STUDENTS:

Design a Project. Find a Nonprofit. Get Funded for a Virtual Internship.

Join the Building Capacity, Careers, & Community Internship Initiative

Looking for a paid summer internship where you can make a real impact? The Building Capacity, Careers, & Community Internship Initiative, a program of The VirtualIntern Platform, empowers college students to find a nonprofit they want to work for, design a project within one of our key categories, and get funded for a virtual, project-based internship that aligns with their passions.

How It Works

Find a Nonprofit & Design Your Project
Choose a nonprofit that aligns with your interests and develop a project that supports their mission.

Apply & Get Selected
Submit your project proposal, get selected, and you’ll receive funding, and join a nationwide cohort of interns.

Work, Learn & Make an Impact
During your paid internship, meet weekly w/ your cohort, & drive real change in your community.

Apply by March 16, 2025, midnight ET to be considered!

Why Apply? 5 Reasons to Join this Initiative

  • Create Your Own Project – Work with a nonprofit you choose on a mission that matters to you.

  • Join a Nationwide Cohort – Connect weekly with students from across the country.

  • Gain Nonprofit Experience – Learn about nonprofit management, leadership, and impact.

  • Get Mentorship & Support – Receive guidance from MobilizeGreen and nonprofit professionals.

  • Make an Impact & Get Paid – Drive real change while earning a stipend.

What Can Interns Do?

Interns tackle real-world projects that create impact. Your project can focus on areas like:

  • Sustainability & Environmental Justice – Support eco-friendly initiatives and advocacy.

  • Community Engagement – Strengthen outreach, partnerships, and volunteer programs.

  • Project Management – Plan and execute initiatives that drive nonprofit success.

  • Marketing & Fundraising – Help nonprofits grow through campaigns and donor outreach.

  • Data Analysis & Technology – Use tech and data to improve nonprofit efficiency.

  • And More! – Design a project that fits your skills and passion.

Find a nonprofit, design your project, and get funded!

Get the Experience Employers Want

We know that you have the passion and energy to make things happen, but how do you tell the thousands of employers looking for people just like you?

They’ll tell you that experience is vital, but how do you get it when you’re still learning? What do you do when you get turned down in favor of more experienced candidates? Do you stay on the sidelines? Or do you take a step closer to your dream career…

Want Paid Project Experience That Makes an Impact?

We’ll make it happen through the Initiative.

FAQs

  • The Building Capacity, Careers, & Community (BCCC) Internship Initiative is a paid virtual /remote internship where college students partner with a nonprofit, co-design a meaningful project, and gain hands-on experience while receiving a stipend. This is a developmental program designed to help students grow professionally while making a real impact.

  • You must be:

    • A rising junior, senior, or graduate student at an accredited institution.

    • A United States resident or citizen.

    • Interested in nonprofit work, leadership, social impact, or community engagement.

    • Available to commit 40 hours per week for 8 weeks (June-August 2025).

  • Your project should address a real need within the nonprofit and align with one of these key focus areas. All projects must have a green or environmental focus within these categories:

    • Sustainability & Environmental Justice - Support environmental initiatives, climate action, or advocacy for environmental justice.

    • Community Engagement - Increase awareness, outreach, and participation in environmental programs.

    • Project Management - Lead sustainability-driven initiatives that improve nonprofit operations.

    • Marketing & Fundraising - Develop campaigns promoting environmental education, conservation efforts, or sustainability initiatives.

    • Data Analysis & Technology - Use data and technology to enhance environmental programs, track sustainability metrics, or support conservation projects.

    Note: Your nonprofit does not have to be an environmental organization, but your project must incorporate a green or environmental focus.

  • No, you can participate and find your own nonprofit without your school, department, or professor joining the Consortium.

    However, professors can provide priority access to their students by simply joining the Consortium to share resources and internship opportunities. While university participation is optional, faculty members who join help ensure their students have access to funded, career-building internships in sustainability and nonprofit leadership.

  • To apply, you must submit:

    • Two references - One from a university professor and one additional reference.

