Save the Children Internships and Fellowships 2026: Paid Opportunities to Build Your Career While Changing Children’s Lives
If you’re looking to gain meaningful work experience while contributing to one of the world’s leading humanitarian organizations, the Save the Children Internship and Fellowship Program offers an outstanding opportunity. Designed for students, recent graduates, and emerging professionals, these paid programs provide hands-on experience, professional mentorship, and exposure to the nonprofit sector.
Whether your interests lie in humanitarian assistance, international development, education, public health, advocacy, communications, finance, human resources, or program management, Save the Children provides a supportive environment where participants can grow professionally while helping improve the lives of children around the world.
About Save the Children
Save the Children is one of the world’s leading independent organizations dedicated to improving the lives of children. Operating in numerous countries, the organization works to ensure that every child has access to quality education, healthcare, protection, nutrition, and opportunities to thrive.
With more than 1,500 staff members working across the globe, Save the Children responds to humanitarian emergencies while also implementing long-term development programs that create lasting change for children and families.
Its internship and fellowship programs allow participants to contribute directly to this important mission while building valuable career skills.
What Is the Save the Children Internship and Fellowship Program?
The program offers paid semester-long internships and fellowships that combine practical work experience with structured professional development.
Participants become part of real project teams and work alongside experienced professionals on strategic initiatives that support the organization’s mission.
Rather than simply observing, interns and fellows take on meaningful responsibilities that contribute to ongoing programs and organizational priorities.
Depending on the role, positions may be remote or based in Save the Children’s offices in:
- Fairfield, Connecticut
- Lexington, Kentucky
- Washington, D.C.
This flexibility allows participants from different locations to gain valuable nonprofit experience while balancing their academic or personal commitments.
Why Choose Save the Children?
An internship or fellowship with Save the Children offers much more than a line on your résumé.
Participants benefit from a comprehensive learning experience that includes practical work, mentorship, networking, and career development.
Some of the key benefits include:
Paid Positions
Interns and fellows receive an hourly wage while participating in the program, making it an accessible opportunity for students and recent graduates seeking meaningful professional experience.
Flexible Work Schedule
Participants generally work 16–24 hours per week, allowing them to balance academic responsibilities, research, or other commitments.
Hands-On Experience
Interns work on real organizational projects rather than administrative tasks alone.
Assignments often involve collaboration across departments, giving participants insight into how an international nonprofit organization operates.
Professional Mentorship
Each participant works directly with experienced Save the Children professionals who provide guidance, feedback, and mentorship throughout the semester.
This mentorship helps participants strengthen technical skills while exploring potential career paths.
Networking Opportunities
The program includes opportunities to connect with professionals from various departments, expanding participants’ professional networks within the nonprofit and humanitarian sectors.
Structured Learning
Participants receive orientation, onboarding, and ongoing learning sessions throughout the semester.
These sessions complement workplace experience by introducing participants to nonprofit leadership, humanitarian work, and organizational best practices.
Meaningful Impact
Perhaps the greatest benefit is knowing that your work contributes to improving children’s lives worldwide.
Every project supports Save the Children’s mission of helping children survive, learn, and be protected.
Internship and Fellowship Eligibility
The program welcomes applicants from a variety of academic backgrounds.
Internship Eligibility
Applicants may qualify if they are:
- Pursuing an Associate degree
- Pursuing a Bachelor’s degree
- Pursuing graduate studies
- A recent graduate within six months of the program start date
Fellowship Eligibility
Fellowship applicants should be:
- Graduate students
- Postgraduate students
- Recent graduate or postgraduate degree holders who completed their studies within six months of the Fellowship start date
Work Authorization Requirements
Applicants must be legally eligible to work in the United States.
International students may qualify if they:
- Are enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate institution.
- Hold a valid student visa.
- Meet applicable work authorization requirements.
Applicants should carefully review individual vacancy announcements for any additional eligibility criteria.
Internship Locations
Save the Children offers flexible work arrangements depending on the department and position.
Internships and fellowships may be:
- Fully remote
- Hybrid
- Office-based
Primary office locations include:
- Fairfield, Connecticut
- Lexington, Kentucky
- Washington, D.C.
The specific work arrangement is typically outlined in each vacancy announcement.
Internship Schedule
The organization offers opportunities throughout the year.
Spring Internship
Program period:
January to April
Recruitment generally takes place between:
October and December
Summer Internship
Program period:
June to August
Recruitment generally takes place between:
February and March
Fall Internship
Program period:
September to December
Recruitment generally takes place between:
June and July
Because recruitment windows are relatively short, interested applicants should monitor the careers page regularly.
What Departments Hire Interns?
Internship opportunities vary throughout the year and may be available in areas such as:
- International Programs
- Advocacy
- Communications
- Public Policy
- Marketing
- Human Resources
- Finance
- Operations
- Information Technology
- Education
- Child Protection
- Global Health
- Research
- Data and Analytics
- Development and Fundraising
Available positions depend on organizational needs during each recruitment cycle.
Important Information for Applicants
Due to the large number of applications received, Save the Children cannot contact every applicant individually.
Candidates selected for further consideration will be contacted by the recruitment team regarding the next steps in the hiring process.
Applicants should ensure that their résumé, academic achievements, and relevant volunteer or leadership experiences clearly demonstrate their interest in nonprofit work and child-focused development.
Tips for a Strong Application
To improve your chances of success:
- Tailor your résumé to the specific internship.
- Highlight volunteer work and leadership experience.
- Demonstrate your commitment to children, education, health, or humanitarian causes.
- Showcase strong communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills.
- Apply early during the recruitment period.
- Carefully review eligibility requirements before submitting your application.
A thoughtful application that reflects both your technical abilities and your passion for making a difference can help you stand out.
APPLY ON THE OFFICIAL WEBSITE
Final Thoughts
The Save the Children Internship and Fellowship Program provides an exceptional opportunity for students and recent graduates to launch their careers while contributing to meaningful global change. Through paid work experience, mentorship, networking, and structured professional development, participants gain valuable skills that prepare them for careers in the nonprofit, humanitarian, public policy, and international development sectors.
Whether you are passionate about advocacy, education, global health, communications, research, or humanitarian response, this program offers the chance to learn from experienced professionals while supporting one of the world’s most respected organizations dedicated to improving children’s lives.
If you’re ready to combine career growth with purpose, keep an eye on upcoming recruitment periods and prepare your application for the next Save the Children internship or fellowship opportunity.
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