Every year a new group of individuals from all over the United States is selected to take part in the NPS Academy. With varying backgrounds, identities, and experiences these folks initially converge in Grand Teton National Park, a unique place fitting for the unique mission these participants are about to delve into. In early spring, ACE the NPS and Teton Science Schools co-host an orientation with the purpose of participants getting an immersive understanding of the Agency and community they will work alongside the following summer in a National Park. The objective of this innovative summer internship experience, paired with spring orientation, is to introduce and connect diverse students, ages 18 to 25 to career opportunities with the NPS.
In 2019, NPS Academy at Grand Teton partnered with American Conservation Experience, Emerging Professional Intern Corps (EPIC). At ACE EPIC, we support college students and young adults transitioning in their career with professional development opportunities in natural and cultural resource management alongside federal and NGO agencies. Partnering with the NPS Academy has been an exciting opportunity! Throughout the season, ACE supported fifteen participants in various internships across the nation. Pictured below are just a few of the internship opportunities and experiences had through NPS Academy.

Figure 2: You’ll need sunglasses for winter in a place like Jackson, Wyoming. High elevation, remoteness, and deep snow can create conditions requiring significant preparation for the outdoor extremes.

Figure 3: Water sampling and fisheries monitoring are some of the many exciting opportunities and wide-ranging internships of NPS Academy.

Figure 4: Trail work is really important for erosion control and hiker safety in a high-use recreation area like Grand Teton National Park.
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