Jessica Gordon
The Peregrine Fund's Summer Youth Volunteer Program
The Raptor High program supports students as they learn professional skills while teaching concepts of raptor biology and ecology, and sharing inspiring stories of conservation with visitors from around the world.
We look forward to working with a number of motivated high school-aged students this summer who want to learn more about conservation and further practice the time management and public speaking skills expected in a professional environment.
Applications for the 2026 program will be available HERE on January 1st, 2026!
2026 Program Dates*
Application Period Opens
Wednesday, January 1st
Applications Accepted Until
Monday, March 31st
Interviews
Throughout April
Notification of Acceptance
Saturday, May 9th
Team Training (Required)
Monday, June 1st
Small Group Training Session (Attend 1)
Tuesday, June 2nd 10am - 12:30pm or 2pm - 4:30pm
Wednesday, June 3rd 10am - 12:30pm or 2pm - 4:30pm
End of Program Gathering
Saturday, August 15
*Subject to change
Time Commitment
- The program runs for 11 weeks from June - August.
- Complete approximately 30 hours of service over the course of the program.
- Various shifts are available daily during our summer hours of operation.
- Volunteer around your summer plans!
Quotes from Students
"This experience challenged me to do the very thing I occasionally try to avoid, and so because public speaking was required I believe I gained more confidence in that area. I felt more at ease approaching visitors and engaging with strangers and as a result I think this is going to help me greatly in college."
"The volunteers and staff cultivate such a warm and welcoming and calm atmosphere and it is easy to see how much they love the people and environment around them. They are passionate, energetic, compassionate, and dedicated people and I am so lucky to have gotten to know some of them. It is incredible to be a member of Raptor High because of the lifelong memories, connections, and tools learned! I am more environmentally aware and know actions to take to improve the health of raptors (and thus other species and humans) thanks to Raptor High. It means a lot to me that this opportunity was available, fun, exciting, and educational! I think about being a science writer or teacher now. Thank you so much!"
"I learned so much more than I thought I would, not just about conservation, but about how to read people, and how to efficiently convey information."
Is Raptor High for You?
Raptor High Class of 2025
Jessica Gordon, CVA
Manager of Volunteer Engagement
Main Phone: 208-362-8687
Direct Phone: 208-362-8262
Email: gordon.jessica@peregrinefund.org
