Summer Internships
Each summer, we offer several internships, usually focusing on a specific issue or project with a team of students from different colleges. (Some of our regular internships, such as Communication or Act for Change, may also be possible in the summer ).
The focus for 2019 has not yet been decided, but will be announced early in the new year. (Recent projects have included a Sustainability Impact Assessment [2018], climate & sustainability for schools [2014 & 2016], and Sustainable Campus Dining Resources.)
Team members will meet with selected community members to explore aspects of the projects and their research, and will meet as a group to review progress, plan next steps, work together on complex tasks, 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.
Summer internships are unpaid, but can be structured to require as little as 15 hr/wk so students so students can still hold down a job if they want; others may work up to 25–30 hr/wk. Are you interested in and able to do an unpaid internship? (At some colleges, that makes students eligible for stipends and/or other benefits.)
In addition, some students who are planning a fall internship for credit elect to get a head start by doing background research over the summer.
General Information for Summer Internships
Deliverables generally will include some or all of the following
- a report presenting information from research and/or literature reviews, discussion of implications, and recommendations for action
- presentations to community groups and other groups
- one or more posters that clarify recommendations
Skills and Abilities Interns Are Expected to Have / Develop / Improve
- 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
- Use of Excel (or a similar program) to develop complex spreadsheets designed to analyze findings
Qualifications: Strong desire to improve policy & education with regard to climate, public health, social justice, and other facets of sustainability; strong written and oral communication skills; attention to detail; ability to work well independently & as part of a team.
Plans for Summer 2018
Alliance Goals
[updated 30 December 2017]