The Student Conservation Association works across the five boroughs of New York City to engage young people in conservation service.
Offering summer opportunities for high school students, internships for college students, leadership positions for graduates, and weekend service events open to all, SCA provides a path for urban youth to learn about the natural environment, engage with their communities, and translate their service experience into professional career opportunities in environmental fields.
SCA has built a dedicated volunteer force to care for New York City’s public lands, and has created a diverse and inclusive community that offers young people from all backgrounds the chance to give back and connect with others who care about urban conservation and resiliency.
See the Current Open Positions
& other service opportunities in the NYC Area
Download our 2015 Recruiting Flyer here
CONTACT INFO
New York City, NY
603.543.1700
UPCOMING EVENTS
There are currently no events scheduled – Please check back!

AFTER SCHOOL CONSERVATION CLUB
AmeriCorps members serving with SCA’s Hudson Valley Corps work with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation to run the After School Conservation Club at 22 school and community sites around the five boroughs, reaching over 900 students each semester.
HURRICANE SANDY RECOVERY PROGRAM
Eight months after Hurricane Sandy, SCA launched the Sandy Recovery Program, engaging crews of high school students in restoration projects around the units of Gateway National Recreation Area in New York Harbor. This year, SCA is continuing its partnership with the National Park Service to help build longterm resiliency in coastal areas of New York and New Jersey. Read more >
HUDSON RIVER PARK TRUST
Each summer, a team of eight SCA interns joins the staff of the Hudson River Park Trust in Manhattan to lead environmental outreach programs at the country’s longest urban waterfront park. SCA interns teach fishing programs, lead nature walks, and introduce park visitors to the many species that thrive in the Hudson River Estuary. Several members of SCA’s Hudson Valley Corps also serve at the park throughout the year.
CONSERVE NYC
SCA launched the ConSERVE NYC service initiative on the one-year anniversary of Hurricane Sandy to mobilize volunteers in the continuing storm recovery effort. By providing weekend service events at new locations each month, SCA has reduced barriers to youth participation in storm recovery, and en- gaged new students and community members with SCA while uniting existing partners, members, and alumni. Read more >
NPS ACADEMY IN NYC
Each year, SCA introduces hundreds of students from diverse backgrounds to careers with the National Park Service through the NPS Academy program.
As part of this year’s program, SCA brought 20 students to New York City to explore the cultural, historic, and natural resources of the National Parks of New York Harbor. Read more >
YOUTH CONSERVATION CORPS (YCC)
SCA partners with the National Park Service to give high school students paid opportunities to serve on summer conservation crews working on restoration projects around the National Parks of New York Harbor. Read more >
Interested in serving? See all our available and upcoming service opportunities here.
NEWS, STORIES & PROJECTS
Student Conservation Association Welcomes Dr. Usha Chaudhary as Chief Operating Officer
ARLINGTON, Va. – The Student Conservation Association (SCA), the largest provider of hands-on environmental…
Honoring Native American Heritage
To celebrate Native American Heritage Month, we are sharing ways the Student Conservation Association has worked to…
Take A Hike
National Take a Hike Day (Nov. 17, 2023) encourages getting outdoors and exploring some of the over 60,000 miles of…
Photo Vote Results: Your Fall Foliage Favorite
We asked our SCA community to vote for their favorite fall photo and the results are…
#GreenFriday Is the New Black Friday
You’re invited to get outside the day after Thanksgiving as part of a larger effort to turn #BlackFriday greener….
Transforming Trails in Alaska
The Student Conservation Association had several crew members improving public lands across Alaska this past season….
10 Haunted Halloween Green Spaces
There are even some natural spaces that look like they were made for Halloween! We’ve shared some of our eeriest…
Bats: Not So Spooky After All
Swooping in just in time for Halloween is Bat Week (Oct. 24 – 31, 2023), a week to bring awareness and recognition to…
Prairie Pothole Region Gets Support from Student Conservation Association, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Team
MADISON, SOUTH DAKOTA – The Student Conservation Association (SCA) today announced the South Dakota Prairie Pothole…
Bay Area Council Foundation California Resilience Challenge Awards Student Conservation Association $171,000
SAN FRANCISCO – The Student Conservation Association (SCA) today announced that the Bay Area Council Foundation…