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Sustainability Internship Program

The Sustainability Internship Program provides students of any background with the opportunity to create and execute a sustainability-related project on campus. Student interns benefit from hands-on experience in an environmental organization, professional development training, and collaboration among peers in these unpaid positions.

The program launched in Spring 2019 with the mission to better educate the University of Tennessee, Knoxville students on sustainability topics such as waste diversion, green infrastructure, energy conservation, and environmental education.

View internship projects here!

Applications for the 2023-2024 school year are OPEN!

If you have questions reach out to kmyers2@utk.edu. 



Program Details and FAQs

Commitment is one full academic year for both Fall and Spring semesters. Exceptions may be given for students graduating in a Fall semester.

No! Sustainability is relevant to all majors. Students from any background are encouraged to apply.

Students should be able to commit at least 5 hours per week. This includes weekly team check-ins and monthly events.

While most projects will be team based, each student will have individual responsibilities and be required to turn in their own final projects.

Absolutely! Students must notify the internship advisor and get approval from their department. To ensure the internship program meets requirements, students must provide any relevant documents from their department.

This internship gives students a special opportunity to become part of the Office of Sustainability community and gain real experience working on University level projects. Additionally, group meetings provide professional development sessions, behind the scenes tours of recycling and sustainability at UT, and the ability to collaborate with peers from all backgrounds.

Students will apply for specific project interests and be assigned a project based on their goals and abilities.

This internship program is unable to provide payment to students. The Office of Sustainability, however, does has paid student worker positions available here.



Internship Application

Sustainability Internship Program Application

Please fill out each required section of the application. Contact the Internship Advisor, kmyers2@utk.edu for additional questions or concerns.







  • Please choose which project topics would be of most interest to you:









  • Max. file size: 2 MB.

  • Max. file size: 2 MB.