As Ukraine confronts one of the largest reconstruction efforts in modern history, rebuilding housing, infrastructure, and energy systems after widespread destruction, Middlebury students have an opportunity to contribute in meaningful, career-shaping ways.

Through dedicated donor funding, Middlebury College is offering $5,000 in CCI-Select funding to support an 8-week unpaid summer internship focused on Ukraine’s reconstruction and long-term recovery efforts. The application deadline is April 2, 2026.


A Global Challenge. 

Current estimates place Ukraine’s reconstruction needs between $486–$524 billion over the next decade. Governments, multilateral development banks, NGOs, and private-sector partners are mobilizing expertise in economics, infrastructure, energy systems, governance reform, humanitarian response, and anti-corruption work.

This funding makes it possible for Middlebury students to be part of that effort, whether through policy research in Washington, DC, energy transition strategy in Brussels, or governance support through international organizations.


Funding Overview

Eligible students may receive $5,000 to support:

  • An 8-week unpaid summer internship
  • Work that substantively aligns with Ukraine’s reconstruction and recovery
  • Placements that are remote or based outside of Ukraine (internships inside Ukraine must be reviewed by the Global Operations Committee)

Students must independently secure an eligible internship and apply through Middlebury’s standard Funding for Unpaid Summer Internships process.

Deadline: April 2, 2026


Where Might You Intern?

Students may pursue opportunities with international institutions, development finance organizations, multilateral agencies, nonprofits, and energy-focused initiatives engaged in reconstruction efforts.

Examples of institutions actively involved in Ukraine recovery initiatives include:

  • World Bank Group
  • European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD)
  • European Investment Bank (EIB)
  • United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)
  • U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC)

Students might also explore nonprofit and civil society partners such as:

  • Razom for Ukraine
  • Nova Ukraine
  • U.S.–Ukraine Foundation
  • Transparency International Ukraine
  • RePower Ukraine Foundation

Check out the full list of potential host organizations.

Opportunities may focus on:

  • Infrastructure finance and urban planning
  • Renewable energy and grid modernization
  • Governance reform and anti-corruption initiatives
  • Humanitarian coordination and refugee support
  • Policy research, communications, and advocacy

A curated list of potential host organizations and sample roles is available to students for research purposes. The list is intended as a starting point and does not constitute an endorsement by Middlebury College.

For students interested in international development, public policy, energy transition, economics, or global affairs, this funding creates access to work at the forefront of one of the most significant reconstruction efforts of our time.

It is also an opportunity to apply academic learning to urgent, real-world challenges, contributing research, analysis, communications, and operational support to institutions shaping Ukraine’s long-term recovery.


How to Apply

  1. Secure an eligible unpaid internship aligned with Ukraine reconstruction efforts.
  2. Apply through the standard Funding for Unpaid Summer Internships process.
  3. Submit materials by April 2, 2026.

For questions about eligibility or fit, students are encouraged to contact the Center for Careers and Internships. Tracy Himmel Isham is available to discuss opportunities and the application process.

Students interested in international impact work are encouraged to begin outreach and research early. With preparation and initiative, this funding can transform a summer opportunity into meaningful global engagement.


Potential Host Organizations and Opportunities

Multilaterals and Finance Institutions

  • World Bank Group (URTF)
    WebsiteIntegrity Vice President Internship  | WBG Pioneers Internship ProgramTreasury Summer Internship
    Leads the Ukraine Relief, Recovery, Reconstruction & Reform Trust Fund. Internships available in economics, energy, urban planning, and governance. Placements are at HQ (Washington, DC) or remote.
  • European Bank for Reconstruction & Development (EBRD)
    Ukraine pageInternships
    Implements “Ukraine FIRST” and manages a renewables de-risking platform targeting ~1 GW. Paid internships available in finance, sustainability, and policy, based in London or regional offices.
  • European Investment Bank (EIB)
    Website Ukraine FacilityTraineeships
    Provides EU-backed loans for energy grids, housing, transport, and water infrastructure. Traineeships are offered at HQ in Luxembourg.
  • United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)
    UNDP UkraineInternships 
    Co-leads recovery planning, debris management, and governance projects. Internships available at HQ (New York), regional centers, or remote.
  • UN Volunteers (UNV)
    Volunteer opportunities
    Offers allowance-based volunteer assignments, some remote, supporting recovery governance, monitoring, and data work.
  • Office of Inspector General 
    OIG UkraineStudent Internship Program 
    Student internships available at USAID OIG Headquarters in Washington, D.C., with opportunities to work across OIG units
  • U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC)
    WebsiteInternships and Recent Graduate Program
    Mobilizes U.S. private capital for Ukraine’s reconstruction, including a Reconstruction Investment Fund. Paid and unpaid internships are available in Washington, DC.

