Internship Opportunities
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) offers paid internships through Clean Cities and Communities Accelerate, a workforce development initiative that unites Clean Cities and Communities coalitions across the country with early-career professionals interested in changing the future of on-road transportation. This initiative, managed by Argonne National Laboratory, aims to advance the adoption of clean transportation technologies and positively impact the nation’s air quality, energy security, and economic prosperity. Learn more about the application process, and for questions about the program, contact us.
Clean Cities and Communities Accelerate
Passionate about making a real impact in energy, transportation, and sustainability in an equitable manner? Eager to build a rewarding career while contributing to a decarbonized transportation future and improved local air quality for all communities? The workforce development initiative, Clean Cities and Communities Accelerate, may be a great opportunity for you.
Internships are available throughout the year for undergraduate and graduate students, as well as recent graduates (up to one year post-graduation), from a variety of majors, including communications, public relations, business, marketing, engineering, environmental sciences, and urban planning. Students pursuing an associate, bachelor’s, or master’s degree from community colleges or universities are eligible.
Through engaging with local coalition projects, interns are exposed to topics focused on alternative fuels and vehicles, public infrastructure, community outreach, and technology integration, positioning them for success in a variety of career paths, with many interns moving on to permanent positions with the coalition or industry.
“ We are so thankful for the incredible support provided by this program! We have hired three former interns to become full-time staff and continue to cite this program as one of the best professional development opportunities for college students in the alternative fuel/sustainable transportation space! ”– Alexa Voytek, Director at Middle-West Tennessee Clean Fuels
“ My mentor is very involved in my work environment. I speak with her every day, we work closely together on projects, and we give and receive feedback from each other. ”– Skyler Seamons, intern at San Francisco Clean Cities Coalition
“ Interning at C5 really gave me a lot of insight into what types of roles I want to pursue in my professional career. ”– Stacey Kawabata, intern at Central Coast Clean Cities Coalition
“ I’d just like to express my appreciation for this program! It’s such a benefit to our coalition, and our intern has been a shining example of the value this program brings. ”– Michelle Merchant, Director and mentor at Tulsa Clean Cities
“We are so thankful for the incredible support provided by this program! We have hired three former interns to become full-time staff and continue to cite this program as one of the best professional development opportunities for college students in the alternative fuel/sustainable transportation space!”– Alexa Voytek, Director at Middle-West Tennessee Clean Fuels
“My mentor is very involved in my work environment. I speak with her every day, we work closely together on projects, and we give and receive feedback from each other.”– Skyler Seamons, intern at San Francisco Clean Cities Coalition
“Interning at C5 really gave me a lot of insight into what types of roles I want to pursue in my professional career.”– Stacey Kawabata, intern at Central Coast Clean Cities Coalition
“I’d just like to express my appreciation for this program! It’s such a benefit to our coalition, and our intern has been a shining example of the value this program brings.”– Michelle Merchant, Director and mentor at Tulsa Clean Cities
History
Working with Argonne National Laboratory, Clean Cities and Communities launched Accelerate in 2010 to provide the energy and transportation sectors with skilled and knowledgeable talent to help shape their future. Since then, over 700 interns have been introduced to the growing and dynamic clean transportation sector, and a high percentage of interns subsequently pursue a rewarding career in this field as a result of their Accelerate experience.
Impact
Accelerate has seen tremendous growth. In fact, the number of Accelerate interns each year has quadrupled since the inaugural semester in 2010.
Due to the success of the program, there is now a strong network of alumni, who have gone on to jobs with their host coalitions, other Clean Cities and Communities coalitions, or one of the numerous stakeholders they connected with at the local, regional, and national levels. The program has alumni working for the Department of Energy, Argonne National Laboratory, and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, as well as many non-profits and clean energy companies.
Where Are They Now?
“As a former intern turned program associate, I collaborated with organizations across the state to conduct fleet emission assessments and advise on alternative fuel and vehicle implementation projects.
Today, I serve as a senior sustainable mobility specialist with ICF and provide support to organizations such as the National Renewable Energy Laboratory! My work as an intern not only equipped me with the tools and knowledge to provide support to Clean Cities and Communities coalitions across the U.S. but has also provided me with a deep understanding of the tremendous impacts that coalitions can have on air quality.”
“During my internship, I had a range of responsibilities, including coordinating events showcasing alternative fuel vehicles, updating our website and social media accounts, and facilitating access to our leased electric vehicle for trial purposes.
Staying connected to this network has been an incredible experience. It has provided me with fresh insights into the pivotal role that Clean Cities and Communities plays in advancing clean transportation on a national scale.”
“As an intern, I had an amazing mentor who supported my career growth and always ensured I was included in stakeholder meetings and networking opportunities. My main responsibility was event planning, which has been invaluable to my career since. Years later, I continue to be driven by the incredible mission of Clean Cities and Communities, and by providing students with meaningful early-career experiences.”
“Participating in Accelerate was an invaluable experience that allowed me to get my first real taste of what it means to be a clean energy professional. My time as an intern helped me gain a clearer understanding of one piece of the clean energy landscape and begin to explore how I might be able to best use my skills to advance the larger advocacy movement.”