisting with garden programming and events, supporting community workshops, helping document and tell the story of the garden through photos, writing, or social media, and support partnerships with farmers, chefs, and community organizations. The intern may also help with program planning, data tracking, volunteer coordination, and light adminisrative support as we continue to strengthen our systems.

This internship will be located in Atlanta, working primarily in person at A Sip of Paradise Garden and at partner site throughout the city. The experience is designed to be hands-on and community-based. The intern will need reliable transportation.

Partner: Cascade Springs Nature Conservancy

Cascade Springs Nature Conservancy is a community-based nonprofit dedicated to soncerving nature and strengthening communities for a resilient future.  CSNC stewards the 125-acre Cascade Springs Nature Preserve in Southwest Atlanta and serves as a gateway to the larger 15,000-acre Utoy Creek Urban Forest - one of the region's most significant urban forest systems. CSNC advances an equitable sustainability model that integrates research, conservation, education, and community engagement to build human, social, environmental, and economic capital in historically Black communities that have stewarded this landscape for generations.   

The intern will support implementaiton during a pivotal moment for the CSNC, with a primary focus on World Cup-related activation and Year 1 feasibility planning for the Atlanta Nature Center Initiative. During summer 2026, CSNC will be preparing for increased national and international visibility associated with the FIFA World Cup. The intern will play a hands on role in coordinating site activiation, wayfinding implementation, visitor readiness, and community-facing events at Cascade Springs Nature Preserve, working directly with CSNC leadership, City of Atlanta staff, and partner organizations. The intern will also contribute to Year 1 of the Atlanta Nature Center feasibility process, supporting initial assessment, stakeholder engagement, environmental and impact considerations, preliminary design coordination, and early fundraising preparation.

This intern will work primarily from the SCoRE offices, which is accessibe via MARTA.  Some work will be done at the Nature Preserve, also accessible via MARTA but a car is preferable.

Partner: Center for Education Integrating Science, Mathematics, and Computing (CEISMC)

CEISMC is a unit of the College of Lifetime Learning at Georgia Tech.  Since 1991, CEISMC has served as the primary connection point between Georgia Tech and the pre-collegiate education communities.  CEISMC enhances PreK-12 and post-secondary STEM education by drawing upon the expertise and scholarly contributions of the Georgia Tech community.  CEISMC advocates for and leads systemic changes to increase STEM interest and achievement for all students, especially those underrepresented in STEM.  CEISMC's research efforts allow for the identification and dissemination of evidence-based best practices in STEM education.

The intern will support our evaluation work and deliverables for the Southeast Community Energy Futures Academy (SCEFA) training program. This is a regional leadership and education initiative designed to 1) co-design and deliver practical, action-oriented training on emerging energy transition technologies; 2) increase local capacity to engage with these emerging technologies - from research to deployment; and 3) develop a sustained community of practice where local leaders and technical experts collaboratively shape the future of the energy transition in the Southeast (see detailed goals and outcomes at the end of this overview). The program is part of the SEDAC (Southeast Direct Air Capture) project funded by the U.S. Department of Energy and led by the Southern States Energy Board (SSEB). 

This internship is located on Georgia Tech's campus in the CEISMC offices and will be in-person.  

Partner: Center for Sustainable Communities/Sustainability Solutions Groups and Institute

Center for Sustainable Communities is a 501c(3) nonprofit organization committed to building stronger, thriving, and more equitable and resilient communities, nationally and globally through the use of science, technology, engineering and data science and research to create and implement just solutions to mitigate disparities.  The aim is to create a more just, sustainable, equitable, and resilient world for all.  The intern will work on our Resilience Hub project, in the metro Atlanta area.

This internship is located in Atlanta, and the intern will have the option of working on campus in the SCoRE offices or in shared community work space.  

Partner: City of Atlanta, Mayor's Office of Sustainability and Resilience

The Mayor’s Office of Sustainability & Resilience (MOSR) leads science-based analysis informed by the community to establish, implement, and promote policies, programs, and initiatives related to environmental sustainability, climate resilience, circular economy and food security rooted in environmental justice.

