2025 Internship Opportunities

The CAHNR Fellows Internships offer paid hands-on learning opportunities for undergraduate students seeking to enhance their professional skills and gain access to the necessary expertise for career preparation and professional endeavors post-graduation.

Explore various fields including:

  • Food
  • Health
  • Biology
  • Nutrition
  • Sustainability
  • Research
  • Agribusiness
  • Youth Education
  • Community Development
  • Marketing
  • Extension
Aerial (drone) view of Horsebarn Hill and the UConn skyline

Earn while you learn and work in career-oriented roles with options for hours and time commitments, ranging from summer terms to year-round opportunities.

Carefully review the listings to identify those aligning with your interests and career goals.

Interns receive a stipend salary for their internship work through fellowship payments processed monthly throughout their working term.  Please note that stipends are awarded on available funding and are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis.

Internship Listings

Nanoionix Intern- Farmington, CT

Organization: Nanoionix

Job Title: Intern

Location: Farmington

Term: Summer

Hours: 20-30 per week

Objectives: The primary goal of this internship is to provide an enriching learning experience by working closely with Nanoionix team members. Interns will gain hands-on exposure to various laboratory techniques and develop problem-solving skills in a research and manufacturing environment.

Tasks:

Interns will have the opportunity to engage in a variety of projects spanning different domains. These include:

  • chemistry projects involving non-hazardous materials, biology projects, mechanical engineering tasks such as building small setups, and data analysis projects;
  • participants to contribute to developing and running analytical techniques involving spectroscopy and solution chemistry, with relevance to chemical and environmental science;
  • engage in mechanical engineering projects for constructing small-scale setups, or delve into data analysis tasks involving databases.

Relevant Course Experience:

We are seeking interns with a background in relevant coursework, such as chemistry, chemical engineering or environmental sciences lab classes. Additionally, those with a foundation in mechanical engineering or software skills are encouraged to apply. This internship is designed to complement and expand upon academic knowledge, providing practical insights into real-world applications of scientific and engineering principles.

May require interview with organization at a later date.

Bureau of Aquaculture – Milford, CT

Organization: Bureau of Aquaculture, Department of Agriculture

Location: Milford, CT

Term: Summer into Fall

Hours: 20 per week

 

Objective: The Bureau of Aquaculture is the State Shellfish Authority and part of this responsibility includes routine monitoring of shellfish health in Connecticut waters. Run through the Shellfish Pathology Program, this internship aims to introduce interns to a career in aquatic sciences and applications of laboratory work.

 

Tasks can include:

  • Gain hands-on experience with shellfish handling including collection, processing, and diagnoses.
  • Gain hands on experience with histology, including analytical strengths and limitations.
  • Acquire knowledge of laboratory instrumentation including maintenance and trouble shooting.
  • Acquire knowledge in handling long term biological materials through archiving and storage.
  • Contribute to records management and data entry for a monitoring program including gaining experience in handling real-life data complexities.

 

Preferred Skills and Interests:

  • Familiarly with basic laboratory etiquette including microbial techniques.
  • Interest in scientific research and/or aquatic career.
  • Familiarity with excel and detailed-oriented.

On Go Health – Farmington, CT

Organization: On Go Health

Location: In-person, Farmington, CT

Term: Summer

Hours: Flexible, Between 10-35

 

Objectives: The internship aims to provide hands-on experience within a dynamic and rapidly growing early-stage healthcare startup. Four distinct roles are available, allowing interns to choose based on individual interests and experience. These roles include business development, data and analytics/reporting, investor relations (supporting the CEO), and customer success and operations. The overarching objective is to offer interns an in-depth understanding of core business functions while leveraging their support where applicable.

 

Tasks:

The tasks assigned will vary based on the chosen role:

  • Business Development: Primarily research-focused activities.
  • Customer Success and Operations: Quality control responsibilities and navigation of the Google Health FHIR API.
  • Data and Analytics/Reporting: Attention to detail, quality control, and working with Big Query.
  • Investor Relations: Drawing upon and developing project management skills.

Skills Preferred:

  • Comfort with PowerPoint, Excel, Canva, Power BI, and Big Query
  • Adaptability to fast-paced environments and the ability to navigate and contribute to various tasks within a healthcare startup setting.

