Energy Action Network (EAN) is pleased to announce our 2023 Summer Internship Program. Applications are due March 1, 2023 for college students (rising juniors and seniors in 2023) and 2023 college graduates excited by EAN’s mission of achieving Vermont’s climate and energy commitments in ways that create a just, thriving, and sustainable future for Vermonters. Goals for the Network are focused on helping Vermont meet the Global Warming Solutions Act (GWSA) requirements to reduce greenhouse gas pollution 26% below 2005 levels by 2025, 40% below 1990 levels by 2030, and 80% below 1990 levels by 2050.
EAN (the non-profit) is a mission-driven organization founded in 2012 to serve as a “backbone” organization for EAN (the Network), a broad and diverse collection of over 200 member organizations and public sector partners who are committed to helping Vermont achieve climate, clean energy, and energy justice goals and aspirations. EAN’s work is done in a “collective impact” framework, supported by a Board of Directors and core staff. Serving as a Summer Intern will provide an exciting and impactful opportunity to engage with and help inform the future actions of climate, clean energy, sustainability, and energy justice leaders throughout the state.
Internship Areas of Focus
Two Summer Interns will be selected for 2023. Each Intern will develop and carry out a research and writing project directly related to the ongoing work of EAN. Applicants are encouraged to review previous Intern research projects on the EAN website and the 2022 Annual Progress Report. Examples of possible internship projects for 2023 are provided below.
- Conduct research or analysis that supports the work of the Vermont Climate Council to achieve the 2021 Vermont Climate Action Plan (CAP). This could include, for example, supporting the work of one of the EAN Network Action Teams working on initiatives such as workforce development, creation of a Clean Heat Standard in Vermont, improving transportation equity, or dramatically scaling-up the delivery of weatherization services.
- Review ongoing initiatives in Vermont designed to increase weatherization, replace fossil fuel heating with clean heat options, and install electric vehicle charging in rental properties. Research similar programs and initiatives in other states and recommend new policy, financing, or program design and implementation strategies for consideration in Vermont, informed by lessons learned in other jurisdictions.
- Review previous energy burden studies completed in Vermont that assess the percentage of household income spent on energy for heating and transportation across various income categories. Informed by that work and a variety of federal and state information on related topics, conduct an analysis to assess how energy use and greenhouse gas emissions vary among households in Vermont based on income and wealth.
The project ideas above are illustrative only. Other impactful suggestions are welcome and internship applicants are strongly encouraged to propose key area(s) of interest and one or more possible projects for the internship in your application. Potential areas of focus for each internship will be discussed during the selection and interview process. The final areas of focus will be determined once the internship begins.
Work Environment
This internship will be conducted remotely, with most meetings happening via video call. If practical, there may also be one or two in person team meetings at the EAN office in downtown Montpelier. In addition, office space may be available for one or both Interns if downtown Montpelier is a convenient location for the Intern(s).
Team Engagement
Both interns will be mentored and supported by Christine Donovan, an EAN Senior Fellow and former Board Member. This will be supplemented by periodic team engagement and interaction with: Jared Duval, Executive Director, Cara Robechek, Deputy Director and Network Manager, Lena Stier, Data Manager, and potentially other EAN Senior Fellows or Network Members.
At least 3 one-hour Zoom teleconferences will be held with the Interns each week. This will help ensure the Interns are welcomed into EAN, experience thoughtful and substantive discussions and interactions with Christine and staff, and enjoy a sense of teamwork and engagement during their internships. In addition, Christine will be available via cell phone for consultation, brainstorming, etc. at any time during normal business hours. Christine will engage Jared, Cara, Lena, and others as appropriate.
Summer Intern Qualifications
- College students who are rising juniors and seniors in 2023 and/or 2023 college graduates
- GPA of 3.3 or higher
- Passion for helping lead the transition to a clean energy, decarbonized economy
- Demonstrated research, writing, and verbal communication skills
- Prior course work, internships, or employment in energy efficiency, renewable energy, clean transportation, or related sustainability issues
- Prior course work that involved conducting quantitative analysis
- An interest in using results of quantitative analysis as the basis for developing policy recommendations for clean energy, climate action, environmental, and/or sustainability initiatives
- Successful experience working independently and producing pre-determined final products on time and with a high-level of professionalism
- Reliable access to the internet as well as access to a personal computer and/or laptop
- Proficient with WORD, Excel, Power Point, YouTube, and other forms of social media
Application Process and Schedule
Please send a cover letter, a resume, two letters of recommendation, and a 3-to-5 page writing sample by Wednesday, March 1 at 5 pm ET to: Christine Donovan at ctdonovan@aol.com. Interviews will be conducted via Zoom during the weeks of March 20 and 27. All applicants will be notified of their status by Friday, April 7.
Stipend
A $4,000 stipend is available for each of two Summer Interns for a 10-week, 25-30 hour per week internship beginning Tuesday, June 6 and ending Friday, August 11.
EAN is an equal opportunity employer.
