Program Overview 

The NC Department of Natural & Cultural Resources (DNCR) Internship Program provides meaningful, project-based experiential learning opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students, high school students, as well as emerging professionals across North Carolina. Interns gain practical experience working in the state’s museums, historic sites, libraries, state archives, state parks, and cultural programs while supporting DNCR’s mission to enrich lives through arts, history, libraries, and natural heritage. This targeted recruitment ensures opportunities for students from diverse colleges, universities, and rural communities. 

Recruitment & Impact Areas 

  • Arts & Culture: Opportunities with state art museums, symphonies, and cultural heritage programs.
  • History & Preservation: Projects in historic sites, archives, and African American/Indigenous heritage initiatives.
  • Natural Resources: Research and stewardship projects within state parks, environmental education, and conservation. 

DNCR Internship Program Participation Areas 

DNCR hosts several internship opportunities across North Carolina. Please see the following programs and learn more about program details and eligibility.

NC Department of Administration (DOA) Internships

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The State of North Carolina Internship Program provides legal residents of North Carolina who are students at in-state colleges, universities, community colleges, law or graduate schools, or who are attending equivalent institutions in other states, with a compensated experiential opportunity that integrates education, career development, and public service. 

For more information, contact: 

Jean McBride  

Youth Programs Supervisor   

Cell: 984-328-0219  

The Lady Cardinal Mentorship is a 4-week summer enrichment opportunity for North Carolina high school girls, grades 9-12, interested in exploring careers in science, technology, engineering, and/or mathematics within state government. 

For more information, contact: 

Jean McBride  

Youth Programs Supervisor   

Cell: 984-328-0219  

NC Department of Natural & Cultural Resources (DNCR) Internships

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The North Carolina Aquarium on Roanoke Island is located in Manteo, NC, nine miles from the Atlantic coast near Nags Head. The 61,000-square-foot facility, which sits on 16 acres overlooking Croatan Sound, is home to more than 2,200 animals. Over 280,000 visitors come to the aquarium each year to see a wide variety of sharks, learn about sea turtle conservation, participate in various programs, enjoy the area's natural beauty, and discover why North Carolina's waterways are so unique. As an educational attraction, the North Carolina Aquarium on Roanoke Island aims to inspire appreciation and conservation of our aquatic environments. 

College students can explore their interests and gain practical work experience through an internship. Interns are an integral part of our staff and assist with all aspects of Aquarium operations. Students must be at least 18 years old to apply for all of the Aquarium internships. Internships last 10 weeks, with possible evening, weekend, and holiday work required. All internships at The NC Aquarium on Roanoke Island are in person. 

For more information, contact: 

Taylor McConnell  

Volunteer Coordinator  

The North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores is situated in the Theodore Roosevelt Natural Area, which is mostly maritime forest. Descendants of President Theodore Roosevelt donated 298 acres of maritime forest to the state in 1971. They stipulated that the acreage be maintained as a nature preserve and used for nature and wildlife education and estuarine studies. The surrounding acres are dedicated as a natural area to commemorate President Roosevelt’s commitment to conservation. 

College students can explore their interests and gain practical work experience through an internship. Interns are an integral part of our staff and assist with all aspects of Aquarium operations. Students must be at least 18 years old to apply for all of the Aquarium internships. Internships last for 10 weeks with possible evening, weekend, and holiday work required. All Internships at The NC Aquarium on Roanoke Island are in person. 

For more information, contact: 

Kayla Hoopes  

Youth Experiences Coordinator  

(252) 247-4003 ext. 281 

North Carolina’s state history museums bring our state’s stories to life, inviting you to explore over 14,000 years of history through interactive exhibits, engaging programs, and a collection of more than 150,000 fascinating artifacts. 

Museum interns provide essential support and assistance across various departments, including Curation, Collections, Education, Marketing, and more! Interns help the museum connect more effectively with the community, while students gain valuable behind-the-scenes skills.  

For more information, contact: 

Kathleen Gleditsch 

Head of Volunteer and Intern Services   

919-814-7023 

The State Archives of North Carolina offers a variety of historical materials available for use in its search room in Raleigh. The State Archives also has two regional locations, the Western Regional Archives and Outer Banks History Center, which focus on the history and culture of the North Carolina mountains and the coast, respectively. 

Internships at the State Archives of North Carolina provide opportunities for students to become familiar with the inner workings of archives. Through this partnership, interns can gain practical experience to clarify and advance their career goals. Internships are open to high school students, college undergraduates, graduate students, and recent graduates. Eligibility varies for each internship term. If students need course credit for internships, please discuss this with the internship coordinator before you begin. 

For more information, contact: 

Caroline Waller  

State Agency Records Archivist 

919-814-6904  

 

The North Carolina Arts Council launched its work in 1967 as awareness of the importance of arts to all citizens was becoming a national movement. Since then, the arts in North Carolina have come to be valued as one of our state’s most durable and productive assets. 

After decades of vigorous work, experimentation, and refinement, our state’s arts infrastructure reaches into all 100 counties through one of the most highly developed and effective networks of local arts councils in the nation. An abundance of outstanding artists and arts organizations continues to enrich our communities. Artists and institutions improve the quality of life, educate and inspire our youth, and stimulate economic activity. 

This three-month internship provides intensive, directed training and experience with the Arts Council's Folklife program and its statewide networks. The intern may also have opportunities to work with the N.C. Arts Council’s Artists and Organizations team and the Communications and Marketing team. 

