For the third year in a row, the Environmental Resource Center (ERC) will be offering the popular summer program that educates local students about environmental issues and gives them the chance to do something about them.
The 100 Men Who Care program raised more than $4,500 for the ERC, enabling the nonprofit to renew its so-called Summer Fellowship Program. 100 Men Who Care was formed in 2013 to dole out unsolicited cash gifts to Valley nonprofits. Since then it has raised more than $323,000.
The summer program has grown in its first few years, the ERC said. In 2020, three fellows participated in an eight-week program. And in 2021, eight fellows participated in a 12-week program. During the summer program, fellows are trained to undertake environmental service projects, tackle an environmental issue of their choosing, and are introduced to local naturalists, public officials, and wildlife biologists, foresters, and rangers. The paid experience attracts a diverse range of candidates who want to explore the possibilities and realities of environmental work in Idaho.
“This kind of seed funding is critical for small organizations like the ERC to grow new programs. It’s a great investment because now we are able to turn around and be eligible to access funding sources that require matching funds,” said Lindsay Mollineaux, executive director of the ERC. “Each dollar can become three or four. And since the funding goes straight to the fellows, that means we can hire more local kids this summer.”
Mollineaux said the feedback from students during this time is that they are struggling to find opportunities to turn their passion for the environment into meaningful action. For instance, there is a lot of interest at the national level for a Climate Conservation Corps or national service opportunities, she said. But this funding allows the Valley to grow the next generation of Idaho’s environmental leaders right here at home.
“We need their energy and enthusiasm,” Mollineaux said.