Youth Conservation Corps Program

The Youth Conservation Corps (YCC) is a summer employment program for diverse young men and women aged 15 through 18 from all segments of society who work, learn, and earn together by doing projects on public land. Since 1970 the Youth Conservation Corps program has operated as a work-earn-learn program for youth as authorized by Public