The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) is partnering with Hispanic Access Foundation, Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources and Related Sciences (MANRRS), and Doris Duke Conservation Scholars Program (DDCF) to implement their 2024 Directorate Fellows Program (DFP).

Directorate Resource Assistant Fellows Program (DFP)

Who is the FWS?

The FWS mission is to work with others to conserve, protect, and enhance fish, wildlife, plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. Our ~9000 employees work in all 50 states and U.S. territories in partnership with others to achieve this mission.

What is the DFP Fellowship?

The FWS Directorate Fellows Program (DFP) is an 11-week fellowship program that includes a direct hire authority (DHA) for a permanent position in FWS. Students must be enrolled or accepted for enrollment as a rising senior or senior in an undergraduate program or graduate degree program at the start of start of the 2024 DFP. Fellows selected for the 2024 DFP must successfully complete their 11-week fellowship and subsequently complete their degree requirements to meet eligibility requirements for the DHA.

The FWS DFP is for students interested in conservation careers. The 11-week fellowship focuses on projects that support FWS conservation priorities. The 2024 fellowships begin in mid-May and June 2024 and end in August or September 2024. Most projects are a good fit for students with majors in biological sciences and natural resources management. There are a limited number of projects that could be a good fit for other degree areas, such as education and outreach, social sciences/humanities, geographic and information sciences, law enforcement/ criminal justice, communications and marketing, and information technology. You are applying to be part of the 2024 cohort of up to 30 Fellows.

Past projects have included work on species conservation planning, field surveys and monitoring for species, landscape scale conservation partnerships, environmental law and policy, education and outreach, community engagement, digital communications, and many others that support our agency's mission.

Why is DFP important to FWS?

The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service goal is to promote and maintain a diverse and inclusive workforce that thrives in an environment accessible to all and free of employment discrimination. DFP provides an opportunity for interested students from all diverse backgrounds, including women, minorities, and other underrepresented populations to gain valuable experience leading to a career in conservation.

DFP Eligibility Requirements

• Current students: Undergraduate rising seniors, seniors; enrolled or current graduate students
  • Students graduating in May 2024 or June 2024 are ineligible to participate in FWS DFP unless they provide verification that they have been accepted for enrollment in an undergraduate or graduate by October 23, 2023.
• Students pursuing biological science and/or natural resource management degrees. There are a limited number of projects that could be a good fit for other degree areas, such as education and outreach, social sciences/humanities, geographic and information sciences, law enforcement/ criminal justice, communications and marketing, and information technology.
• US citizen or National (Birth certificate or Passport must be provided)
• Must be 17 years of age or older
• Cumulative GPA must be 3.0 or higher
• Must be available for 12 weeks during summer 2024 (1 week orientation plus 11-week fellowship)
• Must be able to pass a criminal background check
• All applicants assigned male at birth and between the ages of 18-26 (born on or after January 1, 1960) must be registered with the Selective Service

Benefits

• $1,360 biweekly stipend based on a 40-hour work week
• Travel expenses paid (within budget limitations) - roundtrip travel to and from fellowship site Travel expenses to/from the FWS National Conservation Training Center in Shepherdstown, WV for a 1-week Orientation (May 20-24, 2024 or June 10-14, 2024)
• Housing provided or housing stipends provided
• Hands-on experience in conservation
• One to two weeks of developmental experience during the 11-week Fellowship, including networking and learning about future employment opportunities
• Option for health insurance coverage throughout the fellowship term
• Fellows may be eligible for a permanent position in the FWS after successfully completing their fellowship and degree requirements

How to Apply

Submit an application package, including a:

• Applications are due by October 23, 11:59 pm Eastern Time.
• Prepare/obtain copies of the required materials below:
  
  • A current educational/professional resume or curriculum vitae (CV). Federal resume formatting is not required.
  • Current Unofficial transcript(s) for each post-secondary institution you have attended. Transcripts must include your name, enrollment status, and cumulative GPA.
  • Proof of enrollment for the 2024-2025 academic year. This is only required for applicants graduating from their current institution in May 2024 or June 2024
• Complete and submit your application package using the form linked in the "Apply Here" button below. Resumes and other application materials sent via email will not be accepted.
• You may save and resume your application at any time before the application window closes. Once your application has been submitted, you will not be able to revise it.

All questions or concerns regarding the program, application, and selection process should be directed to Ivone Watson, Administrative Coordinator (ivone@hispanicaccess.org)

Applications are due by January 13 at 11:59pm EST. In advance to completing your online application, you can view a PDF copy of the application here. NOTE: We will not accept PDF applications submitted by email. All applications must be submitted online through the application link found here.

