Frequenty Asked Questions
Hawaii Youth Conservation Corps Program Content
Are participants able to earn college credits?
Yes
May I get a classroom visit or a speaker to come to my school?
Yes. Please call the Hawaii Youth Conservation Corps/Pono Pacific office
to schedule a class visit.
What will I learn from this experience?
• Environmental Issues
• Leadership
• Team building skills
How can my students get involved in the program?
Students can get involved by completing the application process. Please
click here for more information.
How will this program benefit me if I am looking for a career in this field?
You will receive a hands on experience, work with mentors across the state
in various professional fields such as a horticulturist, biologists, field
technicians and etc. You will learn materials that are yet to be in textbooks,
see beautiful places, and receive classroom application.
Are there other volunteer opportunities?
Pono Pacific provides additional volunteer opportunities.
Potential Hawaii Youth Conservation Corps Participants
How do I apply?
Please click here for instructions.
Is there a cost to the program?
No, But if you are selected we do require that you send in a $200 Check
to reserve your spot in the program. This check will not be cashed unless
you drop out of the program, or are dismissed from the program.
Who can apply?
Anyone who is at least a sophomore in high school thru a sophomore in college.
If you are not in school you need to be between the ages of 15-20.
Can I apply to more than one island?
Yes the main thing to consider when applying for different islands is if
you will be able to provide your own housing and transportation on that
Island.
I heard I could get college credits?
If you qualify you can earn 3 University of Hawaii college credits.
Do I need my own gear?
The program will provide you with a back pack, raingear, work gloves, safety
glasses and a water bottle. You will need to provide your own sturdy hiking
boots and work clothes.
What will my schedule be like?
The program will be Monday thru Friday 7am to around 5pm unless your group
is camping that week, in which will you meet on Monday morning and return
on Friday afternoon.
If I applied before can I apply again?
Yes, We encourage folks to re-apply if they don’t get in the first
time.
How long is the program?
The program is 6 weeks for members and 7 weeks for team leaders. The program
is usually run during the months of June and July.
When do I know if I have been accepted?
We will notify you by mail or phone.
Will I need transportation for this program?
Yes, You will need to provide your own transportation to and from the central
meeting locations.
How many participants are selected?
10 to 12 members per team and there are 1 to 2 teams per island.
What are the benefits?
Participants will be exposed to a variety of environments, learn a variety
of life skills, get the opportunity to earn 3 UH college credits, and after
successful completion will receive $1000.
What happens if I decide to drop out?
If you decide to drop out after accepting the position then your $200 deposit
check will be cashed.
If I have a disability, can I apply?
The program will try to accommodate to all of your needs but due to the
intense work and the environment in which an intern will be working in,
an intern needs to be physically fit and capable of handling all of the
arduous work in this line of field.
When is the application due?
Dates are posted at the beginning of the year. Click
here for more info.
Hawaii Youth Conservation Corps Year Round (Americorps)
How do I apply?
Click here for application instructions.
Who can apply?
Individuals between the ages of 18-30 and you must have a high school
diploma or its equivalent.
Can I apply to more than one island?
Yes. However you will need to provide your own housing and transportation.
Do I need my own gear?
You will need to provide your own day pack, water bottles, and a pair of
hiking shoes, rain jacket, and rain pants. You will need to check with
the site you are hired at to see what you will be responsible for.
What will my schedule be like?
Your schedule may vary depending on the site you are with. Once hired,
your site manager will discuss your schedule with you.
If I applied before can I apply again?
Yes.
How long is the program?
The internship runs for a year.
When do I know if I have been accepted?
The coordinating staff with Pono Pacific will notify you by three methods:
mail, e-mail and or a phone call.
Will I need transportation for this program?
Yes. You will need to provide your own transportation to and from the work
base yards. From the base yard, the transportation will be covered by your
site manager.
How many participants are selected?
There are 9 Full-time positions and 5 Part-time positions.
What are the benefits?
You will receive an educational award that could be use toward future or
past college expenses. Full- time members qualify for health benefits and
child care benefits too. Experience hiking and camping in remote areas
of the island you are working on (this varies with different organizations).
Will travel to Oahu twice during your internship for a Statewide Americorp
Conference (your hotel and air expenses will be cared for if you are coming
from an outer island). There will be a one week service trip to a place
other than your work site with the other HYCC Year Round members.
What happens if I decide to drop out?
Your maximum stipend will be what it is at the time you decide to drop
out of the program.
You will no longer be eligible to receive the educational award.
If you have a valid reason and it is approved by the director of the HYCC
Year Round Americorp Program your educational award will be a prorated.
If I have a disability, can I apply?
The program will
try to accommodate to all of your needs but due to the intense work and
the environment in which an intern will be working in, an intern needs
to be physically fit and capable of handling all of the arduous work in
this line of field.
When is the application due?
Please see attached link.
What will I learn from this experience?
Environmental Issues
Leadership
Team work
Individual work ethic
Communication and organization between different organizations
Integrity
How will this program benefit me if I am looking for
a career in this field?
You will receive a hands on experience
You will be mentored by people who are horticulturist, botanist, biologists,
field technicians, etc.
You will learn methods which are yet to be in textbooks
Classroom application
Due to your internship with the site, you may be hired on as a staff member
once your internship is finished
Are there other volunteer opportunities?
Please see link to Pono Pacific