The california conservation corps (CCC) watershed stewards program (WSP) provides comprehensive, community-based, watershed protection, restoration, and education program internships

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) awarded $250,000 to the California Conservation Corps (CCC) under the Cooperative Research Program (CFDA 11.472) effective October 1, 2025, through September 30, 2030. The award funds the Watershed Stewards Program (WSP), which provides comprehensive, community-based watershed protection, restoration, and education program internships. Through this cooperative agreement, CCC will prepare young adults to become environmental professionals by providing training and mentorship in collaboration with NOAA's South West Fisheries Science Center (SWFSC) employees.

The primary deliverables include biological and effectiveness monitoring services for salmonids in local coastal watersheds, with work performed in Sacramento, California. The program emphasizes workforce development and ecological stewardship by engaging young adults aged 18-25 in hands-on conservation activities while advancing critical fisheries information collection and habitat assessment objectives. This funding aligns with NOAA's Cooperative Research Program mission to support partnerships that improve the information base for fisheries assessments and marine resource management through collaborative scientific work.

This project will prepare young adults to become the next generation of environmental professionals through training and mentorship received from NOAA south west fisheries science center (SWFSC) employees by assisting in biological and effectiveness monitoring of salmonids in local coastal watersheds.