This Opportunity is Currently in Draft

Requirements

College/School Eligibility:

  • Agriculture and Life Sciences
  • Brooks School of Public Policy
  • Architecture, Art and Planning
  • Arts and Sciences
  • Engineering
  • Human Ecology
  • SC Johnson Business - Dyson

Class Year Eligibility:

  • First Year (undergrad)
  • Second Year (undergrad)
  • Third Year (undergrad)

Open to:

  • Cornell Undergraduate Students

(Important: applicants must return to continue their studies at Cornell in Fall 2026 in order to qualify. May 2026 graduates cannot apply.)

Key Responsibilities:
Tasks will include but are not limited to:

  • Contribute to the design of the implementation plan for EDF’s strategic initiatives in global carbon markets by reviewing existing resources and dashboards to ensure alignment and consolidation.
  • Assist the Project Manager in organizing the digital infrastructure for project documentation and archiving reference materials.
  • Conduct background research on innovative ideas for carbon pricing and potential project concepts.
  • Support the execution of carbon market projects, particularly in compliance markets, by reviewing management resources and assisting in drafting or designing papers focused on India or the EU.
  • Support with the development of work plans across multiple workstreams and contribute to the development of internal communication materials and meetings
  • Participate in advancing EDF’s organizational effectiveness and culture goals, so people from all backgrounds and experiences feel connected, included, and empowered to address environmental and organizational challenges in ways that align with EDF values.
     

Qualifications:

  • Enrolled in a degree program with demonstrated interest in and commitment to the climate crisis, and interest in policy, advocacy, economics, and/or the use of market-based solutions to environmental problems.  
  • Coursework in Environmental Economics or Policy, Environmental Studies, International Relations, Public Policy, Data Analysis, or Sustainability is recommended.
  • Experience in gathering and integrating diverse pieces of information to develop a comprehensive understanding or inform strategic ideas.
  • Basic proficiency in Microsoft Teams/SharePoint, Slack, Asana, or other collaborative software tools.
  • Willingness to learn additional data management skills. 
    Excellent written and oral communication skills.
  • Must be proactive, well-organized, motivated, and detail oriented.
  • Ability to multitask, prioritize, and meet deadlines.
  • Ability to work in a team setting and have the ability to work independently when projects are due.
  • Ability to give and receive constructive feedback.   
  • Demonstrate self-awareness, cultural competency and inclusivity, and ability to work with colleagues and stakeholders across all cultures and backgrounds.
  • Demonstrate initiative and problem-solving skills.

Location: Hybrid out of an EDF office in Austin, TX, Boston, MA, Boulder, CO, Raleigh, NC, San Francisco, CA, New York, NY or Washington, D.C with the option to be U.S. Remote. Preference for the East Coast. Intern supervisor works remotely from Washington D.C. (Hybrid means must be physically present in location throughout internship, coming into the office an agreed number of days/week. US Remote means must be physically located in the US while working for the internship.)

Term: Summer 2026 (10 weeks)

Hours: Full-time (35 hr/week)

Compensation: This internship will be fully funded through Cornell Atkinson; a $7,000 stipend is provided.

Application Materials: Interested applicants should attach their cover letter and resume to the EDF application. (Please access the application by clicking the green "Apply" button on the Overview page. You will be directed to an external application form.)

All proposal materials MUST be received by 5:00 PM ET on Tuesday, January 27, 2026.