Interns from the Latino Heritage Internship Program, Mosaics in Science Diversity Internship Program, Indian Youth Service Corps Program, and Golden Gate Internship Program Gather at the Annual Career and Leadership Workshop in DC

Group photo of interns and NPS staff at the LHIP and Mosaics in Science conference

Photo Courtesy of Jasmine Nelson

This summer, the National Park Service Mosaics in Science Diversity Internship Program (MIS) and the Latino Heritage Internship Program (LHIP) held their annual in-person Internship Career and Leadership end of program workshop on July 31- August 4, 2023. The workshop was organized by the National Park Service (NPS) Youth Programs Division and the Environment for the Americas. The event brought 69 interns together to present the results of their summer projects, network with U.S. Department of the Interior and National Park Service officials, learn about career opportunities, and gain additional professional development training. The program participants served in 10-24-week summer internships at NPS sites across the country.

LHIP and Mosaics in Science interns listen to a session in the Yates Auditorium of the Main Interior Building

Photo Courtesy of Jasmine Nelson

At the conference, senior leaders from various U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI) agencies and offices spoke on a panel about the many diverse career fields available, which included representatives from the National Park Service’s Office of Public Health, the U.S. Geological Survey, the U.S. Forest Service, and DOI. Interns from the Latino Heritage Internship Program, Mosaics in Science Diversity Internship Program, the Indian Youth Service Corps, and the Golden Gate Internship Program all presented about the summer projects they completed either through a PowerPoint presentation or poster sessions. The LHIP interns also presented their cultural art projects they created. The creations were influenced by the parks they had a worked at or visited in the past and their connection to them and their heritage. Topics covered everything from arts in the parks to biology, communications, natural resource management, park planning, interpretation, history, education, and so much more.

Latino Heritage Internship interns showcase their cultural art designs

Photo Courtesy of Jasmine Nelson

A panel of former LHIP interns also shared their experiences and insights from their previous experiences in the program and where they are now. Some are with the National Park Service and others are at other organizations to help make this planet a better place for all. In addition, the interns participated in breakout sessions where they learned about the federal hiring process and how they could use the Public Land Corps Hiring Authority and Direct Hiring Authority to apply for positions with the NPS and other federal agencies. The steps that need to be taken can be complex, so having HR officials on hand to answer questions was helpful to the youth. The interns had an in-depth session on how to create a federal resume that will stand out. There was also a book session that explored the relationship between nature and culture, and where humans fit into this picture.

After an intense, fun, and rewarding summer experience, the interns had the opportunity to reflect on their journey, what they learned, what they wished they had known before participating in the program, and suggestions for program improvements. An external evaluator led this evaluation session and provided a safe space for the interns to share their thoughts anonymously.

To end the conference, the National Park Service Director Chuck Sams provided special remarks and met with the interns. At the end of each day’s event, they had the opportunity to explore DC by day and by night, as well as visit the exhibit ¡Presente! at the National Museum of the American Latino.

Top: A panel of former Latino Heritage Internship Program interns reflect on their experiences in the program
Bottom: Poster presentations from a Golden Gate Internship Program intern (left) and a Mosaics in Science Diversity Internship Program intern (right)

Photos Courtesy of Jasmine Nelson

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