High school and college graduates who are interested in a career in conservation can apply for Kupu's Conservation Leadership Development Program.

The program creates rigorous, entry-level opportunities for young professionals and is run in partnership with AmeriCorps and various agencies.

In addition to gaining valuable insight in the conservation field, selected participants will receive a $1,600 monthly living allowance and a $6,095 AmeriCorps education award.

The priority deadline for applications to be completed in full is Sunday, July 7. The final deadline is Wednesday, July 31.

Participants get a chance to work alongside conservationists in Hawaii’s most pristine natural areas, and gain experience with federal and state partners such as the Department of Land and Natural Resources, National Park Service, and US Fish and Wildlife Service, as well as various non-profit agencies including The Nature Conservancy.

Full-time positions are available on Kauai, Oahu, Maui, Molokai, and Hawaii Island.

The program runs from October 2019 through August 2020 and is open to individuals ages 17 and over. Participants are placed at an environmental organization for about one year where they assist with projects that equip them with skills and leadership opportunities to move ahead in their career.

“Through this program I started off at the National Tropical Botanical Garden and was hired by the organization by the end of my term of service,” said Randy Umetsu, Conservation Leadership Development Program alumni (2016-2018). “I would recommend this program to others because Kupu not only provides real experience in the field, but also connects you to the larger network of conservation professionals in Hawaii. The support I have received from the program coordinators has also been outstanding, and the passion of both the Kupu staff and participants makes this a truly unique launching pad for a career in conservation.”

Click here for more details and to apply online.

For more information, email conservation@kupuhawaii.org or call 808.735.1221, extension 2002.

Featured photo courtesy Kupu.