NGOs and U.S.-Based Partners

  • Razom for Ukraine
    WebsiteRelief Program InternHealth Program InternCinema Program InternImpactUA ProgramVolunteer 
    Delivers medical aid, energy equipment, and advocacy. Offers internships in relief coordination (NYC), advocacy (DC), and project management (remote/U.S.-based).
  • Nova Ukraine
    WebsiteVolunteerJob Openings 
    Provides humanitarian aid and civil society support. Structured volunteer opportunities available, typically remote or U.S.-based.
  • U.S.–Ukraine Foundation (USUF)
    WebsiteVolunteer 
    Washington-based NGO focusing on policy, advocacy, and civic engagement. Suitable for internships in policy analysis, communications, and project support.
  • UNITED24
    Website
    Official fundraising platform of the Government of Ukraine. Opportunities exist through U.S. and European affiliates in communications, fundraising, and project documentation. 
  • The UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR)
    WebsiteUNHCR UkraineInternshipsCareers 
    Leads protection and humanitarian assistance for people displaced by the conflict in Ukraine. Internships with UNHCR can place students/recent grads in operational protection, field support, and program roles.
  • The Washington Group (TWG) 
    WebsiteTWG Embassy of Ukraine Summer Internship  
    Supports Ukrainian-American professional networking and Ukraine-focused public affairs programming, including cultural diplomacy, events, and educational forums. Located at the Embassy of Ukraine in Washington, DC with a stipend. 
  • The Ukrainian Newcomer Support Program (UNSP)
    WebsiteVolunteer/Intern
    Supports Ukrainian humanitarian parolees and refugees in the U.S. through outreach, casework support, administration, interpretation, and program coordination with the International Rescue Committee. 
  • Transparency International Ukraine 
    Website  | Internship  
    Supports Ukraine’s anti-corruption reforms and good governance by placing interns in policy, research, communications, and legal work.
  • Dawn Inc. For Ukraine 
    WebsiteVolunteer 
    Supports humanitarian aid, medical deliveries, refugee assistance, cultural projects, and resilience-building tied to Ukraine’s war effort. Opportunities available remote or onsite in Oregon. Application on Handshake, too.
  • The Spirit of Ukraine Foundation
    WebsiteVolunteer
    Helps with humanitarian aid logistics, fundraising initiatives, and community engagement for Ukrainians. Roles are flexible, remote or project-based. 
  • Economist for Ukraine
    Website | About |  Volunteer (AI for Good)
    Economists for Ukraine is an open collective of economists and members of the global academic community working to end Russia’s invasion, support Ukraine’s resilience, and rebuild for a strong, peaceful, and prosperous future. Our organization is the think tank arm of the AI for Good Foundation, a global non-profit innovating technologies to solve some of humanity’s greatest challenges.

Energy-Focused Partners

  • RePower Ukraine Foundation
    Website
    Installs solar and battery storage on hospitals and schools. Advisory and project research roles possible through U.S./European partners.
  • Energy Act for Ukraine Foundation
    WebsiteSolar Step Program 
    Focused on solar and storage for schools and healthcare facilities. Opportunities for student support in communications, research, and project reporting. 
  • Solar Supports Ukraine
    Website
    Coalition of SolarPower Europe, Ukrainian Solar Energy Association, and German Solar Association. Opportunities for policy research and advocacy support.
  • SolarPower Europe
    WebsitePress and Policy Communications InternTraineeship 
    Provides an opportunity to learn about how policy communications and media engagement work in the EU, as well as the main policy priorities for the energy transition and solar. Located in Brussels, with the opportunity to focus on Ukraine.