Smithsonian Environmental Research Center Internship
The Smithsonian Environmental Research Center offers competitive internships for undergraduates and graduate students to conduct environmental research in va...
▌ Editor's read The Smithsonian Environmental Research Center (SERC) Internship program, found at serc.si.edu/internships, is a highly regarded opportunity for undergraduate and graduate students. It is not a traditional summer camp but rather a research internship program. The program is run by the Smithsonian Institution, classifying it as a university-affiliated program. The website clearly outlines the application process, eligibility, and the various research areas available, including marine ecology, environmental chemistry, and terrestrial ecology. Interns receive a stipend and housing, making it an accessible opportunity for many students. While not ACA accredited, as it's a research program, its affiliation with the Smithsonian Institution speaks to its credibility. Social media handles include @smithsonian_serc on Instagram and SmithsonianSERC on Facebook. Google reviews for the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center generally show a high rating, often above 4.5 stars, with many positive comments about the research opportunities and the supportive environment.
⌬
University programRun by an academic institution
Who thrives here Ages 18–21
Smithsonian Environmental Research Center Internship serves high-school campers, which means the program is competing against summer jobs, college visits, internships, and residential overnight options. The case for a day camp at this age is usually a CIT (counselor-in-training) track, deep specialization in stem, or a portfolio item parents and kids both value. Programs that don't articulate one of those three usually lose this age band by 9th grade.
Facts & Credentials
- Program type
- Overnight camp
- ACA accredited
- Not verified
- Established
- Not listed
- Operator
- University program
- Staff-to-camper ratio
- Not listed
Details
- Category: STEM
- Ages: 18–21
- Hours: Full-time (40 hours per week)
- Address: 647 Contees Wharf Road, Edgewater, MD 21037-0028
Logistics
- Lunch provided: No
- Transportation: No
- Financial aid: No
- Setting: mixed
Frequently asked about Smithsonian Environmental Research Center Internship
- What ages does Smithsonian Environmental Research Center Internship accept?
- Smithsonian Environmental Research Center Internship is open to children ages 18–21. Camps publish their own age cutoffs, and some run mixed-age groups internally; check the registration page for that summer's grouping if your child sits at a boundary.
- What are Smithsonian Environmental Research Center Internship's hours?
- Smithsonian Environmental Research Center Internship runs Full-time (40 hours per week). If those hours don't quite cover your work day, check whether extended care or early drop-off is offered separately.
- Who runs Smithsonian Environmental Research Center Internship?
- Smithsonian Environmental Research Center Internship is operated by a university program. The operator type matters for tuition policy (refunds, financial aid eligibility) and for what kind of staff training pipeline the camp uses.
- Does Smithsonian Environmental Research Center Internship provide lunch?
- Smithsonian Environmental Research Center Internship does not include lunch — campers bring their own. Most day camps without provided lunch are nut-free or nut-aware, so check the allergy policy before packing. Frozen water bottles double as ice packs and drinks; insulated lunch boxes hold below 40°F for about four hours.
Planning guides
Editorial checklists to use before you compare Smithsonian Environmental Research Center Internship with other camps.
- How to choose a summer camp · Use the decision checklist before you compare finalists.
- STEM summer camps guide · Compare projects, staff fit, and age-readiness signals.
- Summer camp safety and accreditation · Review licensing, supervision, and accreditation signals.