Sonoma Ecology CenterEnviro-Leaders

Supporting Tomorrow’s Environmental Leaders

Enviro-Leaders Over 100 internships since

the program was conceived in 2006

Very diverse group of participants

Three-fourths of participants report seeking additional education related to the environment

Thirty percent report retaining further employment related to the internship

Enviro-Leaders The internship focuses on environmental

restoration or sustainable agriculture. The program includes four main components:WorkdaysEducational Enrichment Workplace ReadinessCareer Awareness

WorkdaysYouth spend

approximately 85 hours per semester

Workdays are generally two-three shifts per week, up to 5 ½ hours per shift

Supervised by youth coordinator and field staff

Occur at Sonoma Garden Park and local creeks

Educational Enhancement Designed to complement learning that happens

during field days:Participants receive five mini lessons in the field

on concepts including biodiversity, watershed, environmental restoration, and the importance of native habitats

Participants also take part in field trips to sites including the Laguna de Santa Rosa, Golden Gate National Recreation Area, and the fish hatchery.

Pre and post assessments measure knowledge gains related to content

Educational Enhancement

Career Awareness Interns have several

opportunities to learn about environmental careers:

Field trips take the interns out of the Valley to other environmental organizations

Environmental career binder is updated and shared individually with interns once per semester

Interns are assessed on knowledge gains related to environmental careers

Workplace Readiness Interns are taught the basics of

appropriate workplace behaviors, attitudes, and appearance.

They are given instruction on behavior expectations and receive a formal written assessment at the end of the internship

Rehires are based on the workplace assessments

Sonoma Ecology Center regularly provides workplace references and college recommendations for interns.

Program SupportNorth Bay

Watershed Association

Foundation grants including Community Foundation Sonoma County and the Kimball Foundation

Seeking longer term funding for the program including donor support

Thank You!