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Want to help protect SoCal's air quality? This internship is for you
South Coast AQMD's headquarters in Diamond Bar. The agency has over 850 employees, an annual budget of nearly $211.4 million, and an air quality laboratory,
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Julia Barajas
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LAist
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Topline:
The South Coast Air Quality Management District — the regulatory agency responsible for controlling emissions from air polluters in L.A., Orange, Riverside, and San Bernardino counties — is offering internships for college students this summer. Applications are open; the deadline is March 7.
South Coast AQMD in the community: Southern California has a lot of air problems, and South Coast AQMD is the agency designed to help. It’s a watchdog against exposure to dangerous chemicals. It provided free in-home air purifiers to reduce exposure to particulate matter, which can cause serious health problems. And after the recent wildfires, the agency warned Angelenos about windblown ash and dust, encouraging residents near burn areas to limit their time outdoors and avoid vigorous physical activity.
What can students expect to learn? The agency has 11 offices that oversee regulatory, scientific, and business functions. Internships are available in each. According to South Coast AQMD, most interns will work on a project throughout the summer to gain hands-on experience. Interns also do other activities related to environmental stewardship, like outreach initiatives, giving expertise in city council meetings, and working alongside supervisors to reduce air pollution in areas that are disproportionately impacted.
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Internship details: The eight-week program runs from June 10 to August 1. The agency will select up to 30 interns, who will earn $20 an hour and work 28 hours a week. Here's where to apply.
Who’s eligible? The internship is open to students who are currently enrolled at a community college or university (including undergraduate and graduate students), and incoming college students who have a letter of acceptance. The agency welcomes students of all majors, but you have to be at least 18 years old to apply.
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But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
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