The intern will focus on a Better Buildings Challenge 2.0 campaign and will work with our current benchmarking policy and our Climate Resilience Advisory Board. Duties will include project management, data management and analysis, communication and outreach to building owners, and operational efficiency.

City of Atlanta staff work a hybird schedule, but the intern will be expected to join in person when staff is in the office.  The offices are located in City Hall, which is accesible by MARTA.

Partner: Clean Cities Georgia

Clean Cities Georgia (CC-GA), based in Atlanta, has been a national leader in clean transportation since its founding in 1993 as the first DOE-designated Clean Cities Coalition in the country. CC-GA help public and private fleets transition to alternative fuels—including electric, hydrogen,propane, natural gas, and renewable fuels—through a fuel-agnostic approach tailored to specific use cases. Through partnerships with the U.S. Department of Energy, CC-GA utilizes cutting-edge tools developed by national labs to conduct total cost of ownership analyses, emissions modeling, and strategic funding assessments for municipalities and regional entities. 

CC-GA offers a Summer 2026 Programs Intern hands-on experience supporting clean transportation events and outreach. The intern will help plan the Clean Transportation Expo (300+ attendees) and learn about EVs, hydrogen, biofuels, natural gas, and propane. They’ll also assist with EV 101 sessions, EV ride-and-drive events, and other community education opportunities. From May–September, the intern may help close out two federal grants and learn how federal grant programs work.

Clean Cities Georgia is a fully remote work environment. The intern will have some in person meetings and can work in person at the SCoRE offices. 

Partner: Community Health Aligning Revitalization Resilience and Sustainability

CHARRS is an environmental health organization with a mission to develop solutions to Environmental Justice issues, social, education, and economic inequities, and health disparities that impede access to health and wellness in African American and other marginalized communities.  Our work focuses on climate change, waste diversion, air quality, stormwater runoff, policy, emergency preparedness, and/or brownfields.

The intern will work on our Actively Building Community Capacity program by launching our Youth Environmental Health Ambassador and Community Environmental Health Worker programs.  Community members will learn how their health and the environment are impacted by each other through hands on trainings and projects.  The work could include program or project management, operations, data collection, and/or administrative work.  

This internship is located in Atlanta, and it's best for the intern to have a car.  However, we are located directly on a bus line.

Partner: Coalitico

Coalitico is an international strategic planning firm serving higher education, philanthropic foundations, NGOs and CBOs working in climate and environmental stewardship.

The intern will support planning and facilitation of the Southeast Community Energy Futures Academy (SCEFA) training program. This is a regional leadership and education initiative designed to 1) co-design and deliver practical, action-oriented training on emerging energy transition technologies; 2) increase local capacity to engage with these emerging technologies - from research to deployment; and 3) develop a sustained community of practice where local leaders and technical experts collaboratively shape the future of the energy transition in the Southeast. The program is part of the SEDAC (Southeast Direct Air Capture) project funded by the U.S. Department of Energy and led by the Southern States Energy Board (SSEB).

Hybrid and in person at the company address.

Partner: Ember Fellowship

Ember Fellowship is a fellowship program for early career talent to be trained, supported and apprentice themselves at high-impact roles at startups and tech companies.

Intern will assist with on boarding and prepping for our 2-week training camp. If timing aligns, we'd love for our intern to join us at training camp (professional socialization and AI training) and would be able to cover travel and accommodations.

In person - will be co/working out of The Lola. Travel by MARTA to Ponce City Market to get to The Lola for work.

Partner: Focused Community Strategies

Focused Community Strategies (FCS) is a nonprofit driving holistic neighborhood transformation in Historic South Atlanta. It centers learning, especially early childhood education (ECE), and youth development through gatherings, mentorship, and enrichment. FCS partners with groups like Purpose Built Schools Atlanta to support cradle-to-career success, from kindergarten readiness to post-secondary prep. Its Growth & Learning Hub also provides training and tools to strengthen community leadership, drawing on decades of neighborhood development work.

