The Hawai`i Youth Conservation Corps

The Hawai`i Youth Conservation Corps is centered on environmental conservation, restoration, education, and cultural awareness. HYCC gives individuals the opportunity to work outdoors with environmental agencies across Hawai`i and learn the principles of natural resource stewardship, while gaining valuable experience, knowledge, and skills that assist them in continuing their life pursuits. HYCC houses four sub-programs—the Gateway, Frontiers, Extended Internship and Education Awards Service Program.

• The Gateway Program
  (formerly known as the Summer Program)

  The Gateway Program is designed for young adults who are interested in exploring environmental work and education. Gateway is an outdoor summer experience in which individuals work together as teams to complete hands-on fieldwork at various worksites across their respective islands.
  Gateway Program Member | Gateway Program Team Leader

  GATEWAY PROGRAM MEMBER

  Deadline:

  February 28, 2013
  The 2013 deadline has passed, and applications are no longer being accepted.

  Availability:

  There will be one or more team(s) of six on each of the following islands: Kaua‘i, Moloka‘i, O‘ahu, Maui, Lana‘i and the Big Island (Hawai‘i). The program runs from June 03-July 19, 2013 (approximately seven weeks). The number of positions and areas which programs are available are subject to change each year.

  Position Information:

  Member applicants must be at least 17 years of age by June 03, 2013. (If you are at least 21 years of age please apply to be a team leader.)
  A team of six participants will be chosen from those who have demonstrated an interest in protecting the natural environment of Hawai‘i. No prior experience is necessary, however, the program is outdoors service based and will be physically demanding. A positive attitude, an interest in learning, curiosity about interpreting nature, and the physical ability and desire to work on outdoor projects will also be important. All members are subject to background checks, per AmeriCorps regulations.
  Participants will learn about natural resource management by taking part in service projects, field trips, and presentations by the various conservation and government organizations. Members will work with experts in various fields and gain life skills that will aid them in school and beyond.
  Members will participate in program activities Monday through Friday. The program will involve all weekdays (generally 7am-5pm) and possibly some weekends as well as some camping. Members on the islands of Hawai‘i, Maui, and Kaua‘i may have extensive camping requirements (from Monday through Friday) throughout the program. The participants may also spend up to two weeks on neighbor islands for training and service projects. Program related neighbor island travel, accommodations, and other miscellaneous expenses will be covered by HYCC.*
  *note: applicants must have their own personal housing and transportation arrangements on-island for non-program time (nights and weekends).

  Member Benefits:

  This is an AmeriCorps position. Participants will receive a $1,175 educational award and, if eligible, can apply for three college credits through UH. Availability of these credits is subject to change each year and interested participants should check with program staff about requirements and availability of credits. Participants will gain valuable experiential education throughout the program and will meet mentors and potential employers who work in fields related to resource management and conservation biology. In addition, they will learn skills such as teamwork, leadership, organization, and decision-making. Best of all, they will receive exposure to some of the most interesting and beautiful natural areas in Hawai‘i.

  Application Requirements:

  #1: Complete the Application Form
  Answer all questions to the best of your ability in the spaces provided. Please do not send any information that is not requested.
  #2: Get References to Fill Out Reference Forms
  Applicants must get two people to fill out a reference form by the deadline. Provide references with the following form. References must be non-relatives.

  The 2013 deadline has passed, and applications are no longer being accepted.

  APPLY NOW! Please read the application instructions before completing the application form.

  Questions?

  Call (808) 735-1221 or e-mail us at acprograms@kupuhawaii.org should you have additional questions.
  

  Back To Top
  

  GATEWAY PROGRAM TEAM LEADER

  Deadline:

  February 28, 2013
  The 2013 deadline has passed, and applications are no longer being accepted.

  Availability:

  There will be approximately 11 positions available on Kaua‘i, Moloka‘i, Maui, O‘ahu*, Lana‘i, and the Big Island (Hawai‘i). Team leaders must be available from May 28-July 19, 2013 (approximately eight weeks). The number of positions available and locations will vary from year-to-year.
  * Oahu TL positions are very limited.

