Environmental Studies understands that our students don’t only want to learn about environmental issues in class. They also want to apply their knowledge & skills on the ground, and make a positive impact in our community. Our Impact Internships embed students within St. Louis organizations, engaging with the environmental issues that impact people’s lives every day. To become an Impact Intern, students may apply to available internships with Environmental Studies’ existing partner organizations (listed below), or seek environmental internships in the St. Louis region of their own choosing.

We are accepting applications for the Summer 2024 positions. Please read each description carefully for information on time commitment and application instructions. Applications can be found here.

Contact Griffin Knipp at knipp@wustl.edu with any questions.

Program Intern (River City Outdoors) – Open

This position is part of the Campus Climate Action Corp. This comes with an additional $1460 AmeriCorps award that the intern will apply to separately. Interns are asked to do an extra 40 hours (300 hours total) over the summer.

As a River City Outdoors Intern you will work closely with the Program Manager to help achieve the desired outcomes which is to change the way outdoor recreation is accessed in the region by removing barriers and educating our community using our equity lens.

We will engage through our already and continuing to grow partner network, providing youth opportunities to learn about, play and enjoy different recreational activities that can include river trips, fishing, rock climbing, camping, and paddling to name a few. We will also educate and advocate what it means to be a good steward to our environment. The intern will play a key role as we seek to expand our network of community partners and strengthen the bonds with existing ones. Through meetings with key stakeholders from the education, political, business and non-profit sectors throughout the region so that we can best leverage our network to best serve our communities.

The Intern will:

1.     Assist in day-to day operation in all aspects of programming, teaching and scheduling events in the community.

2.     Develop written documents such as activity guides to be used by educators and a RCO program calendar.

3.     Assists in representing RCO views to community members and the general public by giving testimony, participating in meetings, public speaking events, and by establishing and maintaining professional contacts.

4.     Performs some general office duties and other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications: 

  • Interpersonal communication skills
  • A commitment to racial equity and social justice
  • Have a driver’s license and access to a personal vehicle .
  • Be able to use social media to keep up with what we are doing.

Preferred Qualifications: 

  • Outgoing, excited to engage in St. Louis community
  • Experience in working with educators and/or youth
  • Love of outdoors

 Additional notes:

Opportunities to spend a great deal of time exploring nature in a variety of settings, rivers, lakes and many more of Missouri’s outdoor amenities weather permitting.

Clayton Sustainability Action Committee Internship (City of Clayton) – Open

The City of Clayton is recognized throughout the metropolitan area for an outstanding quality of life combining a bustling downtown with quiet, secure residential neighborhoods. Just west of the Washington University Danforth Campus, and the City of St. Louis, Clayton is the seat of St. Louis County. While 81% of Clayton’s land is dedicated to residential or park use, the City’s Central Business District combines 7,000,000 square feet of office space with the vitality of 1,000,000 square feet of retail space. For more information see: https://www.claytonmo.gov/government/about-clayton.

The Sustainability Advisory Committee (SAC) advises the Mayor, Board of Aldermen and City Manager with respect to the development and support of ecologically sound and sustainable programs and practices within Clayton’s municipal government, the community and metropolitan St. Louis Region.

Hours & Schedule:Full time (260 total hours), hybrid, flexible work hours during the Summer of 2024. Specific hourly schedules are determined by each intern and their supervisor with availability Monday thru Friday. It is also hoped that Interns will attend the SAC monthly meetings (third Tuesday of the month between 4:30 and 5:30pm) in person at Clayton City Hall

Brief Description of Internship Deliverable: The Intern will focus on various projects within the plans developed by the Sustainability Advisory Committee which may include (1) the City’s Building Efficiency program, (2) planning for Fleet Vehicle Electrification, (3) Urban Dark Sky recognition, (4) Strategic Partnership Development, (5) Waste reduction and (6) Communications (the “Projects”). 

Internship Duties that Will Result in Deliverable: Sustainability Advisory Intern will sequentially work on the type of projects outlined below, as capacity and project progress allow:

1)   Regularly attend SAC meetings and participate in the engagement process leading to fulfillment of the SAC plans and where necessary, revisions to our plans.

2)  Assist with the development of Clayton’s Building Energy Efficiency program. 

3)  Assist with the plan for the electrification of Clayton’s fleet.

4)  Assist with the plan for recognition of one or more of the City’s parks as Urban Dark Sky Areas.

5)  Assist with the City’s participation in strategic partnerships including One STL, Mid- County Sustainability and Midwest Climate Collaborative as well as the Clayton School District and Chamber of Commerce.

6)  Assist with further level achievement for the SolSmart program working with the U.S. Dept of Energy’s Solar Energy Technologies Office. The city currently has a Bronze level designation and is working toward Silver. Once that is completed, the city will work toward Gold level which can only be achieved in coordination with the County of St. Louis.  