The Cradle to Career Intern will support the planning, coordination, and evaluation of a community-wide initiative focused on improving outcomes for children and families from early childhood through post secondary and career readiness. This role offers hands-on experience in education systems, community engagement, data tracking, and program coordination. 

The internship will take place at Focused Community Strategies. It is located at 1297 McDonough Blvd,. Atlanta. The intern will need access to a car.

Partner: Fulton County Government 

Fulton County stretches from Chattahoochee Hills through Atlanta to Milton and is Georgia’s most populous county (about 1.1 million residents). Its Sustainability Division follows a Sustainability Plan adopted by the Board of Commissioners in 2019, aiming to make Fulton a leader in sustainability and resilience. Key goals include cutting energy and water use, expanding solar, transitioning to EVs, and boosting recycling.

Fulton County is seeking a summer intern to help improve recycling rates in County buildings. Intern projects will include conducting a survey of county staff about recycling, mapping out routes to perform site visits at county buildings, and creating new recycling educational materials

The work location in the Fulton County offices at 141 Pryor Street is two blocks from a MARTA station. The intern will need to be in the office several days per week and can take MARTA or drive.

Partner: Georgia Conservation Voters

Georgia Conservation Voters believes every Georgian deserves clean air, clean water, healthy food, and thriving communities. We work to advance climate action, environmental protection, and environmental justice across the state. Our mission is to advocate for just, sustainable policies, mobilize pro-climate voters, and hold elected officials accountable. Through our Education Fund and Action Fund, we educate and engage communities, support aligned leaders, and strengthen civic participation.

The intern will support the Partnerships & Coalition Manager in coordinating the GOST Network, including communications, meeting prep/follow-up, partner outreach, and documenting coalition activities. They’ll also assist with in-person convenings/field engagement and help organize partner information for shared campaigns and storytelling. 

The internship is based at Georgia Conservation Voters’ Atlanta office, with most work in person and additional field time meeting coalition partners across the Atlanta area. Reliable transportation to the office and around the city is needed; a personal vehicle is helpful but not required if the intern can use public transit, ride share, or other dependable options. 

Partner: Georgia Tech SCoRE 

The Center for Sustainable Communities Research and Education (SCoRE) at Georgia Tech advances sustainability through long-term,community-engaged research, education, and partnerships. SCoRE works across the Atlanta region, the state of Georgia, and the broaderSoutheast to connect faculty, students, and staff with community partners to address real-world challenges at the intersection of sustainability,equity, and innovation. One of SCoRE’s signature programs is the Southeast Community Energy Futures Academy (SCEFA). SCEFA is aparticipatory education program that brings together community members, nonprofits, government, researchers, and industry professionals toexplore the future of emerging energy transition technologies (EETTs) in the Southeast. The program emphasizes equitable engagement bypreparing community leaders to actively participate in EETTs decision-making and supporting industry and technology specialists in workingcollaboratively with communities as equal partners. Through workshops, training programs, and convenings, SCEFA fosters diverse and oftenunlikely coalitions to advance shared learning, dialogue, and action around EETTs.

The intern will support the Southeast Community Energy Futures Academy (SCEFA), a regional leadership and education initiative designed to 1) deliver practical,action-oriented training on emerging energy transition technologies; 2) increase local capacity to engage with these emerging technologies -from research to deployment; and 3) develop a sustained community of practice where local leaders and technical experts collaborativelyshape the future of energy transition in the Southeast. The program is part of the SEDAC (Southeast Direct Air Capture) project funded by theU.S. Department of Energy and led by the Southern States Energy Board (SSEB).

