Workforce Development Program: Our Focus
Nature for All’s mission is to build a diverse base of support to ensure that everyone in the Los Angeles area, especially from underserved and park-poor communities, has equitable access to nature, and the wide range of benefits that nature provides.
The Environmental Careers Pathways is a seven month paid training program designed to bridge the gap between traditional park youth programs and a permanent job with a park agency. The program includes field study, classroom learning, team building, public speaking and an overview of the natural and cultural resources of our region. The program’s emphasis is on career exploration and the development of foundational skills required of those seeking entry level positions as Naturalists or Recreation Specialists. The course has several professional certificate programs embedded within it including; Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)/ First Aid/ Automated External Defibrillator (AED), Leave No Trace, and California Naturalist. The topics covered in this training provide the Outdoor Education Apprentices with the necessary skills to pursue a park career in education and interpretation. At the end of the program, the apprentices are eligible to apply for a Naturalist position with Nature for All as well as other positions with State and Federal Park Agencies.
2023 Outdoor Education Apprentices
2024 Outdoor Education Apprentices
2025 Outdoor Education Apprentices
In 2025, six Outdoor Education Apprentices were chosen out of a selection of applicants to be a part of the first Environmental Careers Pathway cohort. The Outdoor Education Apprentices meet 3 days per week in a classroom, virtually via Zoom, and in-person at various sites along the coast, the LA River, the Santa Monica Mountains, and the San Gabriel Mountains. The Apprentices practice what they learn in the sessions by participating in field trips and activities like kayaking the LA River, hiking in the San Gabriel Mountains and visiting aquariums.
Participants in Action
The Environmental Careers Pathways is a project funded by voter-approved Measure A in Los Angeles County (2016).
Thank you to the following program partners:
National Park Service, U.S. Forest Service, Mountains Recreation & Conservation Authority , CA State Parks, County of Los Angeles Department of Parks & Recreation, Los Angeles Zoo, National History Museum of Los Angeles County, Aquarium of the Pacific, Los Angeles Arboretum, Nature Nexus Institute, Test Plot, Friends of Ballona Wetlands, Community Nature Connection, and REI.
For any questions on the Environmental Careers Program, email: julio@lanatureforall.org.