Social Capital Initiatives
Environmental Studies Fellow
About the Organization
Social Capital Initiatives, formerly known as Asia Initiatives, is a nonprofit organization registered in New York. Founded in 1999, SCI’s mission is to leverage the power of social capital to promote education, improved livelihoods, healthcare, and sustainable development to bring positive change in the quality of life of people in under-served communities. With a particular focus on women, youth and their families, our initiatives utilize transformative methodologies and technologies to empower people to realize their full potential, and become key agents in their own success.
At the heart of our work is Social Capital Credits (SoCCs), our award-winning community currency for social good. SoCCs are earned for acts such as mentoring, peer tutoring or upskilling others and can be redeemed for education, digital literacy, vocational and STEM skills, etc. Communities co-create their own SoCCs “earning and redeeming menus” through SoCCratic Dialogues, ensuring cultural relevance and ownership. All activities are tracked through the SoCCs App, providing real-time evidence and data to continuously refine our impact.
Fellowship Description:
We are launching a new conservation and youth engagement initiative in the Sourland Mountain region and are seeking an Environmental Studies Intern to support the rollout of this program.
This will engage high schoolers and community members in climate-positive activities that promote environmental stewardship through hands-on conservation and community education. Participants will earn Social Capital Credits (SoCCs) for actions such as tree planting, biodiversity mapping, trail restoration, and leading environmental education activities. SoCCs may be redeemed for personal development opportunities and college preparation support.
The intern will play a key role in helping shape the program’s early design, education components, and youth training model, including the development of learning modules for Girl Scouts focused on environmental stewardship and youth leadership.
Key Responsibilities:
Support the design and rollout of this new program
Help develop education and training modules for Girl Scouts focused on environmental stewardship and youth-led conservation
Assist in planning, documenting, and evaluating conservation activities such as:
Tree planting and habitat restoration
Biodiversity mapping and citizen science
Trail maintenance and restoration
Community environmental education events
Support integration of the SoCCs framework, including tracking participation and impact
Assist with outreach, coordination, and reporting for community stakeholders
Qualifications:
Undergraduate or graduate student in Environmental Studies, Environmental Science, Sustainability, Education, or a related field
Strong interest in conservation, climate action, and youth engagement
Interest or experience in environmental education, outdoor programs, or community-based initiatives
Strong communication, research, and organizational skills
Learning Outcomes:
Hands-on experience launching a new conservation and youth leadership initiative
Exposure to innovative approaches linking environmental action, education, and social impact
Experience working on youth education, stewardship training, and community engagement
Mentorship in program design, nonprofit partnerships, and impact measurement
Time Commitment: 30 hours / week