Edmund S. Muskie School of Public Service continues to expand its commitment to experiential learning through a portfolio of focused internship programs designed to connect classroom learning with real-world impact. These structured opportunities provide students with hands-on professional experience, deepen applied research skills, and prepare graduates to lead across the public, nonprofit, and private sectors.
Internships allow students to translate theory into practice, develop networks with practitioners across Maine, and build the adaptive leadership skills required in today’s complex policy environment. For students focused on sustainability and resilience, experiential learning is particularly critical – effective climate and community planning demands collaboration, systems thinking, and practical implementation expertise.
This year’s Muskie Resiliency Internships, partnered with the Maine Climate Corps Program and MPPM faculty Dr. Brenda Zollitsch’s efforts, build on the School’s longstanding commitment to community engagement. These internships are designed for Muskie students who have completed coursework in community resilience building and sustainability planning. Interns enhance their adaptive management skills while directly supporting the resilience needs of local organizations.
The 2026 internship placements include opportunities such as with Camoin Associates – Applied Research and Analysis Intern; the City of Saco – Development Services Intern; Friends of the Presumpscot River – Resiliency Intern; Grandy Organics – Environmental and Community Impact & Business Resiliency Intern; and GrowSmart Maine – AI Data Center Research Intern & Legislative Research Intern.
Through these placements, students contribute to applied research, municipal planning, watershed resilience, sustainable business practices, and policy analysis – while organizations across Maine benefit from the analytical capacity and fresh perspectives Muskie students bring. Kudos to Dr. Zollitsch for her work on building these opportunities!
By integrating academic preparation with hands-on service, the Muskie Resiliency Internship program exemplifies the Muskie School’s mission: preparing the next generation of leaders to strengthen communities and advance sustainable, equitable solutions across Maine and beyond.