Clean Leadership Summer Internships
Growing the clean economy by matching interns with Nova Scotia employers.
Summer internships for youth ages 15-30 years old.
Contact us: CleanLeadership@cleanfoundation.ca
Become an Intern →
Extended deadline
Become an Employer →
Applications are closed
Clean Leadership Summer Internship Program Timeline
1989
Nova Scotia Environment launches the Nova Scotia Youth Conservation Corps (NSYCC).
2011
Clean becomes the program delivery agent.
2014
Indigenous Stream is established (15-week internship positions).
2017
Program is rebranded as Clean Leadership Summer Internship Program.
2018
High demand results in a 9-week Indigenous Stream.
2021
African Nova Scotian Internship Stream is established (15-week internship positions)
Become an Intern
The Clean Leadership Summer Internship Program is a Nova Scotia-based program providing 15-30 year old’s with paid hands-on experience, mentorship and professional development training.
Build your confidence and gain an enhanced appreciation for the environment and your community, acquiring essential skills for life-long learning. You will find internship projects available across Nova Scotia, focused on climate change mitigation, clean tech, waste management, food security, research, and more. The clean economy is growing—become an intern today and a leader of the clean economy tomorrow.
Be part of the growing clean economy.
Now accepting intern applications!
Application deadline extended! Visit our job board below.
Why become a Clean Leadership Summer Intern?

Paid, meaningful work experience
Gain practical work experience that will build your confidence and skillset for work in the clean economy.

Professional development
Attend professional development
sessions with subject matter experts.

Networking opportunities
Take part in discussion groups with other interns and employers plus showcase your work at the end of summer.

Mentorship
Learn first-hand from industry professionals and have strategic career-focused discussions.
Inclusive Workforce
- Indigenous Internship Opportunities: Clean provides employment opportunities to youth who self-identify as First Nation, Métis or Inuit, preparing them to become leaders in their community and stewards of the environment.
- Black & African Nova Scotian Internship Opportunities: Clean provides employment opportunities to youth who self-identify as Black, African Nova Scotian or an individuals of African descent, providing participants with career connections and professional training in the clean economy.
Am I eligible?
Must be a Canadian citizen, Permanent Resident, person who has been granted Refugee Status, or legally entitled to work in Canada.
Between the ages of 15-30 years old at the start of internship.
From and/or will be residing in Nova Scotia for the duration of the internship.
Not in receipt of Employment Insurance (EI) during the internship.
Some positions require applicants to be a current high-school or post-secondary student to be eligible.
Become a Host Employer
Employer applications are now closed. If you have an application question, contact: cleanleadership@cleanfoundation.ca
Clean Foundation partners with organizations to invest in training and employment for youth in the clean economy. Clean Leadership Summer Interns are trained with the knowledge and aptitude to become environmental stewards in their communities while delivering meaningful environmental projects during their 9 or 15-week summer internship. Organizations, located across Nova Scotia, who focus on climate change mitigation, conservation, waste management, clean tech, active transportation, research and other areas rooted in the clean economy are encouraged to apply.
Why host a summer intern?

A 60% wage subsidy
Employers benefit from a wage-subsidized program.

HR/admin and payroll services
Access to Human Resources and payroll services including check-ins throughout the summer.

New Talent
Added work capacity with 15-week and 9-week long internships.

OH&S resources and employer training
Occupational Health and Safety training and resources including interviewing, supervising and mentoring support.
Inclusive Workforce
- Indigenous Internship Opportunities: Clean provides employment opportunities to youth who self-identify as First Nation, Métis or Inuit, preparing them to become leaders in their community and stewards of the environment.
- Black & African Nova Scotian Internship Opportunities: Clean provides employment opportunities to youth who self-identify as Black, African Nova Scotian or an individuals of African descent, providing participants with career connections and professional training in the clean economy.
Join Our Contact List!
To be notified of important program updates like application periods and deadlines, subscribe below.
Employer Testimonials
“The Clean Leadership program has had a very positive impact on the small coastal community of Lockeport. It has made it possible for us to advance our environmental agenda and for that we are very grateful.”
“Clean Foundation internships are the difference between being able to engage young researchers on our projects and not being able to afford to hire anyone.”
Intern Testimonials
“Self-confidence was the most valuable skill I have developed. I was never truly ever able to have the confidence I needed to speak up for what I believed was right, but this internship taught me the importance of having self-confidence. I am a stronger person now than I was at the beginning of my internship.”
“I have greatly enjoyed my experience with the Clean Foundation Summer Internship program. Interns are given access to a broad range of experiences that really distinguish them to future employers.”
Clean Leadership Summer Internship Program supported by:

