Career Development Program

The Friends’ philosophy of environmental education takes a broad view of “green” careers. It gives students opportunities to learn about traditional conservation and environmentally focused careers, as well as to understand the need for environmental literacy in any job or career.  The Friends sponsors three programs in the high school to broaden student understanding of green careers.

Environmental Internship Program – Through this program over a third of the HSES sophomore class have the opportunity to ‘intern’ at one of over 45 non-profits and cultural institutions in New York City.  Students give a minimum of 100 hours of service to their selected organization, and participate in a weekly advisory seminar class to learn skills such as resume writing.  Over the past few years, students have interned at the American Museum of Natural History, Wave Hill, the New York Aquarium and Alley Pond Environmental Center as well as many other not-for-profits and corporate environmental divisions.

Career Links in the Classroom – Every year, the Friends invites more than 100 environmental professionals from the business, not-for-profit organizations and the government sector to share their expertise on environmental issues with students. 

Green Pathways – The Friends works to build relationships with colleges and universities with strong environmental programs.  Since 1997, a cornerstone of this program has been the relationship with the University of Vermont and its Rubenstein School of Environmental and Natural Resources(UVM).   Faculty and staff from UVM visit HSES throughout the year, giving lectures, and meeting with students and parents.  UVM also arranges for interested juniors and seniors to visit its campus.  <read more>