Research and explore a freshwater conservation issue and how your community can sustainably resolve it.
Submit your application ASAP.
Expect 10 hours per week, all meetings and events are recorded.
This remote Externship starts February 9th, 2026.
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.
This Externship is open to young people ages 18-25.
This Externship is open to applicants all around the world.
The National Geographic Society + The Nature Conservancy Freshwater and Community Conservation Externship is an 8-week, part-time, fully remote experience where you’ll investigate the health of our freshwater ecosystems and translate global challenges into local action.
Working alongside renowned scientists and passionate peers, you’ll research, analyze, and communicate strategies that safeguard freshwater ecosystems and the communities that depend on them. From examining water scarcity and freshwater pollution to engaging local leaders on watershed protection, you’ll play a pivotal role in identifying how your community can advance freshwater stewardship, all while honing the research and storytelling skills that will fuel a purpose-driven career in conservation.
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.
Tackle real-world problems with two of the most renowned global conservation organizations.
Learn directly from industry leaders and collaborate with peers from across the world.
Build knowledge in freshwater conservation, research methods, and science communication strategies that future employers and programs value.
Create an Esri StoryMap showcasing your research, data visualization, and storytelling skills.
Gain skills and experiences that stand out in roles across conservation, sustainability, policy, education, and environmental communication.
The National Geographic Society is a global nonprofit organization that uses the power of science, exploration, education, and storytelling to illuminate and protect the wonder of our world. Since 1888, the Society has pushed the boundaries of exploration, investing in bold people and transformative ideas, providing more than 15,000 grants for work across all seven continents, reaching 3 million students each year through education offerings, and engaging audiences worldwide through signature experiences, stories, and content.
The Nature Conservancy is a global environmental nonprofit working to create a world where people and nature can thrive. The Conservancy protects the lands and waters on which all life depends by boldly addressing the biodiversity and climate crises of the next decade. By maximizing our ability to affect change between now and 2030, The Nature Conservancy believes we can shape a brighter future for people and our planet.
Join our 8-week Externship with The National Geographic Society and The Nature Conservancy, and turn your interest in freshwater ecosystems into real-world solutions.
