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Austin Environmental Leaders

Internship Program
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!

Lauren

AEL Intern

Hi there, I’m Lauren! I am a senior at the University of Texas at Austin pursuing a
degree in Sustainability Studies and Geography. I decided to choose this path because I
have always had an interest in the environment and how humans interact with it. I am
very excited to work with AYRW because I believe that they truly make a strong impact
in spreading environmental education to students. I am looking forward to learning more
about water quality and furthering my own knowledge about the environment from
AYRW. Other than having a passion for the environment, I love spending time with my
family and my puppy named Leo! My perfect Saturday would consist of picking up some
good food and taking it to the park with my partner and Leo.

Anai

AEL Intern

Hello, my name is Anai Arteaga! I am a freshman undergraduate at Texas State University where I am interested in pursuing a degree in Design or Environmental Studies. As a child, my favorite activity was helping my mom plant flowers/seeds in the backyard. As a result, I have found that being outdoors is very relaxing and comforting. Since the fall of 2021, I joined the Austin Youth Riverwatch family, as a River Watcher, and have loved the program ever since. Working with this team allows me to connect with my passion for learning about the environment and giving back to my community. I enjoy working hand-ons on restoration projects that allow me to be outside. I am excited to join this program to help me decide on a specific path to study.
Fun facts about me: I love bird watching! My hobbies include reading the Harry Potter series, drawing/painting, and watching shows like Gilmore Girls. Moreover, I love spending my time playing the piano and baking delicious chocolate chip cookies.

Daisy

AEL Intern

Hello! I am a junior at The University of Texas at Austin majoring in Social Work. At first I started in social work because of the mental health aspect and the lack of it in primary and secondary education. Through my journey at The University of Texas at Austin, I have gained a better understanding of different aspects of social work. I can now say that I chose social work because I want to help build and create a better atmosphere here in Austin that will help everyone feel accepted and for future generations to have a better place to grow up. Previously, I was a Riverwatcher all four years of high school. Being in River Watch was such a fun experience for me. It was super interesting to learn about the environment and different concepts I have never heard of before. With my experience in River Watch, I knew that I wanted to come back and work with them to gain experience working with youth and learn about the nonprofit world!

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.

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.

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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
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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