Youth Empowerment Steward (YES)
Are you interested in a future career in conservation, public lands management, recreation, interpretation, communications, accessibility, or natural resource stewardship?
The YES Program offers paid AmeriCorps service opportunities at National Park Service sites across the country. During their service term, members receive a living allowance, professional development and career exploration opportunities, training and equipment needed for their position, and access to outdoor industry pro-deals and partner discounts when available. Eligible members who successfully complete their term of service also earn a Segal AmeriCorps Education Award, which can be used for future educational expenses or qualified student loans. Stewards is committed to supporting members throughout their service and will work with members and host sites to identify and implement reasonable accommodations when needed. Members gain hands-on experience supporting projects that improve visitor access to parks, programs, facilities, and digital resources while contributing to the long-term stewardship of America's public lands.
All About YES
Launched in 2021, the Youth Empowerment Stewards (YES) Program supports efforts to improve accessibility and visitor access across National Park Service sites, programs, and resources. The program focuses on practical, results-driven service that enhances access to public lands while supporting workforce development opportunities in conservation and public service.
Through Conservation Legacy's Stewards Individual Placements program, YES offers AmeriCorps service opportunities for young adults ages 18-30 and veterans up to age 35. Members serve on projects that help identify and address barriers to access at National Park Service locations and within digital visitor resources. Projects may support accessibility assessments, visitor services, interpretation, communications, digital content improvements, facility access initiatives, and other efforts that improve visitor experience and access to park resources.
YES members contribute directly to the stewardship of public lands while building professional skills and gaining experience in conservation, public service, recreation management, communications, and accessibility-related project work. Through their service, members support parks in providing high-quality visitor experiences while exploring future career pathways in natural and cultural resource management.
Information Sessions and Links
- Stewards Individual Placements Site Application – Fill out form
| Service Opportunity | Park Unit | Location |
|---|---|---|
Since the launch of the YES initiative, more than 65 AmeriCorps members have completed service projects at National Park Service sites across the country, supporting accessibility improvements, visitor services, digital resource enhancements, and public engagement initiatives from Hawaii to Maine and Washington to Florida and everywhere in between.
Examples of service projects have included:
- Conducting accessibility assessments and collecting information on park facilities, trails, programs, and visitor amenities to improve trip-planning resources for visitors.
- Updating website content, maps, and visitor information to enhance access to park resources and services.
- Supporting the management and maintenance of adaptive recreation equipment and developing adaptive recreation and educational resources for visitors.
These opportunities are made possible with generous support from the National Park Foundation and through our partnership with the National Park Service.
