Haskell Indian Nations University and EPA expand collaboration to support student careers

LAWRENCE — For Haskell Indian Nations University students, a renewed partnership with the Environmental Protection Agency is expected to open the door to internships, research opportunities and future careers serving tribal communities.

The university is expanding its relationship with the EPA after the two organizations signed a five-year memorandum of understanding in September, continuing a partnership that has been in place since 1999. 

“The partnership is intended to foster ongoing knowledge exchange, create meaningful learning and internship opportunities, and advance shared environmental priorities in a way that benefits Haskell students, EPA, and tribal communities,” said Jim Macy, a regional EPA administrator. 

More than 90 Haskell students have participated in the previous EPA-Haskell mentor program, and seven students later interned with the EPA, which Macy said provides students with valuable insight into how tribes collaborate with the EPA.

“They can take that knowledge back to support their respective tribes,” Macy said. “The partnership inspires students to follow their passions and consider turning those passions into meaningful careers they truly enjoy, creating a path for long-term success in environmental leadership and tribal service.”

The agreement outlines collaboration focused on student opportunities, environmental research and tribal engagement. The agreement was created to address barriers to opportunities that Haskell students have faced in the past. 

The updated agreement says there will be more hands-on learning, internship opportunities and professional connections to address these barriers, according to an EPA press release. The agreement replaces a previous memorandum signed in October 2022 and continues a partnership that EPA and Haskell officials say has lasted more than 25 years.

Haskell president Alex Red Corn said the partnership will benefit students of all majors. 

“Any opportunities for our students to get their foot in the door with internships and job opportunities can help make job transitions into federal positions or other industries much easier,” Red Corn said. “Our students come from across the country, and each student will have opportunities to explore connections to their home tribal communities.”

Red Corn said the EPA plans to host guest lectures and attend career fairs, which he said could reach thousands of students in the next few years. He said the ongoing partnership will create job opportunities in tribal communities across the country. 

“Haskell is always looking for ways to collaborate with the tribal nations it serves,” Red Corn said. “Access to EPA mentorship and internship opportunities, along with hands-on learning across all our programs, will strengthen tribal capacity for environmental and health initiatives when our students graduate and begin their careers across Indian Country.”