18469_Authority_June

municipalauthorities.org | 37 a worthwhile experience for the interns, the authorities continue to build up their own positive public image and, more importantly, provide an opportunity to give back and help others by taking on a mentorship role for the career development of others. The program has proven quite successful and the intent is to continue it into the foreseeable future. The response from participants at the end of the program has been overwhelmingly positive. It is hoped that this summer internship program will be replicated in other PMAA regions throughout the state. If anyone would like more information about how to get the program started, please contact Shannon Drosnock, Executive Director of the Montgomery Township Municipal Sewer Authority. Her phone number is 215-393-6930 and email address is sdrosnock@mtmsa.org . Another source of helpful information is the program website, which can be accessed at water-wastewater- internship-program.com . S The ultimate purpose of the program is to promote the water and wastewater industry to young people for succession planning, and to ensure the future continuity of the industry’s workforce. “The internship program helped expose me to multiple career options with hands on experience in the environmental field. I was able to secure a good job while doing good work for the community. I met many experts in the field, made valuable contacts, received career guidance, and got an inside look into both the drinking and wastewater industries. I entered the program about to graduate with an associate degree in environmental science. The internship helped me define what that means as a career and led to multiple job opportunities in the industry.” Jake, Wastewater Laboratory Technician, Chalfont-New Britain Township Sewage Authority