Climate Career Pathways |
Student Internships
Energize Colleges creates student internship positions in collaboration with participating campuses to provide students with valuable work experience, deepened knowledge of sustainability topics and issues, and the opportunity to apply their understanding in the real world.
By managing all HR-related tasks including recruitment, hiring, timesheets, and payroll, we empower host campuses to focus on campus projects and impact. Our intern and site supervisor orientations, topic-specific and soft-skills training, and comprehensive support contribute to a successful internship experience.
Tyler Moe measures the cross-sectional area of the campus creek to determine hydroelectric generator production.
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Interning through SEI has allowed me to dive deeper into critical sustainability topics. Applying this knowledge to my future career in construction management feels empowering; I now feel prepared to make a real impact. Plus, I also discovered a new passion for writing. It's been an incredible experience overall!” |
It has been extremely rewarding to see my SEI interns develop over the semester. They had no prior knowledge of the various energy-related initiatives on our campus and I got to introduce them to the projects and staff on campus responsible for maintaining those projects. I allowed them to choose the direction of their educational materials, within a structured set of options, because I believe personal interest and enthusiasm drives student success more than any predetermined project I could've placed them on.” Fresno State’s Sustainability Analyst, Feng Teter, inspired me to join this program! I aimed to promote sustainability and efficiency on campus and in the community while improving my public speaking and graphic design skills. Working with another SEI Intern, Galilea Ramirez, on projects and outreach events has been incredibly rewarding, allowing me to think collaboratively, coordinate events, and create infographics.” |
Bailey (left) and Galilea (right) educate the campus community about Fresno State's Central Utility Plant project and its energy efficiency benefits.
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Fellowships
Energize Colleges offers tailored support to campus sustainability and facilities teams through the placement of talented early career professionals in partnership with our Climate Corps program.
As recent graduates looking for a bridge to a career in the sustainability sector, fellows work full-time for 10 to 12 months at a higher education institution where they gain real-world expertise while helping campuses with energy, climate change, and sustainability projects.
As recent graduates looking for a bridge to a career in the sustainability sector, fellows work full-time for 10 to 12 months at a higher education institution where they gain real-world expertise while helping campuses with energy, climate change, and sustainability projects.
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Through this position, I gained unexpected knowledge about HVAC, electrical, and ground systems, which enhanced my project work by providing a holistic view of campus energy. My favorite part about working on sustainability at the college level is devising creative solutions to problems and being trusted to do so. After my fellowship, I aim to specialize in data analytics within education or climate, combining my passions for numbers, education, and sustainability. |
Recent Fellow Experience
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Aleena Oakley made significant progress during her fellowship with the North Carolina Environmental Justice Network (NCEJN), focusing on climate justice and energy transitions. With the aim of building capacity for climate justice initiatives among NCEJN network members and community stakeholders, Aleena created a database of 70+ funding opportunities, developed partnerships with 65+ stakeholders, and supported local air quality research. Through participation in an event featuring a NCEJN and University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC) panel, she educated students about environmental justice and racism by highlighting insights from citizens of West Badin, NC who have been affected by aluminum manufacturing. Aleena's efforts, especially in Warren County, NC—the birthplace of the Environmental Justice movement—underscore her dedication to climate justice and just energy transitions.
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Aleena Oakley speaking to the concerned citizens of West Badin at UNC.
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As a Sustainability Fellow with the North Carolina Environmental Justice Network, I gained valuable experience in sustainability, project management, and community engagement. I learned the importance of prioritizing environmental justice communities and amplifying their voices in decisions affecting their lives and environment. This experience has taught me the value of creating collaborative spaces with the community and the value we, as individuals, can add to the world. My personal commitment to sustainability drives my life and work, and this fellowship has supported my passion and aspiration to become a sustainability and environmental advocacy leader." |
Fellowship Spotlight
The Climate Corps program has a proven track record with 99% of Fellows who participated in the program since 2021, securing jobs, or starting higher education programs, in sustainability within four months of completing their Fellowship.
Paloma Lobos gained valuable experience creating and promoting projects focused on air quality monitoring during her 2022-2023 fellowship with Kern Community College District’s California Renewable Energy Lab. After her fellowship, Paloma was hired by the lab as the Energy and Outreach Coordinator, allowing her to expand her fellowship project to involve local high schools and work directly with students to support their research projects and encourage them to explore the impacts of renewable energy on the community.
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By assisting with outreach and student education projects as a fellow, I developed the scientific communication skills necessary to carry out and implement community education projects in my current role. For example, I was able to initiate a STEM and renewable energy-focused summer camp for 7th to 10th graders as an Energy and Outreach Coordinator due to the experience I gained working with students and community members as a Climate Corps Fellow." |
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To learn more about current internships and fellowship opportunities, please contact us.
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