Department of Civil Service

Description:

Indoor air contaminants such as mold, allergens, certain chemicals, and inadequate ventilation have been linked to health symptoms, including respiratory conditions such as asthma and allergies. Poor indoor air quality in schools has been linked to health outcomes as well as to higher absenteeism and poorer academic performance. The New York State Department of Health, in conjunction with other state and federal agencies, as well as many non-governmental organizations, has developed a statewide school environmental health program called NYS Clean, Green, and Healthy Schools (CGHS). The primary goal of this program is that 'All New York State children, teachers, and staff attend/work in K- 12 school environments that are healthy and safe'.

The focus of this internship is to help develop an evaluation plan for the CGHS program. Although the program is just beginning to be implemented, we wish to develop an evaluation plan and incorporate its concepts into the early stages of the implementation for efficiency and effectiveness. Also, during this internship, there will be an opportunity to participate in a half-day meeting of the Program's Steering Committee. This Committee is made up of approximately 40 individuals representing various State agencies and non-governmental organizations with an interest in K-12 school environmental health. The student in this position may also be asked to develop a distribution plan for materials developed for the program that are to be marketed and distributed to NYS schools.

With appropriate supervision and guidance, the student is expected to assist staff with developing the details of an evaluation plan for a school environmental health program in NYS. This will involve considering both qualitative and quantitative measures of success. Performance measures for the program, as well as school environmental health indicators will be developed. Associated with this, the student will develop a method to track the developed measures and indicators. Students may also prepare materials for marketing the program to schools.

Students may work Monday through Friday during normal business hours.

Skills:

Writing

Hands on field work

Research

Internship Areas: Planning/Analysis/Research