Youth Engagement, Education, and Employment

Federal Program: Department of the Interior, United States (U.S.) Fish and Wildlife Service, HQ National Wildlife Refuge System

Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number: 15.676

Authorizing Legislation: Fish and Wildlife Act,16 U.S.C. §742 et seq.; Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act, 16 U.S.C. §§661-666; National Fish Hatchery System Volunteer Act, 16 U.S.C. §§760aa-760aa-4; National Wildlife Refuge System Administration Act, 16 U.S.C. §§668dd-ee; Public Lands Corps Act - Public Lands Corps, 16 U.S.C. §§1721-1726; Public Lands Corps Act - Youth Conservation Corps, 16 U.S.C. §§1701-1706; and National Park Service Centennial Act, Public Law No: 114-289.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's (USFWS or Service) National Wildlife Refuge System (NWRS) is accepting proposals from non-profit, state, and local government youth and veteran serving organizations with the interest and capacity to work cooperatively with the USFWS to develop introductory educational experiences in natural resource careers to young people and veterans, including culturally, ethnically and economically diverse students, and underserved communities that traditionally have low participation in outdoor recreation activities through hands-on experience and mentoring at a variety of USFWS programs including but not limited to, national wildlife refuges, fish hatcheries, and ecological services offices. Under this program, individuals and/or groups of youth, young adults, and veterans:

Will be introduced to natural resource careers through hands-on work with, and training by, natural resource professionals employed by the USFWS may be given the opportunity to serve both seasonal and or year-round assignments.  

Will enhance conservation stewardship; increase outdoor recreation opportunities for all Americans and improve the management of game species and their habitats for this generation and beyond.

Will be introduced to various real-world conservation and rehabilitation activities such as invasive species management, habitat restoration, wildlife management, public education and interpretation, disaster response and mitigation, and communications, mixed with informal and formal training sessions directed by USFWS employees during assignments.  

Will enhance and expand public access to lands and waters.

Will be provided feedback for their future growth and may receive consideration for future employment with the USFWS. 

See Full Announcement for application details and instructions.

Education

• Private institutions of higher education
• Public and state institutions of higher education

Government

• State governments
• Federally recognized Native American tribal governments
• City or township governments
• Special district governments
• County governments

Nonprofit

• Nonprofits non-higher education with 501(c)(3)
• Other Native American tribal organizations