Youth Environmental Health Internship (YEHI)

Comite Civico Del Valle pioneered a program called the Youth Environmental Health Internship in partnership with Tracking California, funded by the National Institute of Health (NIH). The internship focused on preparing high school students around Imperial County to become the next leaders in environmental health. Interns acquired knowledge in different aspects relating to air quality, advocacy, environmental justice, and the policymaking process. In addition, participants learned about the IVAN Air Monitoring program to inform and educate the community about air quality and how to sign up for air quality alerts. Interns traveled to Sacramento State Capitol to speak with legislators about the issues that are in Imperial County. Not only did the interns learn about the environment and how it can affect our health, but they were able to voice their concerns to legislators and pose solutions to those problems in their community.