Clean Foundation — Science Horizons Internship Program

Finding skilled talent can be a challenge for organizations working in climate action, especially when budgets are tight and projects are evolving quickly. For Nova Scotia employers in clean technology, environmental services, and related fields, the Clean Foundation — Science Horizons Internship Program offers a practical way to bring in early-career talent while offsetting a significant portion of hiring costs. The program supports paid internships focused on climate change and the clean economy, helping organizations grow their capacity while contributing to Canada’s environmental goals.

Delivered by Clean Foundation, this initiative provides a wage subsidy that typically covers about half of an intern’s salary, with funding support of up to $25,000 per placement. For youth from employment equity groups, the subsidy can cover a larger share of wages, making it even more attractive for employers committed to inclusive hiring. Interns are generally recent graduates or job-ready youth looking to build hands-on experience in areas such as sustainability, environmental science, clean tech innovation, or climate-focused research and operations.

The program is well suited to small and medium-sized businesses, larger enterprises, and nonprofits that want to expand their impact without taking on the full cost of a new hire. Applications are typically accepted on an ongoing basis, depending on available funding. For organizations considering their next climate-related hire, learning more about how this internship program works could be a smart next step.