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Austin Environmental Leaders is a new initiative from Austin Youth River Watch designed to broaden our impact past High School graduation. Our AEL program provides career readiness-skills to young adults aged 18-24 in central Texas through intensive mentorship, on-the-job training, and environmental restoration. 

Our interns demonstrate a passion for:

  • Environmental Stewardship
  • Community Service
  • Project-Based Learning

Over the course of a semester, interns commit to 16 hours of service per month and receive an hourly stipend for their efforts. As a result, our interns are better prepared to enter the workforce and create positive outcomes for themselves. 

 

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

Application closed for the Fall 2023 semester. Applications for Spring 2024 will open in December.

Meet Our Fall 2022 Interns!

Ivonne

AEL Intern

Hi! I'm Ivonne! I am a current student at Austin Community College where I am pursuing a degree in nursing. My motive to become a nurse is to be able to use my talents and knowledge to help anyone, but specially low income families. I grew up in a low income society, medical attention in general was something we couldn't afford nor had anyone to ask about. I am very excited to be working with Austin Youth River Watch because of everything I was able to learn and do as a River Watcher myself in high school. Now I have the opportunity to help spread and make a good impact on environmental science to new River Watchers. I am also looking forward to learning a lot more about water quality testing and other environmental impacts that can further my knowledge. Fun fact about me: I enjoy learning how to cook or bake new recipes and then having a movie night with the family.

Jasalyn

AEL Intern

Hello! My name is Jasalyn Franco. I am currently a freshman at UT Austin majoring in exercise science on the pre-med track. I have always had a love for science, and in high school I realized that I want to enter the medical field. I want to use my education to help people, and I am hoping that I am able to work in underserved communities eventually. I joined River Watch when I was a sophomore in high school in 2021 and I have been a part of the program ever since. It has always been a place I felt comfortable in and enjoyed, and I am beyond happy to continue working with the organization through this internship. A fun fact about me is that I am a vegetarian, but I am foodie all the way! In my free time I mainly watch cooking shows and I love trying (and making when I can) new foods.

Cameron

AEL Intern

My name is Cameron Crowder. I am a senior majoring in Environmental Science and Policy at St. Edward's University. I am interested in restoration work in forests and grasslands and natural resource management. I am working with AYRW because it's a great opportunity to implement my interests as well as get involved in the community. I look forward to meeting new people and gaining important skills for my career. Some fun facts about me are that I am interested in history and sociology and have lived on 3 continents.

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.

Jose

AEL Intern

I am a current student at Austin Community College with thoughts of transferring to Texas State University. I am pursuing a major in criminal justice. I want to help my community with any problem, big or small. Helping people is one of my top 5 values. I was in cross-country and track in high school, and love to work outdoors when given the opportunity. I enjoy planting things and watching them grow. Watching the process of plant growth is rewarding and wonderful to observe.

Sandy

AEL Intern

Hello, I am Sandy Estefania Romero Capetillo! I recently graduated from The University of Texas of Austin with a Bachelor of Science in Political Communication and a minor in Social Work this past spring. I am interested in pursuing a legal career through attending law school, I want to advocate for others to ensure equity in all resources and opportunities. Throughout my time being involved in different organizations, I have learned that education for the community is what creates change and empowers people to advocate for themselves and their community. I have a great love for nature that has developed over the years but it originally started in my involvement in Green Teens and Austin Youth River Watch, I hope to instill that in students through my involvement as an AEL Intern.

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

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

It was amazing to get out and make a positive contribution to the environment while still having fun.

AraceliTravis 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

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

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