2026-27 UK Sustainability leadership and internship opportunities
University of Kentucky students have been making a difference across campus through the UK Sustainability Internship Program and Student Sustainability Council. Over the last 11 years, student-led research and projects have included creating a Waste Reduction Week focused on the importance of waste issues, highlighting student art related to climate change and revitalizing campus landscaping through tree planting events and garden design.
The UK Office of Sustainability in Facilities Management is now accepting applications for two student opportunities for the 2026-27 academic year.
Sustainability Internship Program
The Sustainability Internship Program (SIP) pairs undergraduate students with sustainability-related offices and units across campus to advance sustainability initiatives in exciting and meaningful ways. Interns earn $15.55 per hour and work eight to 10 hours per week from mid-August through the end of the spring semester. Through the program, interns work with mentors to support sustainability initiatives and develop a sustainability project or initiative that addresses a campus need.
There are 15 internship opportunities available for the 2026-27 SIP, covering a variety of expertise areas:
- Campus woods
- Communications
- Dining sustainability
- Energy
- Green labs
- Kentucky Climate Consortium
- Recycling
- Research and impact
- Soil and water extension
- Sustainable transportation
- Urban design
The Sustainability Internship Program application deadline is March 29. Students can apply at sustainability.uky.edu/get-involved/sustainability-internship-program.
Student Sustainability Council
The Student Sustainability Council plays a key role in guiding sustainability efforts at UK by working to evaluate and fund sustainability projects that benefit the entire campus community.
The student-led initiative began in 2009 and has since funded more than 470 projects. Any member of the UK community can submit a proposal for funding support for a project that will enhance the culture of sustainability on UK’s campus. The Student Sustainability Council distributes nearly $200,000 for campus sustainability projects each year.
The Student Sustainability Council application deadline is March 29. Students can apply at sustainability.uky.edu/sustainability-grants/student-sustainability-council.
Learn more about UK’s sustainability initiatives and opportunities by visiting sustainability.uky.edu.
