Golden Gate National Parks Academic Internship Program

Our partners, the National Park Service | Golden Gate National Recreation Area, and the Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy announced on June 3, 2022, the renaming of the Academic Internship Program in honor of Dr. Nina Roberts:

Nina was one of the principal co-founders and architects of the program back in 2012 and has played a fundamental role in shaping the vision and framework of the program ever since. She was a pivotal force for equity in the world of parks and public lands and was passionate about investing in our next generation of leaders. We believe Nina’s work and aspirations reflect the heart and hope of this program. Her impact and legacy will be carried forward in the story of the program; the onboarding of students, mentors, and partners; and our work to center diversity, equity, and inclusion in this program and our parks.

At SF State, Nina served as Director of the Pacific Leadership Institute and, most recently, as the Faculty Director of Community Engaged Scholarship & Learning at the Institute for Civic & Community Engagement. ICCE Executive Director, Jen Gasang, shared “Nina was a force of nature-full of passion, enthusiasm, and energy. We lost a friend, mentor, colleague, and fierce advocate for social justice. She leaves behind an enduring and inspirational legacy. We will miss her greatly.”

The Academic Internship Program at the Golden Gate National Parks is a fundamental park program, providing professional development and career pathway opportunities for students, while supporting real needs of park management. Through this program, local and diverse cohorts of college young people are engaged in immersive park experiences to enhance classroom learning. A wide range of positions are available, including those working in natural and cultural resources, education and interpretive programs, volunteer program management, communications and media, public affairs, museum programs, and more. 

• Internships take place lay May- early August (10-week program)
• Open to students enrolled at City College of San Francisco, College of Marin, and San Francisco State University
• Receive a stipend plus academic credit (student is responsible for coordinating academic credit with their academic counselor) 
• Part-time and full-time positions available ($500/weekly stipend for full-time positions or $250/week for part-time positions)
• Positions in San Francisco, Marin, and San Mateo counties
  • In-person and hybrid (in-person & virtual) positions are available
  • Positions include natural and cultural resources, media, historic landscaping and gardening, public affairs, youth, interpretation, community stewardship, and more. 
• Join a diverse team of your college peers to experience these spectacular parklands firsthand, behind the scenes, and in-depth! In an Academic Internship, you will:
  • Work on meaningful projects with a network of park professionals
  • Be mentored by a park staff member who will provide constructive instruction, coaching, and support
  • Engage in hands-on essential and technical training, professional workplace skills, and leadership development
  • Participate in career development and networking opportunities
  • Get involved in numerous high-impact, academic, vocational, professional, and personal growth experiences

Students wishing to receive academic credit for this internship, please contact Tati Martinez. 

The summer 2025 Academic Internship Application will open Febuary 17th, 2025. 

This internship is a program through the Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy (GGNPC). Please check back for upcoming information sessions.

• Be energetic, flexible, and self-motivated
• Make individualized contributions to the organization and community members
• Participate in cross-functional teams 
• Work well be diverse individuals 
• Possess good communication skills
• Treat others with respect 
• Communicate clearly and effectively both verbally and through written work
• ​Bilingual skills are a plus
• For more information and expectations will be listed per each posted position. List of all available positions will be posted on the Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy website

• Monday, Febuary 17, 2025: Applications Open
• Sunday, March 16, 2025: Applications Close
• End of April/Early May: Official Offer Letters emailed out
• Tuesday, June 3, 2025 - Friday, June 6, 2025: 2025 Cohort begins! Orientation & Onboarding
• Monday, June 9 - Thursday, August 7, 2025: Academic Internship with Mentors
• Friday, August 8, 2025: End of Program

Summer 2025 Application will open February 17th, 2025 and will be posted here. 

Note: Although, a formal cover letter and resume are no longer required to be considered for this program, please be prepared to provide some job or volunteer experience information. You can also refer to the Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy website. 

Be sure to highlight in your application:

• Your experience or lack of experience (that’s ok!) with national parks and/or work/volunteer experience.
• Why you are interested in the position(s) that you are applying for
• Your unique perspective, skillsets, and/or experiences you bring

Additional online resources:

• Career Services & Leadership Development 
• Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy (refer to "Related Documents")

 Online resources:

• Career Services & Leadership Development 
• Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy (refer to "Related Documents")

Interested in earning academic units while you earn hours at the GGNPA Internship?

Consider taking RPT 690: Internship in Recreation, Parks, & Tourism: https://sfsu.app.box.com/s/v7p9xfyldkqwhcqyo3n3lr6sw1ieey7a 

Contact: 

• Erik Rosegard - rosegard@sfsu.edu
• Jackson Wilson - wilsonj@sfsu.edu 
• Pavlina Latkova - latkova@sfsu.edu

for more information about available courses & pathways.

• Please see GGNPC's Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page. 
• Refer to GGPNC's note about internship stipends