The future of clean transportation depends not only on new technologies and infrastructure, but also on the people who will help move that work forward.
Through the U.S. Department of Energy’s Clean Cities and Communities Accelerate Internship Program, early-career professionals work alongside Clean Cities and Communities coalitions across the country to gain hands-on experience in the transportation field. Drive Clean Colorado is excited to have two Accelerate interns on our team for the Fall semester, Zoe Pao and Bailey Garcia.
Zoe is a recent graduate of the University of Colorado Boulder. She studied Environmental Studies, encouraging an interest in the ways environmental issues connect with people, communities, and policy. She shared that throughout college she found herself increasingly curious about how climate and environmental solutions can be more understandable, accessible, and relevant to the people they are meant to serve.
“I’m eager to learn more about what it actually takes to move Colorado’s clean transportation goals from policy and planning into action. From electric vehicles and charging infrastructure to community engagement and funding opportunities, I’m excited to better understand the many pieces that go into creating a more sustainable transportation system”.
Zoe is working closely with Jake Bergen, Program Manager, who started with Drive Clean as an intern for the same program.
Bailey is completing her Bachelor of Arts in Strategic Communication at the University of Colorado, Colorado Springs, anticipating graduation in December 2026. She previously earned an Associate of Arts in Communication from Pikes Peak State College which included coursework focused on environmental studies and sustainability. Bailey is in her second term as Communications Intern at DCC, which has allowed her to bring together her interests in communication, environmental issues, and storytelling.
Both Zoe and Bailey have been busy contributing across DCC’s fall events, outreach and communications. As they near the end of the Fall term, we asked them to reflect on their time with DCC. Bailey shares, “One of the biggest things I’ve learned during my internship is that people are at the heart of moving clean transportation forward in Colorado. Reading and sharing stories about the work happening across the state has given me an even greater appreciation for the people behind these efforts.”
There is still so much work to be done to continue Colorado’s clean transportation transition. DCC is grateful to the Department of Energy for empowering young professionals to get involved through the CC&C Accelerate Internship Program.
Interested in gaining hands-on experience in clean transportation, or know someone who is? DCC posts open internship opportunities on our website. Check back for future openings and share them with someone who may be a great fit.