Newport Bay Conservancy is excited to launch Supporting Watershed with Inclusive Mentorship (SWWIM), with the support of the California Natural Resources Agency’s Youth Community Access grant. The SWWIM program provides paid internships to develop young adult leaders from the community who will then facilitate educational experiences for middle and high school age youth. Funding is available to support Title 1 middle and high school class field trips for kayak tours, outrigger tours, or stewardship/restoration events. For many of the youth and community groups we serve, their first visit to the Upper Newport Bay is through one of our events. In addressing the barrier to access many communities face to visit the Bay, we are looking forward to this program expanding opportunities for youth within our watershed.
The Community Engagement Interns will complete a 13-week Naturalist Training course in the fall and have additional professional development opportunities in the spring. Once trained, they will be responsible for leading middle and high school youth through field trip experiences at the Upper Newport Bay Ecological Reserve that combine classroom learning and outdoor activities. Field trips will include kayak tours, outrigger canoe excursions, and stewardship/horticultural events. Prior experience with these activities is a plus, but not required. Interns will be expected to work up to 10 hours/week for a year beginning August 29, 2026.
Apply for an Internship
Interested in joining our team for 2026-27? Applications are now open!
Review the full Job Description HERE.
Then complete our Application HERE.
Application reviews begin June 15.
Book a Field Trip
Limited funding is available to support field trips for Title 1 middle and high school classes.
Interested in bringing your class out to learn from our Interns in Spring 2027?
If you’d like to book a kayak or outrigger tour for your class, please contact Mariah.Sabo@newportbay.org
If you’d like your class to get involved with stewardship or restoration work, please contact Kaysen.Pajarillo@newportbay.org
Another community access project through the California Natural Resources Agency to improve youth access to natural and cultural resources.
GAVIN NEWSOM, GOVERNOR
Wade Crowfoot, Secretary for Natural Resources
