Kupu Seeks Conservation Leaders

Kupu News Release 

Applications are open for the Conservation Leadership Development Program (CLDP) through Kupu, Hawaii’s leading conservation and environmental education nonprofit.  The organization also announced monthly living stipend will be raised to $2,560 for Hawaii residents and $2,320 for US Pacific residents for the 11-month term. Conservation programs on Molokai are among the host sites. 

Recent high school graduates, college graduates and young professionals looking to establish a career in conservation are strongly encouraged to apply. The application deadline is June 30.

The raise in living stipend, in addition to health insurance and education and career benefits, means CLDP participants will earn a compensation package valued up to $36,000 while addressing urgent conservation needs and jump-starting a career path. The package contains a living stipend of $2,560 per month, $29,440 total, an Educational Award for the year-long term of $6,895, and a Professional Development Reimbursement Program ranging from $200-$500 – a total compensation package valued at over $36,000 plus health insurance. 

CLDP focuses on developing the next generation of environmental stewards. This 11-month term runs from October 2023 through September 2024. Participants will be matched with a conservation host site where they will learn and serve alongside conservation experts. Programs are available on Oahu, as well as Hawaii Island, Kauai, Maui, Molokai, American Samoa, Guam, CNMI Islands, Rota and Saipan. This extensive network of partner sites offers exposure to the fields of ornithology, botany, natural and aquatic resource management, biology, marine biology, Hawaiian cultural studies and more. Upon completion of the service term, participants will receive a $6,895 education award and have access to the Kupu Pathways program, which offers college courses through Arizona State University.

Makana Naki served on the north shore of Molokai at the Kalaupapa National Historical Park. 

“I am hopeful and honored that I was able to serve in Kupu AmeriCorps. This program has given me the opportunity to gain knowledge, experience, and meet such great people,” Naki said. 

He shared advice for future Kupu CLDP members, “My advice and word of encouragement to the next intern member is to take advantage of the opportunity that you have to learn and grow through all your experiences. Learn to challenge yourself in doing things you never done before and make it an opportunity to grow and better yourself. Improve your work skills and learn through your mistakes.” 

For questions, contact conservation@kupuhawaii.org or call 808-735-1221, extension 2002.