Fairgate Farm – Stamford, CT

Organization: Fairgate Farm

Location: Stamford

Term: Year Round

Hours: 5-10 weekly

 

The intern will assist with our Farm market and some of our other programs depending on need for the week. Day-to-day they may be carrying out various farm tasks such as watering, harvesting, washing, and bundling veggies, screening compost, and more. Tasks varying seasonally and with weather. There is always lots to do at the Farm, so having a consistent intern who is adaptable and energized will be very helpful!

 

Our expectations: 

  • Student who shows initiative, has interest in agriculture, environmentalism, food access, non-profits, and more
  • Experience cashiering, working with food, gardening, working outdoors
  • Ability to lift at least 40 pounds is required.
  • Bi-lingual Spanish is a plus!

 

Requirements for application screening:

  • Must be available Thursday mornings for the full year.
  • Provide a resume
  • Farm visit/interview prior to internship acceptance

Time commitment: Thursdays 8am to 3pm for full year starting in April or May

 

Fairgate Farm is a small non-profit urban farm growing fruits and vegetables on less than 1-acre of land. We use regenerative agriculture practices to grow healthy food for our community of West Side Stamford. We run an onsite farm market May through October and follow a “Pay-What-You-Can” model to distribute food to people of all income levels. We also host free community classes to teach people about healthy foods, gardening, dance or yoga, and many other health and wellness topics. The Farm accepts food waste 24/7 to make into compost that is used on the Farm. This year we are installing hydroponic growing tables in the Farm Annex space across the street from the Farm. We are also constructing a community fridge and food pantry, The Healthy Food, Healthy Mind Outlet, which will be a 24/7 access point for neighbors to get food and free books from the farm.

Trowbridge Farm – Bridgewater, CT

Organization: Trowbridge Farm
Location: Bridgewater, Southwestern Connecticut
Term: Year-Round
Hours: 6 Days Per Week
Positions: 2

Objective:
Trowbridge Farm, one of the oldest ongoing Arabian breeding and training farms in the United States, offers an immersive internship experience for individuals interested in gaining hands-on knowledge in equine care and training. The farm, known for its history of breeding notable Arabian horses, aims to provide interns with valuable insight into the equine industry, combining business, training, and horsemanship skills in a nationally recognized environment.

 

Tasks and Responsibilities:

  • Participate in daily horse-related activities such as feeding, stall cleaning, grooming, tacking, and turnout.
  • Assist with general barn maintenance and organization.
  • Gain experience in the training and management of Arabian horses under the supervision of farm owners, trainers, and barn managers.
  • Potential involvement in office tasks, including ordering supplies and assisting with breeding processes.
  • Develop a strong understanding of the farm's operations, including its breeding lab and training facilities.
  • Work collaboratively as part of a team to ensure smooth daily operations and high standards of horse care.

 

Preferred Skills:

  • Prior hands-on horse experience is required.
  • Comfort and competence in daily horse care activities.
  • Strong interest in equine training and management, with a willingness to learn and develop new skills.

Trowbridge Farm, set in the picturesque rolling hills of Southwestern Connecticut, offers a unique opportunity to learn from a farm that has been at the forefront of Arabian horse breeding and training for over four decades. With easy access to major cities and local attractions, the farm provides both a rewarding professional experience and the chance to explore a vibrant region.

Earthplace Summer Camp – Westport, CT

Organization: Earthplace 

Location: Westport, CT

Term: June 1st - August 8th

Hours: 35- 37.5 Hours a week

Positions: 2

 

Objective: Earthplace, a donor-supported non-profit organization, is dedicated to fostering passion and respect for the natural world, and promoting a more sustainable future for our community. Integrating science, conservation, and education, this internship opportunity aims to provide hands-on experience in nature-based education with young children, contributing to the organization's mission and overall progress.

 

Tasks:

  • Oversee and ensure the well-being of campers during nature-based education activities.
  • To hone skills in childcare and education, work cooperatively with fellow staff members, and inspire a love for learning and exploration.
  • Design and lead engaging activities that align with the organization's mission, promoting environmental awareness and appreciation.
  • Be prepared to administer minor first aid as needed, ensuring the safety and health of campers.
  • Maintain open and transparent communication with parents or guardians regarding camper experiences and any pertinent information.
  • Collaborate with fellow camp counselors to ensure a cohesive and supportive environment for both campers and staff.
  • Demonstrate punctuality, a strong work ethic, and dedication to the goals and values of Earthplace

Preferred Skills:

Experience working with children (ages 2-15) is preferred, showcasing an understanding of their needs and effective communication with them.

