Internships and Scholarships

High School Internships

Paid Summer High School Botany Internship

Accepting applications through March 6, 2026

Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden Education Department offers 5-week paid internships from July 1, 2026 – August 2, 2026 to highly motivated high schoolers (at least 16 years old) interested in botany, plant biology, ecology, and horticulture. This year’s internship will be conducted through Miami-Dade County Public Schools 2026 Summer Youth Internship Program (SYIP).

Interns will be given the opportunity to:

Contribute to authentic research with real work implications
Utilize equipment in Fairchild’s state of the art laboratories
Investigate the plant sciences using Fairchild’s world renowned plant collection
Earn a stipend at the completion of the program and academic credit (only available to students enrolled at a school in the Miami-Dade County Public School District)

Application Requirements:

Must be at least 16 years of age
Commit to the in-person 5-week program (Mon-Fri, 9 am – 4 pm)
Complete online application by March 6, 2026
Submit (1) letter of recommendation from a science teacher

Click here to apply for the 2026 Summer High School Botany Internship

Undergraduate and Graduate Internships

Field Studies Intern (Recruiting now for the 2025-26 Academic Year):

The Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden Education Department seeks field studies interns for the 2025-2026 school year! Field Studies Interns will assist with daily in-person field trips for kindergarten to twelfth-grade students.

You will gain teaching and leadership skills and learn about informal outdoor education. Interns will work with a team of staff members and passionate volunteers working toward sharing the joy and beauty of tropical gardening with everyone. Candidates must be able to commit to at least 8 hours, but ideally 16 hours per week for the fall and/or spring semester. Work hours are primarily 9 am to 1 pm on weekdays (but can extend to the entire day). There are a limited amount of stipends available for this opportunity; however, community service and/or credit hours are also available. Preference will be given to those who are available September – May. This position reports to the Field Studies Coordinator.

Responsibilities:

Assist in developing and teaching in-person and virtual environmental education programs, including writing lesson plans, creating print and audiovisual content, and conducting research.
Oversee field trip group logistics, such as bus arrival and preparing the group for the program alongside interns and volunteers.
Prepare program materials such as printing worksheets, assembling props, and tending to plants for field trip use.
Provide support for education volunteers by training them on content and collaboratively executing lessons.
Assist in identifying local and national schools to develop outreach efforts.
Assist education staff as needed with special projects and events.

Qualifications:

An undergraduate or graduate student enrolled in an accredited college or university.
Strong verbal and written communication skills. Strong time management skills.
Self-motivated, flexible, quick learner, and possesses a high level of personal integrity.
Enthusiasm and patience in working with students of all ages; ability to work with a diverse group of individuals.
The ability to lift objects to 20 lbs., work in various weather conditions, and stand/walk for extended periods is preferred.

For any questions or to apply with a cover letter and resume, please contact Jonny Rojas at jrojas@fairchildgarden.org.