CEGU
Source: https://cegu.uchicago.edu/undergraduate-studies/opportunities/ Parent: https://cegu.uchicago.edu/undergraduate-studies/
Opportunities for Students
Environment Illinois Marketing Intern
Posted on January 30, 2026
PIRG is an advocate for consumers, advancing solutions to problems that affect our health, our safety and our well-being.
PIRG is hiring a Climate Solutions Associate to help drive our campaigns to reduce climate emissions in the energy, transportation, and buildings sectors. The Associate will work with our national program team, local organizers and other key allies across the country to build momentum, expand support and win policies to accelerate the transition off of fossil fuels and promote climate solutions.
Learn more and apply
Environment Illinois Marketing Intern
Posted on January 30, 2026
Environment Illinois is hiring an intern to work with our outreach and marketing team. As an intern, you’ll gain experience and make a difference on important environmental issues like reducing plastic pollution, promoting clean energy, protecting open spaces and more.
As a marketing intern with Environment Illinois, you’ll help us educate and engage Illinoisans on the important issues we’re working on. By leveraging social media, communicating with our members, or organizing high-visibility educational campaigns you’ll be helping build awareness and the public support it takes to win.
We’re looking for people who are passionate about the environment and are ready to make a difference now. Familiarity with graphic design and video editing is a plus, but not a requirement. An internship with Environment America is one of the best ways to gain experience for a career in environmental advocacy.
Learn more and apply
Chicago Transit Authority 2026-27 Yearlong Archives Intern
Posted on January 30, 2026
The University of Chicago Energy & Environment Lab (E&E Lab) partners with agencies at the local, state and federal level to identify, rigorously evaluate, and help scale programs and policies that reduce pollution and improve environmental outcomes, while ensuring access to reliable and affordable energy. The E&E Lab uses natural experiments, randomized controlled trials, behavioral economics, and machine learning to help policymakers identify and generate evidence around innovative approaches to their most pressing environmental and energy-related challenges.
The E&E Lab is seeking Summer Research Assistants (RAs) with strong research, methodological, and programming skills to support large-scale environmental policy research projects. The RAs will work on a portfolio of economics projects, designed to evaluate the impact of promising energy and environmental interventions. Typical research projects involve the analysis of environmental and energy data, utilizing quasi-experimental and experimental methods to provide government partners with guidance on key policy questions.
Learn more and apply
Chicago Transit Authority 2026-27 Yearlong Archives Intern
Posted on January 30, 2026
Chicago Transit Authority is the second largest transit system in the country! Our college internship program offers summer and year-long internships that provide students with valuable work experience, professional development, and mentorship. Students receive exposure to the discipline of the workplace and are guided by subject matter experts who assist them in acquiring the skills, knowledge, and experience needed to perform in today’s technically demanding careers. Interns at CTA work in a range of departments across the authority.
Our internships are project-based; therefore, the skills that we seek vary based on the needs of the projects during each term. All majors are welcome to apply, but please see education experience/requirements for specifics about what disciplines each internship project is seeking.
Internships are part-time (15 hours a week) during the school year and full-time (40 hours a week) during the summer.
Learn more and apply
Summer Institute in Social Science Research Methods (SISRM) Call for Applications
Posted on January 30, 2026
The Summer Institute in Social Research Methods (SISRM) is currently accepting applications! As part of SISRM, UChicago undergraduates are matched to a faculty mentor and project. Through coursework and daily workshops, students develop complex methodological skills and gain hands-on research experience. Each student receives a stipend of $5,250. If you have any questions or concerns, please email sisrm@uchicago.edu.
The application deadline is February 18, 2026.
Learn more and apply
The Nature Conservancy Community Stewardship Intern
Posted on January 30, 2026
The Nature Conservancy is seeking a Community Stewardship Intern! The purpose of the Community Stewardship Program is to further restoration, conservation, volunteer leadership, and community engagement in Chicago Park District Natural Areas. This program is a collaboration and jointly managed by the Chicago Park District (CPD) and The Nature Conservancy (TNC). The Community Stewardship Program (CSP) Intern will report to both of these organizations and support the program by assisting and supporting volunteer stewards, community leaders, and park district staff in realizing community driven stewardship goals.
