The Honduras Youth Conservation Corps (JPC, in Spanish) program is a leading conservation and youth empowerment program in Honduras. Founded in 2017 with support from the United States Forest Service (USFS) and managed by APAH since 2025, JPC serves as a seed to develop a new generation of young leaders with the technical skills and social and environmental awareness to address conservation and development challenges in their communities.
JPC Official Video 2025
Since 2017, the JPC program has trained more than 515 Honduran youth from 195 communities. Upon graduation, they have gone on to occupy vital roles in natural resource conservation as park rangers, green entrepreneurs, forestry scientists, wildland firefighters, agroforestry workers, and community leaders. Nearly 90% of program graduates are currently studying, have full-time jobs, or manage their own sustainable businesses. By 2030, APAH aims to recruit the next 500 JPC graduates.
JPC Youth learn a range of key skills for natural resource conservation: Fire Management, Watershed Management, Organic Agriculture, Trail Design, Mountain First Aid, and more.
Using a proven training methodology based on practical learning and community service, JPC develops technical conservation skills alongside personal resilience, equity and mutual support, and a commitment to themselves and the future of the country.
The program also generates a strong multiplier effect throughout Honduras, contributing thousands of hours of volunteer service in educational centers, communities, and protected areas with activities that promote local environmental education, digital literacy, youth leadership, gender equity, entrepreneurship, restoration, and other relevant community needs.
Young JPC student during an environmental education activity at an educational center in the department of La Paz.
The JPC Program is developed as follows:
Admission
Duration and Methodology
In 2025, national and international organizations joined the program as donors and funders.
Curriculum
Young JPC student during the Organic Agriculture module, sponsored by Cervecería Hondureña/Merendón
Certificate
Young graduates of the JPC program receive a certified diploma as an Environmental Promoter from the State of Honduras through the National Professional Training Institute (INFOP).
Graduation Ceremony of JPC Honduras in 2024
Local Alliances
JPC Honduras enjoys extensive local support and collaboration with municipalities, community organizations, national and international NGOs, as well as Honduran government institutions.
By 2025, the JPC program will be co-funded by World Vision, Cooperativa Coahcel, and Cervecería Hondureña/Merendón. Similarly, organizations such as Cáritas and Parque Nacional Azul Meambar, among others, support JPC's activities by providing supplies, facilities, and technical support.
Representatives of Cooperativa Coacehl and APAH signing a cooperation alliance.
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We invite you to join our efforts to help our young people build a country where they can thrive, fulfill their dreams, and protect their natural heritage.
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