The Careers in Conservation Summer Program is building pathways for the next generation of environmental stewards. Developed by Mid-Columbia Fisheries and hosted by the Yakima Valley Technical Skills Center, in 2025 the program welcomed 33 students from 5 school districts in Central Washington.

Guided by teachers Robin Driver and Robert Vargas, and supported by partners such as the Pacific Education Institute, Yakima Basin Environmental Education Program, the Yakama Nation, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, and Washington Department of Natural Resources, students gained hands-on experience in conservation careers.

They tracked beaver activity in restoration areas, identified native and invasive plants, learned about wild fish and the role of hatcheries in salmon recovery, camped in the upper Yakima, and assisted our crews in restoring local streams.

Each participant received a stipend, high school credit, and meaningful exposure to career pathways in natural resources. Just as importantly, they met with agency staff, community partners, and tribal members, gaining a deeper understanding of the collaboration required to manage and protect our region’s lands and waters.

In its fourth year, the program came full circle this summer when two alumni returned—not as students, but as field staff for Mid-Columbia Fisheries.