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

The National Park Service (NPS), under the Youth and Veteran Organizations Conservation Activities program (CFDA 15.931), awarded a $171,036 cooperative agreement to Kupu, a Honolulu-based non-profit organization specializing in youth and veteran conservation service. Effective July 22, 2025, through December 31, 2027, this agreement funds the placement and training of up to four youth interns at two Pacific island national park sites: War in the Pacific National Historic Park and American Memorial Park, located on Guam and Saipan, respectively. The interns will deliver essential conservation and resource management services including trail clearing, cultural resource restoration, visitor access improvements, and safety enhancements while participating in professional development training focused on resource management and interpretation.

Through this cooperative agreement, Kupu provides a dual-benefit service model: the organization fulfills critical operational needs for park staff while simultaneously creating meaningful career development and hands-on learning opportunities for young adults in the Pacific region. The program benefits private and public non-profit institutions, academic organizations, state and local government agencies, and the broader community by preserving historic sites and enhancing visitor experiences. Interns gain practical skills in maintenance and environmental education that support long-term workforce development in natural and cultural resource conservation.

This program utilizes 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. This project will enlist up to four youth interns to support park staff at two parks on guam and saipan, war in the pacific national historic park and american memorial park. The interns will participate in essential tasks such as trail clearing, restoring cultural resources, and enhancing visitor access and safety. They will receive training in resource management and interpretation, directly benefiting the community by preserving historic sites and improving visitor experiences. The project will foster skill development in maintenance and education while supporting park operations and visitor engagement.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.