  Duties:

  This is an AmeriCorps position. As a team leader (TL), your primary responsibility is to maximize the learning experience of team members in a safe environment while minimizing the impact of the team on the natural resources. The TL position is a very important position in the HYCC program; TLs are responsible for their team and help to develop an environment that is supportive and conducive to teamwork and learning. TLs are the authoritative figures that travel with the team during the summer. They are responsible for motivating, developing, disciplining, and looking out for the well-being of each of the members. TLs will also be responsible for driving the members to field sites (in program provided vehicles, sometimes off-road), working with students in field projects, and making sure that the students are prepared for any upcoming activities. The TL will also assist program directors in coordinating and planning events. They must also keep a record of the team’s progress and work efforts, as well as prepare for camping trips which includes shopping over the weekend.

  Minimum Qualifications:

  All team leader applicants must have a high school diploma (or equivalent) and be at least 21 years of age by June 2013. They must also have a valid driver’s license (with clean driving record dating back at least three years) in the United States. Applicants must pass a drug screening and background check. Applicants further must have the ability to work in a team situation and provide direction to the team. Ability to perform physically demanding work such as trail building, working with field tools, hiking with backpacks, and water safety awareness are also important. TLs must be comfortable working in rural, rugged outdoor, marine, and freshwater environments. Applicants should have some previous experience in education and/or conservation/leadership experience. Experience in planning and coordinating logistics is also beneficial. Team leaders will be responsible for driving rented vehicles. As an AmeriCorps member, applicants cannot exceed the maximum allowable terms as set forth by the Corporation for National Community Service. To find out the current regulations regarding eligibility, please visit the AmeriCorps website.
  *note: applicants must have their own personal housing and transportation arrangements on-island for non-program time (nights and weekends).

  Desirable Qualifications:

  Field leadership and teaching experience. An understanding of natural resource management issues and techniques.

  Benefits:

  Team Leaders will receive up to $4,000 (subject to taxes; paid bi-weekly over eight weeks), a $1,175 education award, plus an option of applying for three University of Hawai‘i college credits for their participation in HYCC. All program related expenses such as training and travel is paid for by HYCC (does not include travel to Hawai`i).

  Application Requirements:

  #1: Complete the Application Form
  Answer all questions to the best of your ability in the spaces provided. Please do not attach any information that is not requested. You will have an opportunity to upload a resume and letters of recommendation.
  #2: Send Remaining Letters of Recommendation or Resume (if not submitted with online application)
  Each team leader applicant must submit a resume and two letters of recommendation. If you do not have them at the time you submit your online application, please send them to us via email or through the mail before the deadline. Letters of recommendation should be written by professional sources such as coaches, bosses, teachers, groups you volunteered with, church leaders, or anyone who has known you for at least a three months. Letters of recommendation should not be written by immediate family members or close friends. Documents can be uploaded to your online application, emailed to acforms@kupuhawaii.org, or mailed to:

  Kupu [Gateway Program]
  4211 Waialae Ave, Suite 1020
  Honolulu, HI 96816

  All letters must be received by February 28.
  Letters of recommendations should include:
  • In what context the person writing the recommendation knows you
  • The letter should talk about your positive attributes
  • Refer to your aptitude, curiosity, and industriousness
  • Discuss how you have demonstrated maturity or leadership skills
  • Reference contact information
  • No more than two pages in length

  The 2013 deadline has passed, and applications are no longer being accepted.

  APPLY NOW! Please read the application instructions before completing the application form.

  Questions?

  Call (808) 735-1221 or e-mail us at acprograms@kupuhawaii.org should you have additional questions.Back To Top

• The Frontiers Program
  (formerly known as the Hana Hou Program)

  The Frontiers Program is designed for individuals that have gone through the Gateway Program. Frontiers provides a more in-depth summer experience for Gateway alumni that are looking to further explore the conservation field, and involves individual or smaller group work at a single worksite that best matches the individual’s interests.

  Deadline:

  February 28, 2013
  The 2013 deadline has passed, and applications are no longer being accepted.

