WASHINGTON, D.C. — Over 100 newly onboarded resource assistants, minority serving institute interns, partners and resource assistant program liaisons attended the first-ever, joint orientation and workshop this summer. Participants established networks and community while learning the fundamentals of the agency. The event took place on the campus of Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, ancestral lands of the Myaamia and Shawnee people.

This event was the culmination of these programs being joined under the Workforce Development Partnerships Hub in 2023. Resource assistants are recent graduates and emerging professionals, while minority serving institute interns are current undergraduate students at minority serving colleges and universities. Under the new structure, each program has benefited from the influence and community of the other. 

During the orientation, Forest Service leadership, including Associate Chief Angela Coleman and Deputy Regional Forester Bob Lueckel, shared agency priorities, their career journeys and inspiring words for the group of emerging professionals. They emphasized the importance of both programs and how their work directly contributes to the success of our agency’s mission while also providing opportunities to underrepresented communities. 

A highlight of the week was the American Climate Corps swearing-in of participants. This initiative was developed under the Biden-Harris administration to support climate, sustainability and environmental justice work from conservation programs, including the resource assistant program and minority serving institute internship program. This group was one of the initiative’s first ceremonies and participant swear-ins. 

"I was in awe of the diverse backgrounds and variety of experiences represented among the attendees,” said minority serving institute intern Ellie Hung. “It was a reminder that no matter our age, occupation or ethnic background, I connected with fellow RAs and interns through shared experiences, mutual understanding and curiosity of each other’s stories.”

Participants left Ohio with a sense of renewed energy and passion for conservation and natural resources, excited to start or continue meaningful work on Forest Service projects.

The National Partnership Office, Workforce Development Partnership Service Hub continues to administer programs that build agency capacity while offering youth, veterans and other emerging professionals with professional development training and work experiences. Employees interested in engaging an intern from the Student and Emerging Professionals programs can visit Workforce Development Partnership SharePoint to learn more and submit a proposal for the next cohort.