The Youth Conservation Corps (YCC) Program is a federal youth employment initiative administered by the National Park Service that places students aged 15 to 18 in paid conservation work at national parks, forests, wildlife refuges, and fish hatcheries across the United States. Participants work 40 hours per week for 8 to 10 weeks (with some programs extending to 18 weeks), earning at least the state or federal minimum wage while contributing to meaningful outdoor projects like trail building and habitat restoration. It is one of the most rewarding opportunities available to high school students, combining real-world work experience with the chance to make a lasting impact on some of the most iconic natural landscapes in the country.
Breaking down a challenge and working through it methodically to a solution.
Guiding a group toward a shared goal and keeping everyone moving together.
Planning tasks, timelines, and resources to get a project done on schedule.
Designing studies, testing hypotheses, and drawing evidence-based conclusions.
Adjusting quickly and effectively when plans or circumstances change.
Students perform stream restoration, habitat improvement, and trail building—core environmental engineering work.
Direct exposure to national park operations, public land stewardship, and outdoor conservation management.
Students improve wildlife habitat and gain field experience in ecological restoration projects.
Trail and campground maintenance work involves landscape design and public space management principles.
Federal employment through NPS provides direct experience with government agency operations and public service.
Community Experiences
Loading...