Bates Environmental Internships

Funded by the Otis Endowment, and the Feldman Foundation,  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. Awards will range from $1,000-5,000 and can be used to defray expenses associated with the completion of the internship.  This can include travel or room and board.  In the event that the internship is a volunteer or low-paying position, funds from the award can go toward salary. The criteria for the selection of Otis 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.

APPLICATION GUIDELINES

Eligibility. All 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 Otis Selection Committee prior to completing their essay.

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. Six sets of the following items must be included in the package:

(a) application form;

(b) a personal statement of approximately 200-250 words (1-2 pages double-spaced) that describes the internship, the rationale for selecting the position, and the personal growth that you expect to realize through pursuit of the opportunity;

(c) a short (not more than four typed lines) summary of the internship, including the number of weeks and hours per week;

(d) 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;

(e) the names, addresses, and telephone numbers of three persons who can attest to your qualifications for succeeding in the internship;

(f) a concise and realistic budget for the internship;

(g) the beginning and ending dates of the internship (these dates will be used as the basis for the contract), as well as the hours per week of the opportunity.

IMPORTANT: You must secure a letter or email from the sponsoring organization confirming your duties, length of the internship and the hours per week.

Submit all complete applications to Alison Keegan in the Office of the Dean of the Faculty, Lane 121, by 5pm on 2 April 2013 and 6 May 2013.

Awards and budget. Awards will range from $1,000-$5,000. A budget should accompany the application that can include: (1) travel or living expenses and (2) wages of up to $400 maximum per week (the $400 maximum is a combination of wages provided by the sponsor and the Otis Award). Students are encouraged to discuss their budget with Professor Tom Wenzel, chair of the Otis Committee (twenzel@bates.edu or 786-6296)

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 Kerry O’Brien 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 Otis Internship recipient offers a presentation to the College community. Details of this obligation are discussed with each recipient.

Selection committee. The Otis Committee welcomes questions. Its members are Thomas Wenzel, Charles A. Dana Professor of Chemistry and Chair of the Otis Committee; Jane Costlow, Professor of Russian; Lillian Nayder, Professor of English; and Kerry O’Brien, Assistant Dean of the Faculty.