Interns should be able to travel to the SCoRE office on Georgia Tech’s campus in Atlanta. A personal vehicle is not required for daily work, as the campus is accessible via public transportation and other commuting options. There may be optional opportunities for travel related toprogram activities, including a potential trip to Mobile, Alabama from August 13–15 for interns who are interested and available. Funding is available for this travel opportunity

Partner: Henderson School Alumni Association Trust (HSAAT)

HSAAT’s mission is to transform the surrounding Butts communities by repurposing the old Henderson High & Elementary School property to the Henderson Academy Community & Workforce Development Center for “Children and Family Well being” in the Butts community; by developing collaborative partnerships creating 5 Community Resilience Centers of Hope for Education & Training(w/Emphasis on S.T.E.A.M & AI), Job Creation and Workforce Development, Business Development & Entrepreneurship, Recreation for Adult & Youth (Boys & Girls Club), Community Health & Wellness (Alternative Solutions).

Our intern will assist with social media marketing, website development and HSAAT Community Learning Garden.

The intern will work some in Atlanta in the SCoRE offices, but also be required to travel to Jackson, Georgia for meetings throughout the summer. Intern will need a car but HSAAT will reimburse for mileage and gas expenses.

Partner: Hope for Youth (HYPE)

HYPE is rewriting the story of tech to invite and empower every girl to lead the industry forward. We’re building a new narrative—one where every girl has the opportunity, access, and confidence to lead in technology and beyond. HYPE’s programs are designed to engage young women in both middle & high school by providing an interactive curriculum that supports varying levels of experience with technology. These programs are taught by industry professionals of various backgrounds, and teach critical thinking, communication, digital literacy skills, and programming fundamentals. 

Marketing Intern supporting HYPE's social media and storytelling strategy that will (a) prioritize the voice of HYPE's scholars and alumnae; (b) enhance our presence/engagement using platform specific best practices on Instagram and TikTok - note, we don't currently have a TikTok presence at all; (c) support initiatives to preparing for HYPE's 10 year anniversary in 2027. This intern will work directly with our Development Director and Marketing Communications Manager to understand the role that social media marketing plays in a nonprofit's overall business development, donor engagement, and fundraising strategies.

The intern will be primarily working from the Hype Atlanta office, located in the Old Fourth Ward in Atlanta.  The intern will need to get to the office via MARTA or their personal car.

Partner: Integrated Solutions

Integrated Solutions is a certified Black women-owned energy services company that focuses on energy efficiency project installation, workforce development, and civic engagement. We create frameworks that implement the cultural competency and integrated design thinking necessary for successful, equitable, and sustainable program and project development. Our mission is to promote an equitable energy economy that positively impacts lives and supports community advancement.

The intern will support planning and facilitation of the Southeast Community Energy Futures Academy (SCEFA) training program. This is a regional leadership and education initiative designed to 1) co-design and deliver practical, action-oriented training on emerging energy transition technologies; 2) increase local capacity to engage with these emerging technologies - from research to deployment; and 3) develop a sustained community of practice where local leaders and technical experts collaboratively shape the future of the energy transition in the Southeast (see detailed goals and outcomes at the end of this overview). The program is part of the SEDAC (Southeast Direct Air Capture) project funded by the U.S. Department of Energy and led by the Southern States Energy Board (SSEB). 

The intern will work in Atlanta and should have access to public transit or ride share.

Partner: Lifecycle Building Center

Lifecycle Building Center’s mission is to achieve environmental stewardship and community resilience by creating a sustainable lifecycle for the built environment. LBC was founded in 2011 to build the infrastructure needed to redirect reusable materials away from landfills and back into the local community to help economically disadvantaged residents affordably repair their homes while increasing energy efficiency. LBC has been a lead community based institutional convener for the ReBuildATL Coalition. ReBuildATL is a multi-stakeholder coalition pioneering a community-led and equity-centered approach to deconstruction and reuse. Our coalition unites nonprofit, academic, government, and industry partners with grassroots leadership to blend technological innovation with lived experience. Our programs shift from the old take-make-wastemodel to a circular, restorative approach. We help communities build resilience while protecting our planet’s precious materials for future generations.

