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

Freshwater is essential to sustaining life on Earth — supporting ecosystems, communities, and biodiversity. However, unsustainable practices are threatening water resources worldwide. Gaining a deep understanding of the complex and interconnected nature of freshwater challenges at both local and regional levels is key to promoting sustainability.

This virtual externship invites participants to explore global freshwater conservation challenges, interpret them through a local lens, and propose community-relevant solutions to address pressing water issues in their regions.

What to Expect
Over the course of the externship, participants will engage in a guided learning journey that includes:

• Weekly online sessions led by experts from the National Geographic Society and The Nature Conservancy, highlighting different paths in freshwater conservation careers

• Independent research combined with interviews of local conservation groups to gain insight into real-world environmental challenges

• Hands-on exploration of major freshwater conservation topics and strategies, using curated learning materials and case studies

• Application of both qualitative and quantitative research methods to identify ongoing freshwater-related efforts and challenges in your area

• Conversations with local stakeholders — including environmental leaders and community members — to better understand how freshwater issues affect your region

• A landscape or gap analysis that pinpoints deficiencies in local water conservation efforts, along with actionable recommendations

• Training in visual and written storytelling techniques to help effectively communicate freshwater concerns and empower local communities to take action

Overview
National Geographic Society and The Nature Conservancy

The National Geographic Society is an internationally recognized nonprofit organization dedicated to harnessing science, education, exploration, and storytelling to inspire curiosity and safeguard the planet’s beauty. Since its founding in 1888, the Society has supported over 15,000 groundbreaking initiatives across all continents, reached millions of students annually through educational programs, and connected global audiences through compelling narratives and immersive experiences.

The Nature Conservancy (TNC) is a leading environmental nonprofit committed to creating a sustainable future where both people and the natural world can flourish. TNC focuses on protecting vital ecosystems by confronting the twin challenges of climate change and biodiversity loss. With a strategic plan targeting transformative change by 2030, the organization is working to build a more resilient planet for generations to come.

The application deadline is on a rolling basis.

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