Environmental Quality Programs Internship – Deadline Extended

Executive Summary

The Inter Tribal Council of Arizona, Inc. (ITCA) is a non-profit organization that promotes American Indian self-reliance through public policy development and provides Member Tribes with the means for action on matters that affect them collectively and individually. The highest elected officials from each of the twenty-one Member Tribes serve on the ITCA Council. These leaders have a comprehensive view of the conditions and needs of the Tribal communities they represent.
Under the mission of ITCA, ITCA strives to build the capacity of its Member Tribes through resource development, policy analysis and development, information resources and strategic dissemination, and training and technical assistance.

Internship Description

The ITCA’s Environmental Quality Programs (ITCA EQP) Internship aims to develop a cadre of American Indian/Alaska Natives (AI/AN) to pursue environmental quality and climate change-related professions upon completing their undergraduate/graduate training program.
Intern activities may include, but are not limited to:

  • Participation in workshops and research focused on Federal Indian Policy and Environmental Policy.
  • Assisting ITCA’s Pesticide Program, Tribal Air Quality, Solid Waste Management, and Tribal Water Systems staff.
  • Participation in workshops focused on recent changes in climate change laws and policies and its impact to Tribes.
  • Grant writing, researching methods for identifying grant opportunities, and the submittal process.
  • Exposure to non-profit organization operations, activities, and administrative duties.

Eligibility

Applicants must meet the following qualifications:

  • Be a tribally enrolled member.
  • Must be residing and living in the state of Arizona, able to commute to ITCA and/or other local areas.
  • Junior or higher-level student (or recent grad) working toward a degree in Environmental Studies or a similar field.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office products.
  • Clear oral communication skills.
  • Excellent writing abilities.
  • Must have a valid Driver’s License, maintain a good driving record, and have at least TWO YEARS of driving experience.
  • Must submit transcripts (official or unofficial).
  • Must be legally authorized to work a paid internship in the United States.

Application Required Documents

  • Internship application form.
  • Proof of enrollment in a Tribe (acceptable documents include a copy of a Certificate of Indian Blood, Tribal Enrollment Card, etc.).
  • Educational university or college transcripts (official or unofficial).
  • One-page resume.
  • One-to-two page original writing sample (further details found in “Essay Information” section of the Internship Application).
  • Spring 2025 course schedule.

Submission & Deadline

Applications must be completed and received by Friday, January 31, 2025 11:59 PM MST. Please email submit your completed application with the required documents to Kelly Jendrisak, ITCA Air Quality Coordinator, via email at kelly.jendrisak@itcaonline.com.

Environmental Quality Programs Internship Application

Click to Download the Application

2024 ITCA Climate Resilience Essay Contest

Summary and Purpose

The Inter Tribal Council of Arizona, Inc. (ITCA) Tribal Climate Resilience Program is pleased to announce an essay contest for students attending a university or college located in Arizona and are enrolled members of a federally recognized Tribe. The Tribal Climate Resilience program, funded by the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA), serves to build upon existing environmental work addressing extreme events and harmful environmental impacts in the areas of drought, water availability, soil health, air quality, wildfires, and outbreak of pests. The impacts of climate change affect the ecosystem, public health, the economy, livelihoods, biodiversity, cultural and sacred practices, and more. Preparedness and adaptation to these extreme and continuous environmental impacts are critical for the health and well-being of current and future generations.

Eligibility

Applicants must meet the following qualifications:

  • Enrolled member of a federally recognized Tribe in the United States.
  • Must be enrolled part-time or full-time in a college or university located in Arizona.
  • Demonstrates excellence, creativity, and initiative in their essay submission.
  • Exemplifies interest in environmental initiatives. Please note: Your major or focus of study does NOT need to be in an environmental-related area.

Award

$2,500 award per selected applicant, anticipation of multiple awardees.

Application Required Documents

  • Complete the application form.
  • 2024 ITCA Climate Resilience Essay Contest

  • Submit a brief bio (no more than 5 sentences) in the third person.
  • Submit a copy of your Tribal enrollment card/CIB.
  • Submit proof of university or college enrollment (copy of student ID card).
  • Submit a typed double-spaced essay in Microsoft Word or PDF format answering the questions in the Essay Prompt section (essay must be between 600-800 words).

Submission

An application with the required documents must be emailed by Friday, August 2, 2024 at 5:00 PM MST to Kelly Jendrisak at kelly.jendrisak@itcaonline.com.

Deadline

Applications must be completed and received by Friday, August 2, 2024, at 5:00 PM (MST).

Selected awardees will be notified no later than Friday, August 9, 2024.