Geoscience and Environmental Health Internships - UNC Institute for the Environment

three students monitor water quality in a stream in the woods.

Still accepting applications for Summer 2024!

What is a “geo”? What is environmental health?

A “geo” works or does research in the geosciences. Geoscientists explore and learn about air, earth, rocks, oceans, water, weather and other parts of the natural environment.

Environmental health is the study of how the environment affects human health. Environmental health scientists investigate things like air pollution, climate change, and lead in drinking water to learn about how to better protect people.

Geo-Health Interns

This science enrichment program is for Robeson County students who will be 18 years old by June 17, 2024. Students may be recent high school graduates or entering their last year of high school or early college. Geo-Health Interns is a partnership between the UNC-Chapel Hill Institute for the Environment and UNC-Pembroke.

This program is free for students; financial support is provided by Burroughs Wellcome Fund.

This program is designed for students to:

Connect with and learn from scientists who live and work in North Carolina
Engage with other high school students interested in geoscience or STEM
Investigate the natural world through fun field trips and hands-on activities
Prepare for a job, career, or college degree in STEM

Download Program Flyer

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Program Details

Location

UNC-Pembroke (June 17-21) and UNC-Chapel Hill (June 23-July 24)

Program Dates

June 17-21, in-person at UNC-Pembroke 10am-3pm
June 23-July 24, in-person internship at UNC-Chapel Hill
- July 4-5, Independence Day Break
  (No programming; UNC housing will be open but interns may choose to return home for the holiday weekend)
Aug 1, Student Showcase at UNC-P (Tentative)

Eligibility

Any student who is interested in STEM, lives in Robeson County, and is 18+ is eligible to apply.

Students receive

Lunch and snacks for in-person events, four weeks of housing at UNC-Chapel Hill, and $1,500 stipend

Cost

No cost for students. Students are responsible for arranging transportation to and from UNC-Chapel Hill during the program dates.

Housing

Housing will be provided on-campus at UNC-Chapel Hill. Students will have single occupancy rooms (or double occupancy room with a same gender roommate who is also a Geo-Health Intern) with shared bathroom and kitchen facilities. An undergraduate or graduate student will live with students on campus to provide supervision and support.

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Still Accepting Applications!

To participate in this program, you must have a reference from two teachers or adult mentors (not a family member). Please contact your references before you apply to make sure that they are willing to be a reference. Come prepared to include your references (name, relationship to you, contact information) on your application. References do NOT need to submit a letter at this time. The selection team will contact references for students who are finalists.
Students who have not spent much time away from home are encouraged to apply with a friend or small group. Please indicate on your application that you are applying as a pair or group.
The application includes 3 short essay questions. Please aim to write one paragraph about each topic. Check spelling and grammar before you submit. We really want to know about YOU and what makes you unique. Add any information that will provide a better picture of your capabilities, motivations, and interests. This can include, but is not limited to, previous work experience, family responsibilities, volunteer work, or extracurricular activities.
- Essay Question 1: Which part of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) is your favorite? Why? If you could choose a career in STEM, what would you choose?
- Essay Question 2: What has been your favorite class in high school and why? (Note: This can be a STEM class but it does not have to be.)
- Essay Question 3: Why do you want to be a Geo-Health Intern this summer?

Apply Now!