Press Release - Thursday, February 02, 2006
Press Releases
No Data
Governor's Environmental Corps Summer Internship Applications Now Being Accepted
SPRINGFIELD --- Governor Rod Blagojevich and the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency announced today that applications will now be accepted, through March 24, for this summer's 2006 Governor's Environmental Corps (GEC) internship program. The application can be downloaded from the Internet.
"Since 1991, the GEC program has provided a true hands-on learning experience for more than 500 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 and their contributions also energize our own staff mentors each summer."
The program is a unique partnership between state government and Illinois corporations whose sponsorship contributions pay the salaries and expenses of the college students who participate in the nine-week program, which will run this year from June 5 through August 4, with up to 40 participants expected. Salaries have been set at $1305 per month.
The majority of selected students will be matched with staff mentors in Springfield, where Illinois EPA's headquarters, organics laboratory and central regional office are located. However, limited positions will also be available in regional offices in Des Plaines, Rockford, Peoria, Champaign, Collinsville and Marion.
Students are assigned agency mentors in their area of environmental interest and are able to make meaningful contributions to the regulatory and compliance assistance operations of Illinois EPA. In addition to their work experience in a professional office setting and field operations, GEC interns also participate in regular field trips and workshops to gain first hand knowledge of current environmental challenges and solutions.
Interns stationed in the Springfield area who enjoy working 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.
Applications can now be downloaded from the Illinois EPA's web site at www.epa.state.il.us/gec, or you can contact Rochelle DeRochi at 217/782-9540.
-30-
Press Releases
No Data