7) Assist with data collection, interpretation, and application in connection with each of the program tasks as well as crafting presentation materials.

Preferred Qualifications:

1. Appropriate for environmental sciences, business or engineering undergraduate or graduate student.

2. Strong interpersonal skills

3. Strong oral and written communication skills and organization/attention to detail

4. Tech proficiency (Microsoft Office, Google Drive, and video chat software)

5. Experience with data analysis using Excel or other software.

6. Ability to work professionally in virtual setting using zoom technology as a communication tool.

Electrification Sustainability Internship (Cabanne District CDC) – Open

This position is part of the Campus Climate Action Corp. This comes with an additional $1460 AmeriCorps award that the intern will apply to separately. Inters are asked to do an extra 40 hours (300 hours total) over the summer.

Cabanne District Community Development Corporation (CDCDC) is a Westside St.Louis City, BIPOC nonpartisan not-for-profit organization committed to promoting policies and actions that facilitate the accelerated deployment of Electrification upgrades & EV on a mass scale within eastern Missouri Justice 40 communities. Where an opportunity to thrive is not a standard but a way of life for all Women,Children and Elders. We are implementers of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and Ferguson Commission Signature Priority Areas.

The CDCDC is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. Together, we are embarking on a journey where each and every one of us, individually and collectively, welcomes and celebrates individual differences.

Position Description: We seek a passionate, and innovative student to support our work to maximize recent federal Justice 40/Electrification efforts in housing and Ev programs. As a Electrification/J40 intern will work with the Executive Director and others. To support equitable energy projects farther by driving public and private partnerships to unlock capital, break down state and local barriers to deployment, create technical support that can work at scale, and build capacity in community and within the stakeholder community to support rapid adoption of housing/transportation electrification solutions for those living within eastern Missouri Justice 40 communities. In the frame of a five-month internship in Equitable Energy, you will be able to put theory into practice by contributing to our projects on lessening energy burdens and access to EV products.

Key Responsibilities

  • Contribute to writing projects, including reports, policy briefs and white papers, op-eds, and similar technical documents. 
  • Curate and support convenings and building stakeholder relationships. 
  • Present information to public audiences through conferences, webinars, and other events.
  • Support projects to achieve specific deliverables.
  • Research and analyze government and private sector electrification/Justice 40 related policies, funding opportunities, and deployment programs.
  • Develop internal/ external resources based on new federal, state, and local guidelines.
  • Collaboration in the implementation of projects, from the design to the presentation. 
  • Support in the design and sizing of the system.
  • Design graphics and material for numerous communication methods

Minimum Qualifications 

  • Excellent skills with the Microsoft Office suite of programs, specifically Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. 
  • Demonstrated ability to research primary and secondary sources. 
  • Skill in managing multiple activities, delivering on commitments, and operating with speed, accuracy, and strong judgment. 
  • Strong professional work ethic. 
  • Ability to think critically and problem solve. 
  • Demonstrated ability to work in a team and be a self-starter. 

 Additionally, applicants should have fluency in racial equity issues, dialogues around race and public policy, green energy, sustainable design, architecture and the concept of ‘energy burdens’ and consequences for health equity. They should be self-directed, have organizational skills, attention to detail, oral and written communication skills.  

Applicants should familiarize themselves with the “Environmental Racism in St. Louis” report prepared by the Interdisciplinary Environmental Clinic at Washington University’s School of Law, and should strive to incorporate or leverage some of the report’s conclusions as part of the internship. 

Applicants can also review the report “Segregation in St. Louis: Dismantling the Divide,” produced by Health Equity Works in the Brown School at Washington University. 

Environmental Justice Intern for EJ Organizing Campaign (Metropolitan Congregations United) – Open

Metropolitan Congregations United (MCU) is a grassroots organization composed of St. Louis area congregations of all faiths. They put faith into action by developing leaders who move their congregations, organizations, and communities to change public policy for the common good. Since our organization’s founding in 1991, MCU’s efforts have utilized relational organizing tools to build grassroots community power by developing strong relationships grounded in trust and leadership building to fight for collective social justice. MCU is the Environmental Justice campaign started in 2020. This campaign aims to support clergy leaders, community groups, and impacted residents to build the power necessary to fuel a local environmental justice movement and fight for policy change that addresses the disproportional impacts of environmental racism on low-income communities of color. 

      MCU is partnering with 19 organizations to hold air quality monitors and do community meetings, working as a coalition to implement recently passed legislation in Missouri on Get Out the Lead, and continuing to push for illegal dumping reform. The 2019 Environmental Racism in St. Louis report detailed the lack of available outdoor air quality data in St. Louis City. High rates of asthma and many point sources of air pollution in North St. Louis City. In response, we have created and found funding for the Community Based Air Quality Monitoring Program to launch the campaign in a larger way in 2021.

