Opportunity Information: Apply for P17AS00203
The FY 2017 Great Falls Youth Corps opportunity (Funding Opportunity Number P17AS00203) was a National Park Service discretionary cooperative agreement focused on youth engagement, environmental stewardship, and public education at and around Paterson Great Falls National Historical Park in Paterson, New Jersey. The overall goal was to connect young participants with meaningful, hands-on conservation and visitor service work that supports the park and surrounding community while also building skills, work experience, and awareness of career pathways connected to the National Park Service and related partners.
At its core, the project aimed to serve several public purposes at once. It was designed to engage youth, community partners, and visitors in shared stewardship of natural, cultural, and historical resources, and to motivate youth participants to take an active role in protecting these resources in their own communities and beyond. Another major emphasis was learning outside the classroom: the work was intended to give participants real-world experience through on-the-ground projects such as trail repair, erosion mitigation, landscaping, and direct visitor engagement. In parallel, the project also sought to improve the public's understanding of the Great Falls area by supporting interpretation, programming, and assistance with visitor services, helping people better appreciate the natural setting, the site history, and the broader recreational and cultural context of Paterson and its vicinity.
The Youth Corps members were expected to begin with an orientation training that prepared them to participate throughout the summer, followed by any additional training needed to complete assigned duties safely and effectively. A substantial portion of the work centered on trail restoration and improvement. Participants were tasked with completing work on the Stoney Ridge Trail, including banking (leveling) three separate ten-foot sections along the ridgeline, removing debris, addressing erosion, repairing or replacing steps, and performing additional leveling in areas affected by erosion and heavier foot traffic. They were also expected to begin work on the Soldiers Heights (Vistas) trail, indicating that the program combined both completion of specific high-priority trail segments and initiation of new restoration work that could continue beyond the summer.
Beyond trail work, the project included routine grounds and site support such as clean-up and landscaping, along with helping staff with events and programs. Youth Corps members would coordinate at least one service day each summer and promote that volunteer activity with local residents and stakeholders, reinforcing the community stewardship theme and expanding participation beyond the immediate corps. The visitor-facing responsibilities were also significant: participants would answer visitor questions about the falls and local history, assist with Welcome Center and bookstore operations, create programming for visitors along re-established trails, and offer interpretive tours to both organized groups and individual visitors exploring Paterson Great Falls NHP and the surrounding area. Taken together, these duties blended conservation, customer service, interpretation, and community engagement, giving participants exposure to multiple aspects of park operations.
From an administrative standpoint, the funding was offered under CFDA (now Assistance Listing) 15.931, through the U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service. The opportunity was posted on April 20, 2017, with an award ceiling of $60,000 and an expectation of a single award. Importantly, it was not an open competitive solicitation: the notice stated an intent to enter into an agreement with the New Jersey Development Corporation under an existing cooperative agreement (P15AC01007) without additional competition, and that no applications would be accepted. In practice, that means this announcement functioned primarily as a public notice of a planned, directed award to a specific partner rather than a grant that other organizations could apply for during FY 2017.Apply for P17AS00203
- The Department of the Interior, National Park Service in the education sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "FY 2017 Great Falls Youth Corps" and is now available to receive applicants.
- Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 15.931.
- This funding opportunity was created on Apr 20, 2017.
- Applicants must submit their applications by Notice of intent to enter agreement with New Jersey Development Corporation under existing cooperative agreement P15AC01007 without additional competition. No applications will be accepted.. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
- Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $60,000.00 in funding.
- The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 1 candidate(s).
- Eligible applicants include: Others (see text field entitled Additional Information on Eligibility for clarification).
[Watch] Creating a grant proposal using the step-by-step wizard inside the applicant portal:
FAQs: FY 2017 Great Falls Youth Corps (Funding Opportunity Number P17AS00203)
What is the FY 2017 Great Falls Youth Corps funding opportunity?
