Today’s youth are inheriting complex and mounting environmental challenges. They want to act and lead on behalf of the planet.
That’s why the National Geographic Society and The Nature Conservancy have joined forces to offer young adults ages 18-25 from across the globe an eight-week virtual learning and leadership experience to equip them with the knowledge, tools and relationships to seek solutions and take action in their communities.
This rigorous externship intentionally creates more opportunities for young people from all communities to prepare for careers in conservation and exploration.
Apply to Be an Extern
Apply online through Extern, who works with us to recruit, guide and inspire participants.
participants in the last three years who represent more than 117 countries
increase in knowledge about conservation career fields reported by participants after completing the program
community projects developed by externship participants have received seed funding
What Externs Say
“One thing I like the most with this externship is the opportunity to gain practical, real-world experience in a chosen field. It bridges the gap between theoretical knowledge acquired in academia and its application in professional settings. Despite the lack of physical interactions with my fellow externs, the avenue of having weekly meetings still makes it possible to communicate, discuss and share ideas in a way that we can learn from each other.”
“I loved getting to hear from the amazing mentors and guest speakers. It was so inspiring and educational to hear from working professionals, and it taught me so much about the field and what steps I should take in my career. I also loved hearing from the other externs and making friends from all over the world, which I would otherwise never have had the opportunity to do. Overall, it was an incredible experience and I would love to do another externship in the future.”
“I was able to interview and talk to researchers in a fascinating field of science I only got to see part of before. If I hadn't done this I would not have found a way to get that time to talk one on one with these great people. Sending out a public survey for people via social media community groups gave me a chance to get a better understanding of local residents' knowledge and view on the topics I was looking into.”
“I got to learn a lot of new stuff, interactions during office hours, the guidance and support from the whole team and the important connections I made.”
“What I liked most about the externship was the opportunity to learn and apply new data visualization and mapping skills. It was exciting to see how these tools can solve real-world conservation challenges. I also enjoyed connecting with like-minded individuals and gaining insights from experts in the field, which made the experience both inspiring and rewarding.”
“I appreciated the tailored career coaching and access to networking events provided. The mentorship session gave me the chance to ask questions and receive practical advice on improving my resume and enhancing my skills.”
Explore Extern Projects
Betty Jahateh
Salty Much? Effects Of Sea Level Rise in The River Gambia
Gabriela Tejeda
Fire & Water: An Ecological Love Story
Jessica Bonaficio
Harnessing an Invasion: Aliens are real — and they're in Metro Manila's freshwater bodies.
Juan Francisco Suescun
Weapons of Mass Conservation: Equipping local fishermen in Isla Fuerte, Colombia, with the tools and incentives they need to actively protect their future.
Pubarun Basu
Saving the Holy Mother: Preserving the eternal flow of the river Ganga
Samuel Fajana
Untold Story about Araromi Seaside: True events behind the marine challenges and solutions ...
Meet Our Partner
The Nature Conservancy is proud to partner with the National Geographic Society to connect young people through this externship program; together, we are investing in the people who will lead conservation into the next decade.
The Nature Conservancy is a global environmental nonprofit working to create a world where people and nature can thrive. Founded in the U.S. through grassroots action in 1951, The Nature Conservancy has grown to become one of the most effective and wide-reaching environmental organizations in the world. Today, we are focused on tackling climate change and the biodiversity crisis.