§5506 Environmental Internships and Fellowships

Summary

The Administrator must set up internships for college students and fellowships for working teachers with federal agencies, after talking with the Office of Personnel Management and other agencies. The Office of Environmental Education will run the programs. They must support at least 250 internships and at least 50 fellowships each year. Interns work full time for up to 6 months and are paid. Fellows work full time for up to 12 months and are paid. Federal agencies that hire interns must provide the money for pay and related costs. Students must be enrolled at an accredited college or university and have finished at least four courses (or the equivalent) in environmental science or studies. Teachers must be employed by a local education agency and have at least 2 years teaching environmental subjects. Applicants must apply using a form set by the Administrator. Selection must aim for wide geographic, cultural, and minority representation. Interns and fellows may be placed at agencies such as the EPA, Fish and Wildlife Service, NOAA, Council on Environmental Quality, Department of Agriculture, National Science Foundation, and other federal natural resource agencies.