About WayZero:
WayZero is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that is dedicated to transforming the environmental advocacy and education space. Founded with the Earth in mind, WayZero works with local governments, businesses, and educational institutions to create a greener more sustainable future. Our mission is to generate awareness and action on zero-waste products and policies while providing advisory services to create a more sustainable future.
WayZero is seeking a motivated Education Programs Intern to support our efforts to advance environmental education and climate advocacy initiatives. This role offers hands-on experience in nonprofit education, research, and proposal development.
Responsibilities:
- Assist with building environmental curricula
- Assist with research on environmental topics (e.g., zero‑waste, climate policy, sustainability education) to support curriculum and program development, with all research tasks framed as learning exercises.
- Draft sample lesson plans, activity ideas, and outline modules as practice, with regular feedback and revision from the Director before any material is used in programs.
- Develop practice scripts or talking points for educational video content, receiving mentorship on communication style, pedagogy, and accessibility
- Help organize and maintain a teaching resource library (e.g., lesson plan templates, readings, classroom activities) as part of learning how educators use centralized resources.
- Support documentation and reflection on pilot education activities (e.g., note‑taking during sessions, helping compile feedback forms) to learn basic program evaluation methods.
Qualifications:
- Strong interest in nonprofit work, education, or environmental advocacy.
- Excellent writing, editing, and research skills.
- Strong attention to detail and organizational ability.
- Ability to manage multiple deadlines and work independently.
- Familiarity with Microsoft Suite; experience with CRM or databases is a plus.
- Currently pursuing an undergraduate student majoring in Education, Environmental Science, Sustainability, History, or any related field.
Preferred (but not required):
- Experience with education programs, fundraising, or nonprofit operations.
- Coursework in communications, public policy, environmental studies, or related fields.
Time Commitment & Structure
- Flexible schedule; approximately 10-15 hours/week
- Duration: Summer, Fall, Spring
- Location: Remote
- Professional Development
Interns will gain practical experience in curriculum development, research, and nonprofit education strategy, while contributing directly to projects that support climate education and sustainability initiatives.
At the beginning of the internship, the intern and supervisor will collaboratively define learning objectives and a brief plan outlining the skills, projects, and reflection activities that will guide the experience.
Educational & Professional Development
By the end of the term, interns can expect to:
Understand the basics of designing age‑appropriate environmental education curricula.
Gain practice in educational research, lesson planning, and reflective documentation.
Learn how nonprofit education programs are conceptualized, piloted, and iterated.
Build a small portfolio of draft lesson plans or educational materials that demonstrate their developing skills.
This internship is intended as an educational experience. It does not include compensation and does not create any entitlement to a paid position at WayZero at the conclusion of the internship.
Non-Discrimination Statement
WayZero is an equal opportunity organization committed to fostering an inclusive environment. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, age, or any other protected status under applicable laws.