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The National Geographic Society & The Nature Conservancy Freshwater and Community Conservation Externship

Research and explore a freshwater conservation issue and how your community can sustainably resolve it.

The National Geographic Society & The Nature Conservancy Freshwater and Community Conservation Externship

Apply by January 25th, 2026; Submit your application ASAP.

Part-time and Fully Remote: Expect 10 hours per week, all meetings and events are recorded.

8 Weeks: This remote Externship starts February 9th, 2026

$500 Stipend: Students who successfully complete their externships will receive their educational stipends at the end of the program. This stipend is provided to offset internet and technology costs required for program completion.

Age Eligibility: This Externship is open to young people ages 18-25.

Geographical Eligibility: This Externship is open to applicants all around the world.

What You'll Work On

Freshwater Conservation Exploration

Examine pressing issues such as freshwater access and quality, watershed protection, river and wetland degradation, and habitat loss, along with emerging solutions.

Investigative Research

Apply primary and secondary methods to evaluate conservation initiatives and uncover local freshwater challenges.

Community Engagement & Public Speaking

Interview leaders, conservationists, and residents to highlight the ties between your community and freshwater ecosystems.

Problem-Solving & Solution Design

Identify gaps in local efforts and craft actionable strategies to strengthen freshwater protection.

Storytelling for Impact

Develop written, visual, and verbal narratives that inspire audiences to support freshwater conservation.

Skills You'll Gain

Freshwater-Systems Literacy: Develop a nuanced understanding of core freshwater challenges and the policy and community tools used to address them.

Research & Insight Development: Practice both primary and secondary research methods, then translate findings into clear, actionable insights.

Community-Focused Problem-Solving: Learn structured frameworks for spotting gaps in local conservation efforts and shaping realistic, impact-oriented solutions that align with regional needs.

Cross-Sector Collaboration: Engage with The National Geographic Society and The Nature Conservancy experts, gaining firsthand exposure to how scientists, communicators, and community partners drive conservation initiatives together.

Portfolio-Ready Deliverables: Produce an Esri StoryMap that you can showcase in future academic, professional, or grant applications.

Global-to-Local Systems Thinking: Strengthen your ability to trace how large-scale freshwater processes ripple into local economies, cultures, and ecosystems.

What’s Waiting for You

Hands-On Experience

Tackle real-world problems with two of the most renowned global conservation organizations.

Global Network

Learn directly from industry leaders and collaborate with peers from across the world.

Future-Ready Skills

Build knowledge in freshwater conservation, research methods, and science communication strategies that future employers and programs value.

Portfolio-Ready Deliverables

Create an Esri StoryMap showcasing your research, data visualization, and storytelling skills.

A Competitive Edge

Gain skills and experiences that stand out in roles across conservation, sustainability, policy, education, and environmental communication.

Why This Is Perfect for You

You’re 18–25 and excited to explore conservation, science communication, or community advocacy.
You care about how freshwater health impacts every community and want to protect vital freshwater ecosystems.
You want hands-on research and storytelling experience guided by The National Geographic Society and The Nature Conservancy experts.
You’re eager to translate global freshwater challenges into local solutions that make a real difference.
You’re looking for a remote, flexible opportunity that fits alongside your life.
You don’t need prior work experience or coursework in conservation or environmental topics — just an interest in learning more about freshwater ecosystems.