  Availability:

  There will be various positions available on each of the following islands: Kaua‘i, Moloka‘i, O‘ahu, Maui, Lana‘i and the Big Island (Hawai‘i). The program runs from early June through late July (approximately eight weeks). The number of positions available and locations will vary from year-to-year.

  Position Information:

  Applicants must be at least 17 years of age, possess a high school diploma (or equivalent), and be a US Citizen, National, or Permanent Resident Alien.
  The Frontiers Program (formerly known as the Hana Hou Program) has been developed to place former HYCC participants or those who have been referred in an intense and in-depth summer internship experience as AmeriCorps members. All applicants must have gone through an HYCC program or be referred by either Kupu or a partnering host site.
  The position will place participants with a single organization during an eight week period during the summer. Participants will learn about natural resource management by taking part in service projects, field trips, leading volunteers, and presentations by the various conservation and government organizations. Members will work with experts in various fields and gain life skills that will aid them in school and beyond.
  Members will participate in program activities generally Monday through Friday. The program will involve all weekdays and some weekends as well as some camping.

  Member Benefits:

  This is an AmeriCorps position. Participants will receive a $1,175 educational award, a living allowance up to $1,000 (distributed over 8 weeks and subject to taxes), and if eligible may also receive three college credits awarded by the University of Hawai`i. Participants will gain valuable experiential education throughout the program and will meet potential role models who work in fields related to resource management and conservation biology. In addition they will learn skills such as teamwork, leadership, organization, and decision-making. Best of all, they will receive exposure to some of the most interesting and beautiful natural areas in Hawai‘i and have an opportunity to make a positive difference in those areas.

  Application Requirements:

  #1: Complete the Application Form
  Answer all questions to the best of your ability in the spaces provided. Please do not send any information that is not requested.
  #2: Send in Resume and Two (2) Letters of Recommendation
  You must submit two letters of recommendation and a resume in addition to your application. All letters of recommendation should be written by professional sources such as coaches, supervisors, teachers, groups you volunteered with, church leaders, or anyone who has known you for at least three months. Letters of recommendation should not be written by immediate family members or close friends.

  Documents can be uploaded to your online application, emailed to acforms@kupuhawaii.org, or mailed to:

  Kupu [Frontiers Program]
  4211 Waialae Ave, Suite 1020
  Honolulu, HI 96816

  The 2013 deadline has passed, and applications are no longer being accepted.

  APPLY NOW! Please read the application instructions before completing the application form.

  Got Questions?

  Call (808) 735-1221 or e-mail us at acprograms@kupuhawaii.org should you have additional questions.

• The Extended Internship Program
  (formerly known as the Year-Round Program)

  The Extended Internship Program is designed for individuals who are looking for an intensive entry-level experience in preparation for a career in the conservation field. Extended Internship is an 11-month experience in which individuals work one-on-one with an environmental agency that best matches their interests.

  Deadline:

  July 19, 2013

  Availability:

  Full-time positions will be filled by individuals who have demonstrated an interest in protecting Hawai`i’s natural resources. Positions are available on the islands of O‘ahu, Kaua‘i, Hawai‘i Island, Moloka‘i, Lana‘i, and Maui. The 2013-2014 HYCC Extended Internship Program is scheduled to begin in October and run for approximately 10-12 months.

  Position Information:

  No prior experience is necessary at most sites. Kupu staff will match applicants and sites based on the information in their applications. A majority of the internships are spent outdoors and will be physically demanding. A positive attitude, an interest in learning, motivation, curiosity about nature, physical ability and desire to work on outdoor projects with little or no supervision will also be important. Participants are matched with a conservation agencies based upon their interest. During the internship, participants will learn about the mission and programs of the agency where they are placed. Members will generally participate in program activities Monday through Friday (as well as possible weekends and holidays). This is not a residential program and participants must provide their own housing and transportation to and from the internship site. 2012- 2013 HYCC Year-Round members must complete 1,700 hours over a 10-12 month period to successfully fulfill internship requirements.

