The Intermountain Region ProRanger Program

The ProRanger Program at Texas A&M and Prairie View A&M University

We are in the process of moving the ProRanger Program from San Antonio College to Texas A&M University in College Station, TX  and Prairie View A&M University in Prairie View, TX. Our application for the 2016-2017 class is available. Send an email to Dr. Lavell Merritt the ProRanger Program Manager and request a ProRanger 2016-2017 Application.

lavell_merritt@nps.gov

What is the ProRanger Program Now

The ProRanger Program is a 2 year training program. We are recruiting highly motivated, focused, and adventurous students to apply to this program.

In order to be eligible you  must be:

• 1st semester junior when applying to the fall application. 
• You must have at least a 2.5 gpa. 
• You must be a US citizen. 
• You must be able to attend a ProRanger class at Texas A&M University or Prairie View A&M University during the spring 2016 semester, fall 2016 semester, and fall of 2017 semester. 

There is an extensive background investigation, drug test, medical examination and several physical fitness tests throughout the program. You must be physically fit to be excepted into this program.

Law Enforcement Training Program 

During the spring semester of the second year students go to Colorado Northwestern Community College to attend their National Park Service Law Enforcement Park Ranger Academy. Your tuition will be paid by the NPS. You will not be able to take your academic degree courses during this semester. Housing and meals are covered in the tuition. You will also receive a small stipend and travel support to attend this academy.

Summer Internships

There are two 12 week summer internships during the months of May - August. During the first internship you are working in a National Park, learning all about the NPS and gaining hands on experience in an NPS visitor center, giving public tours, working on trails, gaining useful skills in protecting our public lands. The second summer internship the ProRanger Cadet is a commissioned law enforcement park ranger. The ProRanger Cadet LE carry's out all of duties of a federal law enforcement officer. After the second summer internship the final ProRanger class focuses on wildland fire fighting, structural fire fighting and incident command systems. The graduate of the program will be certified in law enforcement, wildland fire fighting, structural fire fighting and incident command systems. Upon completion of the ProRanger Program and the student earning their academic degree they are eligible for non competitive hire as a permanent career US Park Ranger.

Please contact Dr. Lavell Merritt if you are interested in the Intermountain Region ProRanger Program.

lavell_merritt@nps.gov