Earthplace: Conservation Intern – Westport, CT

Organization: Earthplace

Title: Nature-Based Education and Conservation Intern

Location: Westport, CT

Term: Summer

Hours: 10-25 Hours

Positions: 1

 

Objective:
This internship provides a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience in environmental education and conservation. The intern will work closely with the Director of Nature Education and Conservation, Veronica Swain, to support the development and implementation of inquiry-based school curricula and assist with conservation efforts aimed at protecting native plant species and supporting local wildlife. The internship offers valuable experience in both environmental education and practical conservation work, including invasive plant management and habitat restoration.

 

Tasks and Responsibilities:

  • Assist with the development and delivery of inquiry-based environmental education programs aligned with Next Generation Science Standards.
  • Shadow naturalists during program delivery and lead at least one program under the guidance of an experienced naturalist.
  • Help prepare materials for educational programs and ensure all supplies are clean and organized.
  • Maintain teaching gardens and exhibits, including watering, upkeep, and general maintenance of public learning spaces.
  • Learn to design lesson plans with clear goals, learning objectives, and topics, tailored to specific target audiences.
  • Identify invasive plant species, understand their impact on the local ecosystem, and assist with their removal using various methods.
  • Collect seeds, propagate native plants, and contribute to habitat restoration efforts, including maintaining deer exclosures and supporting shrubland cultivation for bird populations and the eastern box turtle.

 

Preferred Skills and Qualifications:

  • The candidate should be studying in a field related to environmental education, such as biology, wildlife biology, forestry, or marine science, or working toward a Master Gardener certification or similar qualification.
  • Must be motivated, diligent, and capable of lifting up to 25 pounds.
  • A passion for environmental conservation and education, as well as a willingness to engage in both classroom and fieldwork.

 

The internship is designed to provide a comprehensive learning experience for those seeking to build a career in environmental education and conservation, all while working as part of a collaborative team. Interns will receive invaluable experience in program delivery, ecological restoration, and hands-on conservation efforts.

 

May require interview with organization.

Nourish Indoor Farm/Nourish BPT – Bridgeport, CT

Organization: NOURISH INDOOR FARM/NOURISH BPT

Location: Bridgeport, CT

Term: Summer

Hours:10+ a week

Positions: 1-2

 

Objectives: Connecticut’s first non-profit indoor hydroponic farm, nOURish BRIDGEPORT Inc., is dedicated to cultivating and distributing produce to address the limited access to fresh food in Bridgeport, labeled as a "food desert" by the USDA. The internship aims to educate participants on the fundamentals of hydroponic gardening, specific produce cultivation, food safety practices, and the significance of community engagement within a collaborative team environment.

 

Tasks:

  • During the internship, undergraduates will collaborate with experienced farm associates to gain hands-on experience in various daily tasks, including seeding, harvesting, packaging, transplanting, and testing grow systems
  • Participate in all farm tasks, learning the full spectrum of hydroponic farming activities such as nutrient testing, harvesting, packaging, seeding, and transplanting.
  • Assist in maintaining high standards of hygiene and food safety in all areas of the farm.
  • Take part in the regular cleaning and upkeep of the farm to ensure healthy and happy produce.
  • Work collaboratively with different farm associates, rotating between tasks to gain a well-rounded skill set.
  • Eventually, work on special projects independently once comfortable and trained.
  • Become an integral part of the farm team, contributing to overall farm operations.

Preferred Skills:

  • Demonstrated interest in urban agriculture and hydroponics, showcasing a passion for sustainable and innovative farming practices.
  • Driver's License (Preferred but not Required)
  • Interested in community engagement.
  • Ability to share ideas and contribute to team discussions.
  • Awareness of hygiene and food safety protocols, essential for working in a food production environment.

