Internships with the Access Fund

Thank you for your interest in interning with the Access Fund. Please see below for more information about the internship program.

Why become an intern at the Access Fund?
Access Fund interns work alongside national staff members to help further the organization’s mission of keeping climbing areas open and conserving the climbing environment. Responsibilities are wide ranging and include: membership support, event planning, promotions, program support, and policy/legal assistance. The skills and experience gained interning with the Access Fund pertain to careers in conservation, advocacy, climbing management policy and/or nonprofit management. In addition to knowing that you are contributing to a worthy cause, you’ll have our undying appreciation and more Clif bars than you could ever want. If you are able to earn course credit or a stipend from your university, we are happy to work with you to fulfill those requirements.

Who’s eligible?
Most Access Fund interns are enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program while meeting their internship requirements; however, we are happy to consider recent graduates and others that are passionate about conserving the climbing environment and wish to use the skills gained at the Access Fund in future professional or academic pursuits. Students from a variety of disciplines are encouraged to apply.

What are the requirements?
Because of the time and training that goes into preparing an intern for their assignment, we require a minimum 10 week commitment. The weekly time commitment varies depending on the particular assignment but is typically between 15-25 hours per week.
Interns are required to complete the work objectives that are agreed to at the beginning of the internship and to evaluate their experience at the middle and end of the assignment.

How are interns chosen?
The selection process is competitive because of our limited capacity (small office!) and the number of wonderful applicants each cycle. We evaluate candidates based on their commitment to the mission, professional goals, availability and complete application packet (resume, cover letter and references).

What is the application process?
Please send your resume, letter of interest and three professional references to internships@accessfund.org. In your letter of interest please answer the following questions:
- How will you use the experience gained in your internship to further your professional goals?
- What experiences do you bring to the Access Fund team that will help further our mission?
- What is your availability? Please be specific.