The National Park Service preserves unimpaired the natural and cultural resources and values of the National Park System for the enjoyment, education, and inspiration of this and future generations.
The NPS Youth and Veteran Development Programs grant seeks to support a wide array of developmental projects and programs that are in line with the 21st Century Conservation Service Corps (21CSC)/Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) ethos. These programs are designed to engage young people and veterans in meaningful work that protects, restores, and enhances America's great outdoors while providing them with vital personal and professional skills. The goals include putting Americans to work, preserving and promoting the nation's natural and cultural resources, building America's future through education and skilled labor, providing reasonable living wages, creating pathways to employment, reflecting America's diversity, tackling climate change, and engaging in appropriate conservation projects. This grant program is centered around collaboration with non-profit youth-serving organizations for the development of 21CSC programs focused on employment, education, and engagement opportunities in NPS units and affiliated sites. The primary purpose is to benefit the interns participating in the program.