SCA’s internship program, in partnership with the National Park Service, Alaskans in Parks (AIP) provides summer internships for Alaskans to work in the National Parks that are located in their backyards. Since 2013, the Alaskans in Parks Internship Program (AIP) has provided career development internships for under-represented, diverse, and rural Alaskan residents interested in conservation. In that time, over 100 interns have completed internships in National Parks across Alaska. Interns attend and serve in 13 week summer internships tailored to various NPS career tracks. Summer internships are available in a variety of fields, including visitor services, education, wildlife biology, fisheries, trail work, wilderness, habitat restoration, information technology – and more!
(YouTube video mentions formelly called NPS Academy program, now called Alaskans In Parks)
NPS Alaskans In Parks Summer Internship: Approximately mid-May to mid-August, 2023
Tong Thao, B.S. in Biological Sciences and Minor in Mathematics at the University of Alaska, Anchorage
“My summer over at Lake Clark National Park and Preserve has been one of the best summer I have ever had. I was able to do so many activities I never thought I could do. I was able to snorkel and wrestle with salmon to measure them, operate a boat, and fly in a float plane. There was so many unique encounters with the wildlife there and the landscape was gorgeous. By interning at Lake Clark, it made me realized just how important it is to protect these natural treasures.”
Kiana Till, Majoring in Wildlife Biology and Conservation at the University of Alaska, Fairbanks
“This summer was the most amazing time of my life! I learned much about the fisheries field, the park, the Dena’ina Athabascan people, and a whole lot about myself. Everyday was so beautiful and full. It was definitely my kind of paradise and the kind of peace I needed.”
Alix Lacy, Majoring in Anthropology at the University of Alaska, Anchorage
“My degree is in Anthropology, so I was interested in the historical preservation aspect of the park as well as their ability to work together with the Sitka Tribe of Alaska in interpreting the story of the land and culture. I performed treatments on historical items, which aided in their preservation. One of my projects was to take a perceived park problem and write up alternative solutions that were inclusive of the Sitka community in decision making. I’ve made professional connections with the National Park Service and the Sitka Tribe, and I truly felt valued and a part of the community.”
