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  • How is my contribution dollar used?

    At SCA, about 86 cents of every dollar you contribute goes to the direct cost of our programs. About five cents goes for the cost of fundraising and the remaining nine cents goes to cover the cost of administering the organization.

  • Where does SCA support come from?

    The National Park Service (and other agency partners) requires SCA to raise funds from the public to match the grants they make to us for the cost of our volunteer programs. Generally, they pay 77 percent of the costs to us and we have to raise the other 23 percent. That 23% comes from people like you, foundations, clubs, and corporations.

  • How does SCA rank among other nonprofit organizations?

    SCA’s efficiency ranks us among America’s top conservation charities according to the American Institute of Philanthropy and Charity Navigator.

  • May I see a copy of SCA’s 501(c)3 Letter, the Annual Report and the IRS Form 990?

    Both the Annual Report and the most recent IRS Form 990 are available to the public.

  • What time period is reflected on SCA’s financials?

    SCA recently underwent a change in its fiscal year cycle between 2011 & 2012. SCA’s fiscal year 2011 was actually a six-month period from October 1, 2010 to March 31, 2011. As a result, the FY11 financials reflect only a six-month period, not an entire twelve-month fiscal year. The fiscal year was adjusted to better align with SCA’s business cycle. If you have any questions about our financials or the information contained within, please contact Sharon Mezzack, Controller.

  • Is SCA accredited by the BBB?

    Yes!

  • I’m on a fixed income, but want to do more than my checks allow. Are there other ways to give?

    There are many ways to support SCA that allow donors to take advantage of underutilized assets (like low yielding but appreciated securities, life insurance policies that are no longer needed, or retirement plans that can be put to use for charitable purposes). Some SCA giving programs even allow donors to increase their own income stream while helping to sustain SCA’s conservation work and generating income tax deductions. Please don’t hesitate to contact us at 888-722-9675, ext 1600 or email us at plannedgiving@thesca.org.

  • How do I know if SCA is a registered charity in my state?

    Student Conservation Association’s name, address and telephone number may be found on the enclosed letter. You may obtain a copy of Student Conservation Association’s financial report by writing to Student Conservation Association (SCA). Student Conservation Association may be exempt from registration as a charitable organization in a number of states and jurisdictions. However, if Student Conservation Association is required to register and comply with laws related to charitable contributions, residents of the following states may obtain information as follows: ARIZONA: Financial information filed with the Secretary of the State, State Capitol, 1700 West Washington, 7th Floor, Phoenix, AZ 85007-2808, is available for public inspection or by calling toll-free, 1-800-458-5842. CALIFORNIA: The official registration and financial information regarding Student Conservation Association can be obtained from the Attorney General’s Website, http://caag.state.ca.us/charities/. COLORADO: Student Conservation Association’s registration number is 20043010625; Colorado residents may obtain copies of registration and financial documents from the Secretary of State by calling (303) 894-2680 or at www.sos.state.co.us. FLORIDA: FL Registration # CH5906. A copy of the official registration and financial information may be obtained from the division of consumer services by calling toll-free within the state, 1-800-435-7352 or 1-800-FLA-Yuda por asistencia en Espanol or visiting www.FloridaConsumerHelp.com. GEORGIA: A full and fair description of the programs of Student Conservation Association and our financial statement summary are available upon request at the office and phone number indicated above. ILLINOIS: Contracts and reports regarding Student Conservation Association are on file with the Illinois Attorney General. KANSAS: Student Conservation Association’s Kansas registration number is 251-053-5. The annual financial report for the preceding fiscal year is on file with the Secretary of State, 1st Floor, Memorial Hall, 120 SW 10th Ave., Topeka, KS 66612. MARYLAND: Copies of documents and information submitted by Student Conservation Association under the Maryland Charitable Solicitations Act are available for the cost of copies and postage from the Secretary of State, 16 Francis St., Annapolis, MD 21401. Phone: 1-410-974-5534 (1-800-825-4510 within Maryland). MISSIPPI: The official Registration and financial information of Student Conservation Association may be obtained from the Mississippi Secretary of State’s office by calling 1-888-236-6167. NEW JERSEY: Information filed with the Attorney General concerning this charitable solicitation and the percentage of contributions received by the charity during the last reporting period that were dedicated to the charitable purpose may be obtained from the Attorney General of the State of New Jersey by calling (201) 504-6215 and are available at www.state.nj.us/lps/cal. NEW YORK: New York residents may obtain a copy of Student Conservation Association’s annual report by writing to the Office of the Attorney General, Department of Law, Charities Bureau, 120 Broadway, New York, NY 10271. NORTH CAROLINA: Financial information about Student Conservation Association and a copy of its license are available from the State Solicitation Licensing Section at (888) 830-4989 (within North Carolina) or (919) 814-5400 (outside of North Carolina). PENNSYLVANIA: The official registration and financial information of Student Conservation Association may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling toll-free, within Pennsylvania, 1-800-732-0999. Registration does not imply endorsement. VIRGINIA: A financial statement for the most recent fiscal year is available upon request from the Virginia State Office of Consumer Affairs, Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, P.O. Box 526, Richmond, VA 23218; 1-804-786-1343. VERMONT: How Contributions Are Allocated Between Charity and Fundraiser – For information on how much of your contribution goes to Student Conservation Association, contact the Vermont Consumer Assistance Program, Morrill Hall, UVM, Burlington VT 05405, tel. 1-800-649-2424, or the Vermont Attorney General’s Internet website, http://www.arg.state.vt.us/. WASHINGTON: A notice of solicitation required by law is on file with the Charities Division, Office of the Secretary of State, State of Washington, Olympia, WA 98504-0422. You may obtain addditional financial disclosure information by contacting the Secretary of State at 1-800-332-4483 or online at www.sos.wa.gov/charities. WEST VIRGINIA: West Virginia residents may obtain a summary of the registration and financial documents from the Secretary of State, State Capitol, Charleston, WV 25305.

