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Unpaid Internship Program Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

This is a part-time 12-hours per week, 12 week, unpaid remote internship. If your availability is limited, you can work ahead and complete the program in fewer weeks. . Responsibilities will include:

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Unpaid Internship Program information

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$9

$18

$25

How much do unpaid internship program jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average hourly pay for unpaid internship program in Colorado is $18.20, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.14 and $20.24 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an unpaid internship program?

An unpaid internship program is a type of work experience where interns gain practical skills and industry exposure without receiving monetary compensation. These programs are often offered by organizations to students or recent graduates looking to build their resumes and network in a particular field. While unpaid, they can provide valuable learning opportunities, mentorship, and sometimes academic credit or future job prospects. It's important to ensure that the internship complies with local labor laws and offers genuine educational benefits to participants.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in an unpaid internship program, and why are they important?

Success in an unpaid internship program typically requires a proactive attitude, willingness to learn, and relevant academic background or coursework for the industry. Familiarity with basic office software (like Microsoft Office or Google Workspace) and any industry-specific tools is often beneficial. Strong communication, time management, and adaptability help interns stand out and maximize their learning experience. These skills and qualities are important because they enable interns to contribute effectively, build professional networks, and gain valuable experience for future employment.

What are some common challenges faced by participants in an unpaid internship program, and how can they be addressed?

One common challenge in unpaid internship programs is balancing the time commitment with other responsibilities, such as paid work or academic coursework. Interns may also find it challenging to gain meaningful experience if tasks are not well-defined. To address these issues, it's important to communicate openly with your supervisor about expectations and to proactively seek out learning opportunities. Building strong relationships with team members can help you access mentorship and receive constructive feedback, making your internship more valuable despite the lack of financial compensation.

What is the difference between Unpaid Internship Program vs Paid Internship?

FeatureUnpaid Internship ProgramPaid Internship
CompensationNo monetary compensationProvides salary or stipend
CredentialsOften requires enrollment in an educational programMay require similar educational background but less strict
Work EnvironmentProfessional settings, often in offices or labsSimilar work environments, sometimes more structured
Legal ConsiderationsMust meet specific legal criteria to qualify as unpaidStandard employment regulations apply

Unpaid Internship Programs typically offer valuable experience without monetary compensation and often require students or interns to be enrolled in educational programs. Paid Internships provide financial remuneration and may have similar work environments and credential requirements. Both serve as entry points into industries, but unpaid roles are often more limited by legal standards.

What cities in Colorado are hiring for Unpaid Internship Program jobs?

Cities in Colorado with the most Unpaid Internship Program job openings:

Therapeutic Recreation Internship Program

Ascendigo

Carbondale, CO

Internship

Re-posted 7 days ago


Job description

Therapeutic Recreation Internship Program


The mission of this internship is to provide a dynamic, experiential learning experience that supports the development of professional competencies in Therapeutic Recreation. At Ascendigo Autism Services, the intern will engage in inclusive, strength-based recreational programming designed to empower individuals on the autism spectrum through adventure, social engagement, and personal growth. By working alongside experienced professionals in a supportive, interdisciplinary environment, the intern will gain practical skills in program planning, adaptive recreation, behavior support, and person-centered care. This internship strives to foster a deep understanding of the Ascendigo Way, promote the importance of meaningful recreational experiences, and prepare the intern to become a compassionate, creative, and confident Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist.

Overview

This unpaid internship is designed for students pursuing a degree in Therapeutic Recreation who intend to meet academic fieldwork requirements as outlined by The National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC).

Ascendigo's internship program introduces interns to a growing population that benefits significantly from therapeutic recreation. Interns will gain hands-on experience supporting individuals with autism across a range of community-based and experiential programs.

As the prevalence of autism continues to grow (1 in 31 children, according to the latest CDC estimates), so has the need for services.

Research supports the physical, psychological, and social benefits of physical fitness, recreation, and adaptive sports for individuals with autism spectrum disorder. Studies highlight that structured exercise serves as a complementary therapy for the autism population and supports improvements in ASD symptoms (Toscano et al., 2022).

Eligibility

  • Perspective interns must be enrolled in a Therapeutic Recreation degree program from an accredited university.
  • Must be eligible to complete the internship for academic credit as required by the NCTRC (minimum 560-hour, 14-week internship under a CTRS), if completing the full internship requirement.
  • Must be 18 years of age or older.
  • Background check required.
  • Must obtain or possess a current, valid CPR/First Aid certificate prior to start date.

Supervision and Mentorship

  • Supervised by a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS).
  • Weekly supervision meetings and progress evaluations.
  • Opportunities to shadow professionals in behavior therapy, outdoor recreation, and life coaching.

Intern Responsibilities

  • Plan and implement therapeutic recreation interventions and activities.
  • Maintain documentation (activity reports, progress notes, incident reports).
  • Communicate with participants and interdisciplinary staff.
  • Attend staff meetings, training, and reflection sessions.
  • Participate in data collection and program evaluation where applicable.
  • Complete all academic assignments and requirements.