In CAS’s Communities of Practice program, you will build your skills while completing work for external organizations. Some students will work as day-to-day interns, some will complete projects, and others will focus on a particular project or group of projects for community partners. No matter the format of your match, you’ll get to work alongside professionals in the field, doing real, impactful work for the community.
After enrolling in one of the COP courses below, you will be matched with an organization. The faculty members who lead each COP are all either currently working or retired from the field in which they specialize. Their professional experience helps make this program more valuable to you as an emerging professional.
The Communities of Practice program is ideal both for students who are taking a first step into work-based learning, and for those who want to work with a diverse set of community partners and professionals. These courses are open to students of all majors at UVM. Sophomore year standing required except in rare cases.
Currently Offered Programs
Sustainable Urban Planning
Students will be placed at an internship site based on their interest within the urban planning / local government field (sustainable transportation, land use, energy planning, etc.)
Nonprofits & Social Change
Vermont has 6,276 nonprofit organizations. How will you get involved? Work directly with organizations that are working to positively impact Vermont’s communities.
Environmental Stewardship & Restoration
Work alongside professionals from around Vermont to further the stewardship and protection of Vermont’s natural resources into the future.
Legislative Internship Program
By becoming a real part of the Vermont State Legislature, you will engage with legislators and professionals uniquely involved with the real-world issues you care about.
Application required
Student Legal Services
Student Legal Services is a service that provides UVM students with free legal advice. Interns for the SLS program play a crucial role in the functioning of the program–working with consulting attorneys to intake and process legal concerns.
Application required
For our community partners:
Thank you for working with us to get our students integrated into community issues, projects, and initiatives! If you have any questions, please be in touch with the COP faculty member you work with. Not working with a faculty member yet? Fill out the Community Partner Intake Form to be routed to the most appropriate match!
Still have questions?
Email cas.internships@uvm.edu — our team would be happy to assist.
