GreenTalk - Winter 1998

Interns Summer in Governor's Environmental Corps

For the last six years, the Illinois EPA has partnered with the private sector to support the Governor's Environmental Corps (GEC) Summer Internship Program. This summer, 13 corporate sponsors supported 39 college students and graduating high school seniors who were placed throughout Illinois EPA programs including all seven regional offices.

Hands-on summer activities for the interns included collecting and identifying macro invertebrates in Illinois' rivers and streams, entering data into the Geographical Information System and aiding with collection of air monitoring data. The nine-week paid internships allow students to learn first-hand about environmental issues and careers and to improve professional skills.

GEC's help junior GEC's learn about trees at girl scout camp.

According to program co-chair, Kurt Niebergall, the students also offer the Agency much more than hard work. "They bring with them a lot of energy, enthusiasm and creativity. They're very eager to learn and to make a meaningful contribution to the Agency."

In return, the students leave with experience they might not have been able to obtain otherwise. Brandy Emery, a chemistry major who had the opportunity to work in the IEPA Laboratory in Springfield, agrees. "It gave me an idea of what I want to do with my chemistry degree," she said.

Brett Worth, another GEC in the same lab, also liked applying what he had learned in the classroom. "I'm getting my degree in chemistry, so a lot of the sample preparations and extractions I've done will help me in my career," he said. "I've also gotten a better perspective on what environmental chemistry is and what the Environmental Protection Agency is as a whole."

Not all of the placements are in one single area. Law student Melissa Paul found herself working with three different mentors. "I did everything from learning how to facilitate and develop a training course, come up with a budget, construct a strategic plan and working with the Junior GEC's (see related article) educating kids on the environment. I think it was beneficial for them and for us."

Aside from practical and professional experience, GEC's may also find they gain personal development experience. "I've learned how to assert myself," says Kathryn Ardiente. "And you need that in the business world. It's just been a great experience for me."

Information on the 1998 GEC program can be obtained from Kurt Niebergall at 217/785-1620. Application forms will be available through the Illinois EPA website after February at: http://www.epa.state.il.us/.