It was a National Park Service (NPS) discretionary cooperative agreement focused on youth engagement, environmental stewardship, and public education connected to Paterson Great Falls National Historical Park (NHP) in Paterson, New Jersey.
What is the Funding Opportunity Number?
The Funding Opportunity Number listed for this opportunity is P17AS00203.
Which federal agency offered this opportunity?
The opportunity was offered by the U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service.
What CFDA or Assistance Listing number applies to this opportunity?
The opportunity was offered under CFDA 15.931 (now referred to as an Assistance Listing number).
When was the opportunity posted?
The notice was posted on April 20, 2017.
What was the maximum (ceiling) amount of funding?
The award ceiling stated in the notice was $60,000.
How many awards were expected?
The notice indicated an expectation of a single award.
Was this an open, competitive grant that any organization could apply for?
No. The notice was not an open competitive solicitation. It stated an intent to enter into an agreement without additional competition and that no applications would be accepted.
If no applications were accepted, what was the purpose of the announcement?
Based on the information provided, the announcement functioned as a public notice of a planned, directed award to a specific partner rather than a solicitation inviting proposals from multiple applicants.
Who was the intended partner for the directed award?
The notice stated an intent to enter into an agreement with the New Jersey Development Corporation.
Was the planned award connected to an existing agreement?
Yes. The notice referenced an existing cooperative agreement, P15AC01007, under which the NPS intended to enter into the agreement without additional competition.
What was the overall goal of the project?
The overall goal was to connect young participants with meaningful, hands-on conservation and visitor service work that supports Paterson Great Falls NHP and the surrounding community, while building skills, work experience, and awareness of career pathways connected to the National Park Service and related partners.
What public purposes was the project designed to serve?
The project was designed to engage youth, community partners, and visitors in shared stewardship of natural, cultural, and historical resources; motivate youth to take an active role in protecting resources in their communities and beyond; provide learning outside the classroom through real-world, on-the-ground projects; and improve public understanding of the Great Falls area through interpretation, programming, and visitor services support.
Where did the work take place?
The work focused on Paterson Great Falls National Historical Park and areas around it in Paterson, New Jersey.
What kinds of activities were Youth Corps members expected to perform?
The described duties blended conservation and restoration work (especially trail work), grounds and site support (such as clean-up and landscaping), event and program support, community service day coordination, and visitor-facing responsibilities including answering questions, assisting with visitor services, and providing interpretive programming and tours.
Was training included for participating youth?
Yes. Youth Corps members were expected to begin with an orientation training to prepare them for summer participation, followed by any additional training needed to complete assigned duties safely and effectively.
What specific trail project was highlighted?
A substantial portion of the work centered on trail restoration and improvement, with specific tasks on the Stoney Ridge Trail.
What work was planned for the Stoney Ridge Trail?
Participants were tasked with completing work on the Stoney Ridge Trail, including banking (leveling) three separate ten-foot sections along the ridgeline, removing debris, addressing erosion, repairing or replacing steps, and performing additional leveling in areas affected by erosion and heavier foot traffic.
Was any other trail mentioned in addition to Stoney Ridge Trail?
Yes. The project also included beginning work on the Soldiers Heights (Vistas) trail, indicating initiation of restoration work that could continue beyond the summer.
Besides trail work, what routine site duties were included?
The project included routine grounds and site support such as clean-up and landscaping, along with helping park staff with events and programs.
Did the project include a community volunteer component?
Yes. Youth Corps members were expected to coordinate at least one service day each summer and promote that volunteer activity with local residents and stakeholders.
What visitor services responsibilities were described for Youth Corps members?
Visitor-facing responsibilities included answering visitor questions about the falls and local history, assisting with Welcome Center and bookstore operations, creating programming for visitors along re-established trails, and offering interpretive tours to organized groups and individual visitors exploring Paterson Great Falls NHP and the surrounding area.
How did the opportunity connect to public education and interpretation?