Under the direction of the CSP Manager, UChicago Alum Edward Warden, the CSP Intern will work in city parks, TNC offices, and CPD facilities across the city to support community stewards on workdays, maintain program data and records, manage program equipment, and assist with program outreach and promotion. Stewardship workdays incorporate a variety of activities including planting, mulching trails and trees, litter cleanups, invasive plant removal, native seed collecting, nature walks, habitat and wildlife monitoring, and other similar projects. Stewardship workdays serve a wide audience ranging from young children to adults and a variety of groups, such as schools, community members, and corporate teams.
The application deadline is February 16, 2026 at 11:59 pm CST.
Learn more and apply
Polsky Research Fellowship (Multiple Opportunities)
Posted on January 30, 2026
Apply for a 2026 Summer Polsky Research Fellowship with the Institute for Climate and Sustainable Growth!
Work directly with faculty on topics that span the breadth of the Climate Challenge, from the health impacts of air pollution, to advanced materials, to the climate impact of animal-involved vehicle collisions. Check out all 15 research opportunities that span the UChicago Divisions!
In addition to research, Polsky Summer Research Fellows participate in a robust set of programming and professional development opportunities, including brown-bag faculty research talks, energy and climate career talks, guided site visits with industry partners, special invitations to high-profile events like Aspen Ideas Climate Chicago, and other unique experiential learning opportunities.
The application deadline is February 15, 2026.
Learn more and apply
Urban Rivers Conservation and Outreach Intern
Posted on January 30, 2026
Urban Rivers is hosting highly flexible internships with two potential focuses in 2026. Urban Rivers is a Chicago-based nonprofit dedicated to transforming urban waterways into wildlife sanctuaries and creating new and meaningful ways for citydwellers of all backgrounds to connect with nature. Our work includes not only on-the-ground habitat restoration and extensive ecological research, but public education, programming, and volunteerism. Based at our flagship project, the Wild Mile, we are inviting creative self-starters to join us for the summer, and put their mark on changing the ecological landscape of the river.
The application deadline is February 13, 2026 at 11:59 pm CST.
Learn more and apply
Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning (Multiple Roles)
Posted on January 30, 2026
Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning (CMAP) is the comprehensive planning organization for the 7 counties and 284 communities of northeastern Illinois.
We are currently seeking design interns to join our Chicago studio from May through August 2026. CMAP is looking for a Planning intern and a GIS Intern.
Both application deadlines are February 11, 2026 at 11:59 pm CST.
Learn more and apply
Learn more and apply (Planning Intern) & (GIS Intern)
Site Design Group – Summer 2026 Internship Program
Posted on January 30, 2026
Site Design Group is a landscape architecture and urban design firm based in Chicago, Illinois. Our team is enthusiastic, creative, and collaborative, and we thrive on thoughtful partnerships with our clients, our communities, and each other. We are known for creating public spaces that are immersive, rewarding, and full of life.
We are currently seeking design interns to join our Chicago studio from May through August 2026.
The application deadline is February 4, 2026 at 11:59 pm PST.
Learn more and apply
Environment America – Wildlife Over Waste Internship
Position now closed
Environment Illinois is hiring interns to work with our Wildlife Over Waste campaign team at our Chicago office. As an intern, you’ll gain experience and make a difference on important environmental issues like plastic pollution, ecosystem health, protecting open spaces and more.
The application deadline is December 26, 2025.
Learn more and apply
Buro Happold – Advisory Intern: Climate Action and Resilience
Position now closed
If you have an interest in the built environment, policy and planning, ESG and sustainability, economics and revitalization, infrastructure and resilience, and/or climate action and decarbonization strategies and want to work with some of the world’s most innovative clients, Buro Happold has the perfect role for you. We are seeking a passionate intern to join our advisory team on a full-time basis during summer 2026. This role can be based in New York!
