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Austin Environmental Leaders

Internship Program

Austin Environmental Leaders is an initiative from Austin Youth River Watch designed to broaden our impact beyond High School graduation. The AEL program provides career readiness-skills to young adults aged 18+ in central Texas through intensive mentorship, professional development, and project-based learning.

Background

The AEL program was created after recognizing that many of our high school program alumni faced challenges in transitioning from high school to higher education or the workforce. We noticed that the support systems and resources available to them during high school often disappeared after graduation. To address this need, we launched the AEL program, specifically designed to continue supporting our alumni and other young adults from historically marginalized communities.

Purpose

The AEL program aims to provide career readiness and professional development opportunities to primarily BIPOC young adults, equipping them with the skills, knowledge, and confidence they need to be independent adults and secure fulfilling jobs in the future..

Our program is uniquely tailored to meet the needs of BIPOC young adults, addressing the systemic barriers that have historically limited their access to high-wage jobs and leadership positions in STEM and other fields.

What Interns Can Expect

Personalized Mentorship

Weekly one-on-one meetings with a dedicated staff supervisor who provides guidance on setting and achieving personal and professional goals. Whether it’s financial literacy, applying for jobs, or developing other life skills, our mentors are here to support you every step of the way.

Professional Development Activities

Interns participate in resume building, mock interviews, professional communication practice, and networking events. We also help interns complete at least one informational interview and one job shadowing experience in their chosen field, offering real-world insights and valuable connections.

Project-Based Learning

Each intern has the opportunity to work on a semester-long project, allowing them to explore an area of interest while developing leadership skills and gaining relevant, marketable experience.

Financial Support

To ensure full participation, we pay interns $20 per hour,provide transportation support, meals on the job, and access to our weekly meal delivery service for their entire family.

Join Us

If you’re ready to be part of a program that values your unique experiences, supports your growth, and prepares you for future success, the Austin Environmental Leaders program is for you.

Interested in joining our program? Fill out the form below!

Application Closed Until August 2025

Meet Our Interns!

Estrella

AEL Intern

My name is Estrella Canepa; I am a student at Austin community collage, currently enrolled in a phycology minor in hopes of later using my knowledge of the human experience for a creative writing major. I have been In love with writing all of my life and hope to one day become a great writing teacher like all of those that have changed my life before and formed part of whom I am today. I want to one day help our future generations understand the world around them through creativity, kindness and intelligence. I promised my dad long ago to never give up trying to make the world a better than how I found it. Austin Youth RiverWatch is like a second home to me, I've been fortunate enough to be part of this experience as a student and now am here to get a taste of what it is like to be on the other end along with our staff and friends. It makes me happy that I can continue to be connected with my nature-head roots, now more than ever since most of my hours spent have sitting in front of a computer XD. I love being out in the wild and have been an advocate for a greener earth since the 4th grade (long story) @-@ I enjoy reading fantasy novels with a passion alongside playing video games, rock climbing, and learning about historic topics ranging from pre history to the 17th century.

Jasalyn

AEL Intern

Hello! My name is Jasalyn Franco. I am currently a 2nd year student at the University of Texas at Austin studying Exercise Science and Spanish while being on the pre-med track. I love learning and working with people, so I want to use my knowledge gained in my academic career to help people in need. I joined the after school program with River Watch in Spring of 2021, and started my internship the second semester of my freshman year in college. I am so grateful for the opportunity to continue working with AYRW and spend my time behind the scenes or working with their current high schoolers, who are all so sweet. A fun fact about me is that the first concert I ever attended was Ariana Grande and Prince Royce!

Ja'Lexis

Ja'Lexis

AEL Intern

Araceli

AEL Intern

Hi! I’m Araceli. I’m a Freshman at Austin Community College where I’m pursuing a degree in Psychology! I chose to study psychology because growing up, the adults in my life always disregarded the importance of mental health, and because of that I want to help reduce prejudices surrounding the practice in minority communities. I’m excited to work with River Watch because I had the chance to be part of the program as a high school student. Now I get the opportunity to work alongside staff in helping educate the youth about the environment, and continue to build my own personal connection with nature. Some of my interests include reading, listening to commentary on a wide range of topics, and watching mystery movies.

Lola

AEL Intern

My name is Lola, and I am a junior at the University of Texas at
Austin, majoring in Geography and Sustainability Studies. I chose this
path because of my deep passion for nature and my desire to live every
day immersed in the environment I love. Over the past two years, I’ve
felt like a sponge, wanting to soak in as much knowledge and
experience as possible from the community. This journey has led me to
lead an all-female trail crew in Vermont, work as an environmental
educator, help run a campus farmers market, volunteer at the UT
Microfarm, and much more. I am deeply inspired by Austin Youth River
Watch and am excited to learn from and contribute to this amazing
team. In my free time, I enjoy backpacking, practicing yoga,
connecting with friends, and experimenting with sourdough baking!

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River Watch is a place where I am always loved and accepted. They are my family and I have no idea where I'd be without it.

UlisesEast Side Memorial High School, 2013
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When I found River Watch it reminded me of the saying, "home is where the heart is". With River Watch I am accepted, fun is never rejected and I am at home. Now my smile is 10 times wider and I couldn't be more happy.

NathanielEastside Memorial High School, 2013
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It was amazing to get out and make a positive contribution to the environment while still having fun.

AraceliTravis High School, 2019
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I love how this program makes people aware of the actions we as people make. It’s good to help out the environment because not many people do so.

OdalisTravis High School, 2019
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It is difficult to describe in words the importance of River Watch in my life. Most importantly, perhaps, has been a broadening of my horizons. I've come to appreciate the dirt beneath my feet and the water that cuts through the landscape.

MakaylaCrockett High School, 2014
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I love how this program makes people aware of the actions we as people make. It’s good to help out the environment because not many people do so.

OdalisTravis High School, 2019
“

I love how this program makes people aware of the actions we as people make. It’s good to help out the environment because not many people do so.

OdalisTravis High School, 2019