Jeff Metcalf Fall 2025 Metcalf Clinic - Illinois Environmental Council

This internship is part of the University’s Jeff Metcalf Internship Program. Click here to learn more about the program, its benefits, and the UChicago community of supporters. By applying to this internship you agree to follow the Student Recruiting Guidelines. This position is not benefits eligible.

Please make sure that if selected for an interview, you communicate to your prospective host organization/employer where you will be physically located during the internship as your location may affect your (or your host organization/employer’s) ability to pursue this opportunity. 

If you are an international student, please make sure to visit the OIA website to familiarize yourself with your work authorization eligibility and requirements as soon as possible. If you’d like to make an appointment with your international adviser, please visit this page.

Internship Time Commitment: Fall Quarter, 8 weeks, ~5-10 hours/week

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The Illinois Environmental Council (IEC) was created in 1975 to ensure that the collective voice of Illinois’ environmental community was amplified in public policy debates and legislative action. Today, IEC is proud to be leading the strongest, most effective environmental community in the state’s history.

Interns will focus conducting state-level environmental policy research on key issues that impact the state of Illinois. Students will work closely on this project with the IEC's policy team and present a final report and deck that highlights their findings and impact.

Key Qualifications 

Research & Analytical Skills

• Ability to locate, interpret, and summarize legislative texts and policy documents
• Comfortable using official state legislature websites and legal databases (e.g., BillTrack50, LexisNexis, LegiScan, or state portals)
• Attention to detail when tracking policy trends, bill status, and amendments across states

Communication Skills

• Strong writing skills — able to draft concise summaries, briefs, or reports
• Ability to translate complex legal/policy language into plain, accessible language
• Comfort presenting findings clearly to supervisors or teams

Knowledge Areas (Preferred)

• Understanding of the U.S. legislative process at the state level
• Awareness of environmental policy issues
• Experience or interest in public interest work, advocacy, or lawmaking