The intern will represent Lifecycle Building Center (LBC) and its engagement and role within the ReBuildATL Coalition on 1) Green Workforce Training in planning and conducting deconstruction training as a core project to the ReBuildATL scale community impact model and decarbonizationobjectives and 2) LBC’s contribution to expand awareness and capacity of diversion of building materials from conventional waste streams. Materials are to be used in affordable single-family housing rehab, developing new ADUs, energy efficient builds and retrofits, and urban outdoor installations. The intern would also have an opportunity to support LBC’s partnership with GT’s School of Architecture and community partners through and as part of a U.S. Department of Energy’s Recycle X Phase 3 Prize for remanufacturing locally sourced dimensional lumber from Georgia’s film industry to mass produce (remanufacture) nail-laminated timber (the “NLT” part of their project name) panels for reuse in affordable housing projects and in offering a low-carbon material option, reduced construction labor costs, and faster construction.

Our offices are located near the Oakland City MARTA station, but more easily accessible via car. There are periodic meetings with network and coalition partners and site visits that require transportation. Intern must have personal safety gear - closed shoes etc. for deconstruction field work and warehouse operations.

Partner: PlantLanta

Plantlanta is an Atlanta-based nonprofit that empowers young people and communities through environmental education, sustainable food systems, and hands-on STEAM learning. Our mission is to connect urban culture, sustainability, and education to build healthier, greener, and more equitable communities. Through programs like Plantlanta State University (PSU), school gardens, workshops, and community partnerships, we replace traditional classroom learning with experiential, project-based education rooted in real-world environmental challenges. Our work focuses on Title I schools and underserved communities across metro Atlanta, integrating topics such as urban agriculture, food justice, environmental stewardship, waste reduction, and creative problem-solving through STEAM. Plantlanta partners with educators, community organizations, and social entrepreneurs to design learning experiences that are culturally relevant, locally grounded, and future-focused. Interns at Plantlanta gain exposure to nonprofit operations, community-based research, program design, and sustainability education while contributing meaningfully to projects that have tangible impact in Atlanta neighborhoods.

For Summer 2026, the intern would support environmental education, sustainability programming, and program development projects connected to Plantlanta’s school-based and community initiatives. Potential focus areas include supporting Plantlanta State University (PSU), school garden initiatives, program documentation, curriculum development, community partnerships, and impact evaluation. Because Plantlanta’s work is responsive to community needs, project details may evolve closer to the summer. Sample intern activities may include research in urban agriculture and sustainability, STEAM curriculum support, program evaluation and data organization, documentation, and community event support. Learning outcomes include experience in community-based research, nonprofit operations, sustainability education, program evaluation, and professional communication. Past interns consistently report strong skill development and appreciation for the opportunity to apply academic knowledge to real-world challenges.

This internship is in person and the intern will work at partner school sites, community garden locations, and Plantlanta program spaces across Atlanta.  The intern will need reliable transportation.

Project: Praise House Project

The Praise House Project is the nonprofit arm to the New Freedom Project,  and our mission is to encourage and facilitate creative expression, collaboration and community partnerships which use art at its center to address issues of social justice.

The Praise House project will move from South View Cemetery which acknowledges the 1906 Atlanta race massacre where the victims rest today to Freedom Park in 2026 to rest at the site of the onset of the massacre in the King historic district during the 120th anniversary of the event. While the project will remember freedom and collaborate with the King historic district partners for an entire year, we hope to start the year with this internship.

This internship will be in person.  The intern will require transportation to the studio offices in Atlanta (The Lola), the current South-View Cemetery location (1900 Jonesboro Road, SE, Atlanta, 30315) and the Freedom Park Bridge on the Atlanta Beltline.  Access to a car is strongly recommended.

Partner: Propel ATL

Propel ATL — formerly known as the Atlanta Bicycle Coalition (ABC) and Pedestrians Educating Drivers on Safety (PEDS) — envisions an Atlanta where everyone can move safely, easily, and sustainably throughout the city. Our mission is to transform Atlanta’s streets into safe, inclusive, and thriving spaces for people to ride, walk, and roll.

