National Parks Business Plan Internship

The National Park Service, under the Department of the Interior, has issued a Notice of Funding Opportunity (Announcement # P26AS00055) to establish the National Parks Business Plan Internship (BPI) program. This cooperative agreement aims to improve the business management and operational health of national parks and NPS programs by engaging graduate students in substantive analysis and strategic planning. The program specifically targets highly qualified students from professional disciplines that are underrepresented in the NPS workforce, such as Master of Business Administration, Master of Public Policy, and Master of Environmental Management programs. Interns will work in teams of two or three on multi-week, on-site projects, providing them with in-depth training and fostering a lifelong stewardship ethic for public lands. The total estimated funding for this initiative is $1,700,000, with an expected single award distributed over four summer cycles from September 1, 2027, through August 31, 2031. Eligible applicants include state, local, and tribal governments, educational institutions, and private nonprofit organizations. The selection process involves an initial eligibility review, a comprehensive merit review scored on a 0-10 scale, and a risk assessment regarding financial management and past performance. Applicants must submit their proposals through Grants.gov by the deadline of January 4, 2027, at 11:59 PM ET. Required documentation includes a project narrative limited to 12 pages, detailed budget justifications, and various federal forms such as the SF-424 and SF-424A. Successful recipients will be responsible for managing all administrative logistics, including recruitment, onboarding, payroll, travel, and housing procurement.