Application questions or issues may be directed to Ivone Watson, ivone@hispanicaccess.org

If you have met the eligibility requirements for the 2024 DFP, Hispanic Access will later share additional info via email for you to apply for specific DFP projects throughout the United States. Application questions or issues may be directed to Ivone Watson, ivone@hispanicaccess.org

NPS Conservation and Outdoor Recreation (COR) Program

The National Park Service (NPS) – Conservation and Outdoor Recreation (COR) Program supports community-led natural resource conservation and outdoor recreation projects across the nation. Their national network of conservation and recreation planning professionals partner with community groups, nonprofits, tribes, and state and local governments to design trails and parks, conserve and improve access to rivers, protect special places, and create recreation opportunities.

HAF and the NPS COR program have partnered to provide long-term professional fellowships for Latino young professionals interested in pursuing careers in fields related to public land management, program coordination, outdoor recreation, and community engagement.

HAF will recruit, select and oversee highly motivated recent grads or young professionals to work alongside NPS staff nationwide. Throughout these opportunities, fellows will participate in substantive assignments in their areas of expertise, collaborating closely with NPS staff day-to-day and receive additional mentoring and support through HAF.

Project Goal & Objectives

The partners’ long-term goal for this project is to build a strong number of inspired, skilled, culturally, ethnically, and economically diverse young professionals who have experienced conservation careers. This will result in a diverse workforce of conservationists that reflects the composition of the population.

Through this program, HAF will select and oversee a cohort of highly motivated fellows, ages 18 to 30 (or up to 35 for veterans), who will be introduced to conservation and outdoor recreation careers through 11 months paid fellowships involving hands-on work and training by NPS professionals. Each fellow will receive a weekly stipend of $480 based on a 40-hour workweek. A housing stipend will be provided if on-site or local housing is needed. Local interns are eligible for a transportation/commuting stipend. Travel expenses to/from NPS sites will be covered. Interns will participate in a HAF Cohort Conference planned in 2021.

After completing the fellowship, fellows are eligible for the Public Land Corps (PLC) non-competitive hiring authority. PLC status provides special hiring status when applying for future NPS or Dept of Interior positions.

2020 Hosting Sites

• 3 new positions starting in 2021 are live now.

Application Deadline & Timeframe

Each applicant must submit an application, resume, and requested materials for consideration. Writing samples will be required for communications specific positions. Resumes must include professional and educational experience, along with any certifications, awards or volunteer activities.

Applications for other COR fellowships starting in 2021 are currently posted on our website.

Basic Eligibility

• Completed Bachelors or Masters degrees
• Ages 18 to 30, up to 35 for veterans
• Possess US citizenship, or permanent residency in the US. Fellows must undergo a government background check if selected.
• Available to work full-time (40 hours weekly) for the entire fellowship term (11 months)

Selection criteria

Intern selection will be based on best fit with the unique requirements of each site. Final candidates will undergo a background check before beginning their assignment. Applications will be reviewed and rated according to the following criteria: relevant education and work/professional experience, writing samples, volunteer experience and activities, awards, certifications or licenses, application content, and responses.

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and Hispanic Access Foundation (HAF) have partnered to connect Latino/a college students with careers in natural resources. The Direct Hiring Authority-Resource Assistant Internship program (DHA-RAI) was designed to develop and train undergrad and graduate students at BLM sites nationwide to become the next generation of environmental stewards. DHA positions are unique internship opportunities designed to build a pathway to employment with a federal land management agency.

These paid opportunities offer hands-on training and unique work experiences; interns will receive specialized training opportunities, mentoring and ongoing support from BLM and HAF staff to effectively carry out their assignments. The purpose of the program is for interns to bring new and diverse viewpoints to the Bureau while working on specific projects and gaining professional experience in their fields.

DHA (Direct Hiring Authority) - Noncompetitive Hiring Status:
A candidate can apply for any position(s) for which they are eligible in a land management agency without competing in a competitive examination or competing with career and career-conditional employees. Candidates applying under this authority will be considered with other non-competitive candidates. The DHA becomes active after the end of the two-year period beginning on the date the candidate completed his or her undergraduate and graduate degree. Successful completion of the internship does not guarantee that the participant will be hired into a federal position.

Project Goal & Objectives

The partners’ long-term goal for this project is to build a strong number of inspired, skilled, culturally, ethnically, and economically diverse young professionals who have experienced natural resource careers. This will result in a diverse workforce of conservationists that reflects the composition of the population.