New Opportunities INC – Waterbury, CT

Organization: New Opportunities INC

Location: Waterbury, CT

Term: Year-Round

Hours: 1-2 hours

  • Weekday Mornings
  • Weekday Afternoons

Positions: 2

 

Objective:
The Conexion Liaison internship is designed to provide students with hands-on experience in community outreach and education related to public health programs, particularly addressing food insecurity and nutrition. The intern will work closely with the site supervisor, Solanda Rodriguez, to develop marketing materials, assess community needs, and assist in implementing programs that support senior citizens and other underserved populations. This internship offers a unique opportunity to enhance interpersonal communication skills and gain practical experience in a culturally diverse setting.

 

Tasks and Responsibilities:

  • Create various marketing materials such as brochures, flyers, and social media posts for the ACL Grant initiative (Conexion Program).
  • Produce nutritional education videos for participants of the ACL Grant.
  • Conduct overall health and social needs assessments at senior housing facilities and community events.
  • Assist in organizing and setting up educational classes related to food insecurity and nutrition.
  • Collect data on program attendance and participant evaluations to measure program effectiveness.
  • Work alongside the site supervisor to implement tasks and activities related to program development and outreach.

 

Preferred Skills and Qualifications:

  • Strong communication skills, both written and verbal.
  • Bilingual (English and Spanish).
  • Ability to work both independently and as part of a team in a dynamic environment.
  • Interest in public health, nutrition, and community outreach.

 

This internship offers students the opportunity to develop key skills in community health, marketing, and data collection, while directly contributing to the effectiveness of public health initiatives.

NourishedRx

Organization: NourishedRx

Term: June – August 13th

Hours: 40 a week

Positions: 1-3

 

Objectives: The internship aims to provide hands-on experience within a dynamic and rapidly growing early-stage healthcare startup. Four distinct roles are available, allowing interns to choose based on individual interests and experience. These roles include business development, data and analytics/reporting, investor relations (supporting the CEO), and customer success and operations. The overarching objective is to offer interns an in-depth understanding of core business functions while leveraging their support where applicable.

 

Tasks:

The tasks assigned will vary based on the chosen role:

  • Business Development: Primarily research-focused activities.
  • Customer Success and Operations: Quality control responsibilities and navigation of the Google Health FHIR API.
  • Data and Analytics/Reporting: Attention to detail, quality control, and working with Big Query.
  • Investor Relations: Drawing upon and developing project management skills.

Skills Preferred:

  • Comfort with PowerPoint, Excel, Canva, Power BI, and Big Query
  • Adaptability to fast-paced environments and the ability to navigate and contribute to various tasks within a healthcare startup setting.

 

*May require supplemental application material and interview with organization at a later date.

VAW Global Health Alliances – Hybrid

Organization: VAW Global Health Alliances 

Location: Hybrid, Onsite on respective Campus

Hours: 3-5 hours per week

 

Build your resume with the VAW Global Team Leader Fellowship! This leadership opportunity is generally an 8 month intensive fellowship — valuable to future nurses, physicians, physicians assistants, dentists, dental hygienists, veterinarians, veterinary technicians, as well as other future healthcare providers and anyone interested in gaining skills in public health while supporting healthcare systems around the world.

This pre-professional internship entails around 3-5 hours per week and is a truly enriching experience that will provide you with great skills for professional life such as learning about healthcare in a global context, gaining effective leadership and communication skills, acquiring international and public health work experience, and attending several orientations and workshops focused on personal development and cultural sensitivity.
Skills Required:

  • Willingness to learn and embrace new challenges.
  • Dedication to the organization's mission and goals.
  • Ability to efficiently organize and manage tasks, events, and team activities.
  • Experience in club or class participation is beneficial.

 

Requires supplemental application for the organization later.

To register for an Info Session using registration code leadership: https://calendly.com/chelseavaw/team-leader-info-session

For Applications using registration code leadership: https://www.vawglobal.org/fellowships/

Brass City Harvest – Waterbury, CT

Organization: Brass City Harvest and City of Waterbury

Term: Summer

Hours: 20 weekly

Location: Waterbury/ Varies

Positions: 2 Available

 

Objective: The primary objective of the internship at Brass City Market is to afford interns a comprehensive and immersive experience, encompassing all facets of Brass City Harvest's operations and outreach. Through a rotational approach, interns will delve into various aspects of our organization, gaining exposure to urban farming, marketing initiatives, and nutritional education. The aim is to cultivate a thorough understanding of the organization's breadth, fostering well-rounded professionals with practical insights into diverse areas within the realm of community-focused initiatives.

