El Yunque NF
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  • Opportunities for Young People

    The Forest Service has many opportunities for young people to work with us while learning about natural and cultural resources careers. El Yunque National Forest runs an annual summer YCC program as well as internships through local universities and partners. Announcements for applications and more information are posted on our Facebook page as they become available. 


    For more information on the various programs across the Forest Service, please visit the Main Page here: https://www.fs.fed.us/working-with-us/opportunities-for-young-people 


    Here are some ways you can get involved:


    Pathways - Pathways Programs provide paid employment opportunities with the Federal government for high school students, undergraduates, post-graduates and recent graduates


    21st Century Conservation Service Corps - 21st Century Conservation Service Corps is a bold national effort to put thousands of America’s young people and veterans to work protecting, restoring, and enhancing America’s great outdoors.


    Youth Conservation Corps - You can find paid summer work experience on many national forests and grasslands through our Youth Conservation Corps. U.S. citizens or legal residents ages 15 to 18 are encouraged to apply to be considered for an opportunity to:

    • Work outdoors with other young people on crews
    • Learn about conservation stewardship
    • Get training in restoration skills necessary for field work
    • Develop work ethic and interpersonal communication skills

    Resource Assistants Program - A rigorous, immersive, paid internship for individuals interested in Forest Service careers. Resource Assistants work under the supervision of Forest Service staff to complete mission-critical work that demonstrates leadership, critical thinking, and strategic communication. Through direct training, experience, and exposure, Resource Assistants gain the tools to launch their natural and cultural resource careers.


    Virtual Internships - The Virtual Student Federal Service (VSFS) is the largest virtual internship program in the world! This year we will offer 1,500 positions with 50+ federal agencies. VSFS offers unique mentoring and exposure to job opportunities within the U.S. government. https://vsfs.state.gov/


    Opportunities through Partnership: The Forest Service regularly partners to provide additional youth internship opportunities. Some of these include: