For sponsoring adults, providing an internship opportunity yields the satisfaction of guiding a younger person toward the exploration of nature and science. Such an internship can be a key experience in the development of a student's future goals and priorities. The internships offered at The Cleveland Museum of Natural History involve students in both the generation of new knowledge and the practical application of knowledge to environmental stewardship. In each summer internship, the student commits all of his or her working time for at least eight weeks. The goal of the program is to give students an understanding of the complexity of environmental issues and current approaches for dealing with them.
Students also gain an awareness of the array of skills needed for meaningful involvement.
They receive training and actual experience in one area of natural history. In addition, the Museum is a center for people from all walks of life who study and enjoy the natural world in many different ways. These internships introduce students to the fellowship within this working environment. The Program is designed for college sophomores, juniors, and seniors, but current year baccalaureates are also considered for these internships. Annually, the Kirtlandia Society undertakes to raise money for each student to provide salary, expenses, and the required Federal and State obligations.