Local Conservation Corps develop young people in the following program areas:

Employment

Education

Skill Building

Job Placement

The 11 Certified Local Conservation Corps of California that are members of CALCC provide services for youth, primarily aged 18-25, in the areas of community and conservation work, education and job training. Over 2,000 young adults annually participate in the California local corps movement.

In the over 20 years since the first California local corps was formed, over 40,000 young adults have been a part of the local corps movement. Through the corps movement, which originated with President Franklin Roosevelt’s Civilian Conservation Corps, young people have an opportunity to work, earn, and learn.

Local Conservation Corps develop young people in the following program areas:

• EMPLOYMENT Corpsmembers participate in a program offering full-time employment, education and career development. A majority of corpsmembers have dropped out of high school and are people of color. These young people are looking for a second chance. Guided by supervisors and mentors, they work in conservation projects, recycling, community service, simple construction and other projects. For many participants, it is their first real work experience. Corpsmembers earn at least minimum wage and many earn more as they advance through training and develop expertise.


• EDUCATION Corpsmembers can earn a high school diploma by attending a charter high school operated by or in partnership with a local conservation corps. Other educational options and certifications are also offered, such as attending community college. Education is required for participation in the local conservation corps. A corpsmember can earn at least minimum wage, learn transferable skills, receive an education and take critical steps to become an employed and self-sufficient citizen.


• SKILL BUILDING AND JOB PLACEMENT Local conservation corps provide an opportunity for young people to build transferable skills ranging from operating a forklift to public speaking. Corpsmembers participate in leadership roles within the corps and are counseled on work and career options. Their corps work experience helps them to build a resume, be a part of a work team and learn useful skills. They also participate in community service projects to learn the importance of giving back to the community.

Conservation Corps provide an alternative to youth unemployment, incarceration, substance abuse and aimlessness. A national study found that youth conservation corps generate $1.60 in immediate benefits for every $1.00 of costs. The unemployment rate of participants after leaving the corps is lower than those not participating in a corps and the corps experience leads to successful post-program employment. Additionally, the study found that participation in conservation corps programs reduced arrest rates by nearly one-third. Local conservation corps provide a model that works.