Raritan Headwaters Helps Students Explore Environmental Careers

Expanding workforce development opportunities for high school students from underserved communities in pursuit of green and environmental careers.


| 5 min read

The mission

Raritan Headwaters Association protects, preserves, and improves water sources in the Raritan River headwaters region of New Jersey through its efforts in science, education, advocacy, land preservation and stewardship. Since 1959, their programs have safeguarded clean drinking water while engaging NJ residents in actions and decisions that will protect the state’s environmental health and quality of life.

As a leader in New Jersey and the region, Raritan Headwaters combines science, conservation, and land stewardship, and geographic information system (GIS) mapping with education, advocacy, and public outreach to achieve the goal of a healthy, sustainable watershed.

Raritan Headwaters conserves and manages 10 wildlife preserves, has established 33 conservation easements, and has been instrumental in preserving over 7,000 acres of critical watershed lands. The organization coordinates the resources of over 2,200 volunteers and citizen scientists, a partnership which ultimately serves to raise environmental awareness and inspire participants to advocate within their respective communities.

 

The program

The RBC Foundation USA currently supports the Environmental Leaders Academy:

Environmental Leaders Academy is a program for high school juniors and seniors from under-resourced communities to explore environmental careers and develop leadership skills. Students learn from a range of environmental experts and examine topics related to climate change, environmental justice, biodiversity, sustainability, and resource protection.

The program includes 12-months of one-on-one mentoring, quarterly workshops and a 5-day overnight summer program. Students receive a certificate at the end of the program to support college and job applications.

Raritan Headwaters at a glance

  • Founded: 1959
  • Based: Raritan Headwaters operates in New Jersey.
  • RBC Foundation USA partner since: 2021
  • RBCCM volunteers: Multiple individual and team RBCCM volunteers. A RBCCM employee serves on the Raritan Headwaters Board of Directors.

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