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CLEO Institute – Climate Communication Outreach Internship

 

Are you a University of Florida undergraduate passionate about inspiring others to take action on climate change?

The CLEO Institute, thanks to funding from the UF Gulf Scholars Program, is offering two Community Outreach Internships for Spring 2025. This is a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience in climate education, communication, and public engagement while making a real difference in the UF and Alachua County communities.

Why Apply?

● $1,200 stipend awarded upon successful completion.
● Develop skills in public speaking, outreach, and climate communication.
● Gain experience in event planning, social media content creation, and civic engagement.
● Enhance your understanding of climate science, its solutions, and how to inspire action.
● Optional class credit available.

What You’ll Do:

● Digital Content Creation: Develop engaging social media and web content featuring UF and Alachua County climate initiatives.
● Outreach & Stewardship: Assist with programs that train others to communicate key climate messages.
● Tabling & Events: Represent CLEO at outreach events and learn to host educational tables.
● Civic Engagement: Meet with local elected leaders, attend public forums, and speak at commission meetings.
● Event Planning: Help organize workshops and CLEO events.
● Mentorship: Receive guidance from CLEO’s Climate Speaker Specialist and Communications Team.
● Networking: Join genCLEO at UF, recruiting activists on campus

Program Details:

● Duration: Late January to early May 2025.
● Time Commitment: 6-10 hours/week with flexible scheduling to fit around your classes.
● Attend weekly progress and reflection meetings and complete a final reflection blog and presentation.

Who Should Apply?

We’re looking for energetic, outgoing, and motivated juniors or seniors with:
● Strong writing and communication skills.
● Ability to work independently and in teams.
● Enthusiasm for public speaking, education, and outreach.
● A passion for climate action and community engagement.

Preferred Qualifications:

● Social media experience (Instagram Reels, YouTube).
● Experience in education, outreach, or environmental programming.
● Participation in campus groups like Sunrise, genCLEO, or Climate Gators.
● A network of potential audiences (clubs, faith groups, etc.)
● Some academic experience in earth science, sustainability, global change, political science, biology, geography, etc.

Eligibility:

● UF undergraduates in good academic standing (all majors welcome).
● Full-time enrollment required.

Apply

Submit your application by 11:59 p.m. on Monday, January 20, 2025. Applications will be reviewed as received, so apply early!

Complete the online application at the following link: CLEO Institute Climate Communication Outreach Internship Application

You’ll need to upload a resume, provide two references, and submit a short personal statement (500 words max) on:
1. Why are you interested in this internship?
2. Your connection to climate change.
3. The skills or experience you bring to the role.

Bonus Question: Share a short handwritten note (40-50 words) about what brings you joy.

If you have questions, feel free to reach out to Ellen Siegel at esiegel@cleoinstitute.org.

Make a difference. Build your skills. Inspire action. Apply today!