The Detroit Zoological Society has created the Environmental Stewardship Internship, a paid internship with funding provided by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and other donors. In this eight-week program, teens who live in underserved cities are connected to various skill-building experiences and mentorship opportunities with diverse professionals in the natural resources field. Designed for teens of Color, supported and facilitated by professionals of Color, this paid internship provides participants opportunities to explore what it means to feel belonging in the outdoors. Through opportunities to experience new outdoor recreation activities, team-building, and a variety of skill-based projects, youth become empowered and elevate each other to overcome barriers. In this session, ESI alums will share some of the stories, activities, and resources from this meaningful program.