Youth Corps

The Bureau of Land Management’s Public Lands Corps (PLC)/Youth Program engages youth and veterans in hands-on natural and cultural resource projects that sustain the long-term health and productivity of America’s public lands. Through partnerships with qualified youth and veteran corps organizations, the program offers participants valuable field experience, professional development, and exposure to public service careers in areas such as natural and cultural resource management and wildland fire. Participants gain practical skills through projects including habitat restoration, trail construction, invasive species removal, riparian monitoring, recreation infrastructure improvements, and fire mitigation. These activities directly enhance ecological resilience and improve visitor experiences. Simultaneously, the program enables the BLM to accomplish mission-critical work efficiently by leveraging partnerships to complete high-impact projects that restore landscapes, protect wildlife, and foster community stewardship of public lands. By cultivating future land managers and promoting healthier landscapes, the PLC/Youth Program is a vital investment in both public lands and the next generation of their caretakers.

Any qualified youth or conservation corps that supports youth career training and development in the areas of appropriate natural and cultural resource conservation projects. A qualified service and conservation corps means any program established by a State, or local government, by the governing body of any Indian tribe, or by a nonprofit organization.

All applications will be initially screened for eligibility and compliance with the requirements stated in the program funding announcement. Applications passing this screening process will be forwarded for review by the proposal evaluation criteria, and any additional review factors, as stated in the funding announcement. Final award selection review by BLM Leadership.

Award time varies depending on the type and complexity of the project. Most awards are anticipated within 120 days or less after the announcement closes. Further information will be available for each project at the time the funding opportunity announcement is posted on www.grants.gov and may be obtained by contacting the point of contact listed in the funding opportunity announcement.