The application deadline is January 14, 2026.
Learn more and apply
Energy Solutions Intern (Summer 2026)
Position now closed
Do you want to be part of the climate solution, work alongside a talented mentor and colleagues, and enhance a supportive and energetic culture? Founded in 1995, Energy Solutions is an employee-owned clean energy and climate mitigation consulting firm. Energy Solutions Interns will have opportunities to shine! As an Intern, you can network across the company, connect with other Interns, and present your work to supportive stakeholders.
The application deadline is January 9, 2026 5:00 pm PST.\ Final selections will be sent in April 2026.
Learn more and apply
Conservation Law Foundation – Clean Air and Water Intern (Summer 2026)
Position now closed
CLF seeks undergraduate students for the summer 2026 term who are interested in dedicating all or a significant portion of an academic term to advance cutting edge legal strategies and policy solutions on the Clean Air and Water team.
Full-time internships/externships require at least 35 hours per week for at least 9 weeks.
The application deadline is January 11, 2026 11:59 am CST.
Learn more and apply
The Morton Arboretum ArbNet Intern (Summer 2026)
Position now closed
The Morton Arboretum is a world-renowned nonprofit dedicated to the vision of creating a more beautiful world where people and trees thrive together. ArbNet, a flagship program of the Arboretum, is a collaborative, international community of arboreta and tree-focused professionals. The intern would be involved with analyzing arboretum accreditation application data related to topics, such as organizational, governance, woody plant collections, education and engagement, conservation, and research occurring at arboreta.
The time commitment is approximately 8-10 hours per week. Rising juniors and seniors preferred.
The application deadline is January 19, 2026 12:59 am CST.
Learn more and apply
Undergraduate Research Assistant: Green Schoolyards for Community Health & Urban Climate Resilience
Position now closed
Are you interested in Chicago neighborhoods, schools, and green infrastructure? Do you have experience with GIS and a passion for Chicago-based data? Professors Sabina Shaikh and Laura McGuinn are seeking an RA for their project Green Schoolyards for Community Health & Urban Climate Resilience.
The application deadline is November 26th, 2025.
Learn more and apply
Position Title: Undergraduate Research Assistant – Green Schoolyards for Community Health & Urban Climate Resilience
Department / Project: Committee on Environment, Geography and Urbanization and Institute for Climate & Sustainable Growth, University of Chicago
Supervisor(s): Dr. Sabina Shaikh (with Dr. Laura McGuinn)
Location: Chicago, IL (on campus and on site at local Chicago schools and community sites)
Duration: December 1 through June 30th, possible option to continue in summer 2026.
Hours: Up to 10 hours/week (flexible schedule)
Compensation: $20/hour
Start Date: December 3rd, 2025 (or soon after)
Application Deadline: November 26th, 2025
Project Background
The Green Schoolyards project investigates the transformation of paved school properties into permeable green infrastructure through the Space to Grow program in Chicago. The program aims to improve children’s physical and mental health, mitigate flooding, reduce urban heat island effects, improve air and water quality, and enhance community resilience to climate‐related risks. This pilot project will collect baseline environmental and exposure data at schools with and without green schoolyards, compile additional data from city, census and other sources, and engage community and school groups. For more information, see the project page.
Position Overview
The undergraduate research assistant will support the project through data collection and management, mapping, literature reviews, and community engagement. This role offers hands‐on experience in urban sustainability research, green infrastructure, public health, and community‐based methods.
Key Responsibilities
- Assist in organizing and conducting field measurements at schoolyards (e.g., temperature/heat measurements, surface permeability, greenness indices) and in outdoor/indoor spaces.
- Support surveys or interviews with school staff, students, and community stakeholders about their outdoor spaces, perceptions of green schoolyards, and well‐being indicators.
- Conduct literature reviews on topics such as urban green infrastructure, schoolyard greening, stormwater management, youth physical/mental health and climate resilience.
- Help manage and clean datasets, enter survey responses, and create summary tables/visualizations and maps.
