Internships
Objectives
As interns, honors students develop career readiness as they apply their learning to real-world, professional experiences. Students emerge from their internships having strengthened core competencies, as defined by the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE), and made progress on the program's Enhanced Learning Experience requirement.
Fall 2026 Opportunities
- Application due date: July 10, 2026
- Position start date: August 24, 2026
- Award amount: $1,800
The Baker University Wetlands (also known as the Haskell-Baker Wetlands) is a 927-acre nature preserve and National Natural Landmark located on the south side of Lawrence, Kansas. Managed primarily by Baker University, it stands as one of the most biologically diverse ecosystems in the state. It provides a crucial habitat for hundreds of species of flora and fauna, alongside extensive public trails and an educational discovery center.
The organization is currently seeking one intern for the fall term. Interested applicants should review the full position description (PDF) before applying through the honors internship application portal.
- Application due date: July 10, 2026
- Position start date: August 24, 2026
- Award amount: $1,800
Friends of the Kaw is a grassroots conservation organization dedicated exclusively to protecting, preserving, and restoring the 173-mile-long Kansas River (locally known as the Kaw). Founded in 1991, the organization is headquartered in Lawrence, Kansas, and serves as a public advocate for a river system that provides drinking water to over 950,000 Kansans.
The organization is currently seeking one intern for the fall term. Interested applicants should review the full position description (PDF) before applying through the honors internship application portal.
- Application due date: July 10, 2026
- Position start date: August 24, 2026
- Award amount: $1,800
Just Food is a food bank and pantry in Douglas County serving individuals and families in need through fresh produce, dairy, meat, and pantry staples, operating with dignity and choice at its Lawrence location.
The organization is currently seeking one intern for the fall term. Interested applicants should review the full position description (PDF) before applying through the honors internship application portal.
- Application due date: July 10, 2026
- Position start date: August 24, 2026
- Award amount: $1,800
Housed at the University of Kansas, Monarch Watch focuses on education, conservation, and research related to the monarch butterfly, its habitats, and its migration, and engages community science efforts in Lawrence and beyond.
The organization is currently seeking one intern for the fall term. Interested applicants should review the full position description (PDF) before applying through the honors internship application portal.
- Application due date: July 10, 2026
- Position start date: August 24, 2026
- Award amount: $1,800
The University Press of Kansas (UPK) is a distinguished academic publishing house representing a unique consortium of six state universities governed by the Kansas Board of Regents. Celebrating 80 years of operations, UPK is widely recognized for its robust catalog in American history, political science, and regional studies.
The organization is currently seeking one intern for the fall term. Interested applicants should review the full position description (PDF) before applying through the honors internship application portal.
- Application due date: July 10, 2026
- Position start date: August 24, 2026
- Award amount: $1,800
Situated in a historic 1888 Romanesque-style building in downtown Lawrence, the Watkins Museum of History presents exhibits, programs, and resources that explore the heritage of Douglas County from its settlement to contemporary times.
The organization is currently seeking one intern for the fall term. Interested applicants should review the full position description (PDF) before applying through the honors internship application portal.
Qualifications
The opportunities listed here share common qualifications that interested students should possess:
- Active status in the program, and good academic standing as defined as a 3.25 cumulative GPA and demonstrated progress on completion requirements
- Excellent communication, organization, and time-management skills
- Ability to work remotely and independently, and to multitask effectively
- Dependability, positivity, and a sense of humor
- Proficiency in Microsoft and Google productivity software, as well as social media platforms and tools
Organizations may also seek applicants with majors related to their mission or position.
Financial support
The honors program is able to provide students pursuing the above experiences with Honors Opportunity Awards (HOAs) designated for nonprofit internships. Some additional compensation-related considerations:
- All scholarships are awarded through the University of Kansas Awards & Scholarships Hub. In order to receive the scholarship associated with these internships, you must complete the general application within this portal before submitting your internship application.
- Financial support related to an internship may have implications on cost of attendance. Students should meet with their financial aid counselor to check before applying.
- Students selected for an internship who have concurrent, pending HOA applications may have those applications reprioritized.
- Based on the needs of the internship site and available funding, an internship might be extended a semester, but students are limited to two total semesters of HOA funding for any honors-coordinated internships.
- Individual internship opportunities may also include additional financial support provided by the organization.