Educational Partnerships Program: DOI Employees Participate in Industry Workshop Series at D.C. School

On May 15, 2015 Mark Huston, Deputy Director, Office of Restoration and Damage Assessment, Office of the Secretary served as a guest speaker as part of School Without Walls Industry Workshop Series.  Mr. Huston presented on his college experience, career field, and career path.  Twelfth grade students enrolled in an internship course attended the session.  LaToya Grant is the school’s Industry Workshop Series and Internship coordinator.  

The goal of the Industry Workshop Series is to introduce students to diverse careers, and provide networking opportunities for them.  Students are required to complete sixty hours of an internship, and corresponding internship course prior to graduation.  

In the 2014/2015 academic school year the Department of the Interior employees that have participated in the Industry Workshop Series include Angel McCoy, meteorologist, Bureau of Ocean Energy Management; Kim Betton, communications specialist/editorial director, Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration Program, U.S Fish and Wildlife Service;  Jennifer Rudnick, education specialist, National Park Service; Sabrina McCarthy, attorney, Division of Indian Affairs, Office of the Solicitor; and Jennifer Bosyk, marine biologist, Bureau of Ocean Energy Management.

The Educational Partnerships Program supports the Secretary’s Youth Initiative by providing educational opportunities for youth and young adults. This is achieved through program activities that include DOI employees serving as classroom speakers presenting on topics to connect youth and young adults to careers in the fields of natural resources, science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), and cultural heritage; and working with DOI Bureaus and Offices to provide training opportunities for students through internship placement at the Department. 

School Without Walls High School students have been placed in internship positions at the Mary McLeod Bethune Council House National Historic Site, National Park Service, under the supervision of Margaret Miles, acting site manager, and John Fowler, park ranger and youth program coordinator; and at the National Mall and Memorial Parks, National Park Service, under the supervision of Jennifer Rudnick, education specialist.

School Without Walls High School is a public school.  For additional information about the Educational Partnerships Program and volunteer opportunities, contact Brenda Woods, Program Manager at 202-208-3617 or via e-mail Brenda_woods@ios.doi.gov.