Application Deadline: 10 April 

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Bates Environmental Internships give students a chance to understand some of the complexities and unpredictable variables that accompany environmental work.  The experience also provides a way for students to test in the field some of the theories and arguments encountered in courses.  Projects may include hands-on conservation work, environmental education, environmental research, political advocacy, environmental law, or other areas related to environmental questions.  They can involve domestic or international opportunities. 

Internships must be (1) eight weeks or longer and (2) a full-time position involving a minimum of 30 hours per week.

Awards will range from $1,000-5,000 and generally are used to provide salary for a volunteer or low-paying position.  Funds can also be requested to defray unusual expenses (e.g., high cost of international airfare) associated with the completion of the internship.

The criteria for the selection of Environmental Interns are:

(1) the degree to which the internship opportunity will lead to personal growth on the part of the student;

(2) evidence of academic and other preparation for the proposed internship;

(3) evidence that the internship can be implemented and completed as specified in the proposal.

Academic credit is not granted for these internships.

Preference will be given to applicants who have not been previously supported through this program.

APPLICATION GUIDELINES

Eligibility. All actively enrolled, full-time first-year, sophomore, and junior students, regardless of major, are eligible to apply. Seniors are not eligible.

Deadline.  Proposals will not be accepted after the deadline.  Interested students are urged to talk with one of the members of the Environmental Internship Committee prior to completing their application. Proposals are due by 11:59 pm on the deadline date listed above.

Applicants are informed of the selection before any public announcement is made. Students selected are expected to confirm the acceptance of their awards.

Application package.  The application form must be filled out and the following items must be attached as a SINGLE combined pdf within the form to be considered a complete package:

• a statement of approximately 250-500 words (1-2 pages double-spaced) that describes the internship, the types of responsibilities you will have in the internship, the rationale for selecting the position, and the personal growth that you expect to realize through pursuit of the opportunity;
• a short (not more than four typed lines) summary of the internship, including the number of weeks and hours per week;
• a resume-like summary of your academic work to date and other activities that give evidence of your interest in the purposes of the Otis Internship;
• the names and email addresses of three persons who can attest to your qualifications for succeeding in the internship;
• a concise, realistic and totaled budget for the internship
• IMPORTANT: You must secure a letter or email from the sponsoring organization that confirms (1) your duties, (2) the length of the internship, (3) the hours per week you will work, and (4) any salary or other forms of compensation (e.g., free room and/or board) associated with the position.  APPLICATIONS WITHOUT A LETTER FROM THE SPONSOR THAT SPECIFICALLY ADDRESSES ALL FOUR ITEMS WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED.

Awards and budget. Awards will range from $1,000-$5,000. A budget should accompany the application that can include: (1) wages of up to $400 maximum per week (the $400 maximum is a combination of wages and other compensation provided by the sponsor and the Award) and (2) any unusual expenses associated with completion of the internship. Students are encouraged to discuss their budget with Edili Lopez, Assistant Dean of the Faculty (elopez2@bates.edu).

Financial Responsibility. If for any reason the recipient of the grant is unable to fulfill her or his internship obligations as stated in their proposal, the student will be responsible to repay back the grant money awarded.  If the College has purchased airline tickets that the student does not use, the student is responsible to repay the College for the price of the ticket.  If the project has been started, then the amount of payment back will be determined by Edili Lopez in the Dean of the Faculty’s Office.

Academic record. The selection committee may review applicant transcripts.

Interview. The selection committee reviews all proposals and may interview some applicants.

Campus report. Following the completion of the project, each Environmental Internship recipient offers a presentation to the College community and provide a one-to two-page written report to the Office of the Dean of the Faculty that describes the value of the internship experience. Details of this obligation are discussed with each recipient.