Kupu Now Accepting Applications for Hawai‘i Youth Conservation Corps Summer Program

Applications are now available for Kupu’s Hawai’i Youth Conservation Corps summer program.

The HYCC summer program is a seven-week opportunity that runs from June 7 to July 23, 2021, providing young adults typically between the ages of 17-22 with meaningful field service experience into the world of conservation while giving back to the community.

Positions are available on Maui with applications due on Feb. 26, 2021.

Participants will be paid for their service as team members or team leaders, and also receive an AmeriCorps Education Award, CPR/First Aid Certification, and priceless on-the-job training. No prior environmental experience is necessary.

The ideal applicant is someone with a positive attitude, curious about nature, and has a desire to learn through hands-on service. Participants will serve alongside environmental and culturally focused organizations within a range of ecosystems, including wetlands, dryland forests, lo‘i kalo (taro patches), and loko i‘a (ancient Hawaiian fishponds).  

Christopher Chow from Hāna, Maui was placed with The Division of Forestry and Wildlife, the National Park Service, The Nature Conservancy and various nonprofits while doing the program in 2019.

“I learned a lot from the experience as a team leader,” he recalls. “It pushed me outside of comfort zones and revealed leadership potential that I didn’t know existed.”

During his HYCC experience, Chow worked on Maui with The Division of Forestry and Wildlife (DLNR), the National Park Service, The Nature Conservancy and various nonprofits. Days consisted of trail maintenance, hiking, controlling invasive species, farming work and much more. “A lot of the work was tough but rewarding,” he recalls.

“Kupu had opened up many doors in my life and has given me the experience and training that has put me in a better position for my career. I learned a lot from my time in the summer program and it really solidified where I wanted to work,” said Chow. 

Currently, Chow works for the National Park Service with the Interpretation Division.