YPP 2014 Diversity Youth Intern Program - Wind Cave National Park

Post Date

February 7th 2014

Application Due Date

February 18th 2014

Funding Opportunity Number

FY2014-WICA-YDI-0002

CFDA Number(s)

15.931

Funding Instrument Type(s)

Cooperative Agreement

Funding Activity Categories

Environment
Natural Resources

Number of Awards

1

Eligibility Categories

Public and State Controlled Institutions of Higher Education
Non-Federally Recognized Native American Tribal Organizations
Non-Profits Without 501 (c) (3) Status With The IRS (Except Higher Education Institutions)
Private Institutions of Higher Education

Funding

• Estimated Total Funding:

  $9023

• Award Range:

  $None - $9023

Grant Description

REQUEST FOR INFORMATION FOR POTENTIAL PROJECT TO BE INITIATED THROUGH Wind Cave National Park National Park Service п Midwest Region Opportunity Number: FY2014-WICA-YDI-0002 Park: Wind Cave National Park 26611 US Hwy 385 Hot Springs, SD 57747 Project title: YPP 2014 Diversity Youth Intern Program Proposed Project Date: May 19 п August 16, 2014 Estimated funding available: Not to exceed $9,023 Number of Positions Available: 2 (two) Summary: Interns play a vital role in supporting the mission of the National Park Service (NPS) at Wind Cave National Park. This project will employ two (25 years old or younger), diverse or underserved interns for 13 weeks during the summer of 2014. This project will directly serve Call to Action Goal #2: Step by Step, by creating a deep connection between a younger generation and parks through this direct NPS work experience. These interns will gain valuable insight into the diversity of career fields within the NPS and will create a pathway to paid employment with Wind Cave National Park the following year. These interpretive interns will contribute nearly 1,000 hours of direct visitor service including conducting two to four interpretive tours through the cave per day, presenting discovery programs focusing on park resources (other than cave resources), providing orientation and information at a very busy information desk, and conducting nature hikes and roving interpretation. Each intern is estimated to generate more than $16,000 in fees for the tours they conduct throughout the summer. They will learn about multiple career opportunities at NPS sites including career paths outside of interpretation such Law Enforcement, Resource Management and Administration. They will receive real-life work experience working side-by-side with Park Rangers and Park Guides. Background: Wind Cave National Park preserves and protects a complex, three-dimensional maze cave system containing rare formations in more than 141 miles of surveyed passages, and 33,850 acres of mixed grass prairie and ponderosa pine forest containing representative animal and plant species. Wind Cave National Park encompasses 33,851 acres in the southern Black Hills of South Dakota. The mission of the park is to protect the unique resources of Wind Cave and preserve and enhance mixed-grass prairie and native wildlife (e.g., bison, elk, antelope, prairie dogs), while providing for the enjoyment of the public. Desired conditions include maintaining and protecting healthy plant communities and hydrological processes over time to support wildlife, vegetation, and cave resources. The climate at Wind Cave NP ranges from sub-zero temperatures during winter to over 100 degrees during summer. Hot Springs (12 miles; pop. 3,750) and Custer (20 miles; pop. 1,988) each have 2 smaller grocery stores, restaurants, medical and dental services, schools K-12, limited shopping, and churches of most faiths. Rapid City (pop. 65,000) is 60 miles away and has many larger grocery stores, more extensive shopping and many other conveniences found in metropolitan areas. Specific Work Activities: Interns are responsible for: ╔ researching, developing, and presenting four different thematic cave tours; ╔ staffing the visitor center information desk; ╔ developing and presenting a variety of interpretive services; ╔ offering information and orientation services in informal settings such as parking lots and outdoor terraces; and assisting with special projects. This is an excellent opportunity to develop skills needed for college and beyond. Interns will learn computer skills such as PowerPoint, create and write interpretive programs, hone research skills, and practice public speaking skills. These positions interact with people from around the country and the world and will be part of a staff of over twenty people. The duties include a full range of interpretive programs and activities. Interns will be expected to work 8 hours a day, 5 days a week for 13 weeks. Skills desired: Applicants must be interested in and able to meet and communicate with groups of people. Experience in interpretation, public speaking, environmental education, or caves would be helpful, but is not required. Educational background desired: Resource Management - some coursework or experience American History - some coursework or experience Natural History - some coursework or experience Writing/Publishing - some coursework or experience Communications - some coursework or experience The Park will provide: ╔ 3 weeks of training working directly with NPS staff. This training will include mock tours of Wind Cave, customer service relations with visitors on the visitor floor, safety and CPR training, as well as cave rescue training. ╔ Shared, in-park housing is provided for each intern at no cost to the intern. All the housing is within a maximum 10-minute walk from where work starts each day. The Recipient will provide: ╔ Transportation ╔ Matching funds Materials for Request of Information: Please prepare a Statement of Information (three-page maximum) including a summary of how you would implement and manage this project in conjunction with NPS staff. Include your name, organization, and contact information, a brief description of the organization and mission, as well as a description of relevant qualifications and experience with recruiting and placement of youth interns, past projects, and staff, faculty, or students who would be available to work on the project. In conjunction with the Request for Information you are also required to submit a preliminary bid. The Request for Information and preliminary bid will be reviewed by the NPS in order determine the organization best suited to provide services for this specific project, as well as the best value for the Government. Final costs and budget will be negotiated following selection of a recipient. Submit electronic Statement of Interest to catherine_schroeder@nps and julie_hendricks@nps.gov by 5:00 CST on Tuesday, February 18, 2014 as well as any questions you may have concerning the project.

Contact Information

• Agency

  Department of the Interior

• Office:

  National Park Service

• Agency Contact:

  Julie Hendricks
  Lead Grants Management Specialist
  Phone 4026611662

• Agency Mailing Address:

  contact via email

• Agency Email Address:

  julie_hendricks@nps.gov