Applications are now open for the 2026 Marine and Community Conservation Externship, a global remote learning experience jointly delivered by the National Geographic Society and The Nature Conservancy.

This eight-week externship offers young people worldwide an opportunity to explore marine conservation challenges while developing practical research, communication, and community engagement skills. Participants will examine how global ocean issues connect directly to local communities and design solutions that promote sustainable ocean stewardship.

About the Externship

The Marine and Community Conservation Externship is a part-time, fully remote program designed for young individuals interested in environmental protection, sustainability, science communication, and community advocacy.

Beginning June 1, 2026, participants will dedicate approximately 10 hours per week to guided research, collaborative learning sessions, and independent project development. All program sessions are recorded, allowing flexibility for participants across different time zones.

The externship encourages participants to translate complex marine conservation challenges into locally relevant solutions, strengthening both global awareness and community action.

What Participants Will Do

Selected externs will explore marine conservation through interdisciplinary activities, including:

Marine Conservation Research

Participants investigate key ocean issues such as marine protected areas, biodiversity loss, ocean acidification, and coastal ecosystem degradation.

Investigative Analysis

Externs apply research methods to examine conservation initiatives and identify environmental challenges affecting their own communities.

Community Engagement

Participants conduct interviews and conversations with local stakeholders, conservation practitioners, and community members to understand human–ocean connections.

Solution Design

Each participant develops practical strategies aimed at strengthening local marine protection efforts.

Storytelling for Conservation

Externs create compelling written, visual, or multimedia narratives that communicate conservation solutions to wider audiences.

Skills and Learning Outcomes

Participants will gain experience in:

• Marine systems and ocean sustainability literacy
• Research design and evidence-based analysis
• Community-centered environmental problem solving
• Cross-sector collaboration with global conservation experts
• Science communication and storytelling techniques
• Systems thinking linking global environmental change to local realities

A key program deliverable includes the creation of an Esri StoryMap, allowing participants to showcase research findings and storytelling skills for academic, professional, or funding opportunities.

Why This Externship Matters

Through mentorship and collaborative learning, participants will explore how conservation organizations transform scientific knowledge into community impact. The program equips young people with practical tools needed for careers in:

• Environmental conservation
• Sustainability and climate action
• Public policy and advocacy
• Environmental education
• Science communication and storytelling

About the Organizers

The National Geographic Society is an international nonprofit dedicated to advancing exploration, education, and scientific discovery to protect the natural world. Since its founding in 1888, the Society has supported thousands of research and conservation initiatives across the globe.

The The Nature Conservancy works worldwide to safeguard ecosystems and biodiversity while promoting solutions that allow both people and nature to thrive.

Key Details

• Program Duration: 8 Weeks
• Start Date: June 1, 2026
• Format: Part-time & Fully Remote
• Weekly Commitment: ~10 hours
• Stipend: $500 upon completion

Don't miss out on the application deadline which is May 17, 2026.