2026 Summer College Internship: Sustainable Communities Intern

SMUD's Sustainable Communities group is looking for a summer intern to help the team with providing access to funding for non-profits in the Sacramento region through the Shine award program and application cycle.

The intern will play a key role in outreach, community engagement, and providing technical assistance to nonprofit community partners applying for the Shine program through our TA webinars. They will utilize Excel and MS Office tools to effectively collaborate with community partners. Additionally, the intern will participate in community events to share information about the Shine application process and may assist with data and metrics tracking for current Shine partners as they implement their projects.

This internship will enhance an intern's understanding of the Sustainable Community priority funding pillars and provide valuable experience in supporting and developing community nonprofit projects. It will offer opportunities for outreach and public speaking, serving as a technical assistance provider, and gaining insight into how data and metrics influence the success of service projects.

About SMUD's College Internship Program

SMUD's College Internship Program provides college interns with an opportunity to contribute their skills and knowledge to SMUD while gaining valuable work experience. Workshops and activities will also be part of the program where interns will have the opportunity to be immersed in SMUD's culture and learn leadership skills as well as develop their professional skills.

SMUD was also recognized by Interns 2 Pros for the 2020 Internship Program of The Year Award in recognition of excellence in internship strategy, implementation, and impact and was one of five finalists for the 2023 Internship Program of the Year from Interns 2 Pros along with Paramount, Fox Corporation, Intuit, and Toyota.

Application Deadline: It is guaranteed that the online system will accept applications until 5 PM on January 30, 2026. It is highly encouraged that applications are submitted well before the due date and time mentioned to make sure that they are submitted successfully.

 Official SMUD Title: STEM Student Assistant

• Students must be able to commute to the SMUD Offices in Sacramento, CA when requested to come in.
• To have a student position at SMUD, you must not have any relatives working at SMUD.
• Internship dates are as follows: Semester students (May 25 – Aug. 17 2026) and Quarter students (June 22 – Sept.11 2026).
• Students must be enrolled as a full-time student, complete and pass at least 12 undergraduate units OR 8 graduate units and receive at least a 2.0 GPA in the Spring Semester/Quarter of 2026. Students must be graduating in Summer 2026 or later.
• If the student is graduating in Summer 2026, they must be enrolled as a part-time student in the Summer of 2026.
• If the student is graduating in the Spring Semester/Quarter of 2026 but is pursuing another degree in the Fall Semester/Quarter of 2026, you will still be eligible. However, please make sure that it shows it clearly on your resume to show that you are eligible.
• During the summer internship, students can work up to 130 hours per month.
• Currently, SMUD is not hiring candidates for its student internship positions who require sponsorship from an employer either now or in the future. Such sponsorship is not needed for citizens, a U.S. National, a permanent resident, or one granted refuge or asylum status by the U.S. government. Visa holders typically require sponsorship in one form or another at some point in time.
• Diversity, equity and inclusion (DE&I) are a part of who we are and how we do things. Supporting efforts that promote pay equality is part of that. Salary placement for the selected candidate will be determined in alignment with the California Equal Pay Act or the applicable MOU. Determination for salary placement of internal candidates will be made without respect to current classification or compensation and will be based upon the candidate's qualifications as compared to those performing substantially similar work. In the event there is a guaranteed pay progression outlined in an applicable MOU, the MOU takes precedence.   

Remote Work: This position will be required to work in the office, onsite at least one day a week on a regular basis; sometimes more or less, depending on the work. The work schedule will be determined by the Hiring Manager. 

We recommend you create a SMUD Candidate account through our SMUD Careers page, upload your resume and cover letter to be considered for this and other open position.