- Assist with creating outreach materials for community partners and stakeholders.
- Attend project meetings and potentially co‐attend school/community engagement events.
- Adhere to project protocols concerning ethics (human subjects, if applicable), field safety, data quality, and confidentiality.
- Perform other research support tasks as needed (e.g., literature tracking, document formatting, assisting with data collection tasks).
Qualifications
Required:
- Currently enrolled as an undergraduate student at the University of Chicago with interest in urban climate planning, green infrastructure, public health, and community engagement.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Excel, Word, PowerPoint (or equivalent programs).
- Fluency with GIS software and data collection
- Familiarity with the City of Chicago, neighborhoods, and online data sources
- Flexibility to work agreed hours and attend scheduled field visits (including outdoors in Chicago weather).
- Comfortable working both independently and as part of a team.
Preferred:
- Coursework or experience in one or more of the following: environmental science, urban studies/planning, geography, public health, sustainability, GIS or data analysis.
- Experience with survey tools, field work, sensors/data loggers, GIS/spatial analysis, or data visualization.
- Experience or interest in community engagement and outreach
- Able to travel (by CTA or other transport) to school sites in Chicago
How to Apply
Please submit the following materials to this Box folder by November 24, 2025:
- A brief cover letter explaining your interest in the project, relevant skills/experience, and availability.
- A current resume or CV.
- A short list of relevant coursework and/or experience (can be included in resume or cover letter).
- Contact information for one reference (e.g., professor, advisor).
CEGU Program Assistants (AY 25-26)
Position now closed
The Committee on Environment, Geography and Urbanization (CEGU) at the University of Chicago is seeking one to three undergraduate or graduate student assistants to support its events, programming, communications, and engagement for the 2025–26 academic year.
Learn more and apply
All Program Assistants will support CEGU events by managing small and large event logistics; event set up and breakdown, managing catering; creating content for event promotion; distributing posters; and managing social media during events
In addition, each Program Assistant will be assigned to one of the following roles depending on qualifications and experience:
Programming: in support of the CEGU Exhibitions program, specific responsibilities include processing exhibition proposals, managing images and label generation, and assisting with exhibition installation
Communications: specific responsibilities include organizing, writing, designing, editing, and proofing content for CEGU email newsletters, social media campaigns, multimedia content, and website.
Engagement: specific responsibilities include updating the CEGU alumni database, professional communications with alumni including interviews and website features, and identifying content and updating the CEGU student opportunities page and the LinkedIn group.
Ideal candidates will possess strong communication skills, a high level of organization, close attention to detail, the ability to track progress, maintain a consistent workflow, and to complete regular and spontaneous tasks during regular work hours. Candidates will be expected to keep a regular work schedule and meet weekly deadlines. Experience in a professional setting is preferred.
Program Assistants will be expected to attend in person events and work on site in the CEGU offices, as needed. The positions will start on September 29, 2025 and run for the duration of the academic year for 5–10 hours per week at a rate of $19–21/hour. The positions report directly to an assigned CEGU staff or faculty member, and communicate regularly with CEGU leadership.
About CEGU: The Committee on Environment, Geography and Urbanization (CEGU) is an interdisciplinary platform for critical thinking, advanced research, and innovative pedagogy on the societal and spatial dimensions of climate change, biodiversity loss, and other kinds of environmental transformation. It is a degree-granting unit in the Division of Social Sciences focusing on interdisciplinary research and teaching in environmental social science and environmental humanities. CEGU is currently comprised of over 50 affiliated faculty, over 120 undergraduate majors and minors, and a vibrant community of graduate students from other disciplines. CEGU is the home of a rapidly growing undergraduate major and minor program and associated courses, and a PhD certificate.
To apply, please upload↗ a single PDF file containing a short cover letter detailing relevant experience, a resume, and the names of two references. Please also note whether you are eligible for Federal Work Study. Applications will be accepted and reviewed on a rolling basis until September 10, 2025.
Please direct any questions about the position to cegu@uchicago.edu↗.