Pennsylvania Sea Grant 2026 Summer Undergraduate Internship Program - Environmental Literacy

Penn State University • University Park, PA

46d • Hybrid

About The Position

In partnership with Penn State Behrend, Pennsylvania Sea Grant is excited to offer paid summer internship opportunities for undergraduate students seeking to gain experience in the areas of communications, education, outreach, and research. The purpose of the internships is to contribute to an ocean and Great Lakes workforce that understands technical and social challenges facing coastal communities as well as the natural environment. The experience will help prepare undergraduate students from all backgrounds for graduate school and careers in science, policy, management, and outreach focused on oceans, Great Lakes, and watersheds. The internships are offered in Pennsylvania as part of the Community Engaged Internship (CEI) program, which is offered by Sea Grant programs across the country. The Pennsylvania Sea Grant program encourages applications from students with unique lived experiences, skills, abilities, and interests with the intention of strengthening Pennsylvania Sea Grant capacity to enhance the practical use and conservation of natural resources for a healthy environment, resilient communities, and strong, sustainable economies. Learn more about the CEI program, visit https://seagrant.noaa.gov/Community-Engaged-Internship Pennsylvania Sea Grant's statewide reach includes three diverse coastal regions: the Lake Erie, Susquehanna River, and Delaware River watersheds. Environmental literacy and workforce development (ELWD) is an educational priority across these distinct watersheds and is fostered via educator professional development programs, adult and youth education initiatives, print and online resources, opportunities for college and university students, and community education events. Pennsylvania Sea Grant seeks an environmental literacy intern who is interested in watershed education with a focus on Great Lakes, river, and ocean ecosystems; educator professional development program content and delivery; and action/stewardship project development and implementation. These tasks will involve regular communication with Pennsylvania Sea Grant staff and Sea Grant educators in the Great Lakes, Mid-Atlantic, and national networks, and with relevant partners from state agencies, non-governmental organizations, schools, and more. This intern should be located in Pennsylvania. This position can be completed virtually and may also have the opportunity to attend programs, events, and meetings.

Requirements

• This opportunity is limited to undergraduate students currently enrolled in a U.S. institution of higher learning. Undergraduate students graduating in spring 2026 are eligible for the internship.
• Applicants must be U.S. citizens, permanent residents, or be authorized to work in the United States without restriction.
• The intern should have strong writing and communication skills, the ability to work independently and with others, and good organizational proficiencies.
• Interns should be located in Pennsylvania, with ability to travel to attend events and meetings in person.

Nice To Haves

• An interest in and experience with formal and nonformal educational settings is preferred but not required.

Responsibilities

• Catalog and update existing PA Sea Grant K-12 lesson plans and activity guides to ensure they address current PA academic standards, that the content is accurate, and that they meet accessibility best practices.
• Refresh and update existing loanable education kits to ensure they address current PA academic standards, that the content is accurate, and that they meet accessibility best practices. Additionally, investigate partnership opportunities for implementation of statewide loan distribution protocols.
• Gather and organize resources on a Great Lakes Literacy relevant topic and assist in developing an online, self-paced educator professional development program.
• Assist with in-person and online educator professional development program planning and implementation, including Meaningful Watershed Educational Experiences (MWEEs).
• Attend meetings with formal and nonformal educators and related partners.
• Assist with planning and delivery of in-person educator professional development programs, including Meaningful Watershed Educational Experiences (MWEEs) in Northwest PA.

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Intern
• Industry: Educational Services
• Education Level: No Education Listed
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees