Join the Youth Conservation Program

In partnership with the U.S. Forest Service, MobilizeGreen will offer residential Youth Conservation Program (YCP) programs in the summer of 2025 for diverse young people between the ages of 15 and 18 years of age. The MobilizeGreen-Forest Service YCP is a three-week residential program where members live and work together as a team. YCP Members are introduced to conservation-related projects together during the day and participate in environmental education, leadership and personal development lessons, and outdoor recreation activities during the evenings and weekends. The YCP experience is unique and can create memories and friendships that last a lifetime. Our goal is to introduce youth from diverse, urban, and rural backgrounds to nature and the environmental field. Weekly Stipend is $375 per week and equipment scholarships are available.

2025 site locations will be announced in October 2024. Previously our crews have served in Superior National Forest, San Bernardino National Forest, and several others.

 
 
 
 

YCP Conservation-Related Work Projects

YCP members will work on a variety of projects that help protect, preserve, and restore the natural and cultural resources of the Forest Service and participating partners.  Participants work hard, sometimes in difficult conditions including rain, heat, and mosquitoes. Examples of projects may include:

Restoration Projects and Education

  • Trail Maintenance

  • Habitat Management

  • Climate Change Resilience

  • Fire Dependent Ecology and Management

  • Invasive Species Removal

  • Site Beautification

  • Beach/Community Cleanup

  • Campsite Restoration

 
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YCP Member Benefits

  • Paid summer position (including travel expenses)

  • Develop collaboration and leadership skills

  • Work with other high school students from across the country

  • Explore outdoor and recreational activities such as backpacking, biking, climbing, fishing, hiking, kayaking, swimming, and/or other activities during non-work and program hours

  • Learn about cultural and natural resource management careers

YCP Member Eligibility

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  • We encourage all youth to consider applying for YCP positions.

  • Must be at least 15 by June 1 of the program year and may not be older than 18 years old before August 31 of the program year

  • Must be enrolled in school or a 2024 graduate

  • Must be able to fulfill the essential functions of the assigned work with or without reasonable accommodations

  • Have a valid U.S. Social Security number or have applied for a valid Social Security number by start of program

  • Must be able to obtain a work permit as required under applicant’s home state laws

  • Must be a citizen of the United States or permanent resident

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YCP Physical Requirements

  • Able to hike about 5 miles a day

  • Able to perform up to 35 hours of physical labor in a week

  • Willingness to learn to use hand tools for digging, sawing, chopping etc.

  • Occasionally lift and move up to 50 pounds

YCP Member Participation Requirements

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  • Demonstrates leadership skills and/or responsibility

  • Likes working with people

  • Comfortable being away from home for 3 weeks with limited phone/internet access

  • Comfortable with camping for 7 days outdoors with limited amenities

  • Wants to learn more about ecology or environmental topics

  • Willing to participate in a communal setting with a positive attitude for the entire program

  • Must be respectful of all program participants and leaders

  • Must follow instructions, safety regulations, and guidelines and complete assigned chores

  • Must actively engage and participate in all events and environmental education programs, games, and activities

  • Strong swimming capabilities recommended