Through this program, HAF will select and oversee a cohort of highly motivated interns, ages 18-35, who will be introduced to natural resource careers through 11-week paid internships involving hands-on work and training by BLM professionals. Each intern will receive a weekly stipend of $440 based on a 40-hour workweek, graduate students are eligible for an additional stipend. A housing stipend will be provided if on-site or local housing is needed. Local interns are eligible for a transportation/commuting stipend. Travel expenses to/from BLM sites will be covered. Interns will participate in an orientation conference and webinar trainings provided by HAF.

2019 Hosting Sites

• All positions will be posted by Feb 13, 2019

Application Deadline & Timeframe

Applications are due on March 8, 2019. Candidates will be asked to submit a resume and transcript/s with their application. Final decisions will be made by the end of March 2019. Start and end dates vary among positions, all 11-week internships will commence in early June. Travel expenses to internship sites will be covered.

Basic Eligibility

• Currently enrolled OR a recent graduate of an undergraduate or graduate degree program at an accredited college or university.
  
  • Undergraduate is defined as an Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree program.
  • To qualify as a recent graduate, the student’s official graduation date cannot exceed six (6) months prior to the start date of the internship period.
  • Students enrolled in a graduate certificate program are not eligible to participate in the DHA-RAI internship program.
• Ages 18 to 35
• Possess US citizenship, residency or authorization to work in the US.
• Interns must undergo a government background check if selected
• Culturally identify as Hispanic/Latino
• Some positions require a Driver's License

Selection criteria

Intern selection will be based on best fit with the unique requirements of each site. Final candidates will undergo a background check before beginning their assignment. Applications will be reviewed and rated according to the following criteria: relevant educational and work/professional experience, volunteer experience and activities, awards, certifications or licenses, application content and responses.

Application Requirements:

Each applicant must submit an application, formal resume and a copy of their unofficial transcript/s for consideration. Resumes must include professional and educational experience, along with any certifications, awards or volunteer activities. Applications will include the following components:

1. Contact Information (include in application)
   Applicant’s full name and contact information such as a cell phone number, a home phone number, primary residence address, and both personal and school email addresses.
   
   
2. Professional Experience (include in resume)
   Details about the organizations where the applicant worked; including the name of the organization, the location, the dates of employment, their position title, and a brief description of job duties. Avoid the use of acronyms.
   
   
3. Education (include in resume)
   The name(s) of the accredited college, university, or community college where the applicant was either previously enrolled or is currently enrolled. Include the location of the school(s) (city, state), date of actual graduation or anticipated graduation (month, year), degree(s), and grade point average.
   
   
4. Volunteer Experience (include in resume)
   Details about the organizations where applicants volunteered including the name of the organization, the location, the dates of volunteer work, position title if applicable, and a brief description of volunteer duties. Avoid the use of acronyms.
   
   
5. Certifications or Licenses (include in resume)
   Include any relevant certifications or licenses.
   
   
6. Awards, Honors, Activities (include in resume)
   Include grants and scholarships, academic honors, and educational and professional affiliations.
   
   
7. References (include in application)
   Contact information for three references, one of each type; professional, educational, and personal.

The Bureau of Reclamation (Reclamation) and Hispanic Access Foundation’s MANO Project (MANO) have partnered to connect diverse college students with 11-week summer internships. This program was designed to provide paid work opportunities to culturally, ethnically, and economically diverse students at Reclamation sites in the US. Interns will receive mentoring, hands-on work experience, and gain a better understanding of Reclamation’s role in conserving water and power resources.

Project Goal & Objectives

Reclamation’s Resource Assistant Internship (RAI) Program provides a pathway for Reclamation hiring managers to non-competitively hire RAI participants (or “Interns”) to permanent positions who have successfully completed a rigorous 11-week Summer Internship. Eligible Interns must be enrolled in accredited post-secondary degree programs to apply and participate in the paid Internship opportunity. While participating in the 11-week paid Internship, Interns will prove their analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills at Reclamation sites or offices. After successful completion of an Internship and subsequently achieving their degree, hiring managers have two years from the Intern’s graduation date to non-competitively appoint them to a vacancy for which they qualify. After successful completion of all program requirements, Interns may be converted to a permanent position, but conversion is neither guaranteed nor promised.

Reclamation interns will gain on-the-job experience and engage in projects that address some of the most critical conservation issues on Reclamation land. Interns will receive specialized training, mentoring and ongoing support to effectively carry out their assignments. Interns will gain an understanding of the opportunities for careers at Reclamation and will build skills and experience required for success in these careers.

