This summer, South Coast AQMD
welcomed 31 undergraduate and
graduate students from colleges
and universities throughout Southern
California as part of the 2026 Governing
Board Summer Internship Program.
The 11-week and 7-week internship
programs provided students with an
immersive introduction to South Coast
AQMD’s mission and ongoing efforts
to improve air quality across the region.
Interns were assigned to divisions
throughout the agency, where
they collaborated with staff on
meaningful projects, gaining
hands-on experience while
developing professional skills
and exploring potential career
paths.
As part of the program, interns
participated in a Critical
Conversations for Purposeful
Outreach (C3PO) experience
in South and Southeast Los
Angeles, where they engaged
directly with community
partners to better understand
local perspectives on air
quality and environmental
issues. They also gained
firsthand insight into air
quality regulation through
visits to a local refinery
and field experiences with
Compliance and Enforcement
staff, providing a broader understanding
of industry operations, regulatory
oversight, and community engagement.
The Governing Board Summer
Internship Program concluded on
August 7, equipping participants with
valuable professional experience and a
deeper appreciation for the collaborative
work involved in improving air quality
throughout the South Coast Air Basin.