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- The National Geographic Society and The Nature Conservancy are once again teaming up to offer the Fall 2025 Marine and Community Conservation Externship — an exciting opportunity designed to empower and equip young environmental advocates from around the world.
This fully remote, eight-week externship is ideal for youth passionate about marine ecosystems, climate justice, community resilience, and environmental storytelling. Open to individuals aged 18 to 25, this initiative provides a transformative space to learn, connect, and make a tangible impact — from wherever participants are based.
Programme Overview
This innovative externship blends environmental research, community storytelling, and grassroots advocacy training into one cohesive experience. Through interactive sessions, independent fieldwork, and mentorship, participants will gain valuable insights into conservation practice, marine protection, and environmental communication.
The programme is structured around a mix of practical field investigations, interviews with conservation experts, and weekly online discussions — all aimed at empowering participants to better understand and address environmental issues within their own communities.
Key Features
Participants in the Fall 2025 cohort can expect to:
• Interview Conservation Leaders
• Engage directly with leading scientists, activists, and environmental professionals.
• Participants will conduct and document interviews that uncover the work and journeys of individuals making a difference in the field of marine and community conservation.
• Build Transferable Skills
• From storytelling and environmental journalism to research design and advocacy strategy, this externship is designed to help participants sharpen their ability to communicate science, mobilise communities, and drive grassroots action.
• Investigate Local Environmental Challenges
• Participants will explore real conservation issues in their own communities, contributing to a growing global database of youth-led environmental research.
• This community-centred approach ensures participants leave the programme with both local insights and global context.
• Receive an Educational Stipend
• Each participant will be awarded a $500 educational stipend upon successful completion of the externship, recognising their time, energy, and commitment to the programme.
Areas of Focus
This opportunity is tailored for those who care deeply about:
• Marine Conservation
• Climate Justice
• Community Storytelling
• Environmental Sustainability
• Science Communication & Media
• The externship provides a bridge between passion and professional development.
• It is suitable for individuals at different stages of their activism or research journey.
Who can apply?
This programme is intentionally inclusive and global. Applicants must:
• Be between the ages of 18–25 at the time of application.
• Be able to commit approximately 8–10 hours per week over 8 weeks.
• Have basic internet access and a strong interest in environmental or community issues.
• No prior experience is required , only curiosity, commitment, and a willingness to learn.
• The externship welcomes applicants from all regions, backgrounds, and educational levels.
• Participants do not need to be enrolled in a university or have any formal background in the field
Programme Logistics
Start Date: Fall 2025
Format: Fully remote (global participation encouraged)
Duration: 8 weeks
Educational Stipend: $500 USD per participant
Application Deadline: Submit early by August 29, 2025 for priority consideration.
(Applications will remain open until all spots are filled.)
How to Apply
Prospective participants are encouraged to express interest as soon as possible to secure their place.
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