The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Walla Walla District, is offering a funding opportunity under the program titled "Youth Conservation Services" through a cooperative agreement. This grant aims to support education and job training while achieving maintenance and stewardship on public lands within the Dworshak Project area. The funding is intended to engage youth in conservation-related work and training, enhancing their skills and preparing them for future careers in the natural resources field.
The primary purpose of this opportunity is to implement training and educational sessions that align with USACE's missions of recreation, environmental protection, and dam safety. The program includes three one-week sessions over a three-month period and involves work such as park maintenance, vegetation management, landscaping, and woody debris collection. All projects will be individually assessed to ensure they support the education and stewardship objectives and do not displace government workers or impact existing contracts.
Participants, who must be at least 16 years of age, will gain hands-on experience in a resource-oriented environment, receive training in technical and practical job skills, and be exposed to tasks that benefit the environment. Responsibilities of the recipient include supervising participants, ensuring safety compliance, providing personal protective equipment and tools, and submitting documentation and performance reports. The USACE will contribute work site access, specialized tools, materials, and a staff advisor to provide technical support and guidance.
Eligibility is limited to non-Federal public and nonprofit entities, with no cost-sharing required. The grant's total funding is $36,000 with one anticipated award. The period of performance runs from May 28 to August 30, 2025. Applications must be submitted by May 17, 2025, at 10:00 AM PT, and questions are due by May 5, 2025. Applications can be submitted via email or through Grants.gov.
The evaluation process includes initial eligibility review, a merit review assessing the applicant’s experience and program alignment, and a budget review for cost realism. A multi-stage evaluation will determine the recipient, and awards are expected to be announced by May 26, 2025. Contact for this opportunity is Victoria Conway at victoria.l.conway@usace.army.mil or 509-527-7449.
