Student Opportunities
Learning beyond the classroom
Gain hands-on experience addressing real-world natural resource challenges through internships, applied coursework, and engagement with stakeholders across Arizona. The NRULPC provides students with real-world opportunities to apply legal, policy, scientific, and communication skills to real-world natural resource issues. Students work alongside professionals, community partners, and decision-makers while developing the experience needed for careers in natural resources, public service, law, and policy.
PolicyCats Internships
The PolicyCats Internship Program is a spring internship connecting students with partner organizations working in agriculture, natural resources, and state and federal policy. Students gain professional experience while supporting projects that address real challenges facing Arizona communities and natural resource users. This internship is a unique chance for students interested in agriculture, natural resources, and state and federal policy.
Interns will get to explore the legal and policy issues facing the primary sectors (agriculture, mining, forestry, etc) that form the foundation of Arizona's economy. Students will gain valuable experience at the state capitol and work closely with commodity organizations. This is a unique opportunity to connect learning with real-world experience, build professional networks, and develop skills to serve students in their career path.
Students will also learn how to create a policy-related article for publication as well as how to create a Bill Analysis document.
The deadline to apply is in October of each year. The date is subject to change depending on the academic calendar. The application deadline for 2027 has closed.
Download the application above and send your completed document to the Internship Coordinator, Taylor Bowen at tjrogers@arizona.edu.
Yes! You can earn up to 3 university credit hours. Credits are to be determined between you, the Policy Cats Internship Coordinator, and your academic advisor depending on your major.
Yes! You will receive $1500 paid over the months of February, March, and April. You will also be reimbursed for mileage to and from the Phoenix area, and wherever your travels take you across the state.
Want to get involved?
Are you a student seeking to get involved in one of the NRULPC’s ongoing projects? Contact NRULPC staff to schedule a meeting or send us an email to learn more about opportunities to get involved.
Courses and experiential learning
LAW411 - Agriculture, Environmental and Legal Issues
Law411 3 unit course offered in the Spring introducing fundamental concepts associated with modern day agricultural industries to help students understand legal concepts as well as public policy that affects the commodities markets, natural resources, consumer attitudes and market forces impacting various agribusiness industries of the west.
Desert Tortoise Project
Students in the Natural Resource Use and Management Clinic researched how agricultural organizations could participate in litigation concerning the Sonoran desert tortoise’s status under the Endangered Species Act. Through legal research and a discussion with University of Arizona wildlife scientist Dr. Bob Steidl, students explored the intersection of law, conservation science, and landowner interests while developing materials to help inform the organizations’ decisions.
Volunteer or Join a Field Trip
The staff at the NRULPC are constantly travelling Arizona to meet with natural resource users and visit mines, ranches, and forests. Occasionally opportunities arise for students to accompany NRULPC staff during these trips to see first-hand how industry operate. Complete the linked Google Form to be notified of upcoming opportunities to travel.