Overview

Increasing diversity, equity, and inclusion in coastal and marine science research is an important programmatic priority for Maryland Sea Grant and the National Sea Grant College Program. To further this priority, the National Sea Grant Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) and Traditional and Local Knowledge (TLK) communities of practice are implementing the Sea Grant Community-Engaged Internship (CEI) program for undergraduate students in summer 2021. CEI is designed to specifically engage students from underrepresented and indigenous communities.

The overarching goal of this internship program is to broaden participation in marine and coastal professions by providing training and mentorship to the next generation of scientists, decision makers, and citizens. The program will do so by recruiting, retaining, and engaging diverse students in place-based research, extension, education, and/or communication that respects and integrates local ways of knowing. As such, we encourage applications from students from underrepresented racial and ethnic groups, individuals with disabilities, individuals from minority serving institutions, and individuals from economically or educationally disadvantaged backgrounds that have inhibited their ability to pursue a career in STEM.

CEI Program at Maryland Sea Grant

The Maryland Sea Grant (MDSG) intern will be jointly mentored by the program’s assistant directors, J. Adam Frederick (education) and Lisa Tossey (communications). The intern will assist the MDSG team virtually with the planning, production, and posting of education and outreach materials for use on the program’s website and social media platforms. They will also have the opportunity to work on the production of one personal science outreach project, which will be co-developed virtually by the intern and MDSG mentors. These opportunities may include developing resources that will use a variety of science communication tools to expand on MDSG education initiatives that combine science literacy, education pedagogy, and biodiversity.

Location, Stipend, and Support

The internship will start after Memorial Day and is located at the Maryland Sea Grant offices in College Park, Maryland, but this summer’s internship will be fully virtual due to current COVID-19 restrictions. The 10-week internship includes a stipend of $6,000.

Eligibility

You must be a current undergraduate from a Maryland or District of Columbia college or university seeking a degree in natural, social, or environmental sciences, environmental policy, education, or science communication.

Networking and Professional Development

The intern will join a network of students participating in similar programs across the country. The intern will be connected to virtual professional development opportunities through Maryland Sea Grant and other Sea Grant programs to expose the participants to career opportunities in Sea Grant and NOAA, and provide them with professional development to enhance their knowledge, skills, and abilities in ocean, coastal, and marine science disciplines.