PICS Climate Internship Grant 2027

Applications are open for the PICS Climate Internship Program 2027, an opportunity that provides financial support to eligible organizations in British Columbia, Canada, to hire university students for climate related projects. Offered by the Pacific Institute for Climate Solutions (PICS), the programme helps organizations advance their climate goals while giving students the opportunity to gain practical experience in climate research, policy, planning, communications and community engagement.

Through the programme, successful organizations can receive up to CAD $15,000 to help cover the cost of employing a student intern. The funding is intended to strengthen the capacity of organizations working on climate action and create meaningful early career development opportunities for students studying climate related subjects at participating universities.

The programme is open to eligible organizations such as registered nonprofit organizations, First Nations and Indigenous organizations, local governments, provincial government agencies, Crown corporations, cooperatives, social enterprises and private companies operating in British Columbia. Organizations must propose a well defined climate project that can benefit communities or sectors in the province.

About the PICS Climate Internship Program

The Pacific Institute for Climate Solutions is a climate research and collaboration organization based in British Columbia. Its Climate Internship Program connects organizations with university students who can contribute to practical projects addressing climate challenges.

Many organizations have climate goals but lack the staff time or specialist capacity needed to complete research, collect data, develop plans or communicate findings. The internship programme helps address these gaps by supporting the employment of a student who can work on a defined project under the supervision of the host organization.

The programme is also designed to give students relevant work experience in climate related fields. Through practical assignments, students can apply their academic knowledge, develop professional skills and contribute to initiatives that have real world value.

The grant is awarded to eligible host organizations rather than directly to students. Each funded organization is responsible for recruiting and hiring a suitable student from one of the participating PICS universities.

Grant Benefits

• Up to CAD $15,000 in funding toward the cost of employing a student intern.

• Additional capacity to advance an organization's climate related project.

• Access to student skills in research, analysis, communications, planning and community engagement.

• An opportunity to contribute to climate action in British Columbia.

• Practical work experience for a student pursuing a climate related field.

• Opportunities to share knowledge and learn alongside other participating organizations and interns.

• Potential for the project to inform further climate actions, policies or initiatives in other communities and organizations.

Funding clarification: The grant supports intern salaries and employment related costs. It does not automatically cover all project expenses, overhead, administrative cost recovery or capital purchases such as computers, equipment and furniture. Organizations must cover costs above the grant amount.

Who Can Apply?

The programme is intended for eligible organizations in British Columbia that want to employ a student to help deliver a climate related project.

Eligible organization types include:

• Registered nonprofit organizations.

• First Nations and Indigenous organizations.

• Provincial government agencies and Crown corporations.

• Local governments.

• Cooperatives and social enterprises.

• Private companies.

Applicants should ensure that their organization meets the programme's requirements and that the proposed project aligns with PICS priorities.

The programme is not a direct individual funding opportunity for students. Students interested in participating should look for internship positions advertised by funded organizations and through the careers pages of participating universities.

Eligible Project Areas

The programme can support a broad range of practical climate projects. Proposals should have a clear purpose, a defined approach, expected outputs and a credible plan for creating climate benefits.

Potential project activities include the following.

Climate research and analysis

Interns may review scientific literature, research existing climate initiatives, analyse information and prepare reports that help organizations understand climate challenges and possible responses.

Data collection and climate assessments

Projects may involve field based or desktop data collection, analysis of relevant information and preparation of assessments to inform organizational or community decisions.

Climate adaptation and mitigation planning

An intern may support the development of climate action plans, investigate adaptation approaches, review mitigation strategies or help organizations document their priorities and next steps.

Community engagement and outreach

Interns may help coordinate meetings, support community consultations, prepare engagement materials and assist with activities that encourage participation in climate initiatives.

Communications and knowledge mobilization

Projects may include developing guidance documents, informational resources, presentations and other materials that communicate climate research and practical findings to wider audiences.

Climate policy research

Interns may review relevant policies, summarize research, prepare background documents and help organizations understand policy approaches that relate to their climate objectives.

These examples illustrate the kinds of activities that may be suitable. Organizations should explain how their particular project meets the programme's criteria rather than assuming that every proposed activity will qualify.

Funding Amount and Eligible Expenses

Successful applicants may receive up to CAD $15,000 toward the cost of employing a student intern. The grant is designed to contribute to employment costs, so organizations should prepare a realistic budget and consider whether they can cover any additional expenses themselves.

The grant does not mean that every applicant will receive the maximum amount. Funding decisions are competitive and depend on the quality of the proposal and its alignment with the programme's priorities.

Organizations should pay particular attention to the proposed intern's responsibilities, the project's expected outcomes and the value the work will provide to the community or sector. The application should clearly show how the student's contribution will help the organization make progress toward a climate related goal.

Selection Criteria

Applications are assessed using criteria that consider both the climate benefits of the proposed project and the quality of the internship experience.

The programme considers:

• Direct climate value or benefits for communities and sectors.

• A clear project purpose, approach and intended outputs.

• Potential for broader climate impact through knowledge mobilization.

• Clearly defined responsibilities for the student intern.

• Integration of justice, equity, diversity and inclusion principles, alongside reconciliation.

Projects are expected to be practical, well structured and capable of producing useful outputs. Proposals that explain how the findings could be shared or used beyond the immediate host organization may also be well positioned.

The assessment is managed by PICS staff, with input from external technical experts where relevant. Organizations are expected to be notified of funding decisions in mid December 2026.

Internship Period and Student Recruitment

Funded projects are expected to take place between late May and late August 2027. Host organizations are asked to hire their student by 30 April 2027 so that the student can participate in a launch workshop.

PICS provides guidance and resources to help funded organizations recruit and hire students from participating universities. The host organization remains responsible for selecting and employing its intern.

Students must attend one of the participating PICS universities:

• University of British Columbia (UBC).

• Simon Fraser University (SFU).

• University of Northern British Columbia (UNBC).

• University of Victoria (UVic).

How to Apply

Organizations interested in the PICS Climate Internship Grant should follow these steps.

1. Review the official programme page. Read the eligibility requirements, funding conditions, selection criteria and frequently asked questions.
2. Identify a climate related project. Choose a practical project that addresses a climate goal relevant to your organization or community in British Columbia.
3. Define the intern's responsibilities. Explain the work the student will undertake, the skills required and the outputs expected during the internship.
4. Develop a clear project plan. Set out the project's purpose, approach, expected climate benefits and opportunities to share findings or encourage further action.
5. Prepare the funding application. Complete the official application form and provide the information requested by PICS, including details of the project and the proposed internship.
6. Submit before the deadline. Ensure that the application is received by 20 November 2026 at 4:00 p.m.
7. Prepare for recruitment if selected. Successful organizations should plan to hire their intern by 30 April 2027 and prepare for the summer project period.