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Individual

Increasing Diversity in Environmental Careers

At a Glance

Durations

Multi-Year

Regions

Minnesota

Age Ranges

Varies (See qualifications)

Eligibility

  • Individuals who self-identify as women, black, indigenous, and/or people of color (BIPOC), and/or individuals with a disability (definition of Disability defined by MN Statute 363A.03 Subdivision 12)
  • Authorized to work in the United States
  • For 2022, second or third year student enrolled full-time at an accredited Minnesota state, community, private, or tribal college/university, with at least two years remaining to degree completion
  • Currently pursuing a STEM/Natural Resources degree with a desire to work in environmental/natural resources careers upon graduation.

Interest Areas

  • Communications/Marketing
  • Habitat Management & Improvement
  • Mapping & Data Collection
  • Parks
Find Open Positions

The Increasing Diversity in Environmental Careers (IDEC) program provides a unique college-to-careers pathway for underrepresented STEM college students, which reduces barriers to successfully completing a STEM degree and preparing participants for post-graduation employment.

This program is specifically for individuals who self-identify as women, Black, Indigenous, and/or People of Color (BIPOC), and/or individuals with a disability, who want to pursue a career in environmental and natural resources fields. Students receive a fellowship, mentorship, and paid internship during their academic journey.

Program Components:

  • Fellowship: The IDEC fellowship provides students with a supportive community of peers, yearly academic scholarship, and professional development opportunities. Fellows work with the program coordinator who manages resources and helps students navigate the challenges during their academic journey.
  • Mentorship: Fellows connect with professionals in the field who share their experiences and provide support. The mentorship 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 MN DNR, MPCA, and BSWR.

IDEC is a partnership between Conservation Corps Minnesota & Iowa (CCMI), the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (MN DNR), the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA), and the Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources (BWSR).