MANO is searching for highly motivated students who will work alongside Reclamation employees for the 11-week internship program. This is a paid internship; each intern will receive a weekly stipend, based on a 40-hour workweek, and a commuting stipend.

The Mission of the Bureau of Reclamation is to distribute water and generate hydropower to U.S. regions west of the Mississippi River. At Reclamation, we value professional excellence, safety and respect. Reclamation’s Resource Assistant Internship (RAI) Program is effective due to collaborative partnerships with organizations such as Hispanic Access, to help Reclamation promote and build robust and diverse applicant pools for future hiring.

Each RAI Program internship requires a commitment of working for 11-weeks in a full-time status (40 hours per week). Internships run roughly between May and September.

Program Goals

• Create unique opportunities for students through established career development projects and assignments.
• Focus on the investment in internships for Reclamation to “grow our own” in order to establish long-term workforce plans.
• Expand outreach recruitment to enhance opportunities for underserved communities and underrepresented populations.

Summer 2022 RAI Project Opportunities

• Binational Program
• Human Resources 
• Public Civil Rights 
• Public Relations

Application Deadline & Timeframe

All applications should be submitted through Hispanic Access Foundation’s MANO Project application page. A resume and two references will be required for submission. A writing sample may be required for certain positions. Your application or resume should include professional and educational experience, along with any awards, technical skills or volunteer activities.

Applications for the 2022 program are listed here. 

Benefits

• Interns are paid a weekly stipend.
• Interns will participate in assignments and a final presentation that will expose them to key-decision makers and stakeholders with Reclamation.
• Interns will prove their analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills at Reclamation sites or offices.
• Interns are afforded an opportunity to participate in mission-driven projects.
• Interns having successfully completed an 11-week internship have the opportunity to eligible for non-competitive, direct hire appointment to a Federal position that which they are qualified, after subsequently completing their undergrad or grad degree requirements.

Basic Eligibility

• Individuals ages 18 and above.
• Must be U.S. Citizen or U.S. National.
• Required to pass a federal background investigation.
• Must be currently enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate degree program from an accredited institution of higher education.
• Various eligibility/qualifications requirements may additionally be included, as described on each RAI opportunity.

Selection Criteria

Specific assignments will be based on best fit with the unique requirements of each site. Final candidates will undergo a background check before beginning their assignment. Applications will be reviewed and rated according to the following criteria:

• Relevant educational and work experience
• Accomplishments and leadership roles
• Oral and written communication skills, through application responses and phone interviews
• Professionalism and technical knowledge

U.S. Bureau of Reclamation Mission

The mission of the Bureau of Reclamation is to manage, develop, and protect water and related resources in an environmentally and economically sound manner in the interest of the American public. At Reclamation, our core values are professional excellence, safety, and Respect.

Hispanic Access Foundation Mission

Hispanic Access Foundation is a 501(c)(3) national nonprofit organization that connects Latinos and People of Color to partners and opportunities improving lives and creating an equitable society. Hispanic Access’s vision is that all Hispanics throughout the U.S. enjoy good physical health, a healthy natural environment, a quality education, economic success and civic engagement in their communities with the sum improving the future of America.

Reasonable Accommodation Policy Statement

Federal agencies must provide reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities where appropriate. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and/or hiring process should contact Hispanic Access Foundation directly. Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis.

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The MANO Project and Hispanic Access work in conjunction with a variety of trustworthy and socially responsible partners to increase Latinos access to comprehensive comprehensive professional and personal growth opportunities in diverse mission-driven fields.

Our partnership model is cemented on our strong relationships with:

• Organizations and federal agencies to host internships/fellowships and serve as mentors for NextGen leaders
• College and university staff/faculty to connect Latino students, alumni, and student organizations to these unique opportunities
• Businesses to provide support for trainings, conferences, and leadership experiences for Hispanic Access NextGen leaders

Please don’t hesitate to reach out to our team through the form below if you would be interested in partnering with us. We look forward to exploring the possibilities to collaborate!

The National Credit Union Administration (NCUA) and Hispanic Access (HAF) have partnered to connect Latino/a college students with diverse career opportunities at the NCUA Headquarters located in Alexandria, VA, Austin, TX and Tempe, AZ.