The project sought to improve public understanding of the Great Falls area by supporting interpretation, programming, and assistance with visitor services, helping visitors appreciate the natural setting, site history, and the broader recreational and cultural context of Paterson and its vicinity.
What kinds of skills or experiences were youth expected to gain?
Based on the described duties, participants would gain hands-on experience with conservation and restoration tasks, workplace experience through coordinated projects and park operations support, exposure to visitor services and interpretation, and awareness of career pathways connected to the National Park Service and related partners.
Was this opportunity specifically tied to summer participation?
Yes. The description notes that Youth Corps members would begin with orientation training to participate throughout the summer, and it references coordinating at least one service day each summer.
Did the project emphasize both conservation and visitor engagement?
Yes. The scope combined on-the-ground conservation work (trail repair, erosion mitigation, landscaping) with direct visitor engagement (answering questions, assisting with Welcome Center and bookstore operations, programming, and interpretive tours).
Did the project include work beyond the park itself?
The focus was at and around Paterson Great Falls NHP, and it also referenced interpretive tours for visitors exploring the park and the surrounding area, as well as engagement with local residents and stakeholders through a promoted service day.
What does it mean that it was a "cooperative agreement" in this context?
The notice described it as a discretionary cooperative agreement. From the information provided, the key practical takeaway is that it was structured as an agreement (not a standard open solicitation) and was directed to a specific partner without accepting applications.
Browse more opportunities from the same category: Education
Next opportunity: Office of Elementary and Secondary Education (OESE): Office of Indian Education (OIE): Indian Education Discretionary Grants Programs: Native American Language (NAL@ED) Program CFDA Number 84.415B
Previous opportunity: Hurricane Sandy, Wreck Pond Monitoring, DOI Project #AC094
Applicant Portal:
Are you interested in learning about about how to apply for this government funding opportunity? You can create a free applicant account and receive instant access to our applicant portal that many business owners like you have benefited from.
Apply for P17AS00203
Applicants also applied for:
Applicants who have applied for this opportunity (P17AS00203) also looked into and applied for these:
| Funding Opportunity |
|---|
| OSERS: OSEP: Educational Technology, Media, and Materials for Individuals with Disabilities: Stepping-up Technology Implementation CFDA Number 84.327S Apply for ED GRANTS 042117 001 Funding Number: ED GRANTS 042117 001 Agency: Department of Education Category: Education Funding Amount: $500,000 |
| American Battlefield Protection Program Apply for P17AS00206 Funding Number: P17AS00206 Agency: Department of the Interior, National Park Service Category: Education Funding Amount: $89,100 |
| Rehabilitate Brunt Hickory Fire Road Trail Apply for P17AS00210 Funding Number: P17AS00210 Agency: Department of the Interior, National Park Service Category: Education Funding Amount: $39,891 |
| Structural Fire Protection Interns Apply for P17AS00217 Funding Number: P17AS00217 Agency: Department of the Interior, National Park Service Category: Education Funding Amount: $51,968 |
| Teach in India Apply for ND NOFO 17 101 Funding Number: ND NOFO 17 101 Agency: Department of State, U.S. Mission to India Category: Education Funding Amount: $85,000 |
| Scaling Up Women’s Entrepreneurship in India Apply for ND NOFO 17 102 Funding Number: ND NOFO 17 102 Agency: Department of State, U.S. Mission to India Category: Education Funding Amount: $100,000 |
| OSERS-OSEP: Technical Assistance and Dissemination to Improve Services and Results for Children with Disabilities: National Technical Assistance Center for Inclusive Practices and Policies CFDA Number 84.326Y Apply for ED GRANTS 050217 001 Funding Number: ED GRANTS 050217 001 Agency: Department of Education Category: Education Funding Amount: $2,000,000 |
| Urban Archeology Corps Apply for P17AS00213 Funding Number: P17AS00213 Agency: Department of the Interior, National Park Service Category: Education Funding Amount: $30,750 |
