Interns receive extensive training to lead outdoor learning adventures that focus on the natural and human-created environment students live in, cross multiple academic subjects with an emphasis on science, and promote active, responsible citizenship. They often collaborate with National Park staff and other partners including local environmental experts. During the year, they develop professional skills like teaching, community-building, effective communication and problem-solving that will strengthen any career. 

Introduced in 2020 and aligned with the intern program, fellowships are sponsored by companies looking to expand leadership in their field. 

Fellowships are a wonderful opportunity for community engagement. When you support the development of a future leader, you are also investing in a program that builds competency in inquiry skills, fosters creativity and prepares students for the kind of flexible and strategic thinking needed for success in the workplace.

Your support also includes interactions with your Fellow that can be customized to meet your organization’s specific needs. For example, in the fall you may opt for a Lunch & Learn event and in the spring you may choose a hike, educational team building and/or stewardship in the National Park. In the winter you can join us on campus for a Winter Reception with all the Fellows and Interns.

Fellowships help Dunes Learning Center reach more than 14,000 students in a typical year.

Your organization can sponsor an up and coming conservation leader and role model who touches the hearts and minds of students with impactful outdoor learning adventures that answer the question, “Why should I care?” These experiences change the way students think about the local environment and their place in it.

Are you interested in applying for an internship with Dunes Learning Center?

Senior Naturalist Stephanie Husek discovered environmental education was her passion when she spent the summer of 2019 as a Cabin Leader Intern at Dunes Learning Center. While the pandemic delayed her plans to become a full-time Naturalist Intern in 2020 after graduating with a degree in Agriculture from Ivy Tech in Indianapolis, she reapplied and was rehired in June 2021. 

“I grew up in this area without having any idea about the amount of biodiversity and how unique it truly is here,” she said. “Providing quality environmental education is critical to the conservation and preservation of our natural resources as well as the precious areas owned by the public. It is our responsibility to instill in our youth the importance of our role in the environment and the effects we can have both positive and negative.”

Interpretive Naturalist Kate Valentine learned to appreciate connecting kids with the Indiana Dunes as a Cabin Leader Intern during the summer of 2021. She is from southern Illinois and earned a degree in Wildlife Science from Washington State University.

“I enjoyed going to environmental education programs as a kid, and after my summer internship, I knew I wanted to work in environmental education,” Kate said. “I think it's really important to get kids out into nature and to teach them about the environment because that's how you help kids become adults that take action to help protect the environment.” 

A rockstar teammate and educator, Kate is positive and energetic. She loves learning and sharing new things about the local environment including the fact that there’s magnetite in the sand here. Now she carries a magnet in her backpack so she can show the kids exactly what that means. 

Interpretive Naturalist Genevieve Zilmer joined the Dunes Learning Center team mid-season in October 2021 and was excited to begin a full year in June 2022. Passionate about many disciplines of ecology, especially urban ecology and science communication, she earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Integrative Biology with a minor in Natural Resource Conservation from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. While in school, Genevieve worked on a yearlong research project focused on understanding the values of local communities and connections that form between people and places in the regions surrounding a National Park. 

“Environmental education is important to me because I can create a positive learning environment and inspire lasting curiosity about the world in children,” Genevieve said.  “Stewardship means caring for the environment as if it is part of your own home and family. It means taking time out of your day to help the environment, not just for yourself, but for others too.”

Meet Keramida Fellow Sierra Necessary

Sierra is an interpretive naturalist who is passionate about wildlife conservation, outdoor appreciation, and environmental education. She received her bachelor of science degree in Natural Science & Mathematics with a minor in Chemistry from Indiana University.

Sierra grew up exploring the woods near her house; and firmly believes that outdoor exploration is a pillar of hands-on learning and environmental stewardship. When she isn’t hiking; she enjoys exploring the interconnectedness of our world or curling up with a good book.

Meet 1st Source Fellow Nate

A native of Northwest Indiana, Nate is a senior interpretive naturalist passionate about educating kids on how truly unique the Indiana Dunes are with its biodiversity and the importance of spending time outdoors. He earned a bachelor of science degree studying Recreation Management and Youth Leadership with a double minor in Environmental Science and Nonprofit Leadership at Indiana State University.

Meet Keramida Fellow Kayla

Passionate about free-choice learning and informal education, Kayla is an interpretive naturalist who loves hiking, gardening, and painting. She graduated from Purdue University with highest distinction and a bachelor of science degree in agricultural communication.