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Clean Leadership Summer Internships — Nova Scotia
Last Update: March 4, 2026
Nova Scotia, Canada
Wage subsidies to hire students looking for careers in the clean economy
Wage Subsidies And Interns
Overview
Get a wage subsidy to cover up to 60% of the costs of hiring a summer student for 9 and 15 week internships for clean tech and environmental projects.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Increasing community impact
- Research and experimental development
- Reduce the ecological footprint
Eligible Funding
- Up to 60% of project cost
Timeline
- Open continuously
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
- Transportation and warehousing
- Information and cultural industries
- Professional, scientific and technical services
- Administrative and support, waste management and remediation services
- Educational services
- Public administration
Location
- Nova Scotia
Legal structures
- Non-profit
- Public or Parapublic institution
- For-profit business
- Social economy enterprise
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Indigenous Peoples
- Black Canadians
- Youth (<40)
Non-profit candidates
Sector of operation
- Research
- Environment
- Economic, Social and Community Development
- Employment and Training
- Business Associations
- Children and Youth Organizations
- Diversity and Inclusion
Target groups
- Children & youth
- Young adults
- Indigenous peoples
- Business owners / entrepreneurs
- Nonprofits / charities
- Minority groups
Revenue structures
- All structures
Scope
- Local
- Regional
- Provincial
Activities funded
Clean Leadership Summer Internships support a variety of projects geared towards advancing the clean economy and environmental stewardship. These projects enable interns to gain hands-on experience across a diverse range of fields, contributing to sustainable development and resource conservation.
- Agro-ecology initiatives and projects.
- Development of alternative and sustainable transportation solutions.
- Carbon and climate change mitigation efforts.
- Research and development in clean technologies.
- Eco-tourism development projects.
- Educational and engagement activities concerning environmental issues.
- Innovative energy projects and sustainable energy solutions.
- Information and communication technology applications for sustainability.
- Sustainable urban planning and design initiatives.
- Resource conservation projects focused on efficient use of resources.
- Environmental and sustainability research projects.
- Waste management and reduction initiatives.
- Water conservation and management projects.
Examples of admissible projects:
$ 5,700
Creating a cycling promotion campaign to encourage sustainable transportation
$ 7,200
Launching a water conservation awareness program schools to promote resource conservation
$ 9,780
Conducting research on carbon sequestration to mitigate climate change effects
$ 9,000
Developing a smartphone app to promote sustainable urban planning
$ 9,000
Developing a community garden in an urban area to promote agro-ecology and sustainable practices
$ 6,300
Implementing a waste reduction program in local schools to increase awareness and engagement
Eligibility
Eligible organizations are those who share the vision of supporting youth employment and growing the clean economy across Nova Scotia.
- Community groups, associations, and businesses can apply to become host employers.
- The organization should be committed to providing internships in fields such as agro-ecology, sustainable transportation, climate change mitigation, clean tech R&D, eco-tourism, energy, ICT, urban design, resource conservation, research, or waste and water management.
- Organizations must be interested in creating equitable internship opportunities for underrepresented youth, including Indigenous, Black, and African Nova Scotian youth.
- There must be an indication if specific HR and payroll support is needed in the application.
Who is eligible?
Community groups, associations, and businesses sharing the vision of youth employment and a growing clean economy in Nova Scotia are encouraged to apply.Eligible expenses
The Clean Leadership Summer Internships grant supports initiatives in the clean economy sector, focusing on enhancing environmental sustainability and resilience. Eligible projects aim to harness innovative solutions across a variety of fields to foster sustainable development and reduce environmental impact.
- Agro-ecology projects promoting sustainable farming practices.
- Projects in alternative and sustainable transportation solutions.
- Initiatives targeting carbon and climate change mitigation strategies.
- Research and development in clean technology innovations.
- Eco-tourism projects to boost sustainable travel and tourism.
- Educational projects aimed at increasing engagement in environmental practices.
- Energy-related projects focusing on sustainable energy solutions.
- Information and communications technology projects that enhance environmental data management.
- Sustainable planning and urban design initiatives fostering eco-friendly communities.
- Resource conservation projects that work towards efficient use of natural resources.
- Research projects focusing on understanding and mitigating environmental impacts.
- Waste management projects aiming to reduce, reuse, and recycle waste materials.
- Water conservation projects enhancing sustainable water management systems.
Eligible geographic areas
This grant is specifically available for community groups, associations, and businesses located in Nova Scotia. The program encourages organizations in this province to support youth employment opportunities in the clean economy.
- Community groups based in Nova Scotia.
- Associations within the province of Nova Scotia.
- Businesses operating across Nova Scotia.
Selection criteria
The Clean Leadership Summer Internship Program has specific evaluation and selection criteria to determine the eligibility of host employers. The selection process focuses on various key factors to ensure alignment with the program's goals and values.
- Alignment with the vision of supporting youth employment and growing the clean economy
- Demonstrated commitment to developing the clean economy workforce
- Potential to provide equitable internship opportunities to underrepresented youth
- Capacity to offer relevant projects in areas such as agro-ecology, clean tech R&D, energy, waste management, etc.
- Interest in supporting Indigenous, Black, African Nova Scotian youth through internship opportunities
How to apply
1
Review Program Details
- Download and carefully review the employer overview document provided on Clean Foundation’s website.
- Understand the benefits and responsibilities involved in becoming a host employer.
- Ensure your organization aligns with the program goals and eligibility criteria.
2
Prepare Application
- Collect necessary organizational information including name, contact details, and mission alignment with the program.
- Prepare a proposal outlining how your organization plans to utilize the interns and support Clean Foundation’s goals.
- Identify specific HR and payroll support needs if required.
3
Submit Application
- Visit the Clean Foundation website to access the application form.
- Complete all required fields with careful attention to detail.
- Submit the filled application form before the official deadline.
4
Confirmation and Follow-up
- Receive confirmation that your application has been received by Clean Foundation.
- Await further communication regarding the application status and potential next steps.
- Contact Clean Foundation if you have not received any communication post-submission.
Additional information
The Clean Leadership Summer Internship Program offers a range of benefits and support for participating host employers:
- Host employers receive a 60% wage subsidy, making it financially feasible to engage young talent.
- Internships are available for 15-week and 9-week durations, providing increased work capacity for summer projects.
- Access to Human Resources support facilitates intern recruitment, screening, interviewing, and onboarding.
- Host employers can avail of Occupational Health and Safety resources and training, including mentoring support.
- The program emphasizes employment equity, offering equitable opportunities for underrepresented youth, including Indigenous, Black, and African Nova Scotian youth.
- While Clean Foundation will no longer have all interns on its payroll to minimize administrative workload, HR and payroll assistance are available if needed.
- Host employers contribute to the growth of a skilled clean economy workforce and benefit from the fresh perspectives and ideas brought in by motivated interns.
