Applications are open for the 2025 National Geographic Society & The Nature Conservancy Marine and Community Conservation Externship

Applications are now being accepted for the 2025 Marine and Community Conservation Externship, a collaborative program by the National Geographic Society and The Nature Conservancy. This unique 8-week initiative begins on September 15th, 2025, and offers young people from around the globe a chance to explore the crucial role marine conservation plays in safeguarding the planet’s future.

The externship is fully remote and designed to fit into participants’ schedules, requiring about 10 hours of work per week. All sessions and events are recorded for flexible access, making it easy to balance the program alongside other commitments. Those who complete the experience successfully will receive a $500 stipend, intended to help offset technology and internet expenses. The opportunity is open to individuals between the ages of 18 and 25, with no restrictions on geographical location. The deadline to apply is August 29th, 2025, so interested applicants are encouraged to submit their forms as soon as possible.

Participants will work closely with leading scientists and passionate peers to examine pressing issues facing our oceans. From overfishing and coral reef decline to the effects of ocean acidification and habitat loss, the program provides a space to understand these challenges while identifying practical solutions. The experience is designed to help fellows bridge the gap between global environmental issues and local action, equipping them to inspire change in their own communities.

In addition to research, the externship emphasizes storytelling, communication, and community engagement. Participants will interview local leaders, conservationists, and residents to highlight the connections between healthy oceans and thriving coastal communities. They will also learn to design action-oriented strategies that strengthen marine protection, with a final project culminating in a professional-quality Esri StoryMap — a portfolio-ready asset that can be used for future job or academic applications.

Through this program, fellows will develop a strong understanding of marine systems, gain research experience, and learn how policy, science, and community efforts intersect in environmental work. They will also join a diverse international network of conservation-minded peers, benefiting from mentorship by experts from both the National Geographic Society and The Nature Conservancy.

For anyone eager to gain practical skills in conservation, sustainability, or environmental communication — and who dreams of contributing to ocean stewardship — this externship offers both a learning experience and a platform for real-world impact. With no prior professional or academic experience required, it is an open door for any young person passionate about making a difference.

Scroll down for more details and click on the official link attached below to apply for this opportunity