2025 Environment and Policy Internships (EPIC): Environmental Working Group (EWG) - Government Affairs
Job Title: Government Affairs Fellow
Department/Team: Multidisciplinary team at the Environmental Working Group
Location: Washington, DC
Duration: 35-40 hours per week for ten weeks over the summer
Areas of Interest: Human health and the environment, legislative and regulatory research, public health policy and advocacy
About the Environmental Working Group:
The Environmental Working Group (EWG), a leading national nonprofit based in Washington, DC, is seeking a dynamic and innovative Government Affairs Fellow to join our multidisciplinary team. At EWG, our team of scientists, policy experts, lawyers, media specialists, development staff, and programmers collaborates to protect human health and the environment.
For over two decades, EWG has conducted original research, analyzing government data, legal documents, scientific studies, and our laboratory findings to uncover threats to public health and the environment. Our groundbreaking work has redefined the conversation on environmental health, driving meaningful change from households to Capitol Hill.
Position Description/Scope of Work:
You will gain valuable skills in legislative and regulatory research and writing, advocacy strategies, nonprofit advocacy techniques. This fellowship offers a valuable opportunity to contribute to meaningful environmental and public health advocacy, gain hands-on experience in nonprofit operations, and develop essential skills for a career in government affairs or related fields.
List of Potential Projects/Activities:
- Work closely with EWG’s Government Affairs team to support national legislative initiatives and oversight of state and federal actions impacting public health and the environment.
- Research and support initiatives addressing farm subsidies and EWG’s broader policy work on pesticides, farm pollution, and conservation efforts.
- Advocate for stronger food safety policies to eliminate hazardous chemicals in food products and promote safer alternatives.
- Assist in advancing state and federal regulations to ensure chemicals are safe before entering the market, with a focus on removing hazardous substances like asbestos and PFAS.
- Attend Capitol Hill and government agency hearings as part of professional development
Desired Skills/Qualifications:
- Interest in environmental health, public policy, or advocacy
- Strong ability to gather, analyze, and synthesize information from diverse sources.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to tailor messaging for different audiences.
- Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment and contribute to group projects.
- Self-motivated with the capacity to work independently on assigned tasks
- Commitment to EWG’s mission to protect public health and the environment
Join the Environmental Working Group and use your GIS expertise to create a healthier and safer world. Apply today!
Logistics:
- EPIC fellows are required to work full-time (35-40 hours per week) for 10 weeks over the summer, and will receive a stipend of $8,000 - $9,500, depending on financial need. This stipend is intended to help cover living and transportation expenses during the fellowship, which the student is expected to arrange and coordinate.
- Start and end dates are flexible (start date no later than July 7, 2025).
Eligibility:
Stanford undergraduates from all academic disciplines are encouraged to apply, and applicants may vary in academic interests, public service involvement, and experience. Learn more about our previous EPIC cohorts! Students must be enrolled for winter and spring quarters of this year and be in good academic standing to be eligible for a fellowship. Applications will only be accepted from students who will be enrolled as undergraduates for the following academic year, so unfortunately, graduating seniors cannot apply. The one exception to this rule is seniors who will be working toward a co-term degree during the following academic year. Co-term students must be in the undergraduate billing group in spring quarter. Please refer to the Haas Center for Public Service's website for additional Cardinal Quarter Undergraduate Fellowship Program Policies and Requirements.
Note: students are only eligible for one Stanford-funded full-time experiential learning opportunity during the summer, and are not permitted to engage in another full-time internship, job, coursework, or volunteer opportunity. Students are responsible for arranging and paying for their own housing and transportation during the fellowship.
Requirements:
-
Spring Quarter:
- Commit to working full-time (35-40 hours week) for 10 consecutive weeks
-
Complete an online program orientation through the Haas Center for Public Service
- This will include designing a personal learning plan that you will share with your site supervisor and academic mentor
- Complete the Engaging in Ethical and Effective Service in-person workshop or worksheet
- Meet with your assigned Stanford academic mentor at least once prior to the start of the fellowship (more check-ins during and after your experience are encouraged)
- Attend EPIC cohort building events and activities in spring quarter, as your schedule allows
-
Complete and submit all required forms and paperwork
-
Summer Quarter:
- Engage in your full-time fellowship (starting no later than July 7, 2025; exact start date to be determined with your site supervisor)
- Attend EPIC cohort building events and activities in the summer, as your schedule allows
- Submit a mid-summer evaluation
-
Submit a final project report, complete a program evaluation, and correspond with donor(s) as requested by program staff
-
Fall Quarter:
- Debrief with your academic mentor at least once
- Attend a de-briefing meeting for the purpose of reflecting upon and evaluating summer experiences
- Participate in outreach activities to share your experiences and help publicize the program
