YMCA Youth Eco Internship Program at the Joggins Fossil Institute

Nicole Marshall is a Bachelor of Science student studying Earth Sciences and Oceanography at Dalhousie University (Halifax, Nova Scotia). Nicole was employed at the Joggins Fossil Institute for 4 months through the YMCA Youth Eco Internship Program (YEIP). The YMCA YEIP places unemployed youth aged 15 to 30 into paid internships with the non-profit and community services sector of Canada with a focus on the environment, community and women’s services. The YMCA YEIP is in collaboration between the YMCA and YWCA Canada, with funding provided by the government of Canada’s Economic Action Plan.
Nicole was an Interpreter (Landscape), meaning she worked in the garden such as planting and weeding as well as her duties as interpreter. Nicole led half hour and two hour tours of the cliffs, as well as tours through the museum in French and English.
“The YMCA Youth Eco Internship Program at Joggins Fossil Institute in Joggins, Nova Scotia was a very enjoyable and educational learning experience. I am very grateful for the opportunity the YMCA Youth Eco Internship Program has given me. It provided me with hands on experiences to learn about geology and the fossil record. It also helped me learn and develop new skills such as being a leader in front of others and developing my public speaking skills. I am beyond impressed with the YMCA Youth Eco Internship Program and I hope the YMCA YEIP continues so students next year and beyond have similar, fantastic experiences.” - Nicole