      The Air Quality Monitoring Intern will report directly to Beth Gutzler, Lead Environmental Justice Organizer for MCU, and will work with other members of MCU as needed. This internship is expected to be mainly remote, with periodic socially-distanced, masked, in-person activities. Regular communications with your supervisor will occur by phone and video. 

Internship Activities:

  • Assist MCU’s environmental justice team with outreach to develop strong relationships with local congregations, clergy leaders, and residents of color throughout St. Louis, MO utilizing basic relational organizing tools. Training for organizing leadership development will be provided. 20% of role
  • Intern will assist with the sharing of results with community based air quality monitoring work with members of the Washington University Jay Turner Lab with stakeholders. 20% of role
  • Assist with providing presentations and education workshops on air quality and other EJ topics for the Interfaith Environmental Justice Task Force, youth groups, and community leaders. To form environmental justice focused policy change for 2024 and beyond. 20% of role
  • Maintain communication with MCU Environmental Justice Campaign Staff and attend MCU activities. 20% of role
  • Researching the needs for the upcoming issues and concerns for impacted communities. Environmental Justice policy changes involve a high level of science and there is a need for complex information to be presented ready for public forums. For example, reading and interrupting an air quality permit, so that a community can decide if there should be a public hearing held or appeal made by neighbors concerned about new pollution in their community. 20% of role 

Applicants should familiarize themselves with the “Environmental Racism in St. Louis” report prepared by the Interdisciplinary Environmental Clinic at Washington University’s School of Law. 

Applicants can also review the report “Segregation in St. Louis: Dismantling the Divide,” produced by Health Equity Works in the Brown School at Washington University. 

Qualifications:

  • Experience navigating conversations about race and racism, the environment, science, and public policy 
  • Working toward a major or minor in, or have taken significant coursework in, a combination of public health, engineering, data analysis, and/or environmental studies preferred 
  • Excellent relationship building skills; bilingual welcomed
  • Demonstrated love of the St. Louis community 
  • Strong oral and written communication skills and organization/attention to detail 
  • Tech proficiency (Microsoft Office, Google Drive, and video chat software)
  • Ability to work professionally in virtual setting using zoom technology as primary communication tool 
  • Experience with data analysis using Excel or other software. Include information on any relevant courses you’ve taken in which you have analyzed data.  

Hours: A required amount of 260 total hours between May and July 31st. Specific hourly schedules are determined by the intern and their supervisor.

Environmental Justice Community Organizer Intern (United Congregations of Metro-East )- Open

United Congregations of Metro-East (UCM) is seeking a full-time Environmental Justice Intern to lead and organize communities and organizations to work on restorative, transformative, and environmental justice issues in the Illinois Metro-East, throughout Madison and St. Clair Counties. This role is primarily responsible for building and maintaining relationships with local congregations and key actors throughout the Metro-East. Additionally, this role is responsible for building and maintaining relationships with statewide and national coalition partners

The ideal candidate has a proven ability to foster coordination and cooperation among diverse groups. They are committed to getting results in a fast-paced environment and can handle a heavy workload without dropping the ball. This position is an opportunity to engage with faith organizations, policymakers, advocacy organizations, and constituents to help bring about real systemic change. 

Position Summary 

The Environmental Justice Intern will assist in the development and implementation of environmental justice initiatives within United Congregations of Metro East. This position will provide an opportunity for the intern to gain experience in community organizing, research, and advocacy while making a positive impact on the environment

Key Responsibilities 

  • Conduct research on environmental justice issues and policies at the local, state, and federal levels.
  • Assist in planning and organizing events related to environmental justice, such as workshops or community forums.
  • Collaborate with other organizations and community members to support environmental justice initiatives.
  • Develop informational materials and resources to educate the community about environmental justice issues.
  • Help with data collection and analysis for ongoing environmental justice projects.
  • Assist in maintaining social media accounts to raise awareness about environmental justice issues and promote our organization’s initiatives.
  • Serve as Environmental Justice Intern for congregations in St. Clair County and/or Madison County IL.
    • Build relationships with current leaders
    • Recruit new member organizations
    • Facilitate network video calls, events and gatherings
  • Train and develop grassroots faith leaders on how to engage others within their congregations in the fight for justice.
  • Guide grassroots faith leaders in conducting research and developing action plans for winnable issue campaigns.
  • Recruit new grassroots faith leaders and congregations into the organization.
  • Organizing public actions.
  • Support in coordinating an annual fundraising drive.
  • Build relationships and accountability with UCM leaders and Pastors

Qualifications  

Candidates must be available to work a minimum of ten (10) hours per week, with preference given to those who have flexible hours Monday-Friday and are available for as-needed Saturday and Sunday assignments.

Candidates must have access to a reliable vehicle. 

