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Monthly Newsletter
TJI


A newsletter published by the
Macalester Environmental Studies Department

October 24, 2024

Any upcoming events, job opportunities, conferences, or other environmental news received by the ES Department are included in this newsletter. More information on the items listed in This Just In! can be received by contacting the ES Department. Current and archived issues.

In This Issue….

1.  Jobs with Environment America
2.  Lake Minnetonka Garden Club and Garden Club of America Scholarships
3.  Tropical Biology Field Courses with Danta
4.  Mac GPT: Generating the Policy of Tomorrow Event – November 16
5.  Grid Catalyst Contest
6.  Job with National Energy Action
7.  Jobs and Internships Listed on Handshake

1.  Jobs with Environment America

Environment America has the following positions open.

  • Go Solar Campaign Associate – Lead campaigns that build the public support necessary for America to realize its renewable energy potential as quickly as possible.
  • Preserve our Forests Associate – Lead campaigns to protect our most valuable forests in the United State and across the globe, from the North American boreal forest to the Amazon. 
  • Environment America Campaign Associate – Lead campaigns to defend our oceans and public lands, to advocate for clean energy solutions and to campaign for clean air and clean water.
  • Environment America Internship – Work with our issue advocacy teams and our state offices across the country. As an intern, you’ll gain experience and make a difference on important environmental issues like plastic pollution, clean energy, protecting open spaces and more.

2.  Lake Minnetonka Garden Club and Garden Club of America Scholarships

The Lake Minnetonka Garden Club is pleased to announce its annual $2,500 merit-based scholarships, available to both undergraduate and graduate students pursuing careers in the following fields of study (see list below). They welcome applications that showcase previous academic work, research experience, and supporting recommendations from faculty or employers.

Students may apply by visiting the Lake Minnetonka Garden Club website and selecting the “Scholarships” section. All application materials must be submitted by the deadline.  

In addition to their scholarship, larger awards are available through the Garden Club of America (GCA). Their national organization awarded $400,000 for the 2023 year. Students interested in GCA scholarships can find more information at Garden Club of America Scholarships or by emailing [email protected]. The application deadline for GCA scholarships is December 31, 2024.

Both the Lake Minnetonka Garden Club and the Garden Club of America offer scholarships for the following fields:  

  • Botany
  • Conservation and Ecological Restoration
  • Garden History and Design
  • Horticulture and Related Fields  
  • Landscape Architecture  
  • Native Bird Habitat
  • Pollinator Research
  • Urban Forestry 

3.  Tropical Biology Field Courses with DANTA

DANTA is pleased to announce their 2025 field courses in tropical biology. Their courses are intended for undergraduates or early graduate level students who have a keen interest in tropical ecosystems and conservation but have little or no experience of working in a tropical environment. Participants may enroll on either a credit or non-credit basis.

Courses:

  • Tropical Biology and Conservation
  • Methods in Primate Behavior and Conservation
  • Wildlife Conservation and Sustainability

For more information, please visit their website at www.danta.info and/or email [email protected]. For an alumni perspective on their programs, please see their blog DANTAisms – http://dantablog.wordpress.com/ [dantablog.wordpress.com].

4.  Mac GPT: Generating the Policy of Tomorrow Event – November 16

Interested in urban public policy? Join Mac GPT: Generating the Policy of Tomorrow on Saturday, November 16, from 8:00 am to 9:00 pm. This is a hackathon-style event, where you’ll work in teams of 4-5 students to tackle real-world urban issues through policy solutions. In addition to hands-on policy experience, this event includes a cash prize for top teams, free food, mentorship from faculty, and an opportunity to network informally with alumni working in urban public policy in the Twin Cities. If you are interested in learning more, please fill out this form!.  

5.  Grid Catalyst Contest

Grid Catalyst, a Minnesota-based energy accelerator, is excited to introduce you to the EnergyTech University Prize (ETUP), led by the Department of Energy Office of Technology Transition. ETUP is a pitch contest for students to present business plans for high-potential energy technologies – competing for a share of $400,000 in prizes. The competition is open to students from all areas of study, and the prize entry requires only a short abstract (due in February 2025). 

Students and faculty who are interested in being a part of this exciting, skill-building competition as an addition to their school year are encouraged to attend an informational webinar on Dec. 10 at 12:00 p.m. CST (Register here) to learn more. Participants will hear details about available cash prizes and industry resources; learn how to find the cutting-edge energy technologies they can build their business plans and get their submission questions answered.

Those ready to join the competition can follow EnergyTech UP on the official competition platform, HeroX, and register a team now. Following the prize is the best way to stay current on submission deadlines and requirements, prize rules, and more. 

Questions? Contact Nina Axelson, Founder and President, 612-695-1288, [email protected].

6.  Job with National Energy Action

National Energy Action (NEA) is looking for a Data Analyst. NEA works to improve and promote energy efficiency brings social, environmental, housing and employment benefits.  They believe everyone should be able to afford to keep their homes warm and safe. However, low incomes, high energy bills and poor energy efficiency currently deny this to millions of households across the UK.  Never has this been more important than today. They offer colleagues a friendly, rewarding workplace and the chance to build a worthwhile career with a not-for-profit organization that makes a genuine difference to people’s lives each and every day.

7.  Jobs and Internships Listed on Handshake

handshake logo

Handshake at Macalester is our career services platform.

Students:  Handshake is preloaded with your basic profile data. Simply log in with your Macalester user id and password.

Read Getting Started with Handshake Guide for Students

The more you use Handshake, the better it works for you. Personalize your experience by filling out career interests and profile. As you choose opportunities and events that interest you, Handshake will learn to present you with opportunities best suited to your needs.

Any questions regarding this newsletter or to be removed from the mailing list, contact Ann Esson at [email protected].