Several Opportunities, part 2

Research Experience for Undergraduates

The focus of the NIU Operation Etank program is in 4 Es areas – energy, environment, with aspects to ethics and economy incorporated into broader problems and related to the broader issue of sustainability. Operation Etank is NIU’s summer Research Experience for Undergraduate (REU) program. Students involved in the program will be mentored by faculty members having wide-ranging backgrounds in relevant research areas, but their overall learning experience will include a number of opportunities to relate sustainability issues to their research projects. The NIU College of Liberal Arts and Sciences and the College of Engineering and Engineering Technology have a long history of working together on collaborative STEM projects and funded research. As such, the faculty members understand the need for engagement and teamwork. This technical knowledge combined with the ability to blend teamwork and presentation skills will allow Operation ETank to provide a wide range of research skills and projects for the students involved.

The eight week long intensive summer program on the NIU campus runs from June 16 through August 8, 2014. Each student will receive free housing on campus—and be paid a stipend of $4,657. To be eligible to apply, students must have at least 60 earned credit hours, a minimum grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale and be citizens or permanent residents of the United States.

Application Deadline: March 3, 2014 by 4:30pm CST.

Program website: www.niu.edu/reu

___________________

Over the past two years, the Elmhurst Garden Club has awarded more than $25,000 in scholarships to college and university students who are pursuing a major in environmental studies, plant biology, horticulture, conservation, or a related field of study.  We have been pleased to support these students and further interest and research in preserving our natural resources and beautifying and protecting the environment which is part of our mission statement. 

We are again offering a scholarship to your students.  We would be grateful if you would post our scholarship application on your web site and any other board that would alert them to this opportunity. The deadline this year is May 1, 2014.  Students will send a completed application directly to me at my address listed below. 

Funds for this scholarship are earned through our Garden Walk which is held the second Sunday in July.  You are welcome to join us.

We are grateful for your support and thank you for encouraging your students to apply.

_______________________

_____________________

JOB DESCRIPTION

Outdoor Education Intern

Lorado Taft Field Campus

Northern Illinois University

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
WORK ACTIVITIES

Reporting to the Environmental Education Coordinator, this person is primarily responsible for the instruction of resident environmental education experiences for elementary and middle school groups at Lorado Taft Campus, Oregon, Illinois.  This person works closely with other staff to develop and deliver outdoor education programs.  This person assists other staff in the care and improvement of a project area.  This person will also be responsible for creating an educational display for a classroom bulletin board.

Training programs include, but are not limited to, Taft Campus policies and procedures, writing lesson plans, group management techniques, observing seasoned educators, and co-teaching.

             

1.      Create and deliver lessons to elementary and middle school students.

2.     Research relevant information regarding Taft programs in order to have the necessary background knowledge to teach classes on topics such as ecology, cultural history, outdoor skills, and team building.

3.      Participate in training activities and weekly staff meetings.

4.      Assist staff in overseeing project areas.

5.      Research and create a relevant, educational display for a classroom bulletin board.

6.      Opportunities for other projects exist as time allows.

REQUIRED SKILLS

High school diploma or equivalent.  Prior experience working with youth in a role such as a camp counselor, mentor, teacher, or coach.  Must possess the desire to work primarily outdoors, in all kinds of weather conditions.  Strong verbal communication skills and the ability to represent Taft Campus and NIU in a knowledgeable and professional manner are essential.  A high degree of initiative, mature judgment, and a strong work ethic required.  A pre-employment criminal background investigation is required.

PREFERRED SKILLS

Prior experience working in a similar environment (outdoor/environmental education facility, summer camp, nature center) preferred.

WORK HOURS

15-20 hours/week.  Weekly schedule varies based on the needs of the schools on site.  Some evenings required.

COMPENSATION

$10/hour.  A private, furnished room is provided.   Meals when the dining hall is in operation.