Each summer, we offer internships, often focusing on a single issue or project, and students often from different colleges and majors work together. (Some other internships may also be possible on request.)
For Summer 2021, we have decided to offer several internships that have intersections with each other and with other Alliance projects instead of offering one group project. In each internship, we will be identifying barriers and exploring actions that could raise awareness and create change here in the Lehigh Valley. Because there are so many overlaps and intersections, a collaborative approach will be important.
Here are the internships we chose:
- Climate Action | Climate Justice (Summer 2021)
- Communication (Summer 2021)
- Community & Restorative Justice (Summer 2021)
- Editing & Publishing (Summer 2021)
- Healthy Food for Healthy Communities (Summer 2021)
We may accept more than one intern in any or all of these positions. Since all the internship areas have significant intersections, interns in any internship will be expected to collaborate with and assist other projects.
Interns will meet with selected community members, research what’s been done elsewhere, and work together to review progress, plan next steps, and coordinate independent work and team projects. In addition, each intern is expected to do reading and research independently, with the internship coordinator or other staff available to answer questions or provide assistance.
The Alliance is not able to pay summer interns, but many colleges support students completing unpaid internships with stipends and/or other benefits. Most of our summer interns work 25–30 hr/wk, but it is possible to structure an internship to require as little as 15 hr/wk for students who need to hold down a part-time job.
If necessary, these internships will be offered ‘remotely’, including meetings with people in the community.
General Information for Summer Internships
Deliverables generally will include some or all of the following
- a report, plan, or other document presenting information from exploration & research and/or discussion of implications and recommendations for action and/or work published on the Alliance website and other venues
- presentations to community groups and other groups
- one or more posters that clarify recommendations
Previous summer projects included
- Community & Restorative Justice systems [2020],
- Editing & Publishing (Summer 2020) – preparing for the new Sustainable Lehigh Valley booklet
- Climate Action Planning for the Lehigh Valley [2019],
- Sustainability Practices for Cafés & Restaurants [2019]
- Sustainability Impact Assessment [2018],
- Climate & sustainability for schools [2014 & 2016],
- Sustainable Campus Dining Resources [2013].
Skills and Abilities Interns Are Expected to Have / Develop / Improve
- General understanding of project subject matter, including strengths & weaknesses of current systems, and how the subject relates to and contributes to sustainability
- Effective oral communication in professional & community settings
- Effective written communication (reports, website pages, and perhaps some blog posts)
- Ability to identify key points for effective action
- Project planning & management skills
Qualifications: Strong written and oral communication skills; desire to improve policy & education with regard to climate, public health, social justice, and other facets of sustainability; strong attention to detail; ability to work well independently and as part of a team.
updated March 2021