# Youth Conservation Corps (YCC)

Federal paid summer work program for youth 15-18 at national parks, forests, wildlife refuges, and fish hatcheries. Typically 8-10 weeks at minimum wage or better, 40 hours a week.

## Key facts

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Organization | National Park Service |
| Category | community |
| Cost | Free |
| Deadline | Rolling / check official site |
| Eligibility | Grades 10–12 |
| Format | In person |
| Location | Multiple, Multiple States |
| Time commitment | ~40 hours/week |
| Apply | https://www.nps.gov/subjects/youthprograms/youth-conservation-corps-opportunities.htm |

## About this program

# Youth Conservation Corps (YCC)

The United States Youth Conservation Corps is a federal youth employment program that puts young people to work on public lands - national parks, national forests, wildlife refuges, and fish hatcheries - while building an ethic of stewardship and civic responsibility. Programs generally run 8 to 10 weeks (and can go up to 18), and members are paid at least the state or federal minimum wage, whichever is higher, for a typical 40-hour week.

## What You'll Do

- Build and maintain trails, fences, and campgrounds on federal public lands
- Improve wildlife habitat and carry out stream restoration projects
- Contribute to place-based STEM projects and historic building preservation
- Join educational field trips to wildlife, geology, and cultural sites within your park or refuge
- Work in crews with other teens under federal staff supervision

## Who Should Apply

Youth 15 through 18 years of age who are permanent residents of the United States. YCC is a local program: participants must be able to commute to the federal site daily, since almost all crews are day programs without housing (Yellowstone National Park is currently the only overnight program). Applicants use the standard DI-4014 YCC application and apply directly to the participating park, forest, refuge, or hatchery.

## Outcomes

Members earn a paycheck, gain documented federal work experience, and get direct exposure to careers with the National Park Service, U.S. Forest Service, and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service - a common first step toward seasonal ranger and resource-management jobs.

## Frequently asked questions

### How much does Youth Conservation Corps (YCC) cost?

Youth Conservation Corps (YCC) is completely free — there is no participation fee. Costs like travel or optional materials may still apply; check the official site for details.

### Who is eligible for Youth Conservation Corps (YCC)?

Youth Conservation Corps (YCC) is open to high school students in grades 10–12. Some programs have additional requirements (GPA, coursework, essays, or recommendations) — the full criteria are on the official site.

### Is Youth Conservation Corps (YCC) online or in person?

Youth Conservation Corps (YCC) is an in-person program based in Multiple, Multiple States. Expect a time commitment of roughly 40 hours per week.

### How do I apply to Youth Conservation Corps (YCC)?

Apply directly through National Park Service's official website. ExtracurricularHub links to the official application — we list and verify programs but don't process applications.

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Last updated: 2026-07-28.
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