CHARLESTOWN, N.H., Dec. 20, 2007 (PRIME NEWSWIRE) -- Winter's December 22nd arrival is a great time for college and high school students to plan their summer activities, say officials of the Student Conservation Association. SCA, a nationwide force of conservation volunteers, is now accepting applications for tuition-free internships that offer hands-on experience as well as the chance to make a difference in our national parks, forests and communities.
"For students seeking a career in conservation, community service credits, or the chance to give back to the land, a summer hitch with SCA just can't be beat," says SCA Vice President for Program Bob Coates. "SCA interns aid our public lands by running bear management programs in Yosemite, conducting habitat restoration in the Everglades, leading visitor hikes though Tongass National Forest, and more.
"The holiday period affords most students an opportunity to catch their breath and look ahead, and we hope many of them will consider spending at least part of next summer conserving our natural and cultural resources with SCA."
Though SCA provides conservation service opportunities throughout the year, the summer vacation season is its busiest time. College students may serve in expense-paid internships covering more than 50 conservation disciplines. Positions include travel to and from your site, lodging, insurance, a weekly living allowance, and most positions are eligible for AmeriCorps education awards upon completion of service.
High school students may serve on month-long crews building trails or restoring threatened habitats. Crews consist of up to eight students and two experienced crew leaders, and live in tent base camps in either backcountry or frontcountry locations.
Beyond its immediate environmental benefits, SCA stewardship has a lasting impact on the individual member. Surveys of SCA's 50,000 alumni indicate nearly two-thirds remain active conservationists in their home communities and more than half work professionally in the environmental field.
Currently celebrating its 50th anniversary, SCA is the nation's leading non-profit conservation service organization for young people. SCA's active, hands-on approach to conservation has helped to develop a new generation of conservation leaders, inspire lifelong stewardship, and save our planet.
To learn more and apply for the right position for you, visit thesca.org.
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