| Office of Elementary and Secondary Education (OESE): Office of Indian Education (OIE): Indian Education Discretionary Grants Programs: Native American Language (NAL@ED) Program CFDA Number 84.415B Apply for ED GRANTS 050417 001 Funding Number: ED GRANTS 050417 001 Agency: Department of Education Category: Education Funding Amount: $300,000 |
| Announcement of Proposed Agreement with the International Association of Wildland Fire Apply for D12AC00012 Funding Number: D12AC00012 Agency: Department of the Interior Category: Education Funding Amount: $75,000 |
| Creating a Palestinian University Research Hub Apply for NEAAC ACMEPI 17 006 Funding Number: NEAAC ACMEPI 17 006 Agency: Department of State, Assistance Coordination Category: Education Funding Amount: $1,000,000 |
| Gender Mela Apply for M NOFO 17 100 Funding Number: M NOFO 17 100 Agency: Department of State, U.S. Mission to India Category: Education Funding Amount: $20,000 |
| U.S. University Alumni Fairs in Pune and Indore Apply for M NOFO 17 104 Funding Number: M NOFO 17 104 Agency: Department of State, U.S. Mission to India Category: Education Funding Amount: $33,000 |
| Traveling Women’s Film Festival Apply for M NOFO 17 103 Funding Number: M NOFO 17 103 Agency: Department of State, U.S. Mission to India Category: Education Funding Amount: $29,000 |
| Outdoor Outreach Adventure Club Apply for F17AS00208 Funding Number: F17AS00208 Agency: Department of the Interior, Fish and Wildlife Service Category: Education Funding Amount: $105,105 |
| Videos For Empowerment Apply for M NOFO 17 105 Funding Number: M NOFO 17 105 Agency: Department of State, U.S. Mission to India Category: Education Funding Amount: $44,000 |
| Raising Awareness and Improving Access to Social Justice Apply for P17AS00248 Funding Number: P17AS00248 Agency: Department of the Interior, National Park Service Category: Education Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Opportunities for Social Research on History; Youth Centered Education and Programming Apply for P17AS00240 Funding Number: P17AS00240 Agency: Department of the Interior, National Park Service Category: Education Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| NCPE Interns at Joshua Tree National Park Apply for P17AS00249 Funding Number: P17AS00249 Agency: Department of the Interior, National Park Service Category: Education Funding Amount: $39,310 |
| Interns for MASI and NPNH Apply for P17AS00250 Funding Number: P17AS00250 Agency: Department of the Interior, National Park Service Category: Education Funding Amount: $65,751 |
Grant application guides and resources
It is always free to apply for government grants. However the process may be very complex depending on the funding opportunity you are applying for. Let us help you!
Apply for Grants
Inside Our Applicants Portal
Access Applicants Portal
- Grants Repository - Access current and historic funding opportunities with ease. Thousands of funding opportunities are published every week. We can help you sort through the database and find the eligible ones to apply for.
- Applicant Video Guides - The grant application process can be challenging to follow. We can help you with intuitive video guides to speed up the process and eliminate errors in submissions.
- Grant Proposal Wizard - We have developed a network of private funding organizations and investors across the United States. We can reach out and submit your proposal to these contacts to maximize your chances of getting the funding you need.
Premium leads for funding administrators, grant writers, and loan issuers
Thousands of people visit our website for their funding needs every day. When a user creates a grant proposal and files for submission, we pass the information on to funding administrators, grant writers, and government loan issuers.
If you manage government grant programs, provide grant writing services, or issue personal or government loans, we can help you reach your audience.
Learn More
Request more information:
Would you like to learn more about this funding opportunity, similar opportunities to "P17AS00203", eligibility, application service, and/or application tips? Submit an inquiry below:
Don't forget to subscribe to our grant alerts mailing list to receive weekly alerts on new and updated grant funding opportunities like this one in your email.