On November 12, 2024, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Region 7 office welcomed students from Haskell Indian Nations University (HINU) for the 3rd Annual Haskell Day at EPA. The event brought together students and EPA leaders to build connections, explore career opportunities, and deepen the partnership between the two organizations.
The day offered a unique glimpse into life at the EPA, with students touring the Region 7 facility, meeting upper-level managers, and learning about the many divisions that make up the agency. For some participants, this was their first experience visiting the EPA, while others returned to build on relationships and knowledge gained from previous years.
This event is a cornerstone of the ongoing collaboration between EPA and HINU, rooted in their memorandum of understanding to foster opportunities for Native students. Throughout the academic year, EPA employees frequently visit the HINU campus, helping students polish their resumes, develop interview skills, and navigate pathways to federal careers. These efforts provide invaluable support for students seeking to align their education with meaningful career opportunities in public service.
“Attending EPA Day is always an inspiring experience. Last year was my first time attending as Ms. Angelina Adams asked me to be a part of the student panel,” said junior Angelina Giago, “The event reaffirmed my commitment to addressing these issues through both my studies and future work. It was a powerful reminder that as students and advocates, we have the opportunity to lead change and ensure a healthier future for our people and the planet.”
Haskell Day at EPA underscores the agency’s commitment to creating pathways for Indigenous students while highlighting the rich potential of a career in environmental protection. Events like this inspire students to explore roles that allow them to protect their communities and address environmental challenges across Indian Country and beyond.
As EPA Region 7 and HINU continue to strengthen their partnership, the success of Haskell Day is a testament to the power of collaboration and the shared vision of building a more sustainable future. For HINU students, the day is more than an opportunity to visit a federal agency—it’s a chance to imagine themselves as leaders shaping that future.
“EPA Day was a good way to network and find different connections for my next chapter! It was my first time at the building, but the staff and administrators were always so positive and encouraging there,’ said sophomore Chanell Geboe Brockie, “The connections and resources we have access to as Haskell students are exactly what we need to excel at the levels we deserve to be at.”
