Youth Conservation Corps

About this opportunity

King County Parks Youth Conservation Corps (YCC) is a paid summer internship program for teens interested in learning about public lands, environmental justice, and environmental career pathways. The program runs from July 7 to August 13, 2026, with two cohort locations: TAF Bethaday Community Learning Space in White Center and Westhill Community Center in Skyway. Interns work four days per week (Monday-Thursday), with Thursdays being virtual. Throughout the program, participants engage in hands-on ecological restoration projects, attend workshops and field trips on topics like food justice and environmental justice, network with environmental professionals, and develop creative independent projects. No prior environmental experience is required, and the program particularly encourages applications from historically underrepresented populations in environmental leadership.

What you'll do

• Learn about ecological restoration and participate in hands-on restoration projects in King County Parks
• Network with Parks staff, community leaders, and environmental professionals
• Explore solutions to environmental and human health problems through field trips and workshops
• Engage in discussions about the intersections of race and the environment
• Work on a creative independent project that supports summer learning
• Build community with your cohort and program partners
• Participate in activities like food justice, trail building, environmental art, water quality monitoring, and career skills development

Requirements

Must be a King County high school student entering grades 10-12. Must be at least 15 years old by start of program. Must be able to commit to attending the entire 6-week summer program. Prior experience with parks or environmental activities not required. Populations historically underrepresented in environmental leadership are encouraged to apply.