Youth Corps

The Bureau of Land Management's Public Lands Corps (PLC)/Youth Program engages youth and veterans in hands-on natural and cultural resource projects that sustain the long-term health and productivity of America's public lands. Through partnerships wi

The Public Lands Corps (PLC)/Youth Program provides youth and veterans with rewarding opportunities to restore and protect America's public lands. Serving local communities, including tribal youth, the program engages participants in hands-on projects that enhance access to and stewardship of public lands, forests, and other treasured areas. Participants develop valuable job skills, gain practical experience, and make a direct impact on the management of the nation's natural and cultural resources for future generations. The program also opens pathways to education and careers in both the public and private sectors, empowering participants to become environmental stewards and community leaders. The Public Lands Corps stands out for its dedication to service, environmental stewardship, and the cultivation of the next generation of natural resource professionals through immersive fieldwork, mentorship, and strong community partnerships.

Any qualified youth or conservation corps that supports youth career training and development in the areas of appropriate natural and cultural resource conservation projects. A qualified service and conservation corps means any program established by a State, or local government, by the governing body of any Indian tribe, or by a nonprofit organization.

Youth and local communities that benefit from conservation improvements and involvement in youth programs activities on Bureau of Land Management public lands and facilities.

All projects are restricted to lands administered by the BLM. Most of these lands are located in the Western United States and Alaska.

Most projects are awarded for one to five year periods and funded on a year-by-year basis. Funds are expended during the year awarded although carry-over monies can be distributed to additional. No commitment is made to fund projects beyond one year and there is no set, historical allocation to each State. New and continuing projects will be re-evaluated every year based on performance, merit, and funding availability. Frequency of recipient payments will be determined for each awarded assistance agreement at the time of award.

For more information and local requirements, cooperative project proposals should be coordinated with Bureau of Land Management local State or District/Field Offices.

First Level Screening -Basic Eligibility. Applications will be screened by the Grants Management Officer to ensure that applications meet basic eligibility requirements. Must meet the requirements of the Notice of Funding Opportunity posted on www.grants.gov, screening may include, but is not limited to: Program and/or legislative authority requirements are met; Submission is timely; and complete and properly executed SF-424 application package documents. B. Applications must satisfy basic eligibility screening requirements to be considered for further review. Second Level Evaluation -- Merit Review Evaluation is stated in each Notice of Funding Opportunity noticed post on www.grants.gov Third Level Review Pre-Award Clearance and Approvals. BLM will also complete a business evaluation and determination of responsibility. During these evaluations the Grants Management Officer will evaluate variables such as: Federal Awardee Performance and Integrity Information System, financial stability, quality of management systems, past performance meeting prior award terms and conditions, reports and findings of audits performed, and applicant's ability to effectively implement statutory, regulatory or other requirements.

All applications will be initially screened for eligibility and compliance with the requirements stated in the program funding announcement. Applications passing this screening process will be forwarded for review by the proposal evaluation criteria, and any additional review factors, as stated in the funding announcement. Final award selection review by BLM Leadership.

Award time varies depending on the type and complexity of the project. Most awards are anticipated within 120 days or less after the announcement closes. Further information will be available for each project at the time the funding opportunity announcement is posted on www.grants.gov and may be obtained by contacting the point of contact listed in the funding opportunity announcement.

Final award decisions are not subject to appeal; however, the Bureau of Land Management will provide all applicants with information on why their proposal was not selected for award.