; and (2) by striking subsections (a) and (b) and inserting the following new subsections: (a) Authorization (1) Resource assistants (A) In general The Secretary may provide individual placements of resource assistants with any agency under the jurisdiction of the Secretary that carries out appropriate natural and cultural resources conservation projects to carry out research or resource protection activities on behalf of the agency. (B) Eligibility To be eligible for selection as a resource assistant, an individual shall be at least 17 years of age. (C) Preference In selecting resource assistants for placement under this paragraph, the Secretary shall give a preference to individuals who are enrolled in an institution of higher education or are recent graduates from an institution of higher education, with particular attention given to ensuring full representation of women and participants from Historically Black Colleges and Universities, Hispanic-serving institutions, and Tribal Colleges and Universities. (2) Consulting interns (A) In general The Secretary may provide individual placements of consulting interns with any agency under the jurisdiction of the Secretary that carries out appropriate natural and cultural resources conservation projects to carry out management analysis activities on behalf of the agency. (B) Eligibility To be eligible for selection as a consulting intern, an individual shall be enrolled in, and have completed at least 1 full year at, a graduate or professional school that has been accredited by an accrediting body recognized by the Secretary of Education. (b) Use of Existing Nonprofit Organizations (1) In general Whenever one or more nonprofit organizations can provide appropriate recruitment and placement services to fulfill the requirements of this section, the Secretary may implement this section through such organizations. (2) Expenses Participating organizations shall contribute to the expenses of providing and supporting the resource assistants or consulting interns from