Second Year, Self-Planned and Directed Summer Internship Program

Forest Foundation offers interns the opportunity to apply for a second summer internship to further their exposure and commitment to non-profits. Students create and self direct an internship position at a single non-profit. The locations are geographically restricted to Greater Boston.

Interns are encouraged to be creative and design an opportunity they would otherwise be unable to experience. This internship must have a significant impact on the community served. Preference will be given to social justice/social impact nonprofits.

The Specifics: Returning Internship Application

  • Starting November 2025, Forest Foundation will reach out to the past two cohorts to notify them of the application/acceptance process of our returning intern program. Eligible alumni should begin communication with the Forest Foundation concerning their interest in returning for a summer internship as well as stating proposed internship ideas. 
  • Please Note: The maximum returning intern age frame is for graduating seniors/recent graduates. Recent graduates should communicate career plans for the fall to ensure that there is no commitment overlap within returning internship.
  • By January 3rd 2026, Eligible and Interested alumni should have completed an application/nomination to be considered for a returning internship. Acceptance for the returning internship will be prioritized for those who demonstrate significant interest in nonprofit/social service focused career pathways.
  • The Second Year Internship is a competitive application process. All interns will be notified of final decisions by early January

Once Accepted:Returning Internship Preparation

  • The intern is responsible for contacting potential host agencies to secure for the summer internship. It is important that the intern will maintain contact with the Forest Foundation with general updates throughout your process. 
  • Please Note: If your desired host agency is a past partner of Forest Foundation, the second year applicant must connect with David Sullivan to seek approval, as past partners are primarily first year fellow hosts and may not have capacity for a second year.
  • The intern is additionally responsible for the preparation and facilitation of their internship work plan, which is created in collaboration with your accepted host agency. The internship work plan document will be provided to you by Forest Foundation.
  • The preparation phase before your summer internship will be mostly independent, however, Priscila Genao and David Sullivan will be emailing Calendly schedules of when they are open to speak about how your process has gone and provide tips with how to continue forward
  • A well-conceived concept paper focused on your current progress with securing a host agency and the general work you hope to complete during the summer is due March 6th, 2026 
  • Initial proposals (1-2 pages) focused on more specified summer work goals and an independent summer project plan is due by April 3rd, 2026
  • Your independent summer project can be completed individually or in collaboration with your fellow returning interns

Returning Internship General Information

  • Internships must fulfill a 350-hour commitment to your organization and 400-hour total over a 10 week period from late May through early August
  • Intern compensation is $8,500 (before taxes) and funded through a grant to the host agency
  • Interns are compensated through the host agency payroll system
  • Returning interns can optionally join the social planning team to help plan social events 
  • Returning interns will assist Foundation staff at our Professional Development Days with meeting logistics and engaging in conversation with 1st year interns
  • Returning Intern Attendance is required at the May 29th, 2026 Orientation, July 30th, 2026 Wrap-up workshop, and one to two additional workshop of their choosing (based on the 1st year internship workshop calendar)
  • Returning Interns will be presenting their independent summer projects to the 1st year interns at the July 30th, 2026 Wrap-up workshop
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