Applications are Still Being Accepted for Environmental Training Institute

For students who haven’t completely tied down summer plans, the National Hispanic Environmental Council (NHEC) wants you to know they are still accepting applications to participate in the 11^th annual “Minority Youth Environmental Training Institute” to be held July 20-30, in Las Vegas, New Mexico and other amazing areas in northern New Mexico.

In a nutshell, the NM Institute is an intensive, residential, science-based environmental education and career training opportunity for top students between the ages of 16 and 19.  The program receives funding from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Environmental Protection Agency, USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service, and the U.S. Forest Service.

Over 11 days, students study a wide range of environmental issues, as well as conduct field studies (testing air, water, soil, plus doing biological assessments, birding, etc.) using professional-grade environmental science equipment.  And they learn in a variety of settings, including national parks, wildlife refuges, national forests, and labs.

Not only is this program a resume builder, but it could definitely open doors for college admissions and future undergraduate research.

Through a FULL scholarship, NHEC will cover all costs for accepted students, including round-trip airfare, housing, meals, books, science equipment, and more for the 11-day long Institute.  The program is housed at the New Mexico Highlands University and is mentored by a group of volunteer “role models”—working minority professionals from every environmental field.

Students cannot apply online for the Institute.  All required forms, including a transcript and an essay, must be mailed or faxed as soon as possible to the National Hispanic Environmental Council, in Alexandria, Virginia.  Note that all faxed applications must also be mailed to the NHEC.

Applications will be evaluated on the basis of

• Student maturity and seriousness of intention
•  Academic background and achievements (must have a minimum 3.0 GPA)
• Proven experience in some environmental activity, program, class, project, or job
• Ability to show a genuine interest in the environment—especially as a future career
• Extracurricular and/or community activities that while not related to the environment reflect well on the applicant 
• Diversity by age, gender, race, ethnicity, geography, environmental experience, and other factors

As the Institute is entirely federally funded, only students who are U.S. citizens or permanent legal residents are eligible to apply and be selected.

More information and the complete application may be found on the National Hispanic Environmental Council website.  But hurry, this program should fill quickly.