Event Description:

Rising Educators, a program for local Latinx high school students interested in outdoor education, was hosted for the first time this summer 2021. Students are trained in CPR and first aid, hands-on outdoor education activities, and other professional skills to help them thrive in their paid summer internship. Students are then paired up with one of four organizations in Jackson, WY for the summer where they provide support for summer camp programs hosted by the organizations. Throughout the summer, Grand Teton National Park and Teton Science Schools staff meet with participants for biweekly professional development nights to build their skill set and create a sense of community among participants. These nights include activities such as panel discussions with local Latinx community leaders, group management techniques, and resume and cover letter workshops. 

This week, Wednesday, July 14th, 2021, Rising Educators will be meeting with Latinx community leaders for a panel discussion to learn more about different career paths and opportunities for the future. Participants will have the opportunity to hear from inspiring Latinx leaders who work for local organizations that support the Latinx community in Jackson Hole, WY, which makes up roughly 25% of the population. 

The program hopes to increase representation of Latinx youth in the outdoor environmental field by providing skills and tool, a supportive community, and career opportunities for local Jackson Hole, WY Latinx youth. The program is a partnership with Grand Teton National Park, Teton Science Schools, the Jackson Hole Children's Museum, Teton County Parks and Recreation, Coombs Outdoors, and the Grand Teton National Park Foundation.