Tufts Sustainability Exploration Grant
Empowering Tufts students to gain hands-on experience in sustainability.
About the Grant
This grant provides Tufts students with funding to pursue an unpaid summer internship focused on sustainability or resilience, as defined by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Each year, one student receives a $4,500 award to support at least 300 hours of meaningful sustainability work in the summer.
This opportunity is made possible through gifts of all sizes from Tufts alumni, parents, and friends.
Eligibility Requirements
- Internships must relate to sustainability or resilience (aligned with UN SDGs).
- Can be U.S.-based (non-profit or private sector) or international (non-profit only).
- Preference given to:
- Students from backgrounds not historically represented in U.S. environmental movements.
- Students receiving financial aid from Tufts.
Wondering what the sustainability summer internship experience looks like?
Recipients have interned with organizations ranging from local nonprofits in Greater Boston to organizations across the country. These internships allow students to dive into their technical areas of interest while developing leadership, collaboration, and community engagement skills.
Jennifer (Jenny) Brown (Summer 2025)
Jenny interned at the Chicago Botanic Garden, deepening her research on pollinators while leading community engagement initiatives. She studied bumblebee foraging behaviors in hydrangeas, advancing knowledge about one of our most vital pollinators. Beyond the fieldwork, Jenny coordinated intern workshops and hosted public outreach events, blending her biology and theatre background to make science accessible and inspiring.
Jasmine LaMotte (Summer 2024)
Jasmine partnered with Stonehill College in Easton, Massachusetts, to research food justice. She also got the opportunity to contribute to a community garden that ensured access to fruits in vegetables for underserved communities.
Zoe Garderet (Summer 2023)
Zoe interned at Groundworks Somerville, gaining hands-on experience in urban farming and food justice. She learned how local agriculture supports community resilience and built lasting relationships while contributing to programs that connect residents with fresh, healthy food.
The Sustainability Exploration Grant exists because of gifts from Tufts alumni, parents, and friends. Every contribution—big or small—helps students gain hands-on experience tackling real-world sustainability challenges.
Join us in creating the next success story.