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Conservation Leadership Development Program (CLDP)
“Kupu taught me how to become a leader, have compassion towards the environment, and respect the cultural heritage of the land. The skills I learned are directly applicable to my position today. It opened doors for me professionally and exposed me to opportunities for future employment.” —Nick, CLDP Participant with the UDSA
The Conservation Leadership Development Program (CLDP) is a paid, entry-level program for early professionals (ages 17+) interested in pursuing a career in conservation! The CLDP matches program members with a Host Site (partner organization) that best aligns with their conservation interests.
Depending on the term selected, participants will serve for at least 6 months up to 1 year. With an extensive network of Host Sites across Hawai’i and the Pacific, the CLDP offers opportunities in ornithology, botany, natural resource management, aquatic resource management, marine biology, Hawaiian cultural studies, agricultural science and more!
CLDP 2024-2025 Applications are now available! Apply today!
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Program Information:
Based in the Hawaiian Islands and U.S. Pacific Islands (Hawaiʻi Island, Kauaʻi, Maui, Molokaʻi, Oʻahu, American Samoa, Guam, and the Commonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands, Rota and Saipan)
Seasonal (6-Month) or Yearlong (11-month) program terms offered
Full-time (40 hours/week)
2024-2025 CLDP Member Position Description
Benefits:
Receive an in-depth, entry-level environmental experience from an agency of interest
Help protect the Pacific Islands and Hawaii’s natural resources and make a positive impact in the community
Earn a monthly living stipend (subject to taxes), stipend amount depends on which island you are based on
Earn a Segal AmeriCorps Education Award upon program completion: Award of $3,447.50 for Half-time term members and $6,895.00 for Full-time term members
Access opportunity for interest earned on certain educational loans (during the service term) to be paid for by AmeriCorps
Qualifications:
Be at least 17 years of age by program start date
Possess/be working towards high school diploma or equivalent
Have own housing and transportation
Pass a criminal history check
Comfortable serving in outdoor environments
Able to perform physically demanding duties
Timeline:
Applications for the Fall cohorts have passed. Applications for the Winter cohorts are now open.
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Program Information:
Please read the CLDP 2023-24 Host Site Information & FAQ Page for details regarding dates, term types, and host site fees.
Benefits:
Receives a Full-Time Member at a subsidized cost
Kupu will assist your organization/agency with recruitment efforts and material
Kupu Staff Support
CLDP Program Staff support
Administrative Staff support
Human Resource Staff support
Recruiting Staff support
CLDP Member will assist in executing your organization/agency’s environmental stewardship tasks/projects
A potential hirable candidate
Qualifications;
Sites must be either a non-profit organization or a State/Federal agency
Located in the U.S. Pacific Islands or Hawaii's environment.
Available and have the capacity to provide mentorship/supervision for members.
Provide 40 hours/week of meaningful direct service in conservation and verify hours served.
Direct service = activities that address local environmental needs that causes an impact to the people and community
Are not providing their services on private property.