KAUA‘I — Kupu, Hawai‘i’s leading conservation and youth education nonprofit organization, recently announced that applications are now being accepted for this summer’s Hawai‘i Youth Conservation Corps program on Kaua‘i.
The seven-week opportunity runs from June 7 to July 23, providing young adults typically between the ages of 17 and 22 with meaningful field-service experience into the world of conservation while giving back to the community.
Participants are paid for service as team members or team leaders, and also receive an AmeriCorps Education Award, CPR/first aid certification on-the-job training.
No prior environmental experience is necessary. Ideal applicants are those with positive attitudes, curiosity about nature and a desire to learn through hands-on service.
Participants will serve alongside environmental- and culturally-focused organizations within a range of ecosystems, including wetlands, dryland forests, lo‘i kalo (taro patches), and loko i‘a (ancient Hawaiian fishponds).
HYCC participant Caroline Kealoha, 23, from Hanalei, served in the Koke‘e Resources Conservation Program doing a variety of conservation work with invasives, including outplanting natives, reparing trails and protecting native-bird habitats.
“After my HYCC summer I was so inspired by the work and people that I continued on and haven’t stopped working in the conservation sector in Hawai‘i,” Kealoha said.
“It is challenging at times, but I love what I do, and my view from my current ‘office’ reminds me how fortunate I am to be able to do what I do. Conservation work is not easy, but it is incredibly rewarding. There are jobs in Hawai‘i where you can earn a living, be outdoors and aloha ‘aina.”
Applications are due Friday, Feb. For more information on the HYCC summer program or to fill out the brief application, visit kupuhawaii.org/hycc-summer/.
