This program seeks to utilize qualified non-profit youth and veteran serving organizations to carry out appropriate natural and cultural resource conservation, education, volunteer service and…

The National Park Service (NPS) awarded a Cooperative Agreement valued at $622,748.94 to Environment For The Americas, Inc. (EFTA) under the Youth and Veteran Organizations Conservation Activities program (CFDA 15.931), effective July 15, 2025, through December 31, 2026. EFTA will implement the Latino Heritage Internship Program, engaging undergraduate and graduate students in conservation efforts across National Park Service units nationwide. The program delivers internship placements, mentorship, and professional development opportunities for participants while supporting resource stewardship and interpretation projects on Department of the Interior lands.

The cooperative agreement supports EFTA's mission to engage underrepresented youth in natural and cultural resource conservation careers through hands-on experience in biological sciences, wildlife management, and environmental education. Interns will work directly on resource management, environmental interpretation, and visitor services activities within multiple national parks, while the program raises awareness of conservation career pathways and the importance of community involvement in stewardship. Benefits extend to participating non-profit institutions, academic organizations, state and local government agencies, and the general public through the development and execution of these conservation and education initiatives.

This program seeks to utilize qualified non-profit youth and veteran serving organizations to carry out appropriate natural and cultural resource conservation, education, volunteer service and education projects on department of the interior lands through authorized national park service programs. The latino heritage internship program engages undergraduates and graduate students in conservation efforts, raising awareness of national parks and the importance of community involvement. Interns will work on resource stewardship and interpretation projects, receiving mentorship and support while gaining practical experience in various national park service units across the nation. Beneficiaries include private non-profit institutions and organizations public and private non-profit academic institutions state and local government agencies quasi-public non-profit institutions and organizations that support youth and young adult career training and development, and education in the areas of natural and or cultural resource conservation and management. Individuals families students and the general public will receive a benefit from the development and execution of these programs and projects.