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Environmental Justice Apprenticeship Program

The Graduate Program of Environmental Policy and Management and the Institute for the Environment present the Environmental Justice Apprenticeship Program.

Overview: 

The UC Davis Institute for the Environment and the Graduate Program in Environmental Policy and Management are launching a program to provide funding to support up to 4 EPM students pursuing an environmental justice focused Practicum project each year. 

We recognize the importance of environmental justice work and engagement with frontline communities. We recognize the limited resources that many of these organizations have and the demand for the knowledge that they provide. The goal in providing this funding is to provide students with leadership opportunities working with environmental justice and community based organizations, and to build community capacity and help advance an organization’s mission. 

According to the US Environmental Protection Agency, environmental justice “is the fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people regardless of race, color, national origin, or income with respect to the development, implementation, and enforcement of environmental laws, regulations and policies.” To be inclusive of project needs, the program will not put limitations on what constitutes an environmental justice focused project. 

How it works:

Timing

Project proposals are accepted on a rolling basis from January-May annually. The student's work must be conducted from July 1-September 30 at an average of 14 hours per week. 

Information for organizations

If you are a community-based organization and would like to partner with us to have a funded student intern work on an EJ project, please submit this form:

Project proposal form

After you submit your project for consideration, the next steps will be:

  1. The EPM Director will set up a time to connect with you to go over your expectations for the project and program requirements.
  2. Based on availability, project fit and interest, the project proposal will be shared with EPM students.
  3. Interested students may apply by submitting a cover letter and resume to the Director.
  4. The Director will work with you to select your preferred candidate. 
  5. Once the candidate is selected, the program will organize an introductory meeting where we will finalize project details with the student.
  6. The student will be hired as an Academic Student Employee by UC Davis.

Information for students

Students may also apply directly for this funding if they organize an EJ focused Practicum with a community-based organization. For consideration, the student should meet the eligibility requirements below and submit a copy of their Practicum Proposal to Director Jessica Penrose.

If selected, students will be hired as an Academic Student Employee by the UC Davis EPM program. Compensation will vary based on the student's eligibility and experience using the UC GSR (Graduate Student Researcher) salary scale. 

Eligibility:

  • The student must be eligible to be hired for Academic Student Employment 
  • This project must be used for and meet the requirements of the Practicum
  • The work must be conducted over the summer
  • Unpaid 
  • In collaboration with a community partner
  • Have a focus on environmental justice
  • Take at least one EJ elective (see Airtable for pre-approved courses)