College students begin Governor's Environmental Corps Summer Internship at Illinois EPA

SPRINGFIELD—In a unique collaboration between state government and Illinois corporations, 34 undergraduate or graduate students from colleges and universities across the state began their summer internships at the state environmental agency.  

 

The interns have been assigned to professional mentors in their areas of environmental interest and will be able to make meaningful contributions to the regulatory, compliance, scientific and outreach assistance programs at Illinois EPA.  In addition to their work experience in a professional office setting and field operations, Governor's Environmental Corps (GEC) interns also participate in regular field trips and workshops to gain first hand knowledge of current environmental challenges and solutions.  The 2008 program runs through August 1.

 

"Since 1991, the GEC program has provided a true hands-on learning experience for more than 600 college undergraduate or graduate students," said Illinois EPA Director Doug Scott.  "Students in such fields as engineering, geology, chemistry, biology, communications and law have gone on to careers in the environmental field.  Their contributions also energize our own staff mentors each summer." 

 

Interns will gain experience in sampling and inspections for land, air, and water pollution, laboratory analysis, waste water, drinking water, groundwater, air quality, solid or hazardous waste, remedial projects management, public relations, legal counsel, community relations and staff training.

 

Interns stationed in the Springfield area who enjoy working with children can also serve as volunteer instructors in the Junior Governor's Environmental Corps, an environmental awareness and education program that reaches hundreds of six-to-twelve-year olds in central Illinois each summer at camps and other venues. 

 

The list of students, their hometowns, work location, corporate sponsor and the college or university they are attending follows: