Experiential learning
The Cayuga Lake Watershed Internship Program
The WIP offers young adults the chance to explore a broad range of organizations, working side-by-side to protect and enhance life in the Cayuga Lake watershed, and beyond. We collaborate with partner organizations to provide the best possible experience, and a truly holistic perspective, for our interns!
The WIP IS SUPPORTED BY GENEROUS SUPPORT FROM THE PARK FOUNDATION OF ITHACA, NY.
Watershed Internship Program
About the Program
The Cayuga Lake Watershed Internship Program (WIP) is an opportunity for young adults to get involved with several local organizations working in the fields of watershed protection, management, access and education from a variety of perspectives.
“I had a lovely time during the WIP! I think that we had a lot of great conversations and I was able to spend a lot of time outside which improved my mental and physical well being. I was able to form connections with other youth in the community and learn about organizations that are dedicated to sustainability.” – Eden, Cayuga Lake Watershed Network intern
Fields of work/study include:
- ecological studies
- climate change
- environmental education
- social and environmental justice
- farming and food justice
- eco-tourism
- outdoor recreation and access
- community engagement and more
The WIP IS SUPPORTED BY GENEROUS SUPPORT FROM THE PARK FOUNDATION OF ITHACA, NY.
Interns are hosted by partner organizations in line with their interests and skills where they are paid to work on program-specific projects. They also participate in paid weekly activities, hosted by Discover Cayuga Lake and the WIP, that enhance and enrich their collective learning experiences. The program is meant to be enriching, engaging and enjoyable!
The program runs from early June to early August. Positions are 20-40 hours per week with the majority of time spent working with partner organizations on projects and ~3 hours per week dedicated to WIP group activities which include presentations by community members, local organizations, field trips, and mutual sharing of experiences and learning regarding the fields mentioned – and more. There is an initial orientation session and a final presentation of learning. Participants are expected to be active contributors to the program, developing mutual learning goals and projects and assessing outcomes.
Eligible participants are age 18-25 who are interested in increasing their professional skills and/or enhancing their college experience. Preference is given to young adults who are living in or studying in the Cayuga Lake watershed. We are interested in working with a diverse group of people from various socioeconomic, racial and gender identity backgrounds.
All positions are paid, at the minimum, a Tompkins County Living Wage ($16.61/hour in 2023).
Watershed Internship Program
Available Positions – 2023
ALL POSITIONS ARE CURRENTLY FILLED.
Participating organizations are listed below. Each organization selects its own interns. Please check the position descriptions and apply as directed.
Email education@discovercayugalake.org if you have any general questions.
- Discover Cayuga Lake – engages students, community members, and visitors in learning about the ecology and history of Cayuga Lake and provides equitable access to Cayuga Lake to foster appreciation of the Finger Lakes watersheds for local ecosystems, human use, and natural beauty.
– DCL Internships - Cayuga Lake Watershed Network – a grassroots education and advocacy organization of citizens, businesses, groups, and local governments from across the Cayuga Lake Watershed.
– Youth Education & Outreach Intern - Sustainable Finger Lakes – a citizen-based organization working towards the long-term well-being of our communities by integrating social equity, economic vitality, ecological stewardship, and shared responsibility.
– Communications and Outreach Intern
The Town of Ithaca – a municipal organization that promotes quality of life, equity, and safety for all Town residents through planning, innovation, and continual adaptation to change.
– Planning and Sustainability Internship
Paddle-N-More – aims to increase the number of people who participate in paddle sports in the Finger Lakes region and provide services that promote environmental health and education.
– Youth Watersports Program Coordinator
Groundswell Center for Food & Farming – works toward building a more sustainable, just food system for all through farming education and training.
– Farm Education and Communications Intern
Experiential Learning
TESTIMONIALS
“I’m so grateful for the activities I participated in, the people I’ve met, and the lessons I learned in the Watershed Internship Program this summer! As someone who’s passionate about sustainability, I was able to expand my horizons and gain a deeper understanding of the sustainability movement in Tompkins County.”
– Milena, Sustainable Finger Lakes intern
“I recently switched to Environmental Science and being able to communicate about the things I’ve learned is very important to me. This organization definitely helped me advanced my public speaking skills, and I had a really good time meting everyone in our group.”
– Jacob, Discover Cayuga Lake intern
We’d Love to hear from you!
Connect
with Us
HOME DOCK:
1000 Allan H. Treman Marina Rd.
Ithaca, NY 14850
OUR OFFICE:
110 N. Tioga St., Suite 303
Center for History & Culture
Ithaca, NY 14850
booking@discovercayugalake.org
For Educational Programs:
education@discovercayugalake.org