2026 APANO Youth Environmental Stewardship Program 

Program Dates: Between 15-20 hours per week, June 22, 2026 – August 17, 2026

Location: APANO - 8188 SE Division St, Portland; Many activities will be at other locations. Stewards will be expected to provide their own transportation to all sites.

Stewards will be eligible to receive a stipend of up to $2800 to help defray the costs of participating in the program.

About APANO CUF:

APANO Communities United Fund (CUF) unites Asians  to build power, develop leaders, and advance equity through organizing, advocacy, community development, and cultural work. We envision a just world where Asians and communities who share our aspirations and struggles have the power, resources, and voice to determine our own futures, and where we work in solidarity to drive political, social, economic, and cultural change. APANO CUF is a 501(c)(3) organization that works closely with its affiliate 501(c)(4) organization, APANO Action Fund (AF). 

Description & Goals

This program seeks to create opportunities for BIPOC youth to experience outdoor recreation and education with a specific focus on ecology. Youth will participate in activities that highlight different aspects of environmental stewardship and explore career paths in the environmental fields. Participants will gain a better understanding of how environmental health impacts our lives and the ways in which we can care for the places we live. Youth will learn how they can pursue careers in these fields and practice skills to become leaders and teachers for their communities. We will examine current and historic practices through the lens of environmental justice. 

Program  description: 

The Youth Environmental Stewards will work with the APANO Environmental Health Manager and participate in hands-on environmental education and ecological restoration activities. This program is designed for high school or early college students interested in ecology, regenerative agriculture, botany, environmental stewardship, or environmental science. Interns will gain practical experience and learn about the fields of habitat restoration, wildlife conservation, community organizing, and environmental education.

Stipend  Schedule:
Stipends for full program participation will be paid in 4 installments of $700 based on this schedule. Stipend amounts may be reduced for less-than-full program participation.

Program Expectations: 

Attendance & Participation (60%) 

• Attend a minimum 2 training days per week between Monday-Thursday.
• Participate in team building activities.
• Complete program curriculum.

Professional Development (15%)  

• Resume building workshops
• Networking with employers
• Peer to peer learning activities
• Leadership development
• Technical skill development 

Capstone Project (25%)

• Youth Environmental Stewards will support data collection efforts and implementation of APANO's Rooting Resilience Project. This is an EPA administered research project focusing on Urban Tree Canopy Management. Youth will learn the process of Project Planning, Tree Planting and Tree Health Assessments,  Soil Sample Collection and Laboratory Analysis, GIS mapping and Storytelling, and Data Quality Assurance.

Timeline and Curriculum

Regular Program Days: Tuesdays and Thursdays

Week 1 (6-22-26)

• Welcome Week and Onboarding
• Intros to Environmental Justice

 Week 2 (6-29-26)

• Natural Resources

Week 3 (7-6-26)

• Food Systems 

Week 4 (7-13-26)

• TBD

Week 5 (7-20-26)

• Quiet Week- APANO office closed

Week 6 (7-27-26)

• Wildlife Conservation

Week 7 (8-3-26)

• Youth Leadership Development Conference & Resume Building Workshop

Week 8 (8-10-26)

• Urban Green Spaces and Shade Equity

Week 9 (8-17-26)

• End of Program Celebration

Qualifications:

• Must be between the ages of 15-22
• Experience or interest in Ecology, Environmental Stewardship, or Environmental Justice, preferred.
• Ability to manage timelines, remain organized, and prioritize tasks. 
• Ability to communicate effectively and maintain working relationships in a team environment.
• Openness to collaboration and facilitation 
• Applicants must have the tools needed to participate (Laptop/desktop and a form of communications)
• A commitment to APANO’s mission, vision, and values