  Benefits:

  Participants will gain valuable education throughout the program and will meet potential role models who work in the fields of natural resource management and conservation. In addition, they will gain career experience, improve interpersonal skills, gain knowledge in conservation, and develop professional skills necessary for advancement in conservation and other fields. Interns help to preserve some of the most precious natural resources in Hawai`i.
  Full-time participants will receive:
  • Up to a $1,300 monthly living allowance (subject to taxes)
  • An additional $5,550 educational award that can be used to pay off educational loans or can be applied to future educational endeavors.
  • Opportunity for all interest earned on certain educational loans during the year of service to be paid for by AmeriCorps
  • Health care and childcare benefits (if eligible)

  Applicant Criteria:

  • Must be at least 18 years of age (or 17 years of age with high school diploma)
  • Must possess/be working towards high school diploma or equivalent
  • Must be a US Citizen, National, or Permanent Resident Alien
  • Must be available full time for at least 11 months

  Application Requirements:

  #1: Complete the application form, which includes attaching your resume.
  Answer all questions to the best of your ability in the spaces provided. Please do not attach any information that is not requested.
  #2: Send in Two (2) Letters of Recommendation
  You must submit two letters of recommendation in addition to your application. All letters of recommendation should be written by professional sources such as coaches, supervisors, teachers, groups you volunteered with, church leaders, or anyone who has known you for at least three months. Letters of recommendation should not be written by immediate family members or close friends.

  Letters of recommendation can be collected and uploaded along with your application. If you are unable to obtain letters before applying, they may be submitted by email to acforms@kupuhawaii.org or mailed to:

  Kupu [Extended Internship Program]
  4211 Waialae Ave, Suite 1020
  Honolulu, HI 96816

  All letters must be received by the application deadline of July 19, 2013.
  Letters of recommendations should:
  • Include the referral’s relationship to you
  • Discuss your positive attributes
  • Refer to your aptitude, curiosity, and industriousness
  • Discuss how you have demonstrated maturity or leadership skills
  • Reference contact information
  • Be no more than two pages in length

  APPLY NOW! Please read the application instructions before completing the application form.

  Questions?

  Call (808) 735-1221 or e-mail us at acprograms@kupuhawaii.org should you have additional questions.

• The Education Awards Service Program
  (formerly known as the Community Assistance Program)

  The Education Awards Service Program is designed for individuals that are regularly volunteering their time at a single organization, contributing to fields of conservation, sustainability, or environmental education. The EAS timeframe may vary.

  Deadline:

  Varies

  Availability:

  These positions are based upon availability. Volunteers must already be volunteering on a regular basis with an organization (non-profit, Federal, or State agency) prior to applying to this program. The organization must also apply to become a host site.

  Position Information:

  Applicants must be at least 17 years of age, possess a high school diploma, and be a US Citizen, National, or Permanent Resident Alien.
  This program is designed to promote volunteerism within the community, while supporting volunteers’ educational pursuits.

  Member Benefits:

  This is an AmeriCorps position. Participants will receive a $1,175 educational award upon successful completion of 300 hours of service (must be completed within the designated program year). Members are given the opportunity to serve their community and make a positive impact by volunteering their time, while at the same time gaining valuable knowledge and experience through the work they do.

  Application Requirements:

  #1: Complete the application form, include resume
  Answer all questions to the best of your ability in the spaces provided. Please be prepared to upload a resume as part of the online application. Please do not attach any information that is not requested.
  #3: Obtain letters of recommendation
  Each applicant must submit two (2) letters of recommendation. All letters of recommendation should be written by professional sources such as coaches, supervisors, teachers, groups you volunteered with, church leaders, or anyone who has known you for at least three months. Letters of recommendation should not be written by immediate family members or close friends.
  Letters of recommendation can be collected and uploaded along with your application. If you are unable to obtain letters before applying, they may be submitted by email to acforms@kupuhawaii.org or mailed to:

  Kupu [Education Awards Service Program]
  4211 Waialae Avenue, Suite 1020
  Honolulu, HI 96816

  APPLY NOW! Please read the application instructions before completing the application form.

  Questions?

  Call (808) 735-1221 or e-mail us at acprograms@kupuhawaii.org should you have additional questions.