EPIC: California Air Resources Board – Office of Community Air Protection (CARB-OCAP) – Riverside, CA or Sacramento, CA

This internship is designed for Stanford University undergraduate students interested in community air protection (air quality at the community-level) policy, environmental justice, and community-centered innovation. The intern will contribute to the development and evaluation of air quality strategies that support equitable climate and public health outcomes in California’s communities most impacted by air pollution.

Interns in CARB's OCAP will work on various projects that focus on working with environmental justice communities and California Tribes throughout the state to reduce emissions of toxic air contaminants and criteria air pollutants. Interns will have a hands-on opportunity to learn about state government processes, policy development and implementation, and community and air district partnerships in a fast-paced environment. The interns will gain skills in policy research and writing, analyzing community program benefits and impacts, conducting community engagement and outreach, fostering local government partnerships, interagency coordination, and providing information regarding program grants and incentives.

This role provides valuable opportunities for helping with data analysis, community outreach, and policy implementation within California's most impacted communities. The intern will gain exposure to the agency's operations and contribute to critical environmental initiatives.

List of Potential Projects:

The intern will be able to work alongside staff, addressing community concerns by listening to community concerns, analyzing data, developing outreach materials, and meeting and working with other divisions, agencies, and community organizations. Students will also create a capstone project to be presented to the division at the end of their term.

Example Intern Projects:

• Conduct policy research and analysis on community emissions reduction programs and air monitoring strategies.

• Support the Community Air Grants Program, including reviewing grant proposals, tracking project outcomes, and assisting with program evaluation. Meet and talk with Community Air Grantees to learn about their innovative, community-focused projects to improve air quality.

• Coordinate meetings of the Community Air Protection Consultation Group, a statewide advisory body composed of community leaders, air districts, local government, and other stakeholders.

• Support stakeholder engagement efforts (e.g., community leaders, business and industry representatives, academia, and local government representatives), including preparing materials for community meetings and public workshops.

• Analyze environmental and demographic data to inform program design and evaluation.

• Draft memos, presentations, and policy briefs for internal and external audiences.

• Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams across CARB and partner agencies.

Learning Outcomes:

• Gain hands-on experience in state-level environmental policymaking.

• Learn how grantmaking and advisory bodies support equitable air quality improvements.

• Deepen understanding of how community engagement shapes air quality and climate strategies.

• Build skills in policy analysis, stakeholder communication, and program evaluation.

• Network with professionals in environmental justice, public health, and regulatory policy.