The work includes technical and research tasks, policy development, and community engagement. Technical efforts focus on building data tools—such as a spreadsheet and ArcGIS map of Atlanta neighborhood transportation and land-use committees—and improving data visualization for Moving Atlanta Forward progress. Research will examine safety and mode-shift outcomes, including lane width impacts, BeltLine-connected travel behavior, and before-and-after crash analysis on resurfaced streets. Policy tasks center on writing briefs to support the organization’s agenda, while engagement work includes in-person outreach for e-bike rebates, Atlanta Streets Alive advocacy, and neighborhood engagement through the Where’s My Project campaign.

This small nonprofit team operates mostly remotely but there will be many in-person activities and this role will be largely in-person.  All locations are transit accessible.

Partner: Refugee Women's Network

Refugee Women’s Network (RWN) is a nonprofit organization based in Georgia that empowers refugee and immigrant women to rebuild their lives and thrive in the United States. Founded more than 25 years ago, RWN focuses on helping women achieve self-sufficiency, confidence, and leadership through culturally responsive and community-centered programs. RWN’s mission is to inspire and equip refugee and immigrant women with the tools, skills, and support they need to succeed economically, socially, and civically. The organization provides programs in leadership development, economic empowerment, workforce readiness, entrepreneurship, health navigation, and social adjustment. Signature initiatives include women-led small business support, job readiness training, English language learning, and community leadership development. By meeting women where they are and honoring their lived experiences, RWN creates safe and supportive spaces for growth and connection.

The intern will primarily work in our Youth Mentorship Program and Chefs Club Program, both of which are central to our mission. The Youth Mentorship Program supports refugee and immigrant children by providing guidance, educational support, and positive role models, helping them thrive in a new environment. The Chefs Club Program empowers refugee and immigrant women to earn income and build skills while balancing family responsibilities, including caring for children. RWN also runs other important programs, including economic empowerment and job readiness, English language learning, community navigation and social adjustment, and leadership development. Through these programs, we help women achieve self-sufficiency,build confidence, and become active members of their communities. During the internship, the intern will gain hands-on experience by assisting staff in program planning, participant engagement, and day-to-day operations. They will have the opportunity to interact directly with youth and women participants, contribute to workshops and events, and learn about the unique challenges refugee and immigrant families face. This work is important because it allows the intern to support programs that help families establish stability and growth, while gaining practical skills in nonprofit program management.

The intern will be working out of our Decatur office. There is a bus from the Decatur MARTA station to the office.  The intern may also occasionally work out of the satellite office in Clarkston, so a car would be optimal.

Partner: ReGen Community Advisory, Inc.

ReGen Community Advisory is a community and economic development consulting enterprise that formulates community-centric development strategies in urban and rural communities. ReGen provides leading management and organizational advisory to non-profits, community-based organizations, governmental agencies, and academic institutions in the areas of project/program design management sustainability modeling; community engagement, data analytics; asset mapping, and capacity building.

Our intern will work on community economic development master planning in the Donald Lee Hollowell Parkway corridor and implemetation and integration of multiple complementary projects in coordination with The Paradise Center and the launch of its resiliance hub in 2026.

This work is primarily in person in the Northwest Atlanta 30318 neighborhoods.  The location is accessible via MARTA and student will not need a car.  Any transportation to off site locations and meetings will be provided.

Partner: Science for Georgia 

Science for Georgia was founded on the premise that science can address Georgia’s largest issues, but only if it gets out of the lab and into our communities. Our mission is threefold: to train scientists to be effective communicators, to increase public engagement with science, and to advocate for the responsible use of science in public policy. Sci4Ga is uniquely focused on uniting disparate groups via the neutral lens of science. Our “just the facts” approach enables us to join community members, non-profits, academics, and policy makers together. Sci4Ga prides itself on helping to provide the data and evidence needed to back-up anecdotal claims, and then sharing this technical information in an audience-friendly manner. Open dialogue and knowledge sharing are vital to ensure community involvement and relevance.

