Applications for WWU's Sustainability Pathways summer program in the Methow Valley now open
Are you interested in a paid work experience in an organization doing sustainability work this summer?
WWU's Sustainability Pathways program is offering paid fellowships in the Methow Valley that pair on-the-job work experience and academic coursework in a residential community learning lab. These fellowships include work in areas such as ecological restoration, energy studies, town planning, zero waste, wildlife biology, food systems, and public health.
This fellowship experience is interdisciplinary and open to all majors! Given that sustainability work happens at the nexus of social justice, environmental quality, public health, and economic vitality, many different perspectives, talents, and ideas are needed to do this work. Our goal is to develop systems thinking skills to enable cross-sector community work.
Do you want to be part of a small supportive cohort living and learning together while managing community-engaged projects?
Housing is provided without cost to you, and past students have successfully been able to sub-let their Bellingham housing for the summer.
If any of this sounds interesting, this sustainability fellowship program might be the place for you this summer!
This eleven-week experience takes place in the Methow Valley, is cohort- and community-focused, and involves participation in the 3-credit WWU Sustainability Planning Studio course (UEPP 471) which is an opportunity to learn, develop, and apply project management and sustainability consultant skills through helping with a community project that makes a real impact. Previous projects can be found on the course website: UEPP 471- CSPS
The fellowship involves a paid practicum to help an organization in the Methow or Okanogan Valleys advance their work in sustainability. Partners are local non-profit organizations, towns, schools, agencies, farms, and other businesses that are committed to mentoring young people entering their field of work.
This is a great way to apply the knowledge you have acquired in courses to hands-on, community-engaged projects and immerse yourself in a welcoming community that is excited to have young people help advance sustainability initiatives while gaining professional experience.
Most positions will be 20-24 hours per week and typically pay minimum wage ($16.28/hr). Up to 8 internship credits are available for those that need them for their major but are optional. Most positions also have the option of being part of the Civic Leadership and Engagement Corps, which qualifies members for an AmeriCorps education award with completion of additional community-engaged service.
Details:
The program runs from June 17 – August 30
Apply early!
Applications are open now and can be submitted via the website or the following link until January 7: Fellowship Application
Join us for an informational open house to learn more about the program with alumni from past years on Monday, December 11 from 5:00 - 6:00 pm. You can register via the website or this link: Open House Registration
Visit fellowships to learn more. Currently, the website has the 2023 positions for reference and will be updated with confirmed positions by Winter quarter. You are encouraged to apply for the program now and will invite you to indicate the positions you are most interested in during the application process.
Read about Maia’s experience in the program in her Western Today article here: Sustainability Pathways story or check out a local Methow Valley News story from this year.
We also appreciate your questions- feel free to reach out to Joshua Porter (Research Associate & Director, Sustainability Pathways) via: Joshua.Porter@wwu.edu