How do local municipalities deal with issues of sustainability, transportation, land-use, and more?
Join fellow students and working professionals in examining our local communities, how were they built, who were they built for, and how to should they be designed for the current century and beyond.
Explore the intersections between urban land use, natural resources, local politics, and the economy. Discuss concepts related to social equity, climate, green energy, and comprehensive planning, while learning methods to make transportation systems more sustainable.
Enroll in CAS 2920 A – Offered both fall and spring semesters. Interest Form is required to enroll. This form will support the instructor in making a successful internship placement for you and the partner organizations.
The Student Experience:
Students will be placed at an internship site based on their interest within the urban planning field (sustainable transportation, land use planning, energy planning, etc.) that will ideally match their interests and academic goals. Past partners have included: CATMA, Green Mountain Transit, NRPC, Birchline Planning, and various Town Planning Offices in local communities across Vermont.
Time commitment: Students are expected to complete 100 hours of work for their community partner project (which is around 8 hours per week) plus weekly class time and short, contextual assignments. This program is designed to match the amount of work required of a typical academic course.
Credit information: The Sustainable Transportation Community of Practice counts as elective internship credit. If students’ internship placements are related to their major or minor, they can request that the credit count toward their major or minor by contacting their department chairperson.
Students wishing to use this program for their ENVS capstone should contact Vic Izzo for more information and approval.
Program Objectives:
- Understand the interplay between urban planning and the present, built environment.
- Analyze complex issues and devise solutions that meet the needs of the community
- Demonstrate habits of professionalism, including project management, timeliness, and communication skills.
- Build relationships with individuals and communities, and network with and learn from professionals.
Ravi Venkataraman (he/him)
Faculty Mentor
Ravi Venkataraman is currently the Director of City Planning for the City of Winooski. He previously served as a Transportation Planner for the City of Burlington, the Town Planner for the Town of Richmond in Vermont, and the DRB Coordinator and Assistant Zoning Officer for the Town of Shelburne in Vermont. He holds a Masters in Urban and Regional Planning from Virginia Tech and is currently pursuing his Ph.D. in Planning, Governance and Globalization. He enjoys running and biking around town, and occasionally making waffles on Saturday mornings.
Still have questions?
Email cas.internships@uvm.edu — our team would be happy to assist.
