Whidbey high school students with a passion for the environment have an opportunity to help promote the conservation and environmental stewardship of Washington’s most popular state park and one of the most beautiful parks nationwide: Deception Pass State Park.

Deception Pass Park Foundation is accepting applications from teenagers ages 14 to 18 for a year-long volunteer experience where they can learn more about conservation, restoration and how nonprofits work while networking with seasoned experts in the park.

Since it started in 2021, this experience has been allowing teens to explore career choices, improve their skills and create a strong resume, according to Dave Myers, who leads the program.

“It’s an excellent opportunity for them to grow in many different ways, in terms of everything from public speaking, writing, developing plans and goals,” he said.

The foundation is accepting applications through March 31, 2024. After submitting an application where they indicate their skills and interests, candidates will be interviewed either over the phone or in-person. The two lucky teens will be selected mid-May and will begin working in the summer.

During their time as volunteers, students must commit to attending monthly board meetings, representing youth on the board, and develop and complete a capstone project. They can also choose to work with other nonprofits as well if they need to complete a certain amount of community work hours, Myers said.

Myers said interviewers might suggest a capstone project based on their skills, interests and goals. For example, as part of her capstone project, former Teen Ambassador Samantha Zenger educated over 276 visitors on the impact of microplastics on the ecosystem by using a special microplastic filter in 2022.

Volunteers will receive a stipend for their commute, and can be enrolled in any high school on Whidbey. The program also accepts applications from Anacortes, Burlington and Mount Vernon, Myers said.

For inquiries, reach out to dppfedcommittee@gmail.com or visit deceptionpassfoundation.org.