Conservation Leadership Development Program (CLDP)

Five Kupu participants standing in a pasture, sharing smiles for a group photo.
Kupu participant in a native forest using a chainsaw to remove invasive species.
Two joyful Kupu participants taking a selfie on a beach with plant regrowth efforts in progress on Midway Atoll.
Kupu participant tending to an albatross bird in its nest.
Five Kupu participants in wetsuits on a small boat in Kaneohe Bay, displaying hand-painted signs that read 'One Million Urchins.'
Kupu participant carrying a bountiful bunch of freshly harvested bananas under a breadfruit tree.

The Conservation Leadership Development Program (CLDP) is a paid program for early professionals (ages 17+) interested in pursuing a career in conservation. In the CLDP, members are selected to serve with a Host Site (partner organization) that aligns with their skills and conservation interests. Host Sites may offer opportunities in the following fields: invasive species removal, native plant conservation, native wildlife conservation, community outreach, environmental education, and more.

The CLDP hosts 6- and 11-month terms, offering hands-on experience, professional development, and the opportunity to make a lasting impact in communities across Hawai‘i and the Pacific.

Now accepting CLDP Member Applications for the 2026-2027 program term!

Program Members Application

Host Site Organizations, please apply here:

Host Sites - Apply Here

Participant Information

  • Applications for the 2026-2027 program term are now open!

    Apply Here

    For further details, please visit the position description below.

    CLDP Member Position Description

    Program Information:

    • Positions may be offered at the following locations: Hawaiʻi Island, Kauaʻi, Maui, Molokaʻi, Oʻahu, American Samoa, Guam, and the Commonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands, Rota and Saipan

    • Seasonal (6-Month) or Yearlong (11-month) program terms

    • Full-time (40 hours/week)

    Review our Things to Consider for answers to Frequently Asked Questions!

    • Members receive a bi-weekly living allowance of $1,440.00 (before taxes) during their term of service.

    • Earn a Segal AmeriCorps Education Award upon program completion: Award of $3,697.50 for Seasonal term members and $7,395.00 for Yearlong term members

    • Health coverage offered at no cost. Members become eligible after serving for 4 consecutive weeks.

    Member Professional Development Opportunities

    • Service Days: on-island events for Members to serve together and expand their networks.

    • Service Projects: typically week-long, camping service projects hosted at conservation sites with limited public access.

    • Training and Certifications: throughout the term participants are typically offered the following opportunities to up-skill: Wilderness First Aid & CPR, Chainsaw Safety Training, Hawaiʻi Conservation Conference, and more!

    • Career Services: support from Kupu staff with resume building, interview skills, and job applications.

    • Kupu Workshop Days: personal and professional development workshops focused on self, culture, and conservation.

    • Kupu Career Pathways: in partnership with Arizona State University, courses are available for Members to earn college credit

    • Be at least 17 years of age by program start date

      • There is no upper age limit

    • Possess/be working towards high school diploma or equivalent

    • Have own housing and transportation

    • Pass a criminal history check

    • Comfortable serving in outdoor environments

    • Able to perform physically demanding duties

Host Site Information

The 2026-2027 Kupu Host Site Application is now open!

Host Sites - Apply Here

  • The CLDP is seeking partners across Hawaiʻi and the Pacific to serve as Host Sites. By hosting a Kupu CLDP participant, your organization can build capacity while supporting the next generation of environmental leaders. Participants can develop and strengthen projects, bring fresh energy and new ideas, and provide hands-on service in the field.

    Apply Here: https://kupuhawaii.tfaforms.net/350

    Visit the Information Sheet for further details.

    Thank you for your interest in hosting with the CLDP!

  • Benefits:

    • Receive a Full-Time Member at a subsidized cost

    • Kupu Staff Support from Recruitment, Administration, Budgets & Agreements, Member & Partner Care, and Workforce Development Teams

    Qualifications;

    Host Sites play a critical role as direct supervisors, mentors, and support systems for CLDP Members. Sites are responsible for creating a safe, structured, and meaningful learning environment that supports both participant growth and service to the wider community.

    • Sites must be either a non-profit organization or a Federal, State, or County government agency

    • Provide 40 hours/week of meaningful direct service in conservation and verify hours served.

      • Direct service = activities that address local environmental needs that causes an impact to the people and community

    • As an AmeriCorps program, CLDP service activities must be conducted on public, government, or nonprofit-managed lands and must not directly benefit for-profit businesses or partisan political organizations.

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