Thank you for your interest in the YESS student internship through Riverview School District!
WHAT: Youth Engaged in Sustainable Systems (YESS) is a career-connected, high school student internship program that the Mountains to Sound Greenway Trust (Greenway) runs in partnership with the Riverview School District, Washington Network for Innovative Careers (WANIC), and Pacific Education Institute (PEI). Throughout the program, student interns will build the skills, knowledge, and excitement needed to pursue green careers while earning a stipend and credit toward graduation. This is both a summer course and a professional development opportunity. Topics covered include:
- Safety and Well-Being
- Land Management Practices
- Plant Identification and Watershed Ecology
- Restoration Ecology Practices
- Restoration Ecology Laws and Agencies
- Career Pathways
- Restoration Project Proposal – final project and presentation
WHEN (2025):
Weekdays from Thursday, June 26 – Friday, August 1 from 8:30 AM – 3:30 PM
OFF Friday, July 4
WHERE: The daily meeting point is at the Riverview Learning Center (RLC) in Carnation. Classroom lessons will take place at the RLC approximately one day per week. Most days will occur in the field at various project sites throughout King County, with transportation provided.
WHO: A cohort of up to 16 high school students throughout the WANIC service area. Acceptance into YESS will be through a lottery process and a meeting with a program leader to ensure students/families/guardians understand program details and expectations. Priority given to first-time participants.
WANIC’s registration policy: “Students will be accepted prioritizing first all eligible rising 12th graders, then accepting all eligible rising 11th graders, then accepting all eligible rising 10th graders. Rising 9th graders will be accepted in classes that have space available after the other grades have been accepted.”
A Riverview School District teacher and an Educator from the Greenway will co-lead YESS.
REQUIREMENTS:
- Must be available to attend the entire 5-week program.
- Must be comfortable being outdoors in various conditions for up to 6 hours.
- Field projects require walking (typically 1-3 miles) across uneven terrain, bending and kneeling while performing repetitive movements during restoration activities, and lifting and transporting materials/tools. Classroom days require working on a computer and sitting for periods of time.
BENEFITS:
- 1.0 CTE credit
- $1800 stipend (full attendance)
- Gear kit – Carhartt pants, boots, socks, shirt, hat, and beginner hand tools
- Connect with conservation professionals
- Build skills in restoration, plant identification, public speaking, and more
How to Apply:
Applications for the 2025 cohort will open through WANIC from March 25 – April 24. Sign up here to get notified!
Questions?
See WANIC’s Summer Course information, check out our Frequently Asked Questions, or email us at education@mtsgreenway.org.
The Greenway Trust secured funding for the YESS student internship from numerous sources, including the United States Environmental Protection Agency, King County Flood Control District, Snoqualmie Watershed Forum, Accenture, the Snoqualmie Indian Tribe, and an anonymous donor.