For more information: 

Zoe van Buren  

Folklife Director  

(919) 814-6518 

At the North Carolina Museum of Art, we believe in the power of art to connect communities. Belonging to the citizens of North Carolina, the People's Collection presents more than 5,000 years of art and culture, sparking inquiry and imagination. Among the site-specific works located throughout the 164-acre Ann and Jim Goodnight Museum Park, art, and nature meet in unexpected moments of discovery.

Internships at the NCMA provide opportunities to actively contribute to the inner workings of an art museum. We offer 10-week internships in the summer, spring, and fall semesters.

Our on-site internship program pairs you with an NCMA staff mentor and a cohort of peers from colleges across North Carolina and beyond. While contributing to the Museum's work, you'll participate in enrichment activities including staff presentations from departments across the Museum and guided tours of the galleries and campus. We offer unpaid and paid internship opportunities.

College students, recent graduates, graduate students, and nontraditional students are encouraged to apply.

For more information, contact: 

Director of Education 

Michelle.harrell@dncr.nc.gov    

919-664-6853 

One of the largest natural habitat zoos in the nation, the North Carolina Zoo in Asheboro, allows visitors to explore the diverse landscapes and animal and plant life of two habitats, all without ever leaving the Tar Heel State. 

The North Carolina Zoo Internship Program is designed to provide students and recent graduates with real-world experience, professional mentorship, and an opportunity to contribute to the Zoo’s mission: to protect wildlife and wild places and inspire people to join us in conserving the natural world.  

For more information, contact: 

The state’s museum devoted to science and nature, the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences in central Raleigh, is the largest institution of its kind in the Southeastern United States and, with over a million visitors a year, the state’s most visited museum. Prairie Ridge Ecostation and satellite facilities in Whiteville, Greenville, and Contentnea Creek augment its 300,000 square-foot downtown campus. Together, they provide a variety of curriculum-focused classes onsite, offsite, outdoors, and online for pre-kindergarten students across the state. 

Discover a wide variety of volunteer and internship opportunities at the largest natural history museum in the Southeast. Volunteers and Interns provide vital support to the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences and its mission. In return, these valuable individuals are allowed to expand their knowledge and learn new skills while gaining valuable experiences in a unique environment. 

For more information, contact: 

Sarah Irizarry 

Head of Volunteer and Intern Services 

919.707.9880 

 

Park rangers may be the most recognizable face of North Carolina's state parks system, but their dedication to the mission of stewardship is complemented by the skills and talents of many others — maintenance mechanics, administrative personnel, biologists, educators, planners, and seasonal workers. It takes a committed team to serve millions of visitors each year. 

For more information, contact: 

Kathy Capps 

Deputy Director of Operations 

919.707.9339 

 

Partnering Department Internship Program

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The N.C. Department of Information Technology (NCDIT) is the lead agency for IT services, cybersecurity, and technology strategy across the North Carolina state government. Led by the state CIO, it manages IT procurement, infrastructure, and statewide broadband expansion, with a mission to deliver efficient, secure, and accessible digital services to agencies and residents.  

The NCDIT’s paid internship programs provide a variety of learning opportunities for high school and college students, as well as those seeking to enter the technology field. Interns gain real-world work experience across work divisions, contribute to day-to-day operations, and connect with many different people and communities. 

Interns are paid $20 per hour and work fully onsite or on a hybrid schedule. Internships are available in the summer and throughout the year. Preference is given to candidates who reside in North Carolina or are within a 3-hour commute of the internship duty station. 

For more information, contact: 

Anaja McClinton, MPA 

Internship Coordinator and Recruiter 

Main: 919-754-6163 

The North Carolina Office of the State Auditor (OSA) is your fiscal watchdog. OSA audits more than $100 billion in state assets and liabilities each year, bringing transparency to local, state, and federal governments. The reports and findings include recommendations that lead to effective government reforms. OSA thoroughly investigates alleged cases of fraud, waste, and abuse of taxpayer dollars, working with law enforcement on prosecution when warranted.  

The North Carolina Office of the State Auditor is seeking a driven and curious intern to join our team and work closely with the Communications, Human Resources, and Administrative divisions of our agency. This hands-on internship offers a unique opportunity to gain real-world experience in the daily operations of a government agency.  

OSA is looking for students who are organized and attentive to detail, clear communicators, and adaptable in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment. 

For more information, contact: 

Olivia Gillespie 

Recruitment and Marketing Coor 

919-807-7500 

 

This program aligns with Golden LEAF’s mission of increasing economic opportunities in rural North Carolina’s rural and economically distressed communities through leadership in grantmaking, collaboration, innovation, and stewardship as an independent, perpetual foundation. 

One of the foundation’s strongest and most long-standing pillars of contribution is the Golden LEAF Scholarship. Scholarships are available to students from qualifying counties who demonstrate financial need to help them attend college at participating North Carolina public or private institutions and community colleges. Golden LEAF’s goal is for scholarship recipients to gain the talent, knowledge, and skills needed to help their communities thrive. 

The Golden LEAF Rural Internship Initiative provides eligible Golden LEAF Scholars with professional work experience related to their career field in a rural North Carolina community. The Golden LEAF Foundation provides funding to pay intern participants for up to 400 hours of work (a minimum of 320 hours is required). In the first year, interns earn $16 per hour; in the second year, $17 per hour; and in the third year, $18 per hour. Internships take place over 8–12 weeks, between May and August. Internship sites that take on a Golden LEAF Scholar Intern provide them with a meaningful project or role that aligns with the student’s college major and future career goals. 

For more information, contact: 

Arlena Dongilli  

Scholarship Program Manager  

252.442.7474 x1265 (office) 

Website: 

 

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