High School Internships
ASI’s high school internship program is a unique opportunity for students ages 14-18 who are interested in exploring research, wildlife, and conservation-related career paths. Students receive training in basic field research techniques including nest monitoring, bird banding, and recording and managing data.
Interns work alongside Alaska Songbird Institute biologists, other interns, and our youth volunteers on the Swallow Ecology Project. Together we monitor up to 80 active Tree Swallow nests, from egg laying and hatching through the fledging of chicks. Interns are responsible for checking nest boxes, recording and entering data, and assisting with bird capture and banding. Interns who progress with their skills learn to take morphological measurements and band birds.
We are excited about new additions to our 2026 program including integrated art components, new outreach opportunities, and the chance to earn high school credit.
Schedule and Details
Interns should plan to volunteer at least 8-10 hours per week. There is no upper limit for volunteer hours, and interns who volunteer a minimum of 85 hours per season will earn a $500 stipend. Morning shifts are 2-3 hours at Creamer’s Field and afternoon shifts are 2-3 hours at UAF. The busiest field work is expected to be approximately June 12-30. Interns must be available for most of this time, as well as during the first two weeks of July for fledge checks and data entry.
The 2026 program will run from April 16 – July 18th. We encourage applicants to apply as soon as possible. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, starting immediately, until all spots are filled. Unfortunately, we cannot accommodate out of state applicants due to lack of housing and transportation. We ask that all applicants provide two letters of recommendation. Please submit all completed forms at latest by midnight on Sunday, March 29th. Email questions, letters of recommendation, and application forms to programs@aksongbird.org.
Upon successful completion of the internship program, Fairbanks North Star Borough School District students will be eligible to receive 0.5 elective credit hours.