Mickey Leland Environmental Internship Program History

Mickey Leland

The late Mickey Leland, U.S. Representative from Texas

The program honors the late U.S. Congressman Mickey Leland's effective efforts to promote a clean and healthy environment. Congressman Leland was killed in a plane crash on August 7, 1989, en route to Ethiopia on a mission as Chairman of the U.S. House of Representatives Select Committee on Hunger.

Leland's environmental commitment is well documented:

• Noted for his contributions as a member of the Subcommittee on Health and Environment
• Emphasized and demonstrated the importance of heightened awareness and involvement of minority participation in the protection of public health and environmental issues
• Consistently addressed public health issues related to the minority community

Leland leads a House delegation to Ethiopia on a tour of famine-stricken areas in 1984.

Congressman Leland was one of the nation's most effective leaders on environmental issues and mentored many of today's Texas leaders. He remained a community activist who always took time to help the underprivileged and under represented. This program was initiated to celebrate and honor his work.

Program Mission

• To heighten the awareness and encourage the participation of minorities, women, and economically disadvantaged college/university students regarding environmental-related issues and policies;
• To develop a diversified work force within Texas' environmental agencies and private corporations by promoting employment opportunities for students exploring future professional opportunities in the environmental fields; and
• To train and equip students for future careers as environmental professionals.