As summer approaches, Raleigh's youth and young adults have an opportunity to dive into the intersection of environment, engineering, and public service with a variety of internships geared toward climate action and sustainability. Partnership Raleigh is calling on students aged 17-24 who live or study in Raleigh, including those planning to start educational programs by fall 2025, to apply for its Community Climate Intern Program. The application deadline has been extended to April 28, as per a recent announcement on the city's official website.
The 10-week paid internship, running from June 2 through August 8, is a collaborative effort between Partnership Raleigh, Raleigh Water, and Raleigh's Office of Sustainability. The program is designed to provide hands-on experience in various areas including administrative records management, environmental and engineering data analysis, and testing of water and wastewater samples in a certified laboratory. Interns may also find themselves assisting on safety protocols, taking part in land management activities, and supporting trades and operational crews. More information about the program and the application process can be found here on the City of Raleigh website.
Among the specific tasks listed for interns: assisting Raleigh Water's Safety and Emergency Preparedness Team with various safety items, including "drafting Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)," and supporting project implementation for the City of Raleigh Community Climate Action Plan. For those with a bent towards agriculture, there's also the chance to operate a variety agricultural equipment - with Raleigh Water's Land Management team - in what promises to be a blend of rural tradition and urban oversight.
The program's broad scope extends to encompass an analysis that incorporates equity and resilience, as interns will be tasked to "conduct analysis and make recommendations to advance equity and resilience initiatives," as mentioned on the City of Raleigh website.