Tasks can include:

  • Participate actively in the day-to-day activities of our urban farm, including maintenance, planting, growth, harvesting, and distribution.
  • Embrace the physical demands of farming, acknowledging the varied weather conditions that characterize our operations.
  • Engage in a diverse range of learning experiences through our rotational programming, providing exposure to the multifaceted nature of our organization.
  • Contribute to the delivery of goods to organizations in Waterbury, actively participating in farmers' markets setup, sales, and packing. This hands-on experience offers a nuanced understanding of operating in a food-insecure landscape.
  • Acquire knowledge about Connecticut-grown fruits and vegetables, actively participating in educating the public about the availability of seasonal products.
  • Collaborate with staff nutritionist Nichole Texeira in setting up and facilitating cooking and nutrition classes, particularly with seniors, contributing to our community-focused health initiatives.

Skills:

  • Physical Ability: Proficiency in lifting 50 lbs and performing tasks in varying weather conditions.
  • Flexibility: Adaptability to handle diverse tasks and responsibilities.
  • Driver's License (Preferred)- Reliable transportation
  • Marketing Skills: Basic knowledge and skills in marketing.

Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) Community Garden – Waterbury, CT

Organization: Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) Community Garden

Term: Summer

Hours: 10 weekly

Location: Waterbury

Positions: 2 Available

 

Objective: OLLI at UConn is a member-driven lifelong learning program offering courses, lectures, and special events for people 50+ who want to engage socially and intellectually.

The OLLI community garden is located at Fulton Park in Waterbury. Now in its 13th season, it grows at least 5,000 pounds of produce per year. All produce is donated to food banks and pantries in the Greater Waterbury area to support the needs of food-insecure clients. The garden is managed and maintained by OLLI volunteers with general oversight from the OLLI Director. Its work is partially funded by the Connecticut Community Foundation.

The objective of the internship is to provide a comprehensive experience of planning coordinating all aspects of urban farming during the growing season. Interns will work with the leadership team to develop a thorough understanding of planting, harvesting, maintenance, and coordination of the project. They will also connect with other community organizations, such as the food pantries the garden serves, including UConn Waterbury’s Husky Harvest.

 

Tasks will include:

  • Participate actively in the day-to-day activities of our urban garden, including maintenance, planting, growth, harvesting, and distribution.
  • Gain understanding of additional and necessary tasks such as communication, funding, and outreach and relationship-building with local stakeholders.
  • Contribute to the delivery of goods to organizations in Waterbury. This hands-on experience offers a nuanced understanding of operating in a food-insecure landscape.
  • Learn about challenges faced by urban gardeners, and how these affect the choices of what to grow, how to protect crops, and efforts to use organic methods.

 

Skills:

  • Flexibility: Adaptability to handle diverse tasks and responsibilities.
  • Driver's License (Preferred) or reliable transportation
  • Organizational Skills: Basic knowledge and skills in spreadsheets, Google Drive, Outlook
  • Physical Ability: Ability to lift 30 lbs and performing tasks in varying weather conditions.

Green Our Planet – Remote

Organization: Green Our Planet

Position Title: Student Growth through Gardens Internship

Location: Remote

Term: Year-long position beginning in July or August

Hours: ~10-20 hours per week but this could be flexible depending on weekly needs and student's schedule

Project Description: The intern will help distribute and analyze student pre- and post- surveys relating to growth in academic success and engagement as a result of participating in Green Our Planet's HydroConnect and/or GardenConnect programs. Assist in the ongoing evaluation of student growth with the goal of creating an evidence base for the effectiveness and impact our programs have on students' academic achievement and engagement, especially as it relates to STEM. Help develop data visualizations for reports, proposals, and presentations related to student growth metrics.

 

Preferred skills: 

  • Experience with STEM education curriculum and/or survey-based research as it relates to creating, collecting and analyzing survey response data.
  • The candidate would ideally have a major in statistics, data science, and/or education with a strong passion and desire to make a difference in the lives of K-12 students learning STEM through applied indoor and outdoor garden labs.

