Natural Resource Management (NRM) Education and Training of Eugene, OR, Area Youth

The Natural Resource Management Education and Training of Eugene, OR Area Youth funding opportunity is offered by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Portland District, as part of its Environmental Education Program. USACE is a federal agency responsible for managing water resources infrastructure and public lands, including projects throughout the Willamette Valley in Oregon. This funding opportunity is designed to support environmental stewardship goals while simultaneously advancing workforce development and educational outcomes for youth. The program specifically focuses on providing hands-on training opportunities for at-risk high school students in communities surrounding Fern Ridge Lake and other nearby USACE-managed sites. The primary purpose of this cooperative agreement is to engage a qualified non-federal public agency or nonprofit organization to deliver education and training in natural resource management. The selected recipient will oversee programming that integrates environmental restoration work with structured learning experiences. Participants, primarily high school-aged youth, will gain exposure to land stewardship practices, ecological restoration techniques, and environmental science concepts. The program emphasizes experiential learning, allowing students to participate directly in project planning, development, and implementation activities that contribute to public land management. Funding under this opportunity supports a wide range of environmental and educational activities. These include prairie and wildlife habitat restoration, invasive species removal, native plant propagation, wetland and riparian enhancement, greenhouse and nursery operations, and public recreation site improvements. Educational components include instruction on ecology, biology, land management practices, and safe tool usage. The program is structured to ensure that participants not only contribute to environmental outcomes but also develop practical job skills, work habits, and an understanding of conservation careers. All activities must align with USACE stewardship objectives and may not displace government employees or existing contracted services. The cooperative agreement is fully funded by USACE, with no cost-sharing or matching requirement for applicants. The total estimated funding for the program is $250,000, distributed across a one-year base period and up to four optional one-year extensions, each valued at approximately $50,000. The initial performance period is expected to begin in May 2026 and extend through April 2027, with potential continuation through April 2031 depending on funding availability and mutual agreement. Work schedules include intensive summer engagement and ongoing participation during the academic year. Eligible applicants include non-federal public agencies, nonprofit organizations, and qualified youth service or conservation corps organizations with demonstrated experience in land stewardship and youth engagement. Applicants must be capable of recruiting and managing youth crews, providing supervision, ensuring safety compliance, and delivering structured training programs. Participants must be between the ages of 14 and 24 and include high school students, recent graduates, or individuals engaged in credit recovery programs. Applicants must also demonstrate prior experience managing similar programs and the ability to operate within the geographic scope of the Willamette Valley. The application process requires submission through Grants.gov or via email as a backup method. Applicants must complete standard federal forms including SF-424 and SF-424A, provide a detailed program narrative, submit a budget proposal, and include documentation of eligibility and past performance. The program narrative must address goals and objectives, management plans, staffing, and prior experience. Applications are evaluated based on alignment with program goals, management capability, and past performance, with all criteria weighted equally. The deadline for applications is May 20, 2026, and awards are expected to be made shortly thereafter. USACE maintains significant involvement throughout the program, providing technical guidance, worksite coordination, and educational support. A designated USACE representative will serve as a point of contact and resource advisor. The agency will also supply tools, materials, and project specifications. Regular coordination between the recipient and USACE ensures alignment with program objectives and allows for ongoing evaluation of progress.