Pilot Park Ranger Apprenticeship Program Builds Skills, Connections for Prince William Youth

Three Prince William County teens recently completed the pilot Park Ranger Apprenticeship Program, gaining hands-on experience, professional skills and connections designed to help prepare them for future opportunities. 

The program, a partnership between the Prince William County Office of Community Safety, or OCS, and the Department of Parks and Recreation, or DPR, provided youth ages 14 to 17 with the opportunity to volunteer alongside county park rangers and other staff while learning about public service and their community. 

“We created this program to give young people an opportunity to build positive relationships with trusted adults, develop practical skills and see new possibilities for themselves,” said Jennifer Kooyoomjian, Gang Response Intervention Team coordinator with the Office of Community Safety. “When young people feel connected to their community and have adults who are invested in their success, it can make a meaningful difference in the choices they make and the path they see for their future.” 

The 8- to 12-week program is designed to strengthen participants' sense of belonging and relationships with trusted adults, build confidence and community connections, and develop interpersonal and workplace skills. 

The graduates volunteered between five and 15 hours per week and received hands-on experience in park ranger operations, workplace professionalism, public speaking, emergency response and event security. Participants also learned about the work of law enforcement, public safety agencies and other county departments. 

“The program teaches youth skills necessary to be successful in a professional environment by fostering mentorship, teaching on-the-job skills and exposing mentees to a local system of government,” said Assistant Chief Park Ranger Justin King. “The program encourages problem-solving, strengthens confidence, teaches workplace expectations, builds professional connections, and enhances stewardship and community connection.” 

Participants worked with the Office of Community Safety’s GRIT coordinator, completing a pre-screening interview before interviewing with Parks and Recreation for final acceptance into the program. 

For Andrew, one of the program’s three graduates, the opportunity introduced him to new experiences and an unexpected interest in park ranger work. 

"I never thought I would really like being a park ranger so much. There’s so much cool stuff about it. You never know what you’re going to see, and that’s what I like about it. The animals, we get to engage in the community... I had a lot of new experiences,” said program participant Andrew. 

The impact of the experience was also evident to participants’ families. 

“My son was so excited to come here. He would lay his clothes out the night before, he just couldn’t wait to get here. This is a golden opportunity for anyone in the next generation,” said the father of a program participant. 

Prince William County Community Services, the Department of Social Services, the Juvenile Court Service Unit and Vicktory Life, a youth development and mentoring organization, also partnered on the pilot and helped provide initial staff training before the program began. 

The partners will evaluate the pilot program and consider opportunities for future cohorts.  

Learn more about how the Office of Community Safety works to strengthen safety in the county and explore Parks and Recreation programs and opportunities.