Restoration Ecology - Youth Engaged in Sustainable Systems (YESS)

About this opportunity

Youth Engaged in Sustainable Systems (YESS) is a career-connected, high school student internship program run by Mountains to Sound Greenway Trust in partnership with the Riverview School District, Washington Network for Innovative Careers (WANIC), and Pacific Education Institute (PEI). Throughout the program, student interns will build the skills, knowledge, and excitement needed to pursue green careers while earning a stipend and credit toward graduation. This is both a summer course and a professional development opportunity. Students will engage in field projects requiring walking 1-3 miles across uneven terrain, bending, kneeling, and lifting materials. Classroom days involve computer work and sitting. Topics covered include Safety and Well-Being, Land Management Practices, Plant Identification and Watershed Ecology, Restoration Ecology Practices, Restoration Ecology Laws and Agencies, Career Pathways, and completing a Restoration Project Proposal final project and presentation. Benefits include a $1,800 stipend for full attendance, a gear kit with Carhartt pants, boots, socks, shirt, hat, and beginner hand tools, networking with conservation professionals, and skill-building in restoration, plant identification, and public speaking.

What you'll do

• Engage in field restoration projects at various sites across 1-3 miles with uneven terrain
• Learn land management practices, plant identification, and watershed ecology
• Practice restoration ecology techniques and understand related laws and agencies
• Explore career pathways in conservation and green careers
• Develop skills in public speaking and restoration work
• Complete a final Restoration Project Proposal and present findings

Requirements

Must be available to attend the entire 6-week program (June 29 - August 4). Must be comfortable being outdoors in various conditions for up to 6 hours. Rising 10th and 9th graders will not be accepted. Strongly recommended that students have completed or are enrolled in relevant science classes.