LSRPA Represents at the NJDEP Youth Inclusion Initiative
By Rakesh Ganta - RLG Environmental, Inc.The Diversity Equity & Inclusion (DE&I) Committee was honored to represent the LSRPA at the NJDEP Youth Inclusion Initiative (YII) final event, held at NJDEP headquarters in Trenton. The program brought together approximately 100 young adults from overburdened communities to learn about careers in the environmental field and gain hands-on experience. The NJDEP pairs youth with partner organizations to perform field work and participate in educational experiences spanning the breadth of environmental programs in New Jersey, such as recycling, natural resources, and contaminated site remediation.
It was great to see the participants’ interest and curiosity - asking smart questions, exploring different career paths, and getting a sense of how their skills could make a real impact. Events like this show how important it is to give young people access and exposure to our profession. The LSRPA is proud to offer a vibrant Aspiring Professionals group, student memberships, and scholarship opportunities.
LSRPA extends a big thank you to the NJDEP for hosting and organizing this meaningful experience. The YII is a great example of how public and private partnerships can come together to inspire and build the next generation of environmental professionals right here in New Jersey.
If you are interested in joining the DE&I Committee or have ideas on how to make LSRPA more welcoming and accessible to all, please contact committee chair Michelle Bouwman at mbouwman@verdantas.com.