Since 2009, the Partnership for the National Trails System, with the support of its federal partners, has brought next generation attendees to its conferences and workshops. Hailing from across the country, these Trail Apprentices have brought valued perspectives to the trails community. A cornerstone of the program has been attending either the PNTS conference or workshops.

2024 Trail Apprentice Program

The Partnership for the National Trails System (PNTS) is pleased to announce the 2024 Trail Apprentice Program for emerging leaders aged 20 to 28 years. The PNTS Trail Apprentice Program provides scholarships to young leaders interested in a career in recreation, natural resource management, conservation, environmental studies, history, or a related field, so that they may attend the PNTS National Trails Workshop and participate in leadership development, career exploration, networking and educational opportunities amongst the National Trails community. The 2024 program will begin in August 2024 and end in February 2025.

This year, a small, diverse group of Apprentices will build leadership skills by working with PNTS on a project. The projects may involve developing skills in social media, fundraising, advocacy and policy, programs, and more. Apprentices will provide valuable perspectives to PNTS work and leave the program with hands-on experience and a greater knowledge of priority issues in the trails community. Each Apprentice will present their project to the trails community at the end of the program during a PNTS webinar.

In addition to working on a project with PNTS, the program will include orientation to the National Trails System, career exploration and team-building virtual sessions and attendance at the 2024 National Trails Workshop November 17th– 21st in Tucson, Arizona. PNTS will provide workshop registration, lodging, and a per diem for meals to those selected for the program. The workshop offers trainings and skill-building opportunities covering an array of topics important to trails such as management and stewardship, land protection, engagement, policy and advocacy and more. Those selected for the program will be an active part of the workshop dialogue, engaging in sessions and networking amongst the National Scenic and Historic Trail (NSHT) communities as well as many other communities not traditionally associated with the NSHTs.

Top Applicants will be invited for a 15-30 minute interview with PNTS staff.

This is a highly competitive program, and only a small group of applicants will be selected. Not every applicant is guaranteed a spot in the program.

Eligibility

We are looking for applicants between the age of 20–28* with an interest in the National Trails System.
Applicants must be available to attend the program orientation on August 1.
Applicants must be available for the Career Exploration session in September.
Applicants must also be able to commit to planning and participating in the Social Media Takeover in early October.
Applicants must be able to commit to participating in the January webinar.
Applicants must be able to devote at least 5 hours per month to project work and check-in calls with PNTS.
Applicants must commit to attending in-person sessions at the 2024 National Trails Workshop to be held in Tucson, Arizona from November 17th through November 21st, 2024. Travel to and from the event may include November 16th and November 22nd.

*If you are older than 28 and just beginning your career in the trails space, we still encourage you to apply and let us know why the program will benefit you.

Program Timeline

Project tasks and check-ins with PNTS staff will be ongoing. *Please note that the schedule may be subject to change.

2024 Program Timeline

August 1, 2024

2024 Trail Apprentice Orientation

This two hour online session will kick off the program with an introduction to the National Trails System and PNTS, provide an overview of the program and expectations, and allow time to meet and connect with your fellow Trail Apprentices.

September 10th or 12th, 2024

5:30–7:30 PM ET

Career Exploration Session

A panel of professionals working in the NGO and government space will share about their current career, how they got to where they are and provide advice on how to find jobs or pursue similar careers. Panelists will include professionals who work in various trail related disciplines.

October 1st or 4th, 2024

3:00–4:00 PM ET

Social Media Takeover Planning Call

Apprentices will work together to develop content about themselves and the National Trails System. Social media content will be posted throughout October and November.

November 17th–21st, 2024

Sessions will take place from 9am–5pm MT during the multi-day event

2024 National Trails Workshop
Tucson, Arizona

The National Trails Workshop will offer trainings and skill-building opportunities covering an array of topics important to trails such as management and stewardship, land protection, engagement, policy and advocacy and more. Apprentices will be an active part of the workshop dialogue, engaging in sessions and networking amongst the National Scenic and Historic Trail (NSHT) professionals.

December 3rd or 6th, 2024

Workshop Debrief & Webinar Planning

TBD: January 2025

2024 TAP Project Webinar

All Apprentices will share about their experience in the program and present their completed project during a webinar hosted by PNTS.

February 2025

Program Wrap-Up