Compensation

This is a part-time, 10 hour a week, non-salaried position. You will be compensated at the rate of $18 per hour. This position may require evening work a few times a month and a flexible work day

Donor Cultivator Intern (United Congregations of Metro-East ) – Open

United Congregations of Metro East Communications Intern works primarily to support the upkeep, growth, and development of the UCM base and provide creative, logistical, and organizational support for all programs. This role includes liaising with UCM program staff across the organization, with members, and their families, and supporting the escalation of members of the UCM base to take action and engage with UCM programs.

The Donor cultivator Intern, who is based in East St. Louis, reports to the Executive Director and is responsible for the following: 

Development 

  • Audit and assess existing recurring donors – Sustainers. 
  • Review the existing giving circle model and recruitment strategy. 
  • Develop a new strategy for recruitment, including structure and membership benefits for the sustainers’ circle, using previous research to make recommendations.
  • Create materials for marketing and recruiting new members and retention of established members. 
  • Audit and assess existing peer-to-peer campaign materials and identify areas of needed improvement:
    • Review existing materials from campaigns to consolidate and make them more concise. 
    • Research fundraising best practices for peer-to-peer campaigns and compare existing practices to devise the best strategy for new campaigns. 
    • Develop new peer-to-peer campaigns using previous research to create procedures, materials, and timelines. 
    • Implement and assess campaign effectiveness and provide a report of recommendations for future changes.
  • Audit and assess existing fundraising vehicles in the East St. Louis market and outline a plan to implement new ones:
  • Review existing materials from campaigns and marketing collateral. 
  • Review funding mix and assess opportunities for new revenue vehicles. 
  • Review fund development cycle, specifically donor stewardship. Make recommendations for improvements. 
  • Create a database/document of recommended new funding opportunities including (but not limited to):
    • Third-party event sites/vendors
    • specific grant opportunities
    • specific sponsor prospects
  • Support fund development efforts by owning the creation of event branding & running the event communications components on social/digital platforms. 
  • Collaborate on marketing materials for fundraisers, special events, and awareness campaigns. 
  • Summer Specific: Participate in UCM annual community guidebook adsales campaign
  • Summer Specific: Build partnerships with community businesses to sponsor and be vendors at UCM Back to School event
  • Summer Specific: Create funder specific collateral for summer programming including promotional materials for a Back to School event and Advancing Healing Justice.
  • Summer Specific: Support in building and launching a Peer-to-Peer fundraising campaign.

Additional Responsibilities 

  • [Dependent on class schedule] Active participation in weekly staff meetings 
  • Active participation in weekly Development team meetings
  • Engage in Ongoing Political Education in support of UCM programs. 
  • Carefully execute work as needed and deliver on the goals/strategy for the team. 
  • Occasionally represent UCM for public speaking opportunities, networking events, and conferences, (no more than 10% of work hours).
  • Summer Specific: Highlight UCM canvassing efforts through media postings, donor mailings, and donor briefings.
  • Summer Specific: Create collateral for summer programming including promotional materials for a Back to School event and Advancing Healing Justice.

Compensation

This is a part-time, 10 hour a week, non-salaried position. You will be compensated at the rate of $18 per hour. This position may require evening work a few times a month and a flexible work day

Marketing Communications Intern (United Congregations of Metro-East) – Open

United Congregations of Metro East Communications Intern works primarily to support the upkeep, growth and development of the UCM base and provide creative, logistical, and organizational support of all programs. This role includes liaising with UCM program staff across the organization, with members, and their families, and supporting the escalation of members of the UCM base to take action and engage with UCM programs.

The Marketing/Communications Intern, who is based in East St. Louis, reports to the Executive Director and is responsible for the following: 

Communications and Brand Management 

  • Develop strategies to engage our base in our programs: transformative justice, policy & advocacy, and organizing. 
  • Support social media strategy creation and help coordinate content calendar.
    • Specifically, support the organization & creation of content for TikTok and Twitter.
  • Monitor social media trends and engage with partners, community leaders, and followers, and make recommendations for adjustments to communications strategies and practices. 
  • Develop & use digital design skills and our organization’s branding guidelines to create visual branding & graphics to represent the organization’s events, programs, and campaigns. 
  • Work with the UCM base of directly impacted people to harness and promulgate their stories. 
  • Write a variety of different content to support communications and marketing efforts, including newsletters, website copy, brochures, and press releases. 
  • Summer Specific: Support UCM in promoting Back to School community event 
  • Summer Specific: Highlight UCM canvassing efforts through media postings, newsletters, and blog writing
  • Summer Specific: Create collateral for summer programming including promotional materials for a Back to School event and Advancing Healing Justice

Development 

  • Support fund development efforts by owning the creation of event branding & running the event communications components on social/digital platforms. 
  • Collaborate on marketing materials for fundraisers, special events, awareness campaigns, and UCM merch store. 

