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Friends of the Parks Internship Program

The FOTP Internship Program allows university students to turn their passion for conservation, environmental education, and community engagement into real-world experience. Interns gain practical skills, explore nonprofit operations, and contribute directly to projects in advocacy and policy, communications, development, and environmental education.

Through a formal partnership with the University of Illinois Chicago (UIC), for example, students can earn academic credit while working on hands-on projects that connect coursework to community-based conservation. These collaborations prepare students for future careers and strengthen research and advocacy around local environmental issues.

We’re expanding this work by building partnerships with more universities in Illinois and beyond—creating even more opportunities for students to grow while advancing our mission to protect and promote Chicago’s parks and open spaces.