BCLA Summer Internship - Office of Sustainability Fellow

(Must be currently enrolled in BCLA during summer 2026 to apply) 

The BCLA Summer Internship Program aims to secure 50 meaningful internship placements for students across a variety of sectors, including small businesses, nonprofit organizations, and entrepreneurial ventures. 

The internship below is offered in partnership with a supporting organization that is excited to invest in and support an LMU student like you. If this opportunity aligns with your career interests and goals, we encourage you to take advantage of it and apply. 

================== 

• Position Title: Office of Sustainability Fellow 
• Organization: City of Santa Monica – Office of Sustainability 
  Location: Hybrid, Santa Monica  
• Job Type: BCLA Summer Internship  
• Number of Positions: 1 Intern   
  Academic Level: Incoming Junior, Senior, Master's (in Fall 2026)    
  College: Bellarmine College of Liberal Arts   
• Hours: Approximately 30-hours per week for 8 weeks   
• Duration: Summer 2026   
• Compensation: [$4000 stipend, and/or course credit, as applicable] 

Position Overview

The Office of Sustainability Fellow will advance citywide sustainability initiatives that strengthen both the built and natural environment. This role focuses on innovation, policy analysis, and civic engagement to support climate action, environmental resilience, and equitable community development.

The Fellow will contribute to research, public engagement efforts, and policy evaluation that inform the City’s sustainability priorities. This opportunity is ideal for students interested in environmental justice, climate policy, and systems level change within local government.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct research on sustainable city best practices and emerging climate strategies
• Assist with planning and implementation of community engagement events
• Draft sustainability communications, including reports, summaries, and outreach materials
• Support climate related data collection and tracking
• Analyze policies related to the built and natural environment
• Contribute to briefing materials for internal and public audiences

Preferred Interests & Skills

• Research and systems thinking
• Public engagement and community outreach
• Policy analysis
• Strong professional writing and communications
• Interest in environmental justice and equity centered sustainability
• Ability to synthesize complex environmental information clearly

Relevant Academic Backgrounds

Students majoring in:

• Environmental Studies
• Urban Studies
• Sociology
• Political Science
• Geography
• Economics
• Communications

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the internship, the Fellow will:

• Develop practical experience in municipal sustainability initiatives
• Strengthen research and policy analysis skills in a public sector setting
• Gain exposure to civic engagement strategies that advance environmental goals
• Build competencies in climate related data tracking and communications

This fellowship offers meaningful experience at the intersection of climate action, public policy, and community engagement, allowing students to apply liberal arts training to real world sustainability challenges.