Illinois College Environmental Issues Internship Program
Environmental issues connect with most aspects of our lives. Illinois College proudly offers two environmentally related internship programs that are made possible through generous funding through the Margaret A. Cargill Foundation.
The Illinois College Environmental Issues Internship Program offers two distinct options for students with an interest in the environment and the natural world. Both options provide a $3200 stipend, travel and housing support if needed and four hours of summer academic credit to the students selected as interns.
Application information can be found with each internship option. Applications are due Friday, February 15, 2013.
Internship Requirements:
Regardless of the internship option selected, all interns in the Illinois College Environmental Issues Internship Program will be subject to the following:
:: Students must be currently enrolled Illinois College students upon application and must return as a student to campus for the fall 2013 semester
:: Interns will serve a minimum of 10 weeks, completing a minimum of 300-400 hours of work. Hours worked will be documented via timesheets submitted on a periodic basis
:: Interns will work full time for the minimum of 10 weeks or fewer hours per week for a longer internship
:: Faculty supervisors will collaborate with students to develop: a) statement of the internship’s educational purpose, b) a series of activities which will allow the student to reflect on their learning during the internship (for example, a regular journal or a series of weekly emails responding to prompts set by the faculty member) and c) a culminating paper of seven to ten pages. Additional academic work may be assigned to complement the internship activities.
:: All interns will present their internship experience at a campus presentation/event in the fall of 2013. Specific information will be given before the onset of the experience. Interns should be sure to gather information and photos during the internship experience
Starhill Forest Arboretum Internships
Located between Petersburg and Springfield, just 45 minutes from Jacksonville is the world renowned living plant collection known as Starhill Forest Arboretum. Visit http://www.starhillforest.com for additional information about Starhill. Students are responsible for their own housing and transportation to and from Starhill.
Guy and Edie Sternberg welcome two interns each summer to learn about tree care and maintenance while collecting data in support of current research work. Interns are involved with any ongoing construction or special projects. In recent years, students have completed a digital herbarium, constructed a walkway, bridge, deck and stairs. Interns work three days per week for a minimum of 14 weeks totaling 300-400 hours.
To apply for consideration as an intern at Starhill Forest Arboretum, submit a cover letter and resumé as one PDF file to Kelly Pool at kelly.pool@ic.edu no later than Friday, February 15, 2013. The cover letter should be addressed to:
Guy Sternberg
Starhill Forest Arboretum
12000 Boy Scout Trail
Petersburg, Illinois 62765
Student Defined Internships
Students with an interest in environmental issues are encouraged to dream BIG! The Student Defined Internship option allows motivated students the opportunity to develop a proposal that explores some aspect of an environmental issue, at any site, in any location. Students are encouraged to research and strive for an internship site that is not the typical opportunity.
Environmental Biology majors are strongly encouraged to apply, yet students from all majors are encouraged to consider the program as well. A non- Environmental Biology major could work with an organization in any capacity. Example: A communication major partner with an organization in their marketing, communication or education departments, as long as there is a connection to an environmental issue.
Student Defined Internship applicants must complete the form located below this description. In addition a resumé and cover letter are required. Specific guidelines are found in the Application. All applicants must include a written proposal. The proposal should identify the organization(s), location(s) and types of projects or duties that would comprise the internship experience. Students must make a strong case for how the internship relates to the environment. Include as much relevant detail as possible.
Applicants are encouraged to make contact with perspective sites and a letter of support from the site would greatly enhance the strength of the proposal. At the time of application, students must have the written agreement of an Illinois College faculty member for supervision, as indicated on the application form. Although students need not have at the time of application, the final agreement of an organization at which they will carry out the internship, the agreement must be presented to Career Services before the start date of the internship.
Selection of Student Defined Internship Proposals: The Director of Career Services, the Associate Dean of the College and two other faculty members with environmental issues expertise, chosen by the Director and Associate Dean, will serve as the selection committee. The two faculty members shall not include faculty who are being proposed as faculty supervisors
To apply, submit an application form, cover letter directed to Kelly Pool, resumé and written proposal to the Office of Career Services no later than Friday, February 15, 2013. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Click the link below for the application form.