Through INPIRG, students gain an educational experience in democratic citizenship. And they get a chance to face up to society`s big problems, take action, and win concrete changes that improve the quality of our lives.



All INPIRG projects include grassroots organizing, and grassroots interns are an important piece of concentrating public concern and presenting it to decision makers. In years past, grassroots interns have played a crucial role in the gathering of over two million public comments to the president in an effort to protect 60 million acres of pristine National Forests. Student interns worked with the media to educate the community about the plans of four of the world`s largest oil companies to drill in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge.



Research Internship

The problems that face our society seem complex and often daunting. INPIRG research interns take important information, cut through any confusion, and present that information in a way that both educates and activates the campus and the community. In recent years, INPIRG research has documented consumer scams like high bank and credit card fees.



INPIRG internships seek to bridge classroom studies with real world experiences. Every semester 10-20 students are selected to participate in the internship program. Interns earn 3-6 credits while working with professional staff and faculty members.



Past internships have ranged from identifying violators of the Clean Water Act to advocating for recycling on campus. Internships are augmented by a weekly seminar. Curriculum for the class includes briefings on specific issues like air quality or energy efficiency, skills trainings related to the internship and discussion on current events and issues