Campus Sustainability
The Alliance for Sustainable Communities offers this unique opportunity at colleges and universities in the Lehigh Valley. Interns will gain a strong understanding of the multiple elements of sustainability and strengthen project development and project management skills. Most colleges and universities have a variety of sustainability-related efforts underway, but these efforts may need better coordination or may be overlooking key areas.
| Rethink the System, Work for Change |
Individual internships are designed for you and the situation on your campus, but generally involve a combination of the following:
- Make sure that there is an up-to-date inventory of assets and resources that affect sustainability on your campus, including programs, activities, and course content related to sustainability (in all departments);
- Ensure that your campus initiates or completes a comprehensive action plan to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions / energy and move towards sustainability, based on an up-to-date GHG inventory;
- Involve and work with students, faculty, and staff to develop and implement strategies for campus sustainability;
- Focus on one or two sustainability projects of your choice in areas of special interest to you;
- Explore ways for your college/university to serve as a positive force and role model in reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and contributing to the success of Climate Protection Agreements signed by city and county leaders;
- Write articles on various aspects of sustainability;
- Assist in efforts to promote and support sustainability education at K12 schools;
- Develop strategies to ensure the continuation of these efforts on your campus;
- Develop and promote efforts to have your college sign and implement the American College and University Presidents Climate Commitment and the Talloires Declaration;
- Share information and meet periodically with other campus sustainability interns; and
- As needed, reinforce and support efforts of other campus sustainability interns.
Because this internship focuses on sustainability at your college or university, most work will take place on your campus.
Work-Study: Students who are eligible for work-study may be able to work on campus sustainability as a work-study assignment. Contact Peter Crownfield if you want to pursue this possibility.
This internship requires in at least 10 hours/week [on average]. A strong commitment to building sustainable campus communities is more important than your major or course of study. Strong writing, interpersonal, and problem-solving skills are critical.
There are a number of related areas that would be suitable topics for independent study. Contact Peter Crownfield for more information or for support for such efforts.
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General information about Alliance internships