Audience Engagement 

  • Identify content creators and influencers to support our public relations drive, and projects, and contribute to departmental reporting. 
  • Develop UCM brand ambassadors, digital content creators and cultural workers with an eye on connecting the local to the state and federal with the work UCM is trying to do. 
  • Support UCM in building press connections and publication opportunities.

Additional Responsibilities 

  • [Dependent on class schedule] Active participation in weekly staff meetings 
  • Active participation in weekly Communications team meetings 
  • Engage in Ongoing Political Education in support of UCM programs. 
  • Carefully execute work as needed and deliver on the goals/strategy for the team. 
  • Occasionally represent UCM for public speaking opportunities, networking events, and conferences, (no more than 10% of work hours). 

Qualifications 

Candidates must be available to work a minimum of ten (10) hours per week, with preference given to those who have flexible hours Monday-Friday and are available for as-needed Saturday and Sunday assignments.

Compensation

This is a part-time, 10 hour a week, non-salaried position. You will be compensated at the rate of $18 per hour. This position may require evening work a few times a month and a flexible work day.

Program Coordinator Internship (Ujima) – Closed

This position will provide the opportunity to work with Ujima, learn more about philanthropy, and become more involved in the St. Louis community. Food justice, environmental stewardship and youth empowerment are Ujima’s foundations. As a non-profit, pay-what-you-can service provider, they provide equitable access to food, education, and employment to marginalized communities. Ujima cultivates community through food justice, environmental stewardship, and youth empowerment.

The intern will provide support to George Washington Carver Farms (Ujima’s urban farm), produce donations, Apprenticeship Program, Be Well Cafe’s Farmer’s Market, Fairground neighborhood clean up efforts and additional programming support. An ideal candidate has some level of experience in grassroots and community philanthropy, urban agriculture, community engagement, social media management, fundraising, and/or data entry. Reliable access to transportation is essential because we will meet at multiple sites throughout the summer.

Duties/Responsibilities:

  • Access to reliable transportation is required
  • Helping Founder with planning and executing special events
  • Support staff to plan and manage social media content for Ujima’s Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram accounts. 
  • Support staff with farm and garden maintenance 
  • Support staff with neighborhood clean up efforts and other special events
  • Lead or co-lead tours and volunteer groups as needed
  • Coordinate produce and meal donations as needed
  • Developing an evaluation for participants in Ujima’s Apprenticeship Program.
  • Learn about Ujima, and issues in the St. Louis community by attending meetings with staff, board members, and other volunteers as needed
  • Support planning and coordination of Apprenticeship Program workshops, field trips, and camping trips
  • Ensure implementation of policies and practices during Apprenticeship Program
  • Monitor project budgets and track expenditures/transactions
  • Keep all members of the team up-to-date with relevant project information
  • Bi-Weekly check-ins will Founder to discuss Apprenticeship Program progress
  • Keep updated records of attendance and create reports as needed
  • Create presentations, summaries and helping materials to ensure better communication for information sessions and board meetings

Skills/Qualifications:

  • Efficient – able to complete tasks in a timely and effective manner
  • Flexible – able to respond to a variety of tasks and needs; able to work some evenings and to attend community events on occasional weekends (work schedule adjusted to provide equal time off during the work day)
  • Ability to work independently and with a team
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills
  • Strong computer skills
  • Desire to learn more about philanthropy
  • Desire to learn about community development, food justice, cooperative ownership, social enterprise, community wealth-building, and local economic development
  • Desire to learn more about effective nonprofit practices, and what makes strong nonprofit and community groups
  • Experience working or volunteering with diverse groups.
  • For more information about Ujima, visit www.ujimastl.org.
Outreach and Garden Intern – (Restorative Justice Movement Center) – Closed

The Restorative Justice Movement Center is a community resource in The Ville neighborhood for formerly incarcerated individuals or those facing drug addiction to re-integrate into the community. The RJM Center hosts support group meetings, sober events, and community outreach events to reach this goal. They also have a community garden to host educational events and help provide fresh produce in a food desert.

The Outreach & Garden Intern will help develop an outline for seasonal maintenance of the the RJM Center’s community garden, along with tending the garden, planting, and harvesting. In addition to community garden work, Intern will research Restorative Justice methodology and practices, manage documents and databases for compiled data and research, and help organize two fundraising events. There is ample opportunity for interns to gain experience related to nonprofit administration, events coordination, and to get to know community members. Past interns have assisted the RJM Center with initiatives like hosting health clinics, hosting Narcan trainings, and becoming a food pantry outreach site with the St. Louis Food Bank.

Internship Duties: 

  • the intern will research RJM methodology, outreach, and grant information
  • track data using developmental programs outlined by grant requirements
  • maintain a database for community resources
  • facilitate workshops and relations with WashU organizations and professors
  • keep up with community garden maintenance
  • and assist with event planning for the center. 

