Environmental Leaders Program Projects & Internships
APPLY NOW to HELP COMMUNITIES SOLVE REAL WORLD ENVIRONMENTAL PROBLEMS
Graduate Student Projects & Internships Starting Fall Quarter 2009
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
The Environmental Leaders Program (ELP) is a program in the John Muir Institute of the Environment that links graduate students with communities through applied projects. Run as internships, projects assist regional communities in solving California's environmental problems and provide graduate students with experience in applying academic learning to real world practice. Open to all disciplines and graduate groups and available for one quarter to a year or more, projects are located in regional community, educational and agency settings or at UC Davis and are conducted in collaboration with partnering entities. Projects may be combined with or lead to research, capstone projects or theses.
BENEFITS
The ELP provides an ongoing seminar and interdisciplinary group learning environment, project guidance, work space, 2 units academic credit/quarter, some expense reimbursement, workplace skills and career opportunities.
To APPLY or for more INFORMATION
Email Kandace at kmknudson@ucdavis.edu
Include resume and brief letter of relevant experience and qualifications and note which project you are applying for. Apply now for fall quarter. Full project descriptions are available. We add projects and internships frequently so ask about updates, or create your own and participate in the ELP. Check back here for updates.
Projects & Internships Currently Available
1) Projects on WATERSHEDS and NATURAL RESOURCES
LAGUNA CREEK WATERSHED MANAGEMENT, RESTORATION and SENSE of PLACE: Complex of projects in south Sacramento County related to stormwater drainage master plan, water use efficiency, landscape design, backyard ecology, school and community participation, business plan development, and more.
CARING for PUTAH CREEK: In the University’s backyard, inspire stakeholder appreciation and stewardship of the Putah Creek Watershed and facilitate collaboration for restoration, education, and public outreach
WOLF CREEK RESTORATION: Assist a dedicated Sierra foothills community alliance restore its watershed. Emphasis is on watershed assessment, management, water quality monitoring, and stewardship.
2) Projects on ENERGY, CLIMATE CHANGE and GREEN ACTION
REDUCE ENERGY USE, INCREASE EFFICIENCY: Assist in early stages of researching, planning for and designing community-based energy efficiency programs in partnership with local governments in Yolo County. Emphasis on innovative methods for energy demand reduction and behavior change.
GREEN FLEET PROGRAM: Assist in the development of a fleet management program for local governments in Yolo County to lower costs, reduce gasoline consumption, and improve air quality.
GREENING A SHOPPING CENTER: Assist in the design of a shopping center in West Davis that has been without an anchor tenant for two years; combines landscape design and community outreach.
3) Projects on YOUTH DEVELOPMENT and EDUCATING for SUSTAINABILITY
CLIMATE CHANGE and ENERGY SCIENCE EDUCATION: Collaborate with UC Davis and local educators to design and pilot an integrative climate change and energy education program for “greening” Yolo County schools. Curriculum development and/or formal or non-formal education experience necessary.
YOUTH and the BUILT ENVIRONMENT: Facilitate the engagement and participation of youth in multiple aspects of the re-design of their Sacramento high school landscaping and grounds. Integrate with curriculum.
COMMUNITY GARDEN MASTER PLAN: Help develop a master plan for a multi-functional community garden along Putah Creek, near Winters; includes cooperative planning, landscape design, youth education, and community visioning and participation. Spanish language skills essential.
4) Projects on ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH and JUSTICE
NATURAL GAS NEIGHBORHOOD SITING: Assist a diverse low-income community facing the challenge of proposed development of an underground natural gas storage facility under their Sacramento neighborhood. Geology, engineering and community outreach skills especially needed.