Fully-funded Research Opportunity for Students interested in Environmental Studies

For students who aren’t already totally booked for the summer, the National Hispanic Environmental Council (NHEC) wants you to know applications are still being accepted for  the 12th annual “Minority Youth Environmental Training Institute,” to be held August 1 to 10, in Las Vegas, New Mexico.

In a nutshell, the 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. Forest Service, the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

Over 10 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.

Make no mistake.  This program is not summer camp—students work on real projects with potential outcomes important to the scientific community.

And not only is the Institute 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.  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 (2-page), must be mailed or faxed as soon as possible to the National Hispanic Environmental Council, in Springfield, Virginia.  

There is no fee to apply, and only a $35 registration fee for selected students—this may be waived for those with financial hardships.

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
• 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.

“We are still accepting applications,” explained Juan Rodriguez, NHEC programs coordinator.  “NHEC selects students on a rolling basis…While there are still slots left in the Institute your students should definitely apply as soon as possible.”

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