Indigenous Youth
Career Opportunities
Countless outdoor and conservation career paths exist specifically for Indigenous youth. The opportunities listed below give young people the chance to learn and work in direct partnership with the federal government.
NATIVE YOUTH COMMUNITY ADAPTATION LEADERSHIP CONGRESS
The mission of the Native Youth Community Adaptation Leadership Congress (NYCALC) is to engage Indigenous youth and communities in educational opportunities and leadership development to address climate resiliency within their communities while improving relationships among Indigenous communities and the federal family. NYCALC is geared for high school youth, either at the rising junior or senior level. There are also college-age opportunities.
INDIAN YOUTH SERVICE CORPS
The John D. Dingell, Jr. Conservation, Management, and Recreation Act (Public Law 116-9, March 2019) establishes the John S. McCain III 21st Century Conservation Service Corps Act (21 CSC Act) that amends and expands the Public Lands Corps Act. Contained within the 21 CSC Act is the establishment of the Indian Youth Service Corps (IYSC) Program. The intent of the IYSC Program is to provide a direct benefit to members of federally recognized Indian Tribes or of Alaska Native corporations within the age range of 16-30 (or 35 if veteran). The IYSC Program will provide meaningful education, employment and training opportunities to its participants through conservation projects on eligible service land, which includes public lands, Indian lands, and Hawaiian homelands.
Image courtesy of NPS.gov
DIRECTORATE FELLOWS PROGRAM
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Directorate Fellows Program (DFP) is a 12-week, paid fellowship program for rising college seniors and enrolled graduate students interested in conservation work. DFP provides full-time, paid positions for students from diverse backgrounds, women, and other underrepresented populations who want to gain experience in conservation work and habitat sustainability. In 2023, DFP plans to offer 12 positions centered on Indigenous ecology, Indigenous leadership, traditional ecological knowledge and land management, and tribal communication! For more information, email us at [email protected].
https://usfws.medium.com/the-directorate-fellows-program-cb86851920f8