DEP launches fifth annual Youth Inclusion Initiative to empower young environmental leaders
NEW JERSEY — The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection has officially launched its fifth annual Youth Inclusion Initiative, a summer program aimed at introducing young people from overburdened communities to careers in environmental fields.
Over the next six weeks, participants ages 16 to 20 will work alongside DEP staff and ten nonprofit and community-based partner organizations to gain hands-on experience in areas such as water and air monitoring, natural resource management, and wildlife conservation.
“Our staff is excited to begin the fifth year of this highly successful program and is eager to share their knowledge and passion for protecting the environment and helping these young people develop valuable skills,” said Environmental Protection Commissioner Shawn M. LaTourette. “With a unified vision, DEP and our partners are proud to support the next generation of environmental stewards.”
The Youth Inclusion Initiative is believed to be the only state-led program of its kind in the nation. It aligns with the Murphy Administration’s goals to create a diverse and inclusive green workforce and promote environmental justice.
Since its inception in 2021, the program has grown from 18 to more than 100 participants and expanded its network of host organizations from two to ten. This year’s community partners include organizations based in Trenton, Salem, Garfield, Elizabeth, Newark, Philipsburg, and Hoboken.
During the program’s kickoff at DEP headquarters, participants were welcomed by DEP leadership and introduced to summer plans through career spotlight presentations by staff from the Office of Emergency Management and the Office of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging.
Throughout the summer, participants will engage in a variety of field activities, such as using Geographic Information Systems (GIS), conducting wetland assessments, collecting macroinvertebrates to evaluate stream health, building rain barrels, and more. They will also complete environmental projects in their own communities, including park cleanups and garden plantings, supported by DEP funding.
Each week will also feature professional development opportunities, including resume writing workshops and presentations by guest speakers from the Department of Labor & Workforce Development and the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, highlighting career pathways in the green economy.
Leaders from participating organizations praised the program for its impact on local youth. Octavia Sutphin of the Neighborhood Improvement Association in Trenton said, “Expanding the program to offer year-round experiences could amplify its positive impact.”
John Evangelista, Executive Director of Groundwork Elizabeth, called the initiative “the gold star” of their youth programming, and Melissa Miles of the New Jersey Environmental Justice Alliance said the program embodies their mission of combining environmental education with youth development.
For more information on the Youth Inclusion Initiative or to learn about DEP programs, visit www.nj.gov/dep.
