BLM-(Montana), 2015 Tribal College/University (TCU) Student Internship Program

Description of Program and/or Project a. Background: Native Americans are a traditionally underrepresented group in the BLM work force. Native Americans face many internal and external social challenges because they are essentially living in two worlds. On one hand they have to strive to be successful within their cultures; and on the other hand, they also have to learn to be successful within the larger societal context. Despite these obstacles, many Native Americans are realizing the benefits of an education and they are increasingly pursing degrees in natural resource management disciplines. The purpose of this program is to develop and implement a formal, collaborative tribal college internship program between a Tribal College/University and the BLM Montana/Dakotas. The internship would advance the education and training/experience of Native American students pursing degrees in disciplines (forestry, hydrology, cultural, wildlife biology, etc.) associated with natural resource management and are identified as critical occupations to the BLM mission. The internship would be for 12 weeks (mid-June through mid-September) during the summer field season, or during the academic year as appropriate for the training to be accomplished. b. Objectives: The intent of the proposed effort is to develop educational outreach programs with Tribal Colleges/Universities that provide students with practical experience in their chosen fields of study, and help to instill a public lands conservation and stewardship ethic. Participation in the Montana Conservation Corps efforts will similarly meet the mission and goals of that program: the mission of the MCC to inspire young people through hands-on conservation service to be leaders, stewards of the land, and engaged citizens who improve their communities, is brought to life through our five core program objectives. Our goal is that each participant will leave MCC with the following: 1) An ethic of volunteer service and civic responsibility 2) Strengthened communication and team-building skills 3) Enhanced competencies to be leaders and contributing team members 4) Increased knowledge of the natural environment 5) An enthusiasm for the benefits of hard work and quality results The internship would advance the education and training/experience of Native American students pursing degrees in disciplines associated with natural resource management (forestry, hydrology, cultural, wildlife biology, etc.), and are disciplines that have also been identified as critical occupations to the BLM mission. Students would be introduced to BLM and the management of public lands and be identified as likely candidates for future employment opportunities with the BLM. The internship would be for 12 weeks (mid-June through mid-September) during the summer field season, or during the academic year as appropriate for the training to be accomplished. As part of their academic curriculum students would be required to take part in an internship program and write an undergraduate thesis based on their internship experience.