The Neighborhood Ecology Corps (NEC) is looking for students entering grades 6-8 to join the program for the 2022-2023 school year!

NEC is a free program for middle and high school students centered on exploring nature and the community in order to develop environmentally literate citizens, with a focus on serving the Southeast Raleigh community. Through the program, participants will develop friendships, gain comfort in the outdoors, participate in service learning projects, and deepen their understanding of the relationships between their community, ecology, and environmental justice.

The year begins with a week-long Summer Immersion Camp: an in-person, weeklong day camp in August that fosters community within the NEC cohort. Throughout the school year, weekly meetings are held at Walnut Creek Wetland Park and participants will engage in field trips on select teacher work days. Students will receive a $200 stipend upon the completion of their first year and may elect to continue into a 2- or 3-year program.

Through the Neighborhood Ecology Corps, students will have the opportunity to engage in:
• Outdoor excursions: Participants will take field trips to local parks, museums, and nature preserves
• Hands-on experiences: Weekly meetings include staff led activities, scientific investigations, guest presenters, and more
• Environmental stewardship: The NEC works to protect and improve green spaces in the community by planting trees, gardens, and native plants, participating in stream clean ups, and working on trail restoration
• Education and career opportunities: Participants will meet and network with environmental professionals and local universities to learn about course offerings, internships, college, and career opportunities

Applications are open now and will be accepted on a rolling basis until the program reaches capacity. Access the NEC Program Application here.

For more information, please contact [email protected].