The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s (USFWS or Service) National Wildlife Refuge System (NWRS) is accepting proposals from non-profit, state, and local government youth and veteran serving organizations with the interest and capacity to work cooperatively with the USFWS to develop introductory educational experiences in natural resource careers to young people and veterans, including culturally, ethnically and economically diverse students, and underserved communities that traditionally have low participation in outdoor recreation activities through hands-on experience and mentoring at a variety of USFWS programs including but not limited to, national wildlife refuges, fish hatcheries, and ecological services offices. Under this program, individuals and/or groups of youth, young adults, and veterans:

• Will be introduced to natural resource careers through hands-on work with, and training by, natural resource professionals employed by the USFWS.
• May be given the opportunity to serve both seasonal and or year-round assignments.
• Will enhance conservation stewardship; increase outdoor recreation opportunities for all Americans and improve the management of game species and their habitats for this generation and beyond.
• Will be introduced to various real-world conservation and rehabilitation activities such as invasive species management, habitat restoration, wildlife management, public education and interpretation, disaster response and mitigation, and communications, mixed with informal and formal training sessions directed by USFWS employees during assignments.
• Will enhance and expand public access to lands and waters
• Will be provided feedback for their future growth and may receive consideration for future employment with the USFWS.