Internship Opportunities

Internships

For over 40 years, Challenge Alaska has provided recreational based programming as well as leisure education in Alaska. We work with each individual to help them gain the skills they need to recreate as independently as possible. At Challenge Alaska we believe that everyone, regardless of physical, mental or financial barriers should have the opportunity to experience the beauty and excitement of recreation.

We currently offer:

• Recreational Therapy internships are available at our Anchorage office in the winter , summer, and fall (see dates below).
• Kinesiology students enrolled with UAA's HPER  program who would like to complete an internship working with athletes who are part of our ParaSport Alaska adaptive sports program can do so through our Anchorage office.
• Internships with our adaptive ski & snowboard school in Girdwood are available to students majoring in several disciplines other than Recreational Therapy and are available in the winter months. Contact the adaptive ski & snowboard school directly for more information about these internships.  

Therapeutic Recreation / Recreational Therapy Internships

Steps to Apply

All prospective interns need to complete and send the internship application to Challenge Alaska, along with the requirements listed on the application. Students who meet the requirements will be notified and an interview date will be set. Students who fail to send a complete packet will not be considered. Students selected for an internship will be notified at least 6 weeks prior to start of their internship. Additionally, the student must provide proof of the following before their start date:

• Current First Aid Certificate
• Current CPR Certificate
• Professional Liability Insurance
• Scanned copy of driver's license
• Consent to background check (including a fingerprint based check)
• Items necessary to complete I-9 (you can find a list of items here)

Please note: Interns are responsible for locating their own housing and transportation while completing their internship. We can sometimes give you information and direction that can make finding housing easier prior to your arrival. Assistance with transportation may be provided on a limited basis.

Email the completed application OR send via US Mail to: 
Challenge Alaska Intern Coordinator
3350 Commercial Dr. Suite 208
Anchorage, AK 99501 

Intern Testimonials

 "Accepting an internship with Challenge Alaska is hands down one of the best decisions I have ever made for myself professionally. This internship exceeded my expectations tenfold and I believe no other internship site can replicate the experiences and expertise that Challenge Alaska offers. Throughout my internship I was surrounded by genuine and supportive people (both staff and clientele) that were never afraid to push me outside of my comfort zone. I was given countless opportunities to apply myself and my TR skills in real-life one-on-one settings with clients which taught me lessons I will never forget. I never could have predicted the amount of stretching and growing I would do in a 14-week period but looking back I couldn’t be more grateful for all of it. I am walking away more prepared and excited to work in this field and I owe it all to Challenge Alaska. Summing up this adventure is nearly impossible, so if you think I’m kidding…. APPLY … I dare you! You won’t regret it! "

- Shaylee H. BYU-Idaho; Summer 2021

"Accepting an internship with Challenge Alaska was one of the best choices I’ve made on my career path to becoming a recreational therapist. The connections I made with clients, staff, and volunteers have been unique and meaningful, allowing me to be pushed and supported in ways I never knew I needed to be. I got to apply recreational therapy in unique ways that I really felt made a difference and expanded my knowledge far beyond what a textbook can teach you. Throughout my internship experience, I got the opportunity to utilize my strengths and strengthen my weaknesses while learning about the realities of the field and all of the sometimes difficult but rewarding work that goes into it. Working with Challenge Alaska was an opportunity that I wouldn’t trade for anything, and will definitely stick with me for the rest of my life. My experience here has helped me grow tremendously both professionally and personally, and I feel more prepared than ever for what the future holds. Just remember, you miss every shot you don’t take… or something like that."

-Amelia M., Western Carolina University; Winter 2023