The Community Volunteer Ambassador program originally begin as the Centennial Volunteer Ambassador program in 2015. This up to year-long internship program is designed to inspire young adults and veterans (ages 18-30 years old, or 18-35 for veterans) to aspire for careers in conservation stewardship and community organizing. Since the program began, approximately 50 interns per year have successfully completed the program requirements, with a number going on to roles within the National Park Service or similar organizations.

The primary goals of this program are:

1. To develop the professional skills of a younger, more diverse generation while deepening their connection to national parks. This program will provide a group of interns with high-quality training and experience to expose them to careers in conservation and community engagement and to develop transferable skills and knowledge. This supports a new generation of lifelong conservation leaders and community organizers and a skilled workforce pipeline for the NPS and like-minded organizations.

2. To support the NPS in expanding volunteerism and community engagement programs and activities to new audiences. This program will strengthen and grow the Volunteers-In-Parks program by increasing the capacity of volunteer programs in units across the service and by engaging diverse community members in NPS volunteer opportunities. Interns serving in this program will bring their unique skills and backgrounds to plan and support volunteer and service-learning projects, partnerships, and events that expand volunteer and community engagement opportunities.

Deadline: Feb. 17, 2023