Required Qualifications:

  • Commitment to environmental justice and anti-racism work
  • Desire to work with people who are unhoused, recovering from addiction, formerly incarcerated, or otherwise marginalized.
  • Strong verbal and written communication
  • Strong sense of initiative and independent problem-solving
  • Patience and a go-with-the-flow attitude
  • Highly organized and detail oriented

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Proficiency in Excel, Microsoft Office Suite, and Google Applications
  • Experience working with people who are unhoused, recovering from addiction, formerly incarcerated, or otherwise marginalized.

Location: This internship will take place at the Restorative Justice Movement Center, located at 2401 Annie Malone Dr at the Antioch Baptist Church in The Ville neighborhood of St. Louis.

Food and Justice Fellowship Peer Mentor – (A Red Circle) – Closed

A Red Circle (ARC) launched the Food and Justice fellowship in 2021 so as to offer opportunities for young adults to develop skills and experience in three crucial areas: environmental justice & agriculture, understanding & navigating systematic inequalities, and entrepreneurship. ARC is seeking peer mentors to assist both in tailoring the program to the fellows’ interests and needs and readily adapting the program to a rapidly changing world and political climate.A Red Circle launched its Food & Justice Fellowship in 2021 with young adults from St. Louis County and City.  The Fellows will work from A Red Circle’s urban farm, community garden, and online.  The Fellowship will cover three topics: Equity & Justice, Growing Food & STEM, and Business & Entrepreneurship.  The Fellows will also read and discuss three books, related to the current topic.  We are seeking peer mentors to work and learn alongside the Fellows.

North St. Louis County’s economy can be traced to racist laws and public policies. A Red Circle’s vision is to restore North County to a safe, vibrant, sustainable, and economically viable community that remains diverse, and in doing so, help heal racial strife. Located in The Promise Zone, A Red Circle’s programming is designed to address five focus areas: employment, education, holistic living, policy, and the arts.

This position will be performed in person – with some time spent at A Red Circle’s office in Wellston, Missouri, near the Wellston Metrolink Station, and some time spent in the garden or at the urban farm.  “Transportation can be arranged from A Red Circle.”

Internship Activities

  • Perform supervisory tasks such as prepare curriculum, create documents, monitor attendance, administer an evaluation survey, and more. (2hrs/wk)
  • Work on A Red Circle’s urban farm and community garden. (4hrs/wk)
  • Share their insights into the topics from their educational experience. (2hrs/wk)
  • Help with outreach events. Mostly weekends (4hrs/wk)
  • Assist with preparing Outreach materials as needed (2hrs/wk)

Experience and requirements

  • Passion for social and environmental justice
  • Experience in peer mentorship
  • Ability to prioritize and meet deadlines to effectively reach goals
  • Self-motivated, flexible, and independent worker
  • Experience living, working, or volunteering in North St Louis County preferred (not required)
  • Means of personal transportation
  • Personal phone and laptop preferred

Site Supervisor:  Deborah Rice-Carter, deborah@aredcircle.org

Site location:  A Red Circle’s office, 6439 Plymouth Ave, and North County Agricultural Education Center

Other Internship Opportunities

Please note this position is not funded by Environmental Studies. There is separate funding available for hired interns who may apply through the Center for Career Engagement.

Garden and Program Assistant – (Northside Workshop) – Open

Host Site/Location Northside Workshop 1306 St. Louis Avenue, 63106 

Brief Description of Organization Northside Workshop (NSW) is an art nonprofit located in Old North St. Louis offering programs that focus on the importance of bees and pollinators to our communities. Our art studio, chemical-free teaching garden, and bee sanctuary aim to inspire self expression, environmental stewardship and community building. Our workshops and curriculums are rooted in experiential learning, collaboration, and radical empathy with the urban ecosystem. 

For more information see www.northsideworkshop.org 

Native Bees Stewardship Network https://vimeo.com/827074818 

Growing Safe Spaces https://youtu.be/eDpAR4RhCvI?feature=shared 

Intern Role 

To work alongside Artist and Director, Juan WIlliam Chávez and Master Gardener, Director of Sustainability & Programming, Kiersten Torrez. Interns help prepare materials + supplies for upcoming programs and help maintain the teaching garden and native bee sanctuary.

Start & End Date 

End of May 2024 – End of July/Early August 2024 with the possibility of extending into Fall of ’24. Hybrid work, flexible. But only PART-TIME (130 total hours) during the Summer of 2024. Specific hourly schedules are determined by intern and their supervisor. 

Brief Description of Internship Deliverable

● Learning to prepare and lead art and educational workshops about native bees and plants.

● Practicing Permaculture & chemical-free growing techniques using native plants to create habitat for pollinators.

● Using Social Practice Art to address environmental issues.

Internship Duties that Will Result in Deliverable

Intern will sequentially work on the type of projects outlined below, as capacity and project

progress allow:

● Preparing materials + supplies for upcoming programs and events.

