This program is designed for students who are interested in gaining practitioner experience through connecting with community by interning with non-profit, local government, tribal government, or other organizations engaged in climate and sustainability work. Students can earn 2 to 16 academic credits for internship, seminar, and additional academic work. Interns who work as a part of the Center for Climate Action and Sustainability’s Community Internship Program are required to enroll in at least 2 credits , but have the opportunity to earn up to 16 credits for work in this program. Students who have internships outside of the CCAS program may also register with prior approval from the faculty (Dr. Levenda). This program is offered through the Center for Climate Action and Sustainability (CCAS).
Students enrolled in CCAS internships will hold a maximum of 19 hour/week internship for a maximum of 8 hours internship credits, additionally, students can earn up to 8 additional academic credits (depending upon the source of internship). All students will come to campus for one 2-hour class session every other week to learn more about climate action and community engagement through seminars, lectures, workshops, guest speakers, readings, podcasts, and/or films. Asynchronous work through online discussions, writing, and other projects will be the focus of additional credits. Up to 8 credits may be earned through the internship work students complete. During week 10 all students are required to deliver a presentation to colleagues and community members.
Participation in the 2-hour bi-weekly (every other week) class session is required. There will be common readings, individual written assignments and in-class group work, and a field trip to local organizations. Community education events are part of the program; students can select the time and location that works best, including video viewing. The CCAS faculty will connect with the sponsoring organizations and will check in, through a site-visit or remote interview with the field supervisor during the quarter. Faculty will be readily available to meet with students outside of scheduled class time as needed by appointment. The expectation is that we will be able to meet in person for our bi-weekly class sessions.
Find an internship : Paid CCAS Internships are posted on Handshake and interviews start at the end of August. Students are welcome to seek out their own internship possibilities, and CCAS Director Anthony Levenda can help connect students with organizations willing to provide internship opportunities. Evergreen's Academic Advising office can help students with completing the in-program internship contract. Please see this link for more information: https://www.evergreen.edu/individualstudy/internships
Learning Objectives: In this course, students will
Learn about the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats/challenges of various forms of climate and sustainability work in different forms of organizations (eg. government, non-profit, community organization)
Explore the field of green jobs through experience with a range of settings
Build capacity for social action and change
Incorporate passion and values into career goals
Develop transferable professional skills, and
Improve reflective writing, working in teams, and presentation skills
It is possible that this internship may substitute for the requirements of the Climate Policy and Action Certificate. More information about the certificate program can be found at the website: https://www.evergreen.edu/certificates/climate-policy-and-action
Registration
Interns who work as a part of the Center for Climate Action and Sustainability’s Community Internship Program are required to enroll in at least 2 credits , but have the opportunity to earn up to 16 credits for work in this program. Students who have internships outside of the CCAS program may also register with prior approval from the faculty (Dr. Levenda). Please contact the faculty at Anthony.Levenda@evergreen.edu to obtain the signature.