The Student Conservation Association

The Student Conservation Association (SCA) is dedicated to building the next generation of conservation leaders and inspiring lifelong stewardship of the environment. Recognizing that many young people are passionate about the planet but may lack opportunities to make a tangible impact, SCA provides hands-on service opportunities that empower them to protect and restore our nation's parks, public lands, and urban green spaces. Our customers, young people from all backgrounds, are seeking meaningful experiences where they can develop new skills, challenge themselves, and contribute to a cause larger than themselves. SCA addresses this need by offering a wide range of programs, from individual internships to team-based corps, that immerse participants in critical conservation work. Whether it's building trails, restoring habitats, or conducting wildlife research, our members are on the front lines of environmental protection.

For our partners, including federal agencies like the National Park Service and the U.S. Forest Service, the challenge is often a lack of resources to complete necessary conservation projects. SCA provides a solution by deploying motivated and well-trained young people to these sites, delivering high-quality work that might otherwise be left undone. This collaboration not only helps our partners achieve their conservation goals but also provides our members with invaluable career-building experience and a pathway to green jobs. Through these immersive experiences, participants gain not only technical skills but also leadership, teamwork, and a deeper understanding of environmental issues. The impact extends far beyond the projects themselves; a significant majority of our alumni remain active in conservation, ensuring a lasting legacy of stewardship for our planet.