Priority for grants will be given to projects that successfully achieve the following objectives:

• Innovative full-time or part-time conservation job opportunities (minimum 80 hours per youth)* that include conservation education for young people, particularly urban and minority youth
• Hands-on implementation of on-the-ground restoration, stewardship, monitoring, and other conservation related projects
• Partnership building with diverse entities including state and local agencies, urban organizations, tribes, non-profits, corporations, and foundations to leverage awards with matching contributions to the project
• Mentorship and training opportunities for youth with natural resource professionals

* This program defines “youth” as a person aged 16-25 years old.