Cleveland Metroparks Youth Outdoors Fellowship Program offers a unique opportunity to combine the great outdoors with professional development and meaningful work. This program is designed for individuals who are eager to explore and learn about career opportunities within the field of parks and recreation, environmental education, nature-based education, natural resource management, and other related fields. Applicants must be ready to embark on an extraordinary journey and unlock the door to the world of Cleveland Metroparks opportunities!
Program Details
Cohorts are 8 – 12 weeks in length. This high school career development program is designed to provide students with a structured and immersive experience focused on exploring career options, developing essential skills, and preparing for the transition from high school to future education or the workforce.
Program Overview:
1. Orientation and Goal Setting
2. Career Assessments
3. Skill Development Workshops
4. Guest Speakers and Industry Insights
5. Resume Building and Personal Branding
6. Mock Interviews
7. College and Career Exploration
- Cohorts are 8 weeks in length.
- Regular in-person meetings occur on Wednesday evenings from 4 – 6 pm at the Cleveland Public Library.
- Virtual meetings occur on Thursday evenings from 6 – 7 pm.
- Outdoor activities are scheduled one Saturday per month.
- Spring Cohort II: February 5 – May 14
- Virtual Cohort: February 6 – May 15
Program Offerings
- Bus pass to attend meetings or paid parking for student drivers.
- Small meal provided at each meeting and outing.
- Saturday outings are provided at no cost to the student. (Transportation is also provided).
- Each student will receive a $300 stipend upon successful completion of the program.
- The opportunity to apply for a summer employment position or take part in an interview for June 2025.
Outdoor activities can encompass a wide range of experiences that take place in natural settings, providing opportunities for participants to engage with the environment, develop new skills, and foster a sense of connection with the outdoors. Outdoor activities that can be included but are not limited to are:
- Hiking and Nature Walks
- Canoeing/Kayaking
- Rock Climbing
- Team-building Challenges
- Environmental Stewardship
- Outdoor Cooking
- Fishing
Career Development
Participating youth will explore their career interests and skills, learn about employment opportunities, and gain valuable experience as it relates to the career fields mentioned in the program overview. Additionally, they will receive coaching and development in job related skills including but not limited to the following:
- Resume writing
- Interviewing skills
- Personal branding
- Networking Techniques
- Professional Etiquette
Eligibility Requirements
Youth Outdoors Fellowship applicants must:
- Must be between 14 and 18 years old and currently enrolled in high school.
- Be a resident of the City of Cleveland (or resident of inner ring suburbs).
- Return all required documents.
- Have an eagerness to embrace new experiences.
How to Apply
All fully completed applications and one (1) reference form must be received by the deadline of 4 p.m. on January 3,2025.
Important Dates
Fall Application deadline: January 3, 2025
Interviews for admission finalists: January 6-9, 2025
Admission decisions: January 10, 2025
(Youth will be notified by email of admission decisions)
Program start date: February 5, 2025
Summer employment begins June 2025
For more information contact:
Youth Outdoors Fellowship Program
Cleveland Metroparks
11350 Broadway Ave
Garfield Heights, OH 44125
Phone: 216.206.1010
Email: [email protected]