Last updated: September 3, 2024
Article
Interns From the HBCUI, InternXL, LHIP, MIS, and Golden Gate NRA Programs Participate and Present Their Accomplishments at the Annual Career and Leadership Workshop in Washington, DC
Photo courtesy of Jasmine Nelson
Photos Courtesy of NPS and Jasmine Nelson
This summer, nearly 100 interns from National Park Service (NPS) internship programs came together to share and celebrate their accomplishments during the annual NPS Internship Career and Leadership Workshop, which took place at the U.S. Department of the Interior Building in Washington, DC from August 5-9, 2024. For the first time, five programs participated in this annual workshop. Programs through Environment for the Americas,Sodas Life, and National Park Foundation, included Golden Gate National Recreation Area Program (GOGA), the Historically Black Colleges and Universities Internship (HBCUI) Program, the InternXL Internship Program, the Latino Heritage Intern Program (LHIP) , and the Mosaics in Science Diversity Internship (MIS).
The week provided numerous opportunities for attendees to explore various career paths. Interns had the opportunity to present their summer project accomplishments and research findings through both oral and poster presentations, while also interacting with federal leaders and industry experts during panel discussions, developmental workshops, and fun networking activities.
Highlights included a keynote address by Dr. Brenda Mallory, Chair of the Council on Environmental Quality from the White House, along with remarks from Deb Haaland, Secretary of the U.S. Department of the Interior. The LHIP and HBCUI interns explored the influence of Latino and African American contributions to the United States within the parks or nearby communities where they were interning. They had an opportunity to present their inspirational art cultural artwork, which was moderated by L. Stephen Velasquez, Curator at the National Museum of American History, Smithsonian. National Park Service Recruiters also shared how the interns can tailor their federal resumes to various positions as they prepare seek federal career positions.
A particularly impactful moment was a message from Charles F. “Chuck” Sams III, the 19th Director of the National Park Service. This was followed by a panel discussion featuring two of the five living former directors and two former acting directors: Robert Stanton (15th Director), Dr. Fran Mainella (16th Director), P. Daniel Smith (Former Deputy/Acting Director), and David Vela (Former Deputy/Acting Director). The panel discussion, moderated by George S. McDonald, Senior Advisor for Youth Programs in the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Policy, Management, and Budget at the U.S. Department of the Interior, offered invaluable insights on self-advocacy, the significance of partnerships, and key leadership skills. The panelists shared lessons learned to help inform this and future leaders about the challenges and opportunities to better protect, preserve, and enhance our natural and cultural resources. The themes of the panel discussions focused on science careers; HBCU alumni serving as leaders in federal service; exploring the next generation of careers in the federal government; preserving African American history and legacy; and career pathways in the National Park Service from the Latino Leadership perspective.
Additional activities included a visit to the Mary McLeod Bethune Council House National Historic Site, and the National Museum of African American History and Culture. Participants enjoyed a boat tour along the Anacostia River, a nighttime bus tour of significant historic sites and monuments, a walking tour of the Organization of American States, and engaged in a network photo scavenger hunt. The workshop wrapped up with a tour of the White House.
View the agenda and check out some of the recorded sessions.
Have a question about Youth or Young Adult Programs? Please e-mail us. Learn more about what we do. Be sure to follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and X.
The week provided numerous opportunities for attendees to explore various career paths. Interns had the opportunity to present their summer project accomplishments and research findings through both oral and poster presentations, while also interacting with federal leaders and industry experts during panel discussions, developmental workshops, and fun networking activities.
Highlights included a keynote address by Dr. Brenda Mallory, Chair of the Council on Environmental Quality from the White House, along with remarks from Deb Haaland, Secretary of the U.S. Department of the Interior. The LHIP and HBCUI interns explored the influence of Latino and African American contributions to the United States within the parks or nearby communities where they were interning. They had an opportunity to present their inspirational art cultural artwork, which was moderated by L. Stephen Velasquez, Curator at the National Museum of American History, Smithsonian. National Park Service Recruiters also shared how the interns can tailor their federal resumes to various positions as they prepare seek federal career positions.
A particularly impactful moment was a message from Charles F. “Chuck” Sams III, the 19th Director of the National Park Service. This was followed by a panel discussion featuring two of the five living former directors and two former acting directors: Robert Stanton (15th Director), Dr. Fran Mainella (16th Director), P. Daniel Smith (Former Deputy/Acting Director), and David Vela (Former Deputy/Acting Director). The panel discussion, moderated by George S. McDonald, Senior Advisor for Youth Programs in the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Policy, Management, and Budget at the U.S. Department of the Interior, offered invaluable insights on self-advocacy, the significance of partnerships, and key leadership skills. The panelists shared lessons learned to help inform this and future leaders about the challenges and opportunities to better protect, preserve, and enhance our natural and cultural resources. The themes of the panel discussions focused on science careers; HBCU alumni serving as leaders in federal service; exploring the next generation of careers in the federal government; preserving African American history and legacy; and career pathways in the National Park Service from the Latino Leadership perspective.
Additional activities included a visit to the Mary McLeod Bethune Council House National Historic Site, and the National Museum of African American History and Culture. Participants enjoyed a boat tour along the Anacostia River, a nighttime bus tour of significant historic sites and monuments, a walking tour of the Organization of American States, and engaged in a network photo scavenger hunt. The workshop wrapped up with a tour of the White House.
View the agenda and check out some of the recorded sessions.
Have a question about Youth or Young Adult Programs? Please e-mail us. Learn more about what we do. Be sure to follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and X.