Overview of Programs
Everyone is a stakeholder when it comes to the preservation of the environment. Everyone relies on the resources that come from our environment such as drinking water, healthy forests, active reefs, and clean oceans. However, if we do not manage our resources wisely, they will be permanently degraded or worse yet, lost forever. Currently there are more endangered species per square mile in Hawaii than any other place in the world. Furthermore, Hawaii’s environment is constantly battling threats of over utilization of resources to a rapid invasion of non-native species that destroy native species and ruin the ecosystem’s ability to properly function. If the next generation is not given the proper knowledge on how to protect the environment, then Hawaii and our world will suffer the loss of plants and animals found no where else in the world. Furthermore, without a healthy environment, our islands will not be able to sustain life (human and non-human) as it should.
It is for this reason that the Hawaii Youth Conservation Corps (HYCC) provides exciting hands-on opportunities to engage youth in actively protecting and preserving Hawaii’s natural resources. The HYCC offers a year-round internship program and summer programs which provide young adults with internships and life-building experiences in order to train and equip them with skills and knowledge to prepare them for future educational pursuits, career endeavors, and leadership in their communities. The program’s mission statement is:
The Hawaii Youth Conservation Corps aims to provide a healthy and hands-on educational experience to Hawaii’s youth in order to encourage the development of natural resource managers, cultural awareness, personal growth, teamwork, leadership skills, and an environmental mindset that participants will carry with them throughout their life.
The three main programs which the HYCC provides are:
For more information on each program, please click on the link above.
Whether you haven’t been outdoors before or you
are looking for a career in conservation, the HYCC has a program for you.
Whether you are in high school or just finished with college, the HYCC
has a program that will challenge you and give you the knowledge and skills
to help prepare you for life! You will learn from the experts while
working along side them. In fact, many of the programs provide either college
credits or money that you can apply to your college tuition and/or loans!
Not only will participants learn about the environment and conservation,
but they will gain valuable life skills such as team building, communication,
responsibility, and so much more. For many, these programs have been
valuable steps for career beginnings, college admittance, educational pursuits,
and life direction.
By choosing to be involved in one of the HYCC programs you will gain skills, experience, earning college credits/money, and having a once in a lifetime experience. Yet, furthermore, you will be the difference and help to shape the world around you in a positive way. Come be a part of the HYCC and “BE THE DIFFERENCE!”