Each year, more than 4,000 SCA members serve in the field with the support of generous donors. Through the SCA experience, young people build leadership skills, explore new career paths, and develop a lifelong connection to nature. They give back to preserve the environment in concrete and tangible ways, while also building connections to nature that make them lifelong stewards of our land. A donation to SCA not only preserves our natural and cultural heritage; it changes lives…and ensures we have a sustainable future for all.

While research may seem boring to many, it is fascinating to me to find new information that helps better tell the story of our country. I get such a thrill when I am able to piece together a new part of the puzzle, and this internship has allowed me to foster these skills and increase my knowledge base.
I will soon be headed to graduate school to work on my Public History degree. This position at here at Moores Creek National Battlefield has helped me determine exactly what I want to do with my life: interpretation.
Caitlin Butler
Historical Interpretation Intern,
Moores Creek National Battlefield, 2014

In Booker T. Washington’s autobiography, Up From Slavery, Washington chronicles his attempts to raise money for the newly established Tuskegee Institute. As expected, Washington struggled to gain support from many wealthy white Southerners. However, one generous donor surprised him by thanking Washington before Washington could thank him. The benefactor felt grateful towards Washington because Washington had given him the opportunity to support a worthy cause. So as I thank you for sponsoring me, I encourage you to thank and continue supporting and promoting the SCA; I promise I will too. The SCA has given both of us the opportunity to create lasting, positive change on Earth.
Callahan Mayer-Marks
National Crew Member,
Great Smoky Mountains National Park, 2013

Thanks to my involvement in this program I have become passionate about bringing youth who reside in urban settings out into nature and outdoor spaces. I helped develop a curriculum for Spanish-speaking students who are newcomers to the city to help them explore the parks that are right in their backyards. I will use my AmeriCorps Education Award toward continuing my studies in multilingual/multicultural environmental education.
David Chang
Environmental Educator,
San Francisco Dept. of Recreation and Parks,
2011-2013

My time with SCA is one that I will remember forever. It has helped prepare me for the future: my next endeavor is to pursue a graduate degree in environmental management and then to spend my life devoted to environmental conservation and education. Thanks to this internship I feel confident in my abilities to take the next step in this field.
Dana Burke
Parks and Preserve Assistant,
SCA Hudson Valley Corps, 2010

Before this internship I had no idea what career my degree would take me into, but I am now driven and focused on becoming an archaeologist. When I left the forest to return to school I felt, as I still do now, that I had made a tangible difference. My contributions protected our nation’s heritage. Thank you for helping me to achieve as much as I did this summer.
Kevin Marti
Archaeological Technician,
Manti-La Sal National Forest, 2012
Donor Stories
Student Conservation Association to Host Tree Talk – A Community Conversation On March 25
WHITING, Ind. – The Student Conservation Association (SCA), bp America and the City of Whiting is hosting Tree Talk,…
Student Conservation Association Selects Lidia Soto-Harmon As New President And CEO
ARLINGTON, Va. – The Student Conservation Association (SCA) today announced that its Board of Directors unanimously…
Grizzly Bears Roar Their Way to Top
It was one of the tightest calendar cover races in SCA history! But grizzly bears received the most votes from our…
The Greatest Woman We Know
The more you learn about the Student Conservation Association’s founder, Liz Putnam, the more you are in awe of her…
Working for Water
As one of Earth’s most abundant and precious natural resources, water is vital for a healthy and sustainable planet….
Women in Conservation
Women have always led the way at the Student Conservation Association (SCA). Starting with a movement launched by the…
Student Conservation Association Announces Four New Board Members And Names New Board Leadership
ARLINGTON, Va. – The Student Conservation Association (SCA) today announced the appointments of four new board…
Find Your Adventure This Winter
Even though summer reigns supreme for travel, winter brings its own unique experiences for every level of outdoor…
Preserving Black History
In celebrating Black History Month, we reflect on defining moments where courageous individuals stood up to injustice…
Beautiful Birds in Our Backyards and Beyond
Get out your binoculars! Feb. 17 kicks off the national Great Backyard Bird Count. We’re getting into the spirit by…