Native’s Internship Programme 1st Edition

Native’s mission is made possible through the work of scientists and the support from our partners, but also through the time and commitment of many who work behind the scenes. 

In collaboration with Fundação da Juventude, in 2025 we opened the doors to interns through our first Internship Programme. Twenty two dedicated people had a chance to practice managerial roles for Programme, Partnerships, Impact, Community, Philanthropy, Automations and Communications. 

The programme goal was to help people grow professionally, enabling participants to develop their skills and gain experience while advancing Native’s mission. It was designed to offer personalised support and training throughout the 2025/2026 school year, providing participants with the tools they need to enhance their curriculum while boosting Native’s work.

The internships kicked off with an organisation-wide onboarding and a welcoming event. In a space kindly provided by our partner Fundação Luso-Americana para o Desenvolvimento, team members and the new managers shared their expectations for the upcoming school year. It was also a moment for the newcomers to develop a deeper understanding of Native’s efforts and mission. 

Vasco Pinto, a starting Programme Manager at the time, commented on how in-person events like this, where colleagues can connect, “make a big difference”, and on how “the activities promoted were very effective in immediately fostering good relationships”. Joana Ramos, a fellow Programme Manager, said she “felt welcomed from the start, with clear guidance and resources that helped me understand the organisation's mission and my role within it”. 

The new managers also shared their reasons for joining Native. Eva Gomes, who was starting as an Automations Manager, said that her passion for sharing knowledge makes her believe that “together, we can inspire children to invest in their own potential and curiosity”. Sandra Chaves, a Programme Manager, who had previously worked in science, said she had always felt that science should not be only for those who decided to make it their life’s work. “The internship at Native seemed like an excellent opportunity to follow this conviction”, she says.

Besides the love for the mission, the group was also looking forward to enriching their skillset. “I hope to be transformed while I transform others”, says Lúcia Xavier, another Programme Manager, who was looking to grow professionally by learning new skills, working in a team, and “taking responsibility in a respectful and thoughtful environment”.

Throughout the year, the new managers worked across communications, partnerships, fundraising, programme delivery, data and impact analysis, and internal operations, each contributing to Native's mission. Their efforts involved writing and publishing content, nurturing relationships with scientists, teachers, and partner organisations, analysing impact data, automating processes, and supporting the day-to-day running of the team. 

Thanks to their commitment and dedication, Native Scientists was able to reach 6,434 children and engage 211 scientists in science outreach. A growth of 2,042 children compared to the previous year. Moreover, their work translated into 60+ new partnerships for the organisation, expanding Native's reach and capacity to grow. Beyond these numbers, the managers of the internship programme also helped make possible Native's flagship event, Ponto de Interrogação, to openly discuss scientific literacy in Portugal.

An internal survey to summarize the experience, shows that the internship programme was successful. All participants agreed that their expectations were met, rating the overall experience as a 4.7 out of 5. The praise was extended to the support they received through the 1:1 meetings and the continued mentorship (4.9/5), which also allowed for a great learning experience (4.6/5). 

Lúcia Xavier describes the work culture and environment as “phenomenal”. She elaborates, “There's a visible sensitivity towards people's time and a real care for that respect”. Besides work culture, Marcela Nogueira, a Philanthropy Manager, explains how the programme allowed her, “even while geographically distant from centres like Lisbon or Porto, to work remotely towards better access to education”. 

The internship programme managers seem to agree on how it has contributed to the enrichment of their skillset. “This internship contributed to my development by increasing my skills in communication, coordination and teamwork, as well as boosting my professional confidence", says Orcélio Cumbe, a Partnerships Manager. Natália Mendes, a Philanthropy Manager, agrees by describing the experience as “very practical and positive, in that I was able to develop soft skills as well as resolve doubts in various areas." In fact, because of this programme, 94% of these managers have said they feel more prepared for the labour market.

“It was much more than developing technical skills. Above all, it helped me realise that I had the power to contribute to reducing inequalities and to contribute to scientific literacy”, adds Gianina Fernandes, a Communications Manager. They all share the feeling of finding a sense of purpose in the work.  “It opened my mind to equity in science and to science communication”, said Ranyra dos Reis, a Programme Manager. Sara Lopes, a Communications Manager, said “I leave this internship with the conviction that the role we play in communication has a real impact in building a more equitable society. Because when a child sees themselves represented, a whole world of possibilities changes."

This first edition proved that investing in people pays off: managers grew professionally, and thousands more children gained access to science. Native is grateful to every person who made this year possible, and is already looking ahead to building on this momentum.

To learn more about Native’s Internship programme click here.

About Native Scientists

Native Scientists is a pan-European non-profit organisation connecting underserved children and scientists. It exists to broaden children's horizons, promoting scientific literacy and reducing inequalities through science outreach educational programmes.