International Youth Foundation U.S. Internship Program 2026 (Paid Internships Across Multiple Career Tracks)

The International Youth Foundation U.S. Internship Program 2026 is now open, offering paid, remote internship opportunities for students seeking hands-on experience across multiple career pathways in the international development sector.

Designed for students from diverse and underrepresented backgrounds, this program provides a unique opportunity to work on real-world projects, gain mentorship, and build practical skills while contributing to meaningful global impact initiatives.

About the Program

Founded in 1990, the International Youth Foundation (IYF) is a global nonprofit organization that connects young people to economic opportunities and equips them with the skills needed to succeed in a rapidly changing world. Operating in over 100 countries and working with hundreds of partners, IYF has reached millions of young people through its programs.

The U.S. Internship Program is a key part of this mission, designed to provide emerging leaders with direct exposure to the inner workings of an international nonprofit. Interns will engage in programmatic, operational, and strategic work, contributing to projects that drive youth development and economic inclusion globally.

The program runs for a minimum of six weeks and is conducted remotely, allowing students to participate while continuing their academic commitments. Interns are compensated at a rate of $20 per hour and are expected to commit 20–30 hours per week.

Why This Opportunity Matters

Access to professional experience remains a major barrier for many students, particularly those from underrepresented communities. This internship program directly addresses that gap by creating pathways into the international development sector.

By prioritizing applicants from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs), and first-generation college students, IYF is actively working to diversify the talent pipeline and ensure that more voices are represented in global development work.

This initiative not only provides professional experience but also contributes to building a more inclusive and equitable workforce.

What Participants Will Gain

Participants in the program will benefit from a combination of practical experience, mentorship, and exposure to global development work. Interns will work on real projects that contribute to organizational goals, gaining insight into how international nonprofits operate.

Through structured guidance and collaboration with experienced professionals, interns will develop key workplace skills such as communication, problem-solving, and project management. They will also gain a deeper understanding of global youth development challenges and the strategies used to address them.

Additionally, interns will expand their professional networks, build confidence in their abilities, and strengthen their career readiness across multiple sectors, including nonprofit management, policy, business development, and technology.

Internship Tracks Available

The program offers a range of internship opportunities across different teams, allowing applicants to align their interests with specific career pathways.

The Foundations Team Internship focuses on supporting partnerships with philanthropic organizations and managing grant-related activities.

The Corporations Team Internship provides experience in corporate partnerships and engagement strategies that support youth development initiatives.

The Sales Operations & Enablement Internship allows interns to contribute to operational processes, systems, and strategies that enhance organizational efficiency.

The Cross-Sector Growth and Policy Internship offers exposure to policy development, research, and strategic growth initiatives across sectors.

The AI & Career Innovation Internship focuses on emerging technologies and innovative approaches to career development, providing experience at the intersection of technology and workforce development.

Who Can Apply

The program is open to students currently pursuing an associate’s, bachelor’s, or master’s degree. Applicants should be able to commit 20–30 hours per week during the internship period.

IYF strongly encourages applications from students at Historically Black Colleges and Universities, Minority Serving Institutions, and those who are the first in their families to attend college.

Eligible Areas

The internship is based in the United States but conducted remotely, making it accessible to eligible students regardless of location within the country.

Application Process and Deadline

Applications are currently open, and interested candidates are encouraged to apply as soon as possible. Specific deadlines may vary depending on the internship track, so early application is recommended.

Applicants can explore available roles and submit their applications through the official IYF website.

Explore More Opportunities for Youth

Want to discover more fellowships, scholarships, internships, and global programs like this one? Visit Opportunities for Youth to explore more opportunities.