The Flagstaff Area National Monuments will host two, 12-month internships focused on the cultivation of Indigenous youth, equipped with the skills and experiences gained from natural resources careers with the National Park Service (NPS). Through innovative approaches and collaboration with Indigenous communities, interns will engage in various activities such as research and documentation of Indigenous cultures, development of interpretive materials, organization of traditional skills workshops and events, and facilitation of guided tours and storytelling initiatives.

“Many underserved communities of color, including indigenous communities remain underrepresented in the federal workforce and in the stories of National Parks and Monuments,” said Maite Arce, president and CEO of Hispanic Access Foundation. “Through this unique experience, we aim to provide Indigenous people with a platform to share their stories and revive cultural traditions that may have faded over time.”

The National Park Foundation’s Service Corps program provides grants to parks, park partners, and community organizers to support crews across the country as a meaningful way to engage young adults in national parks. Through an array of restoration and preservation projects, service corps members form deep relationships with each other and parks, explore outdoor careers, gain practical field skills, and develop confidence as leaders.

“Engaging young people in diverse communities in the federal workforce is one of the MANO Project’s core goals,” said Nina Marti, Director of the MANO Project program. “Our work is about the next generation of leaders. This unique experience provides extensive training, mentoring and professional development to ensure students have the tools and knowledge needed to excel in their fellowship and a career with the federal workforce.”

Available positions will be posted on August 26th, 2024 and applications will be accepted until September 4th, 2024. For more information visit the https://manoproject.org.