National Park Service 21st Century Conservation Service Corps Civilian Climate Corps Program - National Youth Cooperative Agreements

The National Park Service (NPS) Youth Master Cooperative Agreement Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO), under NOFO number P24AS00064, aims to support the 21st Century Conservation Service Corps (21CSC) and Civilian Climate Corps (CCC) programs. This initiative is designed to engage young Americans and veterans in conservation and public service projects. The program targets individuals aged 16-30, with veterans eligible up to age 35, providing opportunities for employment, education, and experiential learning in various natural and cultural resource conservation projects. The NOFO seeks partnerships with non-profit youth-serving organizations capable of implementing programs that align with NPS’s conservation goals across its numerous park units and affiliated sites. The NOFO offers Master Cooperative Agreements that establish a framework for future funding through Task Agreements. While the Master Cooperative Agreements themselves do not provide funding, they enable NPS to issue subsequent Task Agreements based on available appropriations and specific project requirements. The estimated funding range for individual Task Agreements is approximately $10,000 to $800,000, and the overall annual budget for the program is expected to be between $45 million and $60 million, though this is contingent on Congressional appropriations. Eligible applicants include non-profit organizations, public and private higher education institutions, state and local governments, and Native American tribes, provided they qualify as youth or conservation corps. Applicants must demonstrate a history of successful natural and cultural resource stewardship projects and have the capacity to engage economically, physically, or educationally disadvantaged youth. A cost match of 25% in non-federal funds, either cash or in-kind contributions, is required for funded projects. The program focuses on projects that develop participants' vocational skills and conservation ethics while addressing public land conservation needs. Projects may involve field activities such as trail restoration, invasive species removal, ecosystem rehabilitation, or educational initiatives like developing visitor materials and conducting historical research. The goal is to equip participants with job skills, leadership abilities, and a commitment to community service, thereby creating a pipeline for future employment in conservation and related fields. The application process is open until September 30, 2028, and proposals will be evaluated on criteria including the quality of youth development models, organizational structure, and past performance. Successful applicants will engage in ongoing collaboration with NPS staff, who may provide technical assistance, program guidance, and training to support project execution. While the receipt of a Master Cooperative Agreement facilitates the possibility of future funding, it does not guarantee specific project awards.