National Parks Business Plan Internship
The National Park Service seeks a partner to run graduate internships that improve park management and encourage students to pursue conservation careers.
Funder: National Park Service
Due Dates: January 4, 2027 (Applications)
Funding Amounts: $1.7 million anticipated for one four-year award (approximately $425,000 per year)
Summary: Supports a partner to administer graduate-level internships that improve business management and operations across national parks and NPS programs.
Key Information: Applicants must be able to lead internship recruitment, administration, evaluation, and alumni engagement in partnership with NPS.
Description
The National Park Service (NPS) seeks a partner to jointly administer its National Parks Business Plan Internship. Graduate students work in on-site teams on projects addressing business management, strategic, or operational needs of parks and NPS program offices. Their analyses and recommendations are intended to improve planning, management decisions, and services to the public.
The program aims to give students training and exposure to NPS operations, encourage students in professional disciplines underrepresented in the NPS workforce to explore conservation and land-management careers, and cultivate stewardship of public lands. NPS develops projects and provides technical expertise; the recipient leads student outreach and recruitment, onboarding, placement logistics, program evaluation, and alumni engagement.
