 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. The 2013 session will run from June 3 through
Aug. 2, with up to 24 participants expected. Salaries have been set
at $1,645 per month.
"Since 1991, the GEC program has provided a true hands-on
learning experience for hundreds of college undergraduate and
graduate students," said Kim. "I encourage students in such fields
as engineering, geology, chemistry and biology to apply. Many GEC
interns have gone on to careers in the environmental field, and
their contributions also energize our own staff mentors each
summer."
The majority of selected students will be matched with staff
mentors in Springfield, where Illinois EPA's headquarters,
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. Available
positions are typically in the fields of wastewater, drinking water,
air quality, solid and hazardous waste, and laboratory analysis.
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 Students are assigned agency mentors in their chosen
environmental area 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 or in field operations, GEC interns also participate in
field trips and workshops to gain firsthand 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 6- to 12-year-olds in
central Illinois each summer at camps and other venues.
Applications can now be downloaded from
www.epa.state.il.us/gec,
or contact Rochelle DeRochi at 217-782-9540.
[Text from
Illinois
Environmental Protection Agency
file received from the
Illinois Office of
Communication and Information] |
