Internship Type: Remote

Start Date Range: September 1-15, 2026

Eligibility: Undergraduate and Graduate students, or recent graduates ages 18-24. Applicants must be located in the Northwest U.S. (Alaska, Washington, Oregon, Montana, Idaho, or Wyoming).

Organization Overview

The Organic Center is a 501(c)(3) non-profit, established in 2002 and currently housed under the administrative auspices of the Organic Trade Association (OTA) in Washington, D.C., and works closely with OTA staff to accomplish multidisciplinary goals. The Center’s mission is to convene and conduct credible evidence-based science on the health and environmental impacts of organic food and farming, and to communicate peer-reviewed research results to the public. Our activities advance the organic industry by building community, filling knowledge gaps, and communicating the benefits of organic to consumers.

The Organic Center’s internship program is an exciting opportunity for students to engage in meaningful work that increases awareness and education about organic food production. The program gives interns agency in highlighting the environmental and human health benefits of organic practices, supported by scientific research, while fostering collaboration within the broader food system community. Interns may also have the opportunity to work alongside Organic Trade Association (OTA) colleagues on general project management, data analytics and government and regulatory affairs for advocacy.

Organic Career Network (OCN) Cohort Experience

This internship is funded by the Organic Career Network (OCN), a national initiative dedicated to developing the next generation of leaders in organic agriculture. As an OCN-supported intern, participants join a select cohort of peers placed across organizations in the organic sector, gaining access to a broader professional network and shared learning experience. Interns are expected to attend four virtual cohort sessions throughout the internship, featuring facilitated discussions, guest speakers, and career-focused programming. This cohort model enhances the internship by providing structured opportunities for connection, mentorship, and deeper engagement with the organic movement.

Position Overview 

The Organic Center’s Science and Outreach internship is designed for students who have completed at least two years of college or university education and are interested in gaining hands-on experience in research, community engagement, communications, and program development. The intern will be co-mentored by The Organic Center scientists Dr. Amber Sciligo, Senior Director, and Dr. Elias Miller, Manager of Science Programs, and will report directly to Dr. Miller. This fully remote position will involve collaboration with researchers, government agencies, nonprofits, and agricultural stakeholders. 

Goal 

The goal of this internship is to support organic agriculture education and outreach by developing and curating evidence-based resources that can be used by non-profits and technical service providers that communicate the ecological, health, and social benefits of organic agriculture and food. The internship is intended to strengthen public understanding of organic practices while supporting leadership and professional skill development for students interested in science, sustainability, agriculture, communications, policy, health, nutrition, and outreach.

Activities:

• Create and revise content for social media, websites, webinars, graphics, and other outreach products.
• Conduct literature reviews on the impacts of organic agriculture and food systems.
• Support database management, data entry, and organization of research and outreach materials.
• Translate scientific information into accessible formats for public and stakeholder audiences.
• Use Canva to develop graphics, presentations, and other visual content.
• Explore topics related to policy advocacy, health, nutrition, sustainability, communications, and marketing, depending on program needs and intern interests.

Measure for Success: 

• Complete assigned projects in a timely and professional manner.
• Clearly communicate scientific information for public, professional, and stakeholder audiences.
• Demonstrate growth in research, writing, communication, data management, project coordination, and visual content development skills.
• Collaborate effectively with The Organic Center staff, researchers, and other stakeholders.
• Support a cohesive communication strategy that increases engagement with education resources.
• Demonstrate professionalism, initiative, and analytical thinking throughout the internship.

Knowledge & Skills Expected to be Gained:

• Experience working at the intersection of science, agriculture, and communications.
• Knowledge of the ecological and health impacts of organic agriculture and food systems.
• Practice translating research into accessible outreach materials for broad audiences.
• Strengthened skills in literature review, science communication, social media content development, and public-facing writing.
• Practical experience with data management, visual design, project coordination, and stakeholder collaboration.

Compensation & Qualifications: Compensation is $15 per hour for undergraduate interns and $18 for graduate interns, not to exceed a total of $2,250/undergraduate or $2,700/graduate per semester. Interns are not eligible for benefits. This internship is remote, so a reliable internet connection is required. 

To Apply: Please fill out this application by August 21, 2026

This internship is funded by