● Helping to maintain our teaching garden using chemical-free + sustainable practices to build habitat that

supports beneficial pollinators and wildlife.

● Communicating and interacting with community members, volunteers, and partners in a professional

manner as a representative for NSW.

● Conducting research and administrative tasks.

● Assist with keeping the building and grounds orderly and accessible for the public.

Required Qualifications

● Be responsible, punctual, motivated, and communicative.

● Have a reliable form of transportation.

● Comfortable working outside.

● Able to conduct research and administrative tasks independently in a timely manner.

Preferred Qualifications

● Have an interest in Permaculture, native plants and pollinators,

● Have an interest in the arts, education, and community building.

● Have an interest in environmental justice, environmental racism, environmental stewardship, and Native/Decolonization issues related to St. Louis.

Prospective interns must provide their resume, course schedule, and cover letter describing their interest and qualifications​ for the position.  To fill out an application go here.

Business Development Internship – (Be Well Cafe) – Open

Please note this position is not funded by Environmental Studies. There is separate funding available for hired interns who may apply through the Center for Career Engagement.

The Business Development Intern will be a driving force within our membership outreach. Primary responsibilities will be to identify potential customers establish new prospective client relationships and drive new revenue for the company. The Business Development Internship also serves as a launch point for exploring multiple areas and opportunities in our rapidly growing startup. We are looking for outgoing candidates with passion for entrepreneurship, the ability to learn quickly and execute with excellence, organization skills, attention to detail, and superior communication skills. The ideal candidate will be organized, have a bias for action, and have a deep commitment to growth and learning. This role will involve a dynamic range of initiatives that have a tangible and significant impact on the non-profit.

This position is flexible, Monday to Saturday and averages 15 hours per week.

The BD Intern will report to the Executive Director.  While this position is currently a 12 week commitment, there will be opportunities to receive training and development as well as continue with a part-time or full-time position when Be Well Cafe, Market and Coworking Space opens in the Summer.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Responsibilities

  • Research the latest trends and best practices in the grocery retail industry
  • Analyze the effectiveness of Be Well Café & Market current business strategy
  • Contact nonprofits, schools, medical organizations, entrepreneurs, and recipe curators to forge potential partnerships and develop business relationships
  • This person will help Be Well Café & Market build and raise brand awareness through all facets of marketing and business development
  • Conducting background research on competitors, countries, projects, donor priorities and funding, and other business development specific information;
  • Contributing to the development and maintenance of databases and filing systems;
  • Providing administrative and logistical support, including organizing meetings and conference calls with potential partners, members, donors and staff
  • Writing material including marketing one-pagers, capacity statements, and other thought pieces as well as proposals
  • Contributing to quality of written content including proofreading, formatting, and editing documents.
  • Assist in the growth of the Be Well Market brand by raising awareness through potential customer and potential partner calls
  • Work alongside the team to identify, assess, and refine opportunities to expand Be Well Market impact

Qualifications:

  • Research the latest trends and best practices in the grocery retail industry
  • Analyze the effectiveness of Be Well Cafe’ & Market current business strategy
  • Contact nonprofits, schools, medical organizations, entrepreneurs, and recipe curators to forge potential partnerships and develop business relationships
  • Engage with prospective customers to assess their impression of Be Well Cafe’s business model and understand their grocery needs
  • Assist in the growth of the Be Well Market brand by raising awareness through potential customer and potential partner calls
  • Work alongside the team to identify, assess, and refine opportunities to expand Be Well Market impact

Additional Information: 

  • Eligible for course credit
  • Inquire about monthly stipend
  • Market discounts

To Apply

Submit a letter of  interest and attach an updated resume to info@bewellcafe.org 

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.

Social Media Marketing Intern – (Be Well Cafe) – Open

Please note this position is not funded by Environmental Studies. There is separate funding available for hired interns who may apply through the Center for Career Engagement.

A Social Media Intern, or Social Media Marketing Intern, is responsible for assisting in a range of marketing initiatives within an organization. Their duties include tracking analytics for social media campaigns, creating social media posting schedules and writing captions for social media posts.

 The BW Intern will report to the Executive Director and Cafe/Market Manager.  While this position is currently requires a 12 week commitment, there will be opportunities to receive training and development as well as continue with a part-time or full-time position when Be Well Cafe and Market opens this Summer.

