Become a Virtual Crew Member
2026 Applications are Open! Apply Today:
Led by experienced crew leaders, crew members participate in interactive workshops and explore topics of interest as they complete conservation-related projects with their peers. The virtual crew member experience is unique in providing exposure to Green/STEM Careers, youth from diverse backgrounds, weekly stipends and access to equipment scholarships as needed, all right from your home.
Term: 3 weeks; Full-time position (Monday through Friday, Hours depend on time zone)
Program Dates:
Cohort 1: June 22 - July 10, 2026
Cohort 2: July 13 - July 31, 2026
If selected, you will be assigned to a cohort
Program Goals:
Virtual Youth Conservation programming provides participants with curriculum centering college and career readiness, as well as topics outlined below.
Climate resilience
Fire-dependent ecology and management
Wildfire mapping
History of public lands and the intersection between humans and the environment
Leave No Trace practices
Career & Professional Development
Environmental organizing and advocacy
Time management and self-care
Leadership training
Plus opportunities for service learning and self guided hands on projects!
2024 Virtual Projects
Cover for a presentation on Climate Change projected short and long term global effects by Virtual Participants for the USFS.
Cover for a presentation on the effect of Pesticides on the Environment and Public Health in the United States by Virtual Participants.
VIRTUAL CREW MEMBER BENEFITS
Weekly stipend
Receive technical support and equipment assistance
Develop collaboration and leadership skills
Work with other high school students from across the country
Explore and learn to protect natural resources
Learn about cultural and natural resource management careers
Possibility of earning service learning hours
VIRTUAL CREW MEMBER ELIGIBILITY
We encourage all youth to consider applying for YCC positions.
Must be at least 15 by June 1 of the program year and may not be older than 18 years old before August 31 of the program year
Must be enrolled in high school or a 2024 graduate
Must be able to fully commit to program dates and meeting times
Must be able to fulfill the essential functions of the assigned work with or without reasonable accommodations
Have a valid U.S. Social Security number or have applied for a valid Social Security number by start of program
Must be able to obtain a work permit if needed
Must be a citizen of the United States or permanent resident