WORK, LEARN, PLAY, AND GROW
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Learn more about the program below. If you have additional questions regarding the program, please visit the YCC Opportunities page to see a list of parks participating and reach out to the respective points of contacts before completing the application.
What is the Youth Conservation Corps?
The United States Youth Conservation Corps (YCC) is a federal youth employment program that engages young people in meaningful work experiences at national parks, forests, wildlife refuges, and fish hatcheries while developing an ethic of public land stewardship and civic responsibility. YCC programs are generally 8 to 10 weeks (but can go up to 18 weeks), and members are paid at least the state or federal minimum wage (whichever is higher), typically for a 40-hour work week. YCC opportunities provide paid daytime work activities with members who commute to the Federal unit daily.
Please note, Yellowstone National Park is currently the only overnight program where youth stay at an onsite park facility. All other YCC programs are day programs, which means that no housing is available at the site, and participants must independently provide their own transportation to the site each day.
Who is eligible?
Youth, 15 through 18 years of age, who are permanent residents of the United States, are eligible. Please note, the Youth Conservation Corps is a local program, so participants need to be able to commute to and from the site daily. Transportation to the site will generally not be available.
What would I do?
Youth Conservation Corps members work in a healthful outdoor setting on a variety of projects including building trails, maintaining fences, cleaning up campgrounds, improving wildlife habitat, place-based STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math), stream restoration, historic building preservation, and more! You'll also participate in educational field trips where chances are you'll see wildlife or history before your eyes, hike and stand on a mountaintop, or gaze at an ancient ruin.
How do I find an opportunity?
Looking for a Youth Conservation Corps program in a national park near you? Check out the list of 2026 YCC participating parks (subject to change), or find a federal site near you and inquire if they have a YCC program or other opportunities. Other locations include:
What benefits would I get from participating?
Not only would you get paid to work in some of the coolest places in the country, but you will also have the chance to learn about careers with the National Park Service and gain valuable work skills that can help you get your next job! You will be working with other incredible people and hopefully you will build a lifetime bond. If you like to hike, backpack, climb, kayak, bike, horseback ride, etc national parks are perfect for that!
How do I apply?
Applications are currently open for the 2026 YCC season! View a list of parks participating and park point of contacts on the YCC opportunities page. If you have general questions about the program, please feel free to reach out to the national office.
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Ever wondered what the Youth Conservation Corps Program (YCC) is all about? Check out this short video to hear from the youth and staff themselves on their YCC experience. From historic preservation to trail maintenance, the arts to living history, and more, see what you could do as a YCC member and beyond! Learn more about the program at https://www.nps.gov/subjects/youthprograms/ycc.htm. View the audio described version here: https://www.nps.gov/media/video/view.htm?id=98737687-B97B-4056-A7D0-A059D9F36E09
Last updated: January 21, 2026