Applications for summer 2026 will open in December 2025
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 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, farming, and/or communication projects focused within coastal communities. Students will be placed with mentors that may include RISG extension staff, RISG-funded researchers, representatives of local community-based organizations, or aquaculture farmers. Students will help to advance community outreach while gaining invaluable skills that will prepare them to enter the workforce after graduation.
Students selected for this internship will have access to professional development opportunities and mentoring.
Why become a CEI intern?
- Participate in projects that extend the knowledge of community stakeholders to address coastal and marine issues of 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.
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 May to 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.
Who should apply?
Full-time students at any Rhode Island institution of higher education 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.
Anticipated 2025 Internship Opportunities
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- Aquaculture Workforce Development
- Commercial Fisheries Workforce Development
How do I apply?
Application details will be posted later in the year.
Contact Saiontoni Sarkar, RISG Community Engagement Specialist, or Kim Ohnemus, RISG Workforce Development Coordinator, with questions.