Interpretation and Research Interns- NICO | NPS NOIP19AC00022

Opportunity Information: Apply for NPS NOIP19AC00022

The Interpretation and Research Interns - NICO grant opportunity (Funding Opportunity Number NPS NOIP19AC00022) is a National Park Service cooperative agreement designed to strengthen interpretation, research, and visitor-facing education connected to Nicodemus and its historical legacy. The project centers on improving the overall program experience for visitors by supporting day-to-day logistics and quality control while also building a stronger set of interpretive products such as printed materials, exhibits, and educational curriculum. A major emphasis is expanding public access and reach, including translating interpretive materials into Spanish and offering Spanish-language tours so that non-English-speaking audiences can engage more fully with the site and its stories.

A key part of the work is research-driven content development. Interns supported under this project are expected to spend a minimum of 16 hours per week for roughly 36 weeks each year conducting archival research on Nicodemus history at the University of Kansas Spencer Library. The intent is not only to summarize well-known history, but to curate source-based information and identify lesser-known or previously unrevealed details that can deepen public understanding of the communitys legacy. That research then feeds directly into tangible interpretive outputs, including brochures, rack cards, visitor orientation guides, Junior Ranger books, exhibit content for the visitor space, and ongoing social media posts that keep the public engaged beyond an on-site visit.

The exhibit and interpretive updates are meant to incorporate the five pillars of NICO history, using them as an organizing framework to ensure that new content is cohesive and comprehensive rather than piecemeal. By pairing archival research with public-facing communication products, the opportunity aims to enhance both the quality and the quantity of interpretive content available to general audiences. In practical terms, that means visitors should see clearer, better-supported narratives in exhibits and handouts, more structured educational tools for youth and families, and more inclusive programming through Spanish-language translation and tours.

From a workforce and training perspective, the grant is also positioned as a public service and professional development pipeline. It is meant to expose interns to real-world stewardship and interpretation work while helping them build transferable skills in historical research, archival methods, content curation, exhibit and publication development, education/program design, and public communication. The overall outcome sought by the National Park Service is a stronger interpretive program at Nicodemus that is research-based, visitor-centered, and accessible to broader audiences, while simultaneously preparing interns to contribute effectively in related public history, museums, parks, and education careers.

Administratively, the opportunity is categorized as discretionary funding and uses a cooperative agreement as the funding instrument, indicating a partnership-style relationship where the National Park Service is likely to remain actively involved in project execution. The CFDA number listed is 15.931. Eligibility is limited to nonprofits with 501(c)(3) status (excluding institutions of higher education). The opportunity was created on May 22, 2019, originally closed on June 1, 2019, anticipated a single award, and listed an award ceiling of $119,916.

• The Department of the Interior, National Park Service in the community development, education, employment, labor and training, environment, science and technology and other research and development sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Interpretation and Research Interns- NICO" 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 May 22, 2019.
• Applicants must submit their applications by Jun 01, 2019. (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 $119,916.00 in funding.
• The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 1 candidate(s).
• Eligible applicants include: Nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education.

Apply for NPS NOIP19AC00022

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