Sam Bridge Nursery & Greenhouse – Greenwich, CT

Organization: Sam Bridge Nursery & Greenhouses

Location: On-Site Greenwich, CT

Hours: 10-20 hours

Term: Summer, May- August

Sam Bridge Nursery & Greenhouses is a third generation nursery, garden center and landscape firm that has been in business for 94 years. We are well known for our exceptional quality, selection and customer service. We are a grower retailer, producing well over 500,000 plants each year and moving through millions more. In the fall and during the holiday season we incorporate agritourism into our business model with hayrides to our pumpkin patch and hosting the Greenwich Reindeer Festival at Christmas.

 

  • Assist with plant care, including watering, spacing, and moving plants
  • Help with plant signage and labeling
  • Provide excellent customer service to visitors and clients
  • Complete various tasks as required by the season
  • Perform physical labor and tasks in a fast-paced environment

 

Skills and Qualifications:

  • Strong willingness to learn and a good work ethic
  • Ability to lift up to 50 lbs
  • Prior farm or horticultural experience preferred, but not required
  • Ability to work in a team and contribute to a positive work environment

Green Chimneys – Brewster, NY

Organization: Green Chimneys

Location: On-Site Brewster, NY

Hours: 20+ Weekly

Term: Summer, May- August

 

The Henry J. and Erna D. Leir Global Internship

Embark on a transformative journey and build your future in the field of Human-Animal Interaction (HAI) with The Henry J. and Erna D. Leir Global Internship Program at The Sam and Myra Ross Institute. This unique immersion experience offers individuals the opportunity to explore the human-animal bond and engage in nature-based activities that benefit children with special needs.

Interns can select from four different positions within the organization based on their personal interests and the skills they wish to enhance and develop. This hands-on opportunity takes place in Green Chimneys' enriched and supportive environment, where students receive individualized therapeutic education and clinical services.

The Leir Internship serves as a supplementary practicum for those pursuing careers in Social Work, Psychology, Education, Veterinary Science, Animal Care, and Program Administration. There are no academic prerequisites for this internship.

Ideal for those exploring new career paths, the Leir Internship offers valuable insight into working within an educational or direct care environment, collaborating with and supporting youth, operating animal or farm facilities, and much more.

Tasks and Responsibilities 

  • Farm chores include, but are not limited to: feeding, watering, cleaning of stalls and paddocks, sweeping, shoveling, raking, weeding, grooming animals, painting signs, repair of farm areas, and creating educational displays.
  • May participate in medical care, animal training under supervision.
  • Assisting Green Chimneys full-time staff with Farm Class, Garden Class, Horsemanship, Wildlife, and other farm programming during school.

Preferred Skills/Requirements (ADA Compliance)

  • In order to perform the essential duties of the job, the incumbent must be able to speak, hear, and see
  • Must have mobility to work and cope in a farm environment in all types of weather-related conditions, all throughout the year
  • Ability to lift and carry 50 lbs on a daily or regular basis
  • At least 18 years old (Applicants must be 21 years of age for housing purposes)
  • Interest in working with animals or plants as part of a school program
  • Ability to work hard in a farm setting in all kinds of weather

Housing may be available, restrictions apply.

Please email your resume to Joanne Conrad, jconrad@greenchimneys.org and Liliana.oliveira@uconn.edu.  

 

Students socializing outside in a park at Uconn Stamford on Oct. 17, 2018. (Sean Flynn/UConn Photo)

How to Apply

Internships are available to current UConn freshmen, sophomores, and juniors. Any students in this category are eligible to apply for and be selected for these internships.

To those selected, anticipate potential interviews with CAHNR Fellows faculty or the organization's staff.

Complete applications will include a completed application form, résumé and letter of interest submitted through the Application Form on Kuali Build

APPLY HERE

  • Only those candidates selected will be contacted.
  • Current UConn freshmen, sophomores, & juniors are eligible to apply for and be selected for this program.
  • Please note different positions have varying hiring paperwork dependent on the organization's hiring practices.
  • These internships will involve direct collaboration with the organization's team and the CAHNR Fellows Program Coordinator. Accepted students should expect regular bi-weekly/monthly email check-ins for the duration of the internship with either you and the Internship supervisor to assess the quality of work and its alignment with your current position.

Please contact Liliana.Oliveira@uconn.edu with any questions.