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
The 6-week 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. Here's an overview of what such a cohort might involve:
- Orientation and Goal Setting
- Career Assessments
- Skill Development Workshops
- Guest Speakers and Industry Insights
- Resume Building and Personal Branding
- Mock Interviews
- College and Career Exploration
- Cohorts are 6 – 8 weeks in length.
- Regular in-person meetings occur on Wednesday evenings from 4 to 6 pm with some Saturdays scheduled as needed for outdoor activities.
- Virtual meetings occur on Thursday evenings from 5-6 pm with Saturdays scheduled as needed for outdoor activities.
- Spring 2024 Cohort II – March 6 through May 29
- New Virtual meeting option available!! Spring Cohort II (virtual) - March 14 through May 23
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).
- A stipend of up to $300 per student (in person) and $150 (virtual) for successfully completing the program.
- The chance to submit an application or participate in an interview for summer employment starting in June 2024.
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
Outdoor Exploration
Participants will experience the wonder of nature by pairing what they have learned during the career development sessions and applying it to hands-on outdoor and service-learning experiences. Core activities may include hiking, biking, fishing, canoeing, kayaking, camping, snowshoeing, cross country skiing, team building activities, nature exploration, job shadowing, site tours, service projects and more. All activities build a connection to the outdoors and appreciation for the natural world as well as exposure to the many career opportunities within Cleveland Metroparks.
"Nature is our greatest teacher.” – Edna Walling
Eligibility Requirements
Youth Outdoors Fellowship applicants must:
- Be at least 14 – 18 years of age.
- Be a resident of the City of Cleveland (or resident of inner ring suburbs).
- Must be in high school.
- Return all required documents.
- Have an eagerness to embrace new experiences.
How to Apply
All fully completed applications and two (2) reference forms must be received by the deadline of 4 p.m. on January 27, 2024.
Important Dates
Spring Application deadline: January 27, 2024
Interviews for admission finalists: February 3, 2024
Admission decisions: February 12, 2024
(*Youth will be notified by mail and/or email of admission decisions)
Program start date: March 6, 2024
Summer employment begins June 2024
For more information contact:
Youth Outdoors Fellowship Program
Cleveland Metroparks
11350 Broadway Ave
Garfield Heights, OH 44125
Phone: 216.206.1010
Email: [email protected]