Since its inception in 1998, PennFuture has emphasized the importance of using the law to protect Pennsylvania’s environment and “create a just future where nature, communities, and the economy thrive.”

Over the past two decades, we have achieved significant legal and policy victories that reduce pollution and protect the environment and our communities. We have provided millions of dollars in pro bono legal services while setting critical precedents and enforcing environmental laws across the Commonwealth.
But as PennFuture looks forward to the next 20 years, we recognize that we need to be more involved with cultivating the people that will continue to support our mission. Our staff have a long history of mentoring interns, externs, and fellows, and we wanted to create a more formal program to inspire the next generation. 
With the generous support of the George and Miriam Martin Foundation and the Otto Haas Charitable Trust, PennFuture created a paid legal internship program to inspire and mentor students interested in making a difference for our environment. 

Ultimately, the goal of this program is to provide the organization a cadre of young legal and policy minds interested in taking on the myriad challenges impacting Pennsylvania as well as to further their potential environmental careers. We’ve seen success on this front as many of our legal interns have found work in the Pennsylvania environmental legal space. We also hope that providing for a funded internship will help to bring more diversity and inclusivity into the non-profit environmental advocacy sphere. 
Over the past four years, our interns have made it possible for PennFuture’s legal team to do more, faster, and better! They have supported our litigation efforts against water polluters and fracked-gas facilities, they have drafted comments in support of stronger regulatory protections across the Commonwealth, and they have helped our attorneys strategize and execute impactful legal actions. We are grateful for all of the hard work, passion, and dedication of our legal interns. 

This spring, we have a fantastic student joining us who brings a unique background and experiences to our mission. We’ve asked our new intern to explain, in her own words, what environmental law and PennFuture’s mission means to her:

Ayah Manalastas, Second Year student at Penn State Dickinson Law 
My childhood experiences with frequent power outages in the Philippines sparked my interest in energy and environmental law. The paradox of unreliable electricity and high costs, caused by aging infrastructure, natural disasters, and growing demand, fueled my curiosity. These early challenges inspired my current passion for addressing complex issues at the intersection of energy policy and environmental protection. 

Prior to law school, I worked as a paralegal for several years at one of the nation’s leading firms in energy law. That role enabled me to develop a deeper understanding of the federal energy landscape and provided me with invaluable insights into the electric, gas, and oil industries by assisting in sophisticated regulatory matters. As an aspiring litigator, I am eager to apply this practical knowledge to PennFuture’s impactful work in creating a more sustainable future for Pennsylvania and learn more about environmental advocacy and policymaking to advance clean energy solutions.  

At Penn State Dickinson Law, I am actively involved in my community by serving as President of the Women’s Law Caucus; Secretary of OutLaw; member of the Moot Court team; Legal Analysis and Writing Teaching Assistant for Prof. Martin; Admissions Ambassador; member of the Student Bar Association Social Committee; and member of the Asian Pacific American Law Students Association.