Basic Info
The Latino Heritage Internship Program (LHIP), created by the National Park Service, (NPS) is administered in partnership with Environment for the Americas(EFTA). Participants have the opportunity to work in cultural resource stewardship, interpretation, communication, and visitor services. The program helps raise awareness of our national parks and historic sites, and the need for local community involvement in their preservation.
For this purpose, highly motivated undergraduate, graduate, and recently graduated students will be selected to work alongside NPS historians, interpreters, communicators, and other professionals at national parks, offices, and historical sites throughout the nation. Participants will have substantive assignments, work closely with NPS staff day-to-day, and receive additional mentoring and support through the program partners.
LHIP is a collaboration between NPS and EFTA. Programs such as LHIP allow the NPS to invest in cost-efficient strategies that introduce early-career professionals to careers at national parks. These opportunities help entry-level young professionals enter the workforce.
Program goals and objectives:
- Introduces young adults to careers in NPS through career developmental internship opportunities with an emphasis on natural and cultural resource interpretation.
- Develops mission-critical internship projects that support the NPS goals and objectives at national parks and offices.
- Collaborates with Latino conservation organizations to help expand NPS outreach into Latino communities nationally and develop sustainable relationships.
- Help to establish a pipeline for converting talented professionals into career positions in the NPS.
HTTPS://WWW.NPS.GOV/SUBJECTS/TELLINGALLAMERICANSSTORIES/AMERICANLATINOHERITAGE.htm
The Latino Heritage Internship Program is offered at national parks across the United States and its territories. Some experiences are offered at remote parks, such as Lassen Volcano National Park, while others are located in cities and urban areas, such as Salem and Saugus Ironworks National Historic Site.
LHIP is a partnership with the National Park Service and Environment for the Americas (EFTA). We collaborate to provide unique, paid internship opportunities for participants. EFTA serves as the program administrator, from promotion of available positions, to recruitment of qualified students and recent graduates. EFTA also provides additional career training through webinars and special activities.
In addition, we organize the following:
- Regular communication with participants through the duration of the internship.
- All program logistics, including travel;
- A career and leadership workshop;
- Stipends that are paid every two weeks;
- Distribution of intern materials, including supplies, uniforms, and manuals;
- Regular trainings and meetings throughout the internship via Zoom.
- January 27: The intern application period is open
- March 1st : Applications close
- March 9 – 19th: Interview qualified candidates
- March 24 – April 6th: 2nd interviews are held
- May 18 & May 25th: Program season begins
- August – October: Program ends
The National Park Service is a bureau of the U.S. Department of the Interior. Since 1916, the National Park Service has been entrusted with the care of our national parks. With the help of volunteers and partners, it safeguards these special places and shares their stories with more than 330 million visitors every year.
The National Park Service preserves the natural and cultural resources and values of the National Park System for the enjoyment, education, and inspiration of this and future generations. The park service cooperates with partners to extend the benefits of natural and cultural resource conservation and outdoor recreation throughout this country and the world.
Learn more:
What We Do (U.S. National Park Service) (nps.gov)
Environment for the Americas’ mission is to connect people to nature and bird conservation through research and education. We have developed internship opportunities for youth since 2009. We create connections to nature, science, research, and other fields of study by providing unique, hands-on learning opportunities. Our partnership with the National Park Service is built on our internship model, which offers additional training, mentorship, and assistance finding subsequent positions.
Have questions about LHIP? Please contact us at LHIP@environmentamericas.org
Is the Latino Heritage Internship program open to international students?
In order to be eligible for LHIP, the applicant must be a US citizen or permanent legal resident.
What are the eligibility requirements for LHIP?
- U.S. citizen or permanent legal resident (“green-card-holder”).
- Between the ages of 18 and 30 years old. Veterans may be up to 35 years old.
- Relevant experience in natural resources, science, technology, or engineering.
- Selected applicant must meet the qualifications for the position, and be able to pass a federal background check.
Direct Hire Authority Resource Assistant (rigorous internship)
- U.S. citizen or permanent legal resident (“green-card-holder”).
- Enrolled in an undergraduate, graduate, or PhD degree program, and graduate after completion of the internships with a Bachelors (BA/BS). Master’s (MA/MS), or PhD degree from an accredited institution of higher education. Note: persons enrolled in a certificate program do not qualify for DHA positions
- Relevant experience
- Selected applicant must meet be at least 18 years of age, meet the qualifications for the position, and be able to pass a federal background check.
Interns are provided a weekly stipend over their term, travel expenses are paid, and the costs of housing are covered. The weekly stipend for DHA-RA interns is $688 and for PLC interns is $768.
Please contact us at: lhip@environmentamericas.org
