High School Leadership Corps
An eleven-day service-learning program for Colorado high school students interested in outdoor leadership, stewardship, and public land careers.
At a glance
Build Skills, Stewardship, and Confidence in Rocky
High School Leadership Corps introduces Colorado high school students to stewardship, outdoor skills, leadership, and public land careers through an immersive experience in Rocky Mountain National Park. Participants camp together, complete service projects, and learn from Conservancy staff and public land professionals in a setting that makes the work feel immediate and real.
The program is built for students who are curious about the outdoors, willing to try new things, and ready to contribute to a crew. Service projects may include trail work, habitat restoration, wildfire mitigation, historic preservation, or other hands-on projects that support Rocky and nearby public lands.
Students leave with more than a finished project. They gain confidence, field experience, and a stronger sense of what it means to care for public lands as part of a team.
Benefits
Students gain confidence, leadership experience, and a practical introduction to conservation work in Rocky.
- Service-learning experience
- Outdoor leadership development
- Provided food, gear, transportation, and campsite housing
- Completion stipend
- Career awareness in public lands
Program Details
The High School Leadership Corps is designed for currently enrolled Colorado high school students. Participants camp in Rocky Mountain National Park, complete service projects, take part in trainings, and reflect on their experience with Conservancy staff and families at the end of the session.
Program details, session dates, and application status may change from year to year. The Conservancy provides food, gear, transportation, campsite housing, work clothing, and support throughout the experience.
Life in the field
Participants spend the program living and learning outdoors with a small crew. Days may include service projects, field lessons, hikes, leadership activities, and time with staff who help students connect the work in front of them to the larger story of public land stewardship.
Outdoor Skills and Stewardship
Students practice skills for camping, traveling, and working responsibly outside. They learn how public land agencies and nonprofit partners approach conservation work, and they experience the satisfaction of completing projects that benefit Rocky Mountain National Park.
Leadership and Community
The crew setting helps students build communication, teamwork, resilience, and confidence. Returning participants may also be invited to serve as mentors, supporting incoming students while deepening their own leadership practice.
Job Listings
- Conservation Corps
High School Leadership Corps Field Coordinator
Location: Estes Park, COPosition: Exempt, seasonalCompensation: $1,057.69/weekThe High School Field Coordinator (FC) will provide leadership and support for the High School Leadership Corps (HSLC) throughout the summer season, supervising 11 youth through two 11-day sessions and one 6-day session, as well as any early season trainings. The Field Coordinator will assist with planning, implementation, and reporting of the High School Leadership Corps Season. Throughout the season, the Field Coordinator will be responsible for preparing and implementing trainings, updating the High School Leadership Corps Manager and Stewardship Director on crew process and status, resolving and reporting on conflicts in the field, and mentoring young adults and youth in the conservation field. To apply for this position, please submit your interest via email to: [email protected].
Who to contact
Have a specific question about this opportunity? Reach out to the program contact or use the application link above when positions are open.
Partners
