Bianca McAlister holding landscape design blueprints

Spotlight Video: Bianca McAlister

“It was a real privilege to have had the opportunity to work with a partner who was eager to advance sustainability goals on Georgia Tech's Campus. My internship allowed me to have meaningful conversations and to participate in programs that develop visible social, economic, and environmental sustainability changes around Atlanta. Additionally, specific to my process, it is remarkable to see the direct impact on the aesthetics, ecology, and the purpose of plants around campus that working with Georgia Tech Landscaping has provided.” - Bianca McAlister

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Students having discussion while sitting at table

Spotlight Video: Isabella Stubbs

Through the SLS Internship Program, Isabella was able to assist the City of Atlanta's Office of Sustainability in the summer of 2018. Hear her thoughts on the experience by watching her reflection video here.

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Group of students in front of SLS office in CULC

Spotlight Video: Haley Liakakos

This summer, SLS provided opportunities for multiple students to embark on adventures into the realm of sustainability. Through these summer internships, students like Haley were able to assist local organizations and help them further their goals. Hear more about her story by clicking here!

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Interested in the Sustainable Communities Summer Internship? Read about our inaugural Summer 2018 program on our blog, as well as a reflection from a 2018 intern on his experience. Read about the Summer 2019 program, and see below for information on our previous summers' interns and hosts and a comprehensive list of partners and past projects, as well as the 2022 program and application informationNOTE: Public Policy students have the option of using the Sustainable Communities Summer Internship to fulfill the internship requirement for that major - following appropriate approval steps. Sustainable Cities Minor students also have the option of using the Sustainable Communities Summer Internship to fulfill an elective course requirement for the minor.

Internship Program Overview

SLS seeks to provide our partners with support and resources while providing our students with practical experience supporting solutions for sustainable communities. The Sustainable Communities Internship program is offered every summer and is an opportunity for students looking to gain real-world experience related to sustainability and community engagement. Summer interns will earn internship course audit credit and can choose between a part-time (15-20 hours per week) or full-time (30-40 hours per week) internship. The Sustainable Communities Summer Internship Program is a 12-week program (mid-May to mid-August). Students interested in a part-time internship for the fall or spring semesters can contact SLS, and we will work with them to identify partners who may be interested in hosting an intern during the school year.

This internship program is a partnership between SLS and the Georgia Tech Strategic Energy Institute, Smart Cities and Inclusive Innovation, the Global Change Program, the Institute for People and Technology, and the Office of Campus Sustainability.

Innovating for Social Impact

Students participating in the Sustainable Communities Internship program must participate in the SLS internship seminar that meets one evening each week for one hour. The seminar introduces students to theories of grassroots sustainability innovation, and provides students with an opportunity to reflect on their internship experiences. (NOTE: One semester of the Sustainable Communities Internship Program, combined with the internship seminar, fulfills the ENGAGE requirement of the SLS Innovating for Social Impact Program.)

Stipends

Summer Interns will receive a stipend of $3500 for a part-time internship and $7000 for a full-time internship. Internships also provide course audit credit for our students via internship registration in Career Buzz through our partnership with the Career Center. Student Interns are expected to meet Georgia Tech employee standards and the standards of the partner where they are placed to receive any stipend.

Student Requirements

Minimum Qualifications:

  • Full-time at Georgia Tech
  • Be in good academic standing
  • Have a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or above
  • Have reliable transportation to and from the internship site (MARTA is recommended)
  • Write one SLS Reflection to be posted on the SLS Reflection blog

Internship Host Requirements

  • Submit a project request (see Internship Project Submission below)
  • Actively supervise the SLS intern daily
  • Set internship objectives with the SLS intern
  • Attend the opening and closing intern summer seminar sessions (early May and early August)
  • Complete the Georgia Tech evaluation requirements for the student intern

Please explore the tabs below to learn more about the Sustainable Communities Internship Program. For more information, please contact SLS.

Application and Timeline

Student Application
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Internship Opportunities

Internship Opportunities
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Internship Parter Guide

Internship Parter Guide
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