Ecological responsibility at the core of summer learning

From its research projects to events and learning programs, the University of Washington Bothell’s Collaborative for Socio-Ecological Engagement has grown its offerings considerably since it launched in 2024. And at the heart of this work — the engine that has supported this expansion along the way — is its internship program.

This summer, CoSEE welcomed its largest cohort to date with 22 interns.

“CoSEE’s internship program is designed not only to expand experiential learning for UW Bothell undergraduates but also to broaden the social and professional relationships through which students come to understand themselves and their communities as co-participants in socio-ecological decision-making,” said Dr. Veronica Cassone McGowan, CoSEE director.

“Through sustained, place-based work with faculty, local agencies and community partners, students learn to recognize themselves as part of natural systems while contributing to decisions and collective practices that support ecological flourishing, strengthen community relationships and deepen connections across generations.”

This summer’s cohort worked along five pathways: geographic information systems, invasive species, native plants, environmental education and communications.