Responsibilities

  • Co-coordinating Be Well’s Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin, TicToc and other social media accounts
  • Identifying opportunities (such as in the general media) where raising such an awareness is necessary
  • Drafting press releases, letters to the editor
  • Crafting blog post, online Q & A and commenting online

Skills needed

  • Excellent writing skills, some understanding of food access, small business, economic and social development
  • Experience with social media and general media campaigns
  • Work alongside the team to design and develop a social media and communication strategy
  • Develop and post meaningful content for Be Well Café & Markets website and social media accounts 
  • Engage followers using creativity to keep followers up to date on Be Well Café & Market news
  • Assist in the growth of the brand by raising awareness through various social media platform
  • Monitor postings to ensure brand message is constant; from the terminology used to images posted
  • Outreach to local nonprofit, schools, and medical organizations to forge partnerships
  • Interact with followers and potential customers by communicating and answering questions through the company’s social pages
  • Analyze the effectiveness of social media account

Qualifications:

  • 2+ years of experience in digital marketing/social media marketing 
  • Business, marketing, journalism, public relations ore related field
  • Social media analytics software including Facebook Insights, Google Analytic, & etc
  • Familiar with multi-social posting through programs such as Asana, Hootsuite and Hubspot
  • General Knowledge of Search Engine Optimization and internet ranking for web content
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills
  • Positive work ethic, able to work within a team and independently
  • Ability to work cooperatively with people from diverse backgrounds
  • Interest in improving healthy food access and community development
  • Experience with content management systems, word processor applications and image/video editing software
  • Interest in improving healthy food access and community development

Additional Information: 

  • Eligible for course credit
  • Inquire about monthly stipend
  • Market discounts

To Apply

Submit a letter of  interest and attach an updated resume to info@bewellcafe.org 

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.

Overview

Compensation
Impact Interns receive a $4000 stipend for full-time summer internships. This stipend is disbursed monthly over a period of two months (end of June and end of July). Interns receive a $2000 stipend for part-time Summer internships or during the Fall and Spring Semesters internships. This stipend is disbursed monthly over a period of four months.

Note: The positions at UC Metro East are compensated by UC Metro East, not Environmental Studies. Applicants should speak with UC Metro East about how often compensation is received.

Note: The Center for Career Advancement has funding for summer internships that are unpaid. We recommend students that are interested in the following positions:

Be Well

Should apply for funding through that process. It can be found here.

Time Commitment
To ensure Impact Interns can engage meaningfully with their organizations, we require a minimum commitment of 130 hours per semester for academic year interns. In the summer we have a full time option (260 hours) and a part time option (130 hours). This equates to roughly 33 hrs/week (or 16 hours a week if part time) during the summer, and roughly 10 hrs/week during the academic year (excluding weeks in which the University has breaks). Your schedule can vary from week to week, but it is critically important to ensure you have adequate time to commit to this internship before applying. If you are taking extra courses, or already have a job or internship, this opportunity may not be right for you at this time. If interns do not complete the hours requirement, they may not be eligible to continue their internship, the duration of their stipend may be reduced, or both.

Student Requirements
Any currently enrolled student at Washington University, undergraduate or graduate, may apply for this program. By applying, students commit to attending several events & professional development sessions with their intern cohort throughout the semester. Students who can commit to at least 2 consecutive semesters of an internship will be prioritized. Students may not intern after they graduate- all summer interns must be enrolled at WashU for fall semester.

ENST 299

All Impact Interns can also take ENST 299 for credit. However, it is not necessary that Impact Interns take the course for credit. All Interns are still expected to attend and participate in the seminar. However, those who choose not to take ENST 299 for Credit, can use any/all time in preparing and attending the Directed Internship seminar, as well as programming from ESCC, towards their required 130 hours. There is a 15-hour maximum that can be spent between ESCC and the Directed Internship Seminar.

During the Fall and Spring semester the seminar takes place 4 times, each session is 90 minutes long. The time will be determined once all interns are hired to best coordinate schedules. Information on ENST 299 can be found here ENST 299 Impact Internship Reflection Seminar 2023 Fall

How to Apply – Students

Prospective interns must provide their resume, course schedule and cover letter describing their interest and qualifications​ for the position. To fill out an application go here.

There is no process for a general application. applicants should apply to individual internships. ​ When applying to an internship listed above, please copy/paste the title of the internship you’re applying for into the subject line of your email. We may ask for additional application materials from you after you apply, such as references, or a writing sample.

How to Host an Intern – Community Organizations

If your organization is interested in hosting a WashU intern for an environmental project, please reach out to Griffin Knipp at knipp@wustl.edu with your proposed internship description and desired timeline.

Your organization does not need to have an environmental focus, so long as the intern is working on an environmental issue. We define the environment broadly to include many themes around housing quality, public health, food apartheid, policy, and more- reach out and ask us even if you aren’t sure your task is environmental!

Please take a look at our Impact Internship Handbook (found here), for more information as to what is expected of a host site. 

Nonprofit and governmental organizations addressing environmental issues are permissible host sites for interns.

Additionally, we recognize many for-profit organizations also engage with pressing environmental issues. We will consider student internships at for-profit organizations on a case-by-case basis, though for-profit entities may need to cover all or part of the cost of their interns.

We select placements based on our selection criteria (see Rubric of selection criteria here).

Resources

Impact Internship Handbook

Selection Criteria Rubric

ENST 299 Syllabus