climate hub catalyst internship
The Climate Catalyst Internship Program (CCIP) is a collaborative initiative between the University of Toronto Climate Hub, the President's Advisory Committee on the Environment, Climate Change and Sustainability (CECCS), and the Centre for Social Innovation (CSI). The program connects non-governmental and Indigenous organizations with unmet climate action research needs to graduate students seeking meaningful opportunities in community-engaged scholarship.
By facilitating these partnerships at no cost to participating non-governmental and Indigenous organizations, the CCIP advances the capacity and long-term sustainability of community-led climate initiatives while equipping graduate students with practical experience in community-engaged research, project leadership, and knowledge mobilization. Through mutually beneficial partnerships, the program aims to strengthen relationships between the university and the broader community, translating academic expertise into tangible climate solutions with real-world impact
What the CCIP Experience Includes
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Each selected internship is supported through CCIP's matched-funding model, providing $10,000 in internship funding to support the graduate student.
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Interns build practical experience in community-engaged research, project leadership, and knowledge mobilization while working across university and community settings.
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Students are supported by a faculty supervisor while working collaboratively with their community partner. The program also includes facilitated mentorship and expectations-setting as part of the cohort's onboarding.
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Interns become part of a cohort and participate in shared programming, including social onboarding, community agreements, mentorship facilitation, and other program activities.
the call for applications for our next cohort is open
Want to be a part of our 2026-27 cohort? Click below for details on the application process, requirements, and the application portal.
cohort genesis (2025-26)
Explore the work of our inaugural internship cohort, Cohort Genesis!
Community Hubs and Community-Led Climate Action
Land-Based Education for Urban Sustainability and Indigenous Solidarity
Community Responses to Climate-Induced Food Emergencies
Red Hill Valley Cultural Mapping and Interpretive Signage Initiative
who can apply
Faculty applicants must:
Hold an eligible University of Toronto faculty appointment (tenure-stream and teaching-stream faculty from any campus are eligible).
Propose a project aligned with CCIP's climate-related community-engaged research mandate.
Have an eligible community partner confirmed before submitting an application.
Be able to supervise and mentor the student throughout the internship.
Ensure the project can be completed within the program timeline.