Washington Applied Sustainability Internship
The Washington Applied Sustainability Internship (WASI) program is an undergraduate summer internship program designed to link dedicated engineering, chemistry, sustainability and environmental sciences students with business and industry in Washington. Interns research identified pollution prevention opportunities at a Host Business to analyze, recommend, and/or implement process changes to find and use safer chemical alternatives, reduce hazardous and solid wastes, conserve energy and water, reduce water contaminants and emissions, increase efficiency and cost savings, and improve employee health and safety. These pollution prevention internship projects will benefit Washington’s waterways and other natural resources.
Washington Sea Grant (WSG) and the Washington State Department of Ecology (Ecology) administer the program in tandem. Individual Interns work for a Host Business and will have access to technical advisors at Ecology. The program is partially funded by the EPA Pollution Prevention Grant.
As an WASI intern
You will be matched with a Washington state business to create sustainability solutions for industry practices. During this 10-week internship, you will conduct research that can help improve efficiency, save money, and prevent/reduce waste. Project topics might include energy or water audits, toxics reduction, green chemistry, and life cycle assessment. Read the Host Businesses Project Descriptions very carefully to determine which project best suits your interests, skills and knowledge.
Additionally, you will benefit from
- Hands on experience in project development and management
- Collaboration with industry
- Mentorship by an WASI engineer or scientist
- Communicating science to interdisciplinary audiences
Eligibility
- The Washington Applied Sustainability Internship (WASI) is open to any Washington state-based undergraduate student with junior or senior standing (including graduating seniors) in business, economics, engineering, environmental science, green chemistry, physical science or sustainability science.
- NOTE: each internship position has preferred majors and desired skills and experience, and may have additional eligibility criteria (e.g. citizenship requirements) see the project descriptions for more information
- DACA students are eligible to apply, however each internship position may have specific requirements related to immigration status or citizenship (see above)
- Black, indigenous and other people of color (BIPOC), representatives of the LGBTQ+ community, people with disabilities and allies are encouraged to apply for this opportunity