The U.S. National Park Service has awarded a $140,000.12 Cooperative Agreement to American Conservation Experience (ACE), a non-profit organization, under the Youth and Veteran Organizations Conservation Activities program (CFDA 15.931). The project will create a "Pyramid of Opportunity" for underserved high school students to gain exposure to careers and skills for entry-level seasonal positions with land management agencies. Each year, the project will provide paid 6-week internships for high school students and 12-week internships for college alumni in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, exposing them to a variety of conservation-related disciplines such as resource education, vegetation management, trail maintenance, and wildlife management. The interns will work alongside National Park mentors to learn about career paths and navigating the federal employment system, as well as gaining hands-on experience in field research and resource management activities. This cooperative agreement aims to promote public education, job training, and early career mentorship for the participating students and young adults.