Increasing Diversity in Environmental Careers

The Increasing Diversity in Environmental Careers (IDEC) program is currently supporting its fifth and final cohort. The program does not anticipate reapplying for the Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources grant. As a result, we are no longer accepting applications. However, additional information about the program can be found below.

The IDEC program provides a unique multi-year college-to-careers pathway for underserved college students in STEM fields. The goal of the program is to reduce barriers to successfully completing a STEM degree and prepare participants for post-graduation employment in state environmental careers.

The IDEC program is one strategy to develop and tap into the versatile labor market. In addition to fostering the next generation of innovative environmental and natural resource conservation professionals, the IDEC program aims to increase access to outdoor recreation opportunities. The program is funded by the Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources through the Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund.

Components of the IDEC program typically include:

• Fellowship: The IDEC fellowship provides students with a supportive community of peers, yearly academic scholarship, and professional development opportunities. Fellows work with the program manager who manages resources and helps students navigate challenges during their academic journey.
• Mentorship: Fellows connect with professionals in the field who share their experiences and provide support. The mentorship program aims to enhance college success, encourage personal and professional development, and promote career advancement by pairing fellows with employees at one of the participating state agencies.
• Internship: Fellows learn more about environmental and natural resource career paths and gain hands-on experience through paid full-time internships with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, and Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources. During the first summer internship, Fellows will rotate between the three state agencies to explore the different careers they offer. In the second and third year summer internship, fellows are placed at one of the three state partnered agencies.