Free Haleakala Internship For 6-8 Graders

By Wendy Osher

Haleakalā National Park, file photo by Wendy Osher.

Hawai’i Middle School Students are invited to apply for the new Spring 2012 Internship program at Haleakala National Park.

The Kupukupu ‘Aina program is geared for middle school students in grades 6-8, and introduces local youth to park programs.

The week-long internship runs from March 12-16, 2012, and is designed to generate interest among youth for careers in natural resource management, interpretation, and facilities management.

Twelve students will be selected through a competitive process, affording them opportunities to gain hands-on experience working alongside professional staff.

National Park Service officials say the program helps youth develop marketable skills and professional contacts, as well as obtain general knowledge and appreciation for Hawaii’s natural areas and species.

Kupukupu ‘Aina is the third internship program created by Haleakala National Park since March 2011. Others include: Pohai Maile, a high school summer program; and ‘Imi i ka Lama, an 11-week intensive program for college-age students.

Applicants for the Kupukupu ‘Aina program must be Hawai‘i residents and available full-time between March 12-16, 2012.  Program hours are 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., not including travel time to and from the park.

There is no fee to participate in the program and free transportation to the park will be provided from designated sites. Interns are also eligible to receive a living allowance of $25 per day to help offset the cost of supplies they will need for the program.

Additional details and application packets are available through the park’s Internship Coordinator, Kuhea Paracuelles, at (808) 572-4452 or Kuhea_Paracuelles@nps.gov.

Completed applications must be submitted by January 31, 2012.