Application Period Opens April 10, 2026!

Obtain hands-on experience in environmental science while giving back to the community. Every summer the Three Lakes Association chooses one or more water quality projects that will provide students a rich experience with data collection and water body stewardship as we preserve and protect Torch Lake, Lake Bellaire and Clam Lake.

Past projects include:

• Investigation of snail diets to determine their role in Golden Brown algae control
• qPCR testing to assess the risk of swimmer’s itch and E. coli
• Large woody debris installation for habitat improvement
• Removal of sediment from the Grass River
• Golden brown algae study on lake floors
• E. coli and macroinvertebrate monitoring
• Fish assessments
• Shoreline and aquatic plant surveys
• Lake water quality testing
• Invasive Mussel Surveys

As noted in the student contract and project description, students who are selected for the internship will be expected to:

1. Be a sophomore, junior or senior in the Bellaire, Central Lake, Elk Rapids, Kalkaska or Mancelona School district
2. Attend all meetings: orientation, 7 field sessions and 4 presentation preparation sessions
3. Prepare a presentation of the project to be presented to the TLA Board of Directors on the fourth Tuesday of August at 9 a.m. and to their respective school boards
4. Dress appropriately for the weather
5. Bring snacks and water – hydration is very important!
6. Work as a team
7. Behave respectfully, follow safety protocols, arrive prepared and participate to the best of their abilities

In addition to a great experience, students will receive:

1. Over 25 hours outside, often on the water, with fun people of many ages
2. Excellent insight into individual preferences and strengths for future jobs, training and teamwork
3. Meaningful science field research experience that will help open doors of opportunity
4. A $550 award after completion of the internship requirements
5. A certificate of completion from TLA
6. Some schools offer 1/2 credit on their school transcript for environmental science