The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection today announced the launch of its sixth annual Youth Inclusion Initiative, an innovative partnership with community-based organizations that provides young people in underserved communities with the opportunity to experience careers in a wide variety of environmental fields.
Participants aged 16 to 20 are from communities that have disproportionately less open space or lack access to natural lands. They will work closely with DEP staff over the next six weeks with private and non-profit community-based organizations to learn about careers in water and air monitoring, natural resource management, wildlife conservation, and more.
“The DEP is proud to once again offer this award-winning program to help the next generation of New Jerseyans develop skills that prepare them for careers in a variety of environmental professions,” Department of Environmental Protection Acting Commissioner Ed Potosnak said. “Our staff is excited to share their expertise and commitment to protecting the environment with emerging environmental leaders dedicated to improving public health and quality of life in their communities.”
Pioneering Initiative
The Youth Inclusion Initiative is believed to be the only state-led program in the nation of its kind that focuses on connecting young people in overburdened communities with hands-on experience in environmental professions.
Since 2021, the summer program has progressed from 18 participants and two host organizations to more than 100 participants from 10 host organizations. Community Host Organizations are essential to the success of the program by working to recruit participants and then planning and supervising their summer experience. Additionally, the organizations promote participants’ continued growth by helping them identify next steps, such as furthering their education.
This year’s community host organizations are: Groundwork Elizabeth, Ironbound Community Corporation (ICC, Newark), the Neighborhood Improvement Association (NIA, Trenton), NJ Community Development Corporation (Paterson), the Environmental Justice Alliance (Newark); the Outdoor Equity Alliance (Trenton), Stevens Institute of Technology (Hoboken), Team Wilderness (Jersey City), United Parks as One (Newark) and WNW Strategies Inc. (Willingboro).
This week participants were introduced to DEP’s senior leadership and were provided an orientation at DEP headquarters. During the orientation, they were familiarized with the department’s work to protect public health and the state’s resources as well as the many activities planned for the summer. The orientation featured career spotlight presentations by staff from DEP’s Office of Emergency Management, as well as the Office of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging.
“Environmental careers aren't one-size-fits-all,” said Elizabeth Dragon, DEP’s Assistant Commissioner for Community Investment and Economic Revitalization. Whether these young people are interested in the trades, college, military service, or public sector work, the environment needs them. When alumni tell us, ‘This is what I want to do for the rest of my life,’ we know we're building more than just a workforce – we are empowering future environmental leaders.”
Summer Programs in Detail
Over the course of the summer, participants will spend most of their time gaining technical skills through hands-on activities such as utilizing Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to collect and analyze survey data on park facilities, conducting field assessments of wetlands, building rain barrels, collecting macroinvertebrates (aquatic insects) from a stream to determine water quality, and more.
In addition, they will work on environmental projects in their home communities such as cleaning up local parks and planting community gardens. DEP provides the funding for these projects to the community host organizations.
To complement participants’ exposure to environmental careers, each week of the program will conclude with opportunities for professional development, such as resume and cover letter writing as well as presentations from guest speakers.
Some of the program’s guest speakers work alongside the New Jersey Department of Labor & Workforce Development to open career pathways to sustainable, green jobs for those from underserved communities. Speakers from the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs will also provide insight into the professional and educational benefits for pursuing green careers offered through the National Guard.
Partner quotes
- “At Team Wilderness, we believe every young person deserves opportunities that expand their horizons and help them discover new possibilities, which is why we're thrilled to partner with the NJ Department of Environmental Protection through the Youth Inclusion Initiative. Through this program our youth will be introduced to environmental careers and stewardship while building confidence, leadership, and a deeper connection to nature. We can't wait to see what they accomplish this summer.” – Steve Cunningham, Team Wilderness Executive Director.
- “Employment Strategies Unlimited believes that environmental stewardship and workforce development go hand in hand. Through our partnership with the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, we are proud to help prepare the next generation of environmental leaders while building sustainable career pathways that create lasting opportunities for youth, adults, and communities throughout New Jersey.” – Rhea Hood, Director Employment Strategies Unlimited / WNW Strategies
- “United Parks As One is honored and grateful to be selected as one of the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection's Community Host Organizations for the Youth Inclusion Initiative. This extraordinary program will give ten young people from Newark the opportunity to learn firsthand from environmental professionals while exploring careers in conservation, sustainability, and public service and developing the leadership skills needed to succeed. The exceptional training provided to site supervisors reflects NJDEP's commitment to excellence and is among the best professional training experiences I have had in nonprofit leadership.”— Armstead Johnson, Executive Director, United Parks As One
- “The Youth Inclusion Initiative empowers young people to become environmental change makers through hands-on experiences, real-world challenges, and meaningful career pathways. Through this program, youth gain the skills, confidence, and leadership needed to create lasting change in their communities and their own lives. We are grateful to NJDEP for its continued partnership with the Stevens Center for Sustainability in empowering the next generation of environmental leaders." — Dr. Vaishali Kushwaha, Program Manager and Principal Investigator, Stevens Center for Sustainability
- “Groundwork Elizabeth is incredibly grateful for our partnership with the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection and its Youth Inclusion Initiative. Through this exceptional program, our youth gain meaningful hands-on experience, professional training, and the confidence to become the next generation of environmental leaders. The DEP’s commitment to investing in youth has strengthened our ability to provide life-changing opportunities while building a healthier, more resilient future for our communities. Together, we are empowering young people with the skills, knowledge, and purpose to make a lasting impact.” – John Evangelista, Executive Director, Groundwork Elizabeth
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