Program Goal & Objectives

NCUA and Hispanic Access believe in the importance of career development and mentorship; their long-term goal for this program is to build a greater pool of inspired, skilled, and culturally diverse young professionals with valuable work experience needed to compete in and diversify today’s workforce. This program was designed to combine academic endeavors with project-related work experience while providing undergrad and graduate students with a unique opportunity to work with a federal government agency. Interns will be part of an engaging environment, receive training and mentorship by NCUA staff, gain professional relationships, and enhance their ability to market themselves for future opportunities or employment with a federal agency.

Hispanic Access will recruit and assist in selecting highly motivated college students for open positions; NCUA will review the final candidates and conduct interviews. Students will be paired according to their field of study, interest, knowledge, work experience, skills and background requested by the NCUA host office. NCUA host offices will manage and directly supervise interns throughout the internship duration.

Internship Details

Duration: 10 - 15 weeks during the summer, depending on NCUA host office and intern schedule
Start dates as early as June 2018
Compensation: $560 weekly stipend based on a 40-hour work-week ($14/hour)

Eligibility

• Enrolled in an undergraduate or degree-seeking program at an accredited institution OR have graduated from one within the past year
• Ideal candidates are students pursuing degrees in:
  
  • Business Administration/Management
  • Economics
  • Finance
  • Accounting
  • Human Resources
  • Information Technology
  • Law
  • Political Science
• Available to work full-time (40 hours per week) for 10-15 weeks in the summer
• Working hours may be flexible if fall semesters begin during the internship period
• Local college students preferred for all positions since housing is NOT provided.
• Ages 18-30
• Possess US citizenship or be a Legal Permanent Resident
• Undergo a background check

Key Dates

• Applications and resumes must be submitted by February 19, 2018 at 11:59pm EST
  
  • Application includes 1 short essay response to the following questions: Why are you interested in this opportunity? What are your long-term educational and professional goals? How do you think this internship supports your career goals? (200 word minimum)
  • Resumes should be limited to 2 pages (max)
• Top candidates selected will conduct interviews in early March
• Final decisions and notifications will be sent in April
• 10 - 15 week internship timeframes – start dates in June 2018

Selection criteria

Final candidates will undergo a background check before beginning their assignment. Applications will be reviewed and rated according to the following criteria:

• Relevant educational and work experience
• Oral and written communication and interpersonal skills
• Professionalism
• Adaptability and ability to work effectively independently and with teams

NCUA is the independent federal agency created by the U.S. Congress to regulate, charter and supervise federal credit unions. With the backing of the full faith and credit of the U.S. Government, NCUA operates and manages the National Credit Union Share Insurance Fund, insuring the deposits of more than 94 million account holders in all federal credit unions and the overwhelming majority of state-chartered credit unions.

The US Fish & Wildlife Service (FWS) and Hispanic Access Foundation (HAF) have partnered to connect diverse college students and recent grads to careers in natural resource conservation. This internship program was designed to hire and train undergraduate, recent grads, and/or graduate students at National Wildlife Refuges and/or at FWS Regional Offices nationwide.

HAF is currently partnered with the FWS Northeast, Midwest, Pacific, and Pacific Southwest Regions

Project Goal & Objectives

The partners’ long-term goal for this project is to build a strong number of inspired, skilled, culturally, ethnically, and economically diverse young people who have experienced natural resource careers. This will result in a diverse workforce of conservationists that reflects the composition of the regional population.

Through this project, HAF will select and oversee highly motivated students, ages 18-30 (up to 35 for veterans), who will be introduced to natural resource careers through paid internships involving hands-on work with, and training by, natural resource professionals employed by the FWS. Each intern will receive a weekly stipend of $400 based on a 40-hour workweek, plus a commuting stipend if needed. Some FWS sites offer free on-site housing.

Interns will be introduced to various real-world public education, interpretation, conservation, and rehabilitation activities through work assignments at FWS sites and through informal and/or formal training sessions provided by FWS employees. Participants will receive specialized training, mentoring and ongoing support from HAF to effectively carry out their assignments and to build or enhance skills in a manner consistent with local site priorities. Interns will gain an understanding of the opportunities for careers in natural resources and will build skills and experience required for success in these careers.