    • A short essay explaining

      • Why you are applying.

      • The nonprofit you’ve chosen* and why.

      • Your proposed project and its potential impact.

    • Nonprofit contact information - including supervisor details and verbal agreement to host you.

    For more information on how to complete your application, please see here.

    *If you are unable to find a nonprofit to partner with, please contact us at thevirtualintern@mobilizegreen.org.

  • You are responsible for identifying and securing a nonprofit partner before applying:

    1. Research and reach out to nonprofits aligned with your interests.

    2. Explain the program and discuss potential projects.

    3. Obtain verbal confirmation from a nonprofit supervisor to host you.

    4. Submit the nonprofit’s contact details in your application.

    5. If unable to find a nonprofit, please contact us at thevirtualintern@mobilizegreen.org.

  • Interns receive a weekly stipend (amount varies based on year in school; range between $650 and $900).

  • This is a competitive program with limited funding for up to 20 interns. Submission does not guarantee acceptance. Here’s the selection process:

    1. Application Review - We check for completeness, ensuring all materials are submitted.

    2. Nonprofit Commitment Verification - Your nonprofit supervisor must submit a signed commitment form.

    3. Selection Process - Applications are evaluated based on:

      1. Commitment to learning and growth - Demonstrated interest in nonprofit work and professional development.

      2. Project feasibility - How well your proposed project aligns with nonprofit needs.

      3. Nonprofit engagement - Strength of the partnership and the nonprofit’s ability to provide supervision.

      4. Cohort balance - Ensuring a diverse group of interns across different focus areas.

    4. Final Decisions & Acceptance (April/May 2025) - If selected, you will receive an official acceptance, onboarding details, and next steps.

  • This is a full-time, 40-hour-per-week commitment. You are required to be available between the hours of 9 AM and 5 PM (or approved hours by your host organization). Applicants must be fully available for the duration of the internship.

  • To prevent conflicts of interest, you cannot intern with a nonprofit where:

    • A family member holds a leadership or supervisory role.

    • You currently work or serve on the board.

    • You lack an independent supervisor.

    Both students and nonprofits must disclose any potential conflicts in their applications.

  • Yes! Interns participate in:

    • Weekly cohort meetings with other interns.

    • Workshops and professional development sessions on nonprofit management, leadership, and career skills.

    • Mentorship from nonprofit professionals and industry leaders.

  • Yes! This is a 100% remote internship, and you can work from anywhere with a stable internet connection.

  • Application & Selection Process

    • Application is Open!

    • Application Deadline: March 16, 2025, midnight ET

    • Reference Submission Deadline: March 16, 2025, midnight ET

    • Nonprofit Commitment Form Deadline: March 16, 2025, midnight ET

    • Selection & Review Period: March 2025 - April 2025

    • Internship Offers Sent: By April 2025

    • Internship Acceptance Deadline: By May 2025

    Pre-Internship Onboarding

    • Supervisor Orientation: May 2025

    • Intern Orientation & Program Kickoff: June 9, 2025

    Internship Duration (8 Weeks)

    • Start Date: June 9, 2025

    • End Date: August 1, 2025

    Weekly Commitment:

    • 36 hours/week on nonprofit project work

    • 4 hours/week on professional development

    Friday Weekly Sessions (Professional Development & Cohort Engagement:

    • Weeks 1-7:

      • Cohort Check-in with Program Manager

      • Peer Group Discussions (Weeks 2, 4, 6)

      • Professional Development Workshops (Weeks 3, 5, 7)

      • Progress Reports & Career Exploration (Weeks 2-6)

    • Final Week (Week 8)

      • Days 1-2: Project Finalization & Team Presentation Prep

      • Days 3-4: Team Presentations + Q&A

      • Day 5: Wrap-Up & Graduation

    Observed Federal Holidays

    • Juneteenth: Thursday, June 19, 2025

    • Independence Day: Friday, July 4, 2025

    Note: This timeline is subject to adjustments. Interns must be available for the full duration of the program.

  • For more information please see here.