Every year Sci4Ga and partners host an annual Environmental Justice and Climate Protection Conference. This year, the conference will be held in Atlanta (most likely at GT). The intern will work on getting the event off the ground for June 11&12, attend the conference, and then spend the remainer of the summer writing the conference summary, identifying action items, and then helping craft a plan for action throughout the upcoming year. This conference is the highlight of our year, and helps drive a majority of the subjects we engage communities about.

We are fully hybrid, with employees working at home and at local Switchyards (co-working space, with over 10 locations around Atlanta.) We set days and times that we will meet at specific Switchyards locations. Many are close to MARTA stops and we strive for maximum accessibility. 

Partner: Southfork Conservancy

South Fork Conservancy is a local nonprofit which works to restore the banks of the South Fork of Peachtree Creek and its tributaries and streams. We return these restored green spaces to the neighbors in communities along the creek banks by connecting people with nature trails. In the heart of urban Atlanta, our creeks are still here for us; a gift waiting to be rediscovered. Since 2008, we have led the effort to protect habitat and connect nature trails along the banks of the South Fork of Peachtree Creek. We have completed five miles of trails and spearheaded the creation of three public parks. We have engaged thousands of volunteers to restore over 100 acres of creek bank habitat, remove invasive plant species, and beautify the creek and surrounding areas through litter clean-ups. Our mission is to conserve the creek from further degradation and future environmental threats; restore the creek’s habitats and waters to health; and connect parks, nature preserves, and other greenspaces along the creek with nature trails to provide easy public access to the natural environment and encourage outdoor recreation and exercise. We envision a future with a healthy creek that builds healthy communities by providing clean water for people to play, trails to recreate, and outdoor classrooms for learning and gathering. The intern will work on projects involving water quality testing, creek clean-ups, and ecosystem restoration.

This internship is in person.   Our office is based on Ponce De Leon Ave NE and our geographic scope is between Atlanta, DeKalb County, Clarkston, and Tucker, with transportation or mileage reimbursement provided for any site work.

Partner: Southeast Community Cultural Center (ArtsXchange)

The ArtsXchange cultivates a vibrant community where artists and audiences connect, create, and thrive. Through accessible studios, exhibitions, performances, and public programs spanning literary, visual, and performing arts, we foster intergenerational, multicultural engagement rooted in equity and environmental sustainability. Our shared spaces and resources—including community gardens—reflect our deep commitment to cultural resilience and environmental stewardship. We center the needs of historically disadvantaged communities by: Cultural Empowerment for Equity; Access and Inclusion; Economic Empowerment through the Arts; Civic Engagement and Movement Building;and Land and Environmental Justice. At its core, ArtsXchange empowers artists and communities alike to nurture cultural expression, education, and economic opportunity—building resilient, equitable, and thriving neighborhoods through the transformative power of the arts.

During the summer of 2026, we will be involved in several old and new projects—the Permaculture Garden and Community Garden, with gardening classes and other sustainable activities, as well as outdoor events. Our visual literacy classes will be in full swing with special classes for youth and adults. Other programs include a new summer music camp for youth, focusing on songwriting, performance skills, creating music, community presentations, collaborative projects, as well as onstage and behind-the-scenes skills that can help youth decide whether to work in the music performance or production industry, as well as gallery exhibits, creative writing classes, films, concerts, and student site visits.

This internship is in person.   We are located in East Point, Georgia and are accesible to MARTA, but a car is preferred.

Partner: SOWEGA Rising

SOWEGA Rising is a nonpartisan, non profit advocacy organization with a mission to mobilize people and resources to improve the quality of life, well being and political power of marginalized Southwest Georgians through civic engagement, community organizing and rural revitalization. The intern will support the Summer fellowship program or communications.

This internship is in person and located in Albany, Georgia.  The intern will need a car.

