Outreach & Engagement
Pathways for BIPOC Professionals in Climate & Environmental Work
POCIE is committed to building pathways for students and early-career professionals of color. BIPOC communities have long been excluded from environmental spaces and careers, even as they bear the brunt of climate disasters and systemic inequities.
Pathways Program
Our Pathways Program creates real opportunities for BIPOC professionals to gain experience, build connections, and find support in Massachusetts’ environmental field.
Fellows receive:
- Hands-on experience in climate and environmental work
- Equitable compensation, including travel and conference stipends
- Mentorship from BIPOC leaders within POCIE’s community
Through this program, fellows develop essential skills, learn directly from experienced mentors, and present their work at a professional conference. More than just a line on a resume, the Pathways Program is about ensuring that BIPOC professionals feel a sense of belonging in this field.
“I can definitively say that were it not for POCIE’s internship program, we would not have hired any fellow this summer to work with our climate adaptation team. Count that as one job created by the POCIE program! ”
“These programs provide the much needed structure and scaffolding for critical work to recruit and retain BIPOC students in our field.”
“The ability to connect with someone who understands the specific challenges and opportunities faced by BIPOC individuals in the workforce has been invaluable.”
“BIPOC mentorship reinforced my belief that I belong and can thrive in this space.”