Basic Eligibility

• Local Candidates preferred but not required
• Enrolled in a university/college undergraduate or graduate program or have graduated with a bachelor's degree
• Ages 18 to 30, up to 35 for veterans
• Possess US citizenship or residency, must undergo a government background check
• Most positions require a valid Driver's License
• A personal vehicle is recommended for most positions

Selection criteria

Candidates may express interest in specific refuge sites. Specific assignments will be based on best fit with the unique requirements of each site. Final candidates will undergo a background check before beginning their assignment. Applications will be reviewed and rated according to the following criteria:

• Relevant coursework and education - depth and breadth of knowledge in relevant field(s)
• Work experience - Professionalism, technical knowledge or expertise if required
• Accomplishments, merits and dedication to natural conservation
• Oral and written communication skills
• Adaptability and ability to work effectively with diverse audiences

The National Park Service (NPS) and Hispanic Access Foundation are now providing long-term professional opportunities for Latino youth interested in pursuing careers in fields related to public land management, program coordination, outdoor recreation, and community engagement. Through the contributions made in these positions, Hispanic Access fellows in the NPS will demonstrate active leadership in stewardship, while also working toward connecting our Latino community with resources in the national parks.

With this purpose in mind, Hispanic Access will recruit, select and oversee highly motivated undergraduate and graduate students work alongside NPS professionals in different park areas. Throughout these opportunities, fellows will participate in substantive assignments in their areas of expertise, collaborating closely with NPS staff day-to-day and receive additional mentoring and support through HAF.

Basic Eligibility

• Ages 18 to 35
• Possess US citizenship or permanent residence
• Be enrolled in a post-secondary educational program or have graduated from college within two years
• Have a strong interest — or relevant experience — in communications, program coordination, natural resource management, recreation, writing, journalism, public land conservation, and of course, the great outdoors.
• Be available to work for a year (times might vary slightly depending on the position)

Timeframe

Applications will be accepted based on the due date of the desired position.

Background and Goals

The program will advance employment and community engagement opportunities with an emphasis on cultural resource stewardship and interpretation. It will target undergraduates and graduate students while developing mission critical internship projects that will support NPS goals and objectives. The experience will create strong mentor and protégé relationships and support the career growth of talented students. In addition, it will help to expand NPS outreach into Latino communities nationally and develop deep and sustainable partnerships.

Selection criteria

Candidates may express interest in specific geographic and thematic areas. Specific assignments will be based on best fit with specific requirements of each NPS location. Final candidates will undergo a background check before beginning their assignment. Applications will be reviewed and rated according to the following criteria:

• Relevant educational and work experience
• Oral and written communication skills
• Professionalism, technical knowledge, and expertise
• Adaptability, adventurousness, and ability to work effectively with diverse audiences

To introduce diverse youth to careers in natural resource conservation, the US Fish and Wildlife Service and the Hispanic Access Foundation are announcing a new partnership that will hire college students at national wildlife refuges throughout the Northeast. As part of the Service's Urban Wildlife Conservation Program, the partnership will also expand the agency's connections with Latino communities.

“Wildlife conservation extends beyond habitat protection and species recovery; connecting people with nature is also a critical part of our mission,” said Wendi Weber, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Northeast Regional Director. “By partnering with the Hispanic Access Foundation, an organization that is a leader in promoting a healthy environment and committed to connecting people to what they need, we can connect people to our public lands and offer unique opportunities to young people, the conservation leaders of tomorrow.”

According to the U.S. Census, the Latino population is projected to be 25 percent of the U.S. population by 2050. Data also indicates the youth segment represents the largest, fastest growing, segment of the Latino population.

"We are pleased to partner with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and to support such innovative efforts to engage urban audiences and underrepresented groups in conservation. As the fastest growing segment in the country, we believe it is essential for Latinos to develop the leadership skills and technical knowledge to become strong stewards of our natural resources. This program provides a wonderful opportunity to engage diverse participants in issues that are of great importance to our Latino community and to our nation,” said Maite Arce, CEO, Hispanic Access Foundation.

Under the new partnership, seven students will receive mentorship and support through the Hispanic Access Foundation, while working at national wildlife refuges that serve urban areas. Most of the refuges are also working with urban wildlife refuge partnerships, helping to lead programs and opportunities that connect city residents to the outdoors in urban areas. The refuges that are part of the program include:

• John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge in Philadelphia;
• Wallkill River National Wildlife Refuge in New Jersey, which serves the greater New York City metropolitan area;
• Patuxent Research Refuge in Maryland, which serves Baltimore and Washington, D.C.;
• Rhode Island National Wildlife Refuge Complex, which serves Providence;
• Assabet River National Wildlife Refuge in Massachusetts, which serves the greater Boston area
• Silvio O. Conte National Wildlife Refuge in New England, which serves urban areas across four states including Springfield, Mass.;
• Stewart B. McKinney National Wildlife Refuge in Connecticut, which serves New Haven, Conn.