Partner: Step Ahead Scholars

Step Ahead Scholars (SAS), works to advance educational equity by empowering students who lack a family legacy of higher education attainment. Our students include first-generation and low-income students; Black and other students of color; and immigrant and refugee students who face systemic barriers to postsecondary access and success. SAS provides community-based, “To, Through and Beyond College” exposure, guidance, and mentoring for students and families navigating postsecondary transitions. In trusted, accessible settings, we equip students with the information, confidence, and self-advocacy skills needed to thoughtfully pursue higher education pathways aligned with their goals and ambitions. Our holistic approach positions students to enroll, persist, graduate and achieve equitable life outcomes. By offering free higher education guidance to any student who seeks it, Step Ahead Scholars strengthens community wellbeing while dismantling racial and economic inequities embedded in the transition process. Although postsecondary education remains the most powerful driver of economic mobility, students with the greatest need often lack adequate counseling support due to unmanageable school student to counselor ratios. Step Ahead Scholars fills this critical gap, ensuring under-resourced students receive comprehensive, informed support that leads to long-term economic stability, upward mobility, and the potential to build equitable life outcomes.

We will expose student interns to this innovation work by having them help us scale our reach, which will require them to participate in grassroots networking. This type of networking will require them to understand the nuances of the people and communities that we serve. These are some of the projects an intern might do during their internship: Work directly with diverse groups of students during a summerboot camp; Create living handbooks that can be used by both our students and volunteers; Assist with curriculum development; Design and enhance SAS’s volunteer/mentor engagement ideas, resources and programing; Design and enhance SAS’s alumni engagement program; Enhance and develop new online resources; Enhance and develop new student delivery model ideas; Enhance and develop SAS’s internship resources; Enhance SAS’s signature event; Develop a signature event; Research pre-college programs, scholarship programs, college fly-in programs, higher education policy and advocacy issues and topics; Develop a SAS social media, calendar, and campaign; Create and post social media content; Identify potential and viable nonprofits partners; Outline SAS’s yearly event calendar, incorporating student college access events; Research and draft grant opportunities.

Our intern will work in one of three places depending on the project and their availability: The Lola; Georgia Tech's campus; and at SAS Metro-Atlanta partner sites.

Partner: Ubuntu Community Catalyst, Inc.

Ubuntu exists to nurture collective well-being by empowering individuals and families to thrive, while fostering healing, equity, and the vital conditions that allow communities to flourish. Our unique resident-led approach to community development strengthens leadership, builds capacity, and cultivates collaboration. By working alongside residents rather than for them, we foster resilience, connection, and shared growth, ensuring that health and well-being are achieved and sustained for generations.

The intern will refine and update Ubuntu’s web-based content creation and communication story map project to enable Ubuntu to share maps and related content using the Vital Conditions framework.

The work share location is accessible by MARTA rail and bus line.  Ubuntu works from Club E, located in College Park.

Partner: West Atlanta Watershed Alliance

The West Atlanta Watershed Alliance (WAWA) is a community-based non-profit organization whose mission is to improve the quality of lifewithin the West Atlanta Watershed by protecting, preserving and restoring our community’s natural resources. WAWA represents African American neighborhoods in Northwest and Southwest Atlanta that are most inundated with environmental stressors, but are least representedat environmental decision-making tables.Through an MOU with the City of Atlanta Bureau of Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Affairs, WAWA now operates the Outdoor Activity Center (OAC), a 26-acre urban forest preserve and nature center. WAWA has grown to a 501c3 with a small dedicated staff staff of environmental educators, stewards and activists. WAWA also co-stewards the nearby 135-acre Cascade Springs Nature Preserve and the 200-acre Lionel Hampton Beecher Park; all in Southwest Atlanta.

Our summer intern will likely support eithe environmental justice, stewardship, science, education initiatives across the watersheds. There are several hyperlocal and city-wide initiatives which need community-engagement implementation. Our priorities this year fall into the following categories/projects: Neighborhood Planning Unit (NPU) social cohesion project, collaborative watershed governance model creation, green infrastructure workforce program, urban heat data, policy organizing, and an oral history project. Closer to the summer we will be able to narrow a scope in emphasis in one of these areas.

This internship will be located on site at West Atlanta Watershed Alliance.  A car is recommended, although MARTA is possible.