Applications for summer 2025 are due February 14
URI student Corinne DeAngelis was a 2024 Rhode Island Sea Grant Community Engaged Intern at the URI Commercial Fisheries Center.
As part of Rhode Island Sea Grant’s goal to broaden participation in marine and coastal professions, the RISG Community Engaged Internship (CEI) aims to equip students from underrepresented and underserved communities with the training, mentorship, and skills to build successful careers in the coastal and maritime space. The CEI Program provides undergraduate students from Rhode Island colleges and universities with the opportunity to engage in place-based research, outreach, education and/or communication projects focused within coastal communities. Students will be placed with mentors that may include RISG extension staff, RISG-funded researchers, or representatives of local community-based organizations. Students will help to advance research and community outreach while gaining invaluable skills that will prepare them to enter the workforce after graduation.
As part of the larger Community Engagement Internship Program overseen by NOAA Sea Grant, students selected for this internship will have access to professional development opportunities and mentoring offered by the National Sea Grant College Program for Sea Grant interns nationwide, including a graduation ceremony following the completion of the program. RISG has also partnered with URI’s College of Environment and Life Sciences (CELS) to provide interns with additional professional development and cohort-building opportunities allowing CEI interns to connect with other student interns and fellows from across academic disciplines.
Why become a CEI intern?
- Participate in projects that extend the knowledge of community stakeholders to address a coastal and marine issues environmental, economic and/or social importance.
- Gain hands-on experience in your field of study or explore new interest areas!
- Work alongside mentors who will share their skills and experience working in coastal and community spaces.
- Be a part of a larger cohort of Sea Grant interns nationwide with access to additional professional development and networking opportunities.
Internship Program Details
- Selected interns are matched with Rhode Island Sea Grant partners working on research, community outreach and/or extension activities. Placements will be based on student experience, interests, and professional goals.
- The internship runs for 10 weeks from mid-May to the end of July.
- Interns work 30-40 Hours per week while receiving an hourly wage.
- On-campus (URI) housing is provided for students who express need.
- Receive mentoring by project leaders as well as Sea Grant professionals, Sea Grant funded researchers and Sea Grant graduate fellows.
- Interns are welcome to participate in all CEI professional development and training opportunities offered as part of the larger NOAA-Sea Grant CEI program.
- Experience culminates in a graduation ceremony to celebrate student accomplishments and network with peers and other professionals.
Who should apply?
Full time students at any Rhode Island institution of higher education who belong to populations historically excluded from STEM are encouraged to apply for this internship opportunity. Students who demonstrate strong communication skills, an ability to work well with others and an interest in community engagement will be considered for this opportunity. Preference will be given to rising Juniors (third year) or Seniors (fourth year) students. Students will be selected for internship positions based on academic interest and career goals, relevant experience, professional references, and written/oral skills.
2025 Internship Opportunities
- Community-based Research Opportunities with URI Faculty
- Environmental Economics
- Geosciences and coastal hydrogeology
- Ocean and coastal engineering
- Commercial Fisheries Workforce Development: Commercial Fisheries Center of RI
- Environmental Education and Justice: Movement Education Outdoors
How do I apply?
Fill out and submit the common application for undergraduate fellowship opportunities. Select RISG Community Engaged Internship as your program preference when applying.
Contact Kim Ohnemus, Rhode Island Sea Grant education coordinator, with questions.