Hawai‘i Youth Conservation Corps: Summer Program (HYCC)

Cheerful Kupu participants with backpacks on both back and front, ready for outdoor conservation work.
Three Kupu participants wearing yellow rain jackets, actively planting in an outdoor environment.
Three Kupu participants with backpacks and walking poles, exploring a coastal trail.
Four Kupu participants in a rock pasture, posing and smiling for a group photo.

"HYCC Summer was definitely the gateway for me to get into conservation. It provided the inspiration for me to make this a career." — Ryan, Former HYCC Summer Team Leader

Join us for an unforgettable summer with the Hawaiʻi Youth Conservation Corps Summer Program! From June through July, Team Members (ages 17+) and Team Leaders (ages 21+) across Hawaiʻi will become part of a dynamic team that assists a variety of host sites with hands-on, rigorous field projects! As Hawaiʻi faces new environmental challenges every day, this program provides an opportunity for the youth of Hawaiʻi to make positive change and contribute to our islands' long-term sustainability! 

Each week brings a new opportunity to explore pristine environments, foster lifelong friendships, and grow both professionally and personally. Leaders are compensated on an hourly basis and Members will be provided with a volunteer service award and an education award upon completing the service term. Apply today to be a part of something truly extraordinary!  

Applications for Summer 2024 are now closed. Sign up to be notified when Summer 2025 applications open!

Questions? Email hyccsummer@kupuhawaii.org

  • Program Information:

    • Based on Hawaiʻi Island, Kauaʻi, Maui, Molokaʻi, and Oʻahu

    • Team Member program duration: June 3, 2024 to July 21, 2024

      • 1 week Team Training followed by 6 weeks of Service

    • 40 hours per week

    Benefits:

    • Complete over 300 hours of environmental community service

    • Travel to unique and beautiful places and attend our annual Environmental Fair

    • Receive hands-on environmental experience, CPR/First Aid training, and valuable job and life skills

    • Meet mentors and potential employers in the conservation field

    • $1,500 Volunteer Service Award upon successful completion of the program

    • Earn a $1,459.26 AmeriCorps Education Award towards higher education

    Qualifications:

    • Be at least 17 years of age by June 3, 2024

    • Have reliable housing and transportation

    • Meet the necessary physical and behavioral requirements

    Team Member 2024 Position Description

  • Program Information:

    • Based on Hawaiʻi Island, Kauaʻi, Maui, Molokaʻi, and Oʻahu

    • Team Leader program duration: May 28, 2024 to July 21, 2024

      • 1 week Team Leader Training, 1 week Team Training, 6 weeks of Service

    Benefits:

    • Compensation of $16.00 hourly wage rate ($14.00 hourly rate for Alternate Team Leaders) plus overtime as applicable and fringe benefits

    • Receive leadership training and experience to serve as a role model and mentor

    • Travel to unique and beautiful places and attend our annual Environmental Fair

    • Receive hands-on environmental experience, CPR/1st Aid training, and valuable life skills

    • Network with conservation professionals and potential employers

    Qualifications:

    • Be at least 21 years of age by May 28, 2024

    • Have own housing and transportation

    • Have a valid driver’s license

    • Pass a background check/driving history check/drug test

    • Meet the necessary physical and behavioral requirements

    Team Leader 2024 Position Description

  • Program Information:

    • Based on Kauaʻi, Oʻahu, Molokaʻi, Maui, and Hawaiʻi Island

    • 6-week program from June 3, 2024 to July 21, 2024

    • Kupu conducts the application and recruiting process, with sites supporting recruiting where possible. Teams are then created and assigned to selected host sites.

    • All HYCC Summer teams participate in a week-long team training and orientation, after which teams will begin their service at their host sites.

    Benefits:

    • Receive extra support at an affordable rate. This will mutually benefit the youth in our programs as they gain vocational training, professional development skills and a lifelong network of peers and mentors in the green workforce.

    Qualifications:

    • Host Site Fees: Government rate is $2,000 per team per week (5 days or 40 hours). The rate for all other organizations and non-profits is $1000 per team per week.

    • Must have opportunities fit for entry-level participants serving in teams of 3-6 members interested in conservation and natural resource management.

    Host Site applications are open for the 2024 Summer term!

Mahalo to our HYCC Summer Program Funding Partners: 

AmeriCorps United Way The Freeman Foundation