    REGISTATION WITH A STATE AGENCY DOES NOT CONSTITUTE OR IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL OR RECOMMENDATION BY THAT STATE.

Young Adults

  • I’m ready to apply! Where do I start?

    To apply to an SCA internship login to our online management system, MySCA. After creating your MySCA account you will be able to update your profile, apply for new positions, respond to offers, and much more.

    Please visit the How to Apply page to find additional information about the application process.

  • Can I get academic credit for an internship?

    Interns may be able to receive academic credit through the college or institution in which they are currently enrolled. Contact your academic advisor to discuss whether this is possible.

  • How do I find information about other SCA programs?

    If you’re looking for Youth Programs for ages 15-19, explore National Crews or Community Crews. If you are interested in seasonal or year-round positions for those 21 and older, explore our Field Leader positions.

  • I have a question that’s not addressed here. How do I contact SCA to learn more?

    Still have questions? Don’t forget to check out the How to Apply page. If you still have questions after checking out that page, our recruiting team is dedicated to helping you complete the application process. Please contact our team at recruiting@thesca.org.

  • I already graduated from college. Can I still participate in SCA?

    Yes! You do not need to be in school or affiliated with school in any way. A few positions every year have an age restriction (under 25), and that will be listed in the position requirements. Some positions are looking for candidates with a strong background in a particular area, so doing SCA with a degree under your belt makes you a more competitive candidate.

  • I just graduated from high school and am considering taking a year off before college. Can I participate in SCA?

    Yes. You must be 18 or older with a high school diploma or GED in order to participate in our young adult programs. Positions will indicate what type of skill set they are looking for, so be sure to apply for internships that fit your background. If you are age 19 or under, you may wish to explore SCA’s youth programs as well.

  • Is there an age restriction to participate in SCA?

    Most of our young adult programs do not have age restrictions; we have had interns as old as 75! A few positions every year do have an age restriction (under 25), and that will be listed in the position requirements.

  • I’m not a US citizen. Can I still apply?

    Yes! Non-US citizens who live in the United States are eligible to apply.

  • Are SCA programs only for science majors?

    We have seen a variety of majors participate: History, English, Art, International Relations, Business, Math, Spanish, etc. Some positions are looking for applicants with specific backgrounds, while others offer on-site training and only require that applicants be passionate about the position. Read through the position descriptions thoroughly to determine which positions are the best match for you. We offer internships in a wide variety of areas.

  • What if I’ve never been camping before? Can I still participate?

    Yes! Some positions do seek applicants with specific backgrounds, but others offer on-site training and only require that applicants be passionate about the position. Read through the position descriptions thoroughly to determine which positions are the best match for you. We offer internships in a wide variety of areas.

  • Do SCA programs run all year round, or just in the summer?

    SCA offers positions at all times throughout the year. Some positions run during the summer, while others run throughout the school year. Each internship will indicate the dates of the program, so you can find internships that match your dates of availability. Internships can last anywhere from twelve weeks to twelve months.

  • Is this something I can do while I’m in school? I’m looking for a local weekend opportunity.

    Our young adult internships require a 40-hour-per-week commitment, unless otherwise noted. However, if you are looking for weekend opportunities, be sure to check out our Events page for ways you can get involved in your community!

  • Are SCA internships paid?

    SCA internships are expense-paid. They provide a variety of allowances or grants designed to help offset the costs associated with traveling to and staying at the site of the internship. Typical positions include a one-time travel allowance and weekly living allowance. Many positions also include some sort of housing or housing stipend. Many positions are also eligible for an AmeriCorps Education Award at the end of service. Visit our Internship Benefits page to learn more. And don’t forget, there are also many non-monetary benefits to any SCA position!

  • How will I get to my internship site? How do I set up my travel?

    SCA provides members with a travel allowance. The travel allowance will be added to the US Bank card provided to you by SCA. The amount added is dependent on your site location. The standard amount is $650. However, you may be eligible for more travel allowance if your site is not in the contiguous US, is in a remote location, or requires a vehicle. If your position is listed as “local only”, you may not qualify for the standard travel allowance but may receive commuting travel benefits instead.

    Members are responsible for booking their own travel. We encourage members to look into booking flights with SCA’s official airline Southwest. They do not charge change fees or baggage fees (up to 2 bags.)

    Please note, this policy has changed from previous years. Returning members should not use our previous travel agency, Egencia, to book travel. Also note, that you are no longer responsible for keeping or submitting receipts. And, you can decide how you want to use the travel allowance. As long as you get to your site, the travel allowance is yours. Yes, we heard your requests for a more streamlined travel policy.

  • I’m a returning member and I can’t log in to my Egencia account. What do I do?

    Our travel policy has changed. Returning members should not login to Egencia to book their travel. Instead, SCA is providing members with a travel allowance to cover the cost of travel to and from the site. Travel allowance is dependent on the location of your site.

    Members now have the flexibility to choose how they will get to their internship site and how they will use the travel allowance to get there. This means you are no longer responsible for keeping or submitting receipts. If you book a cheaper ticket, the difference is yours.

    This change in travel policy is in response to requests from both members and partners for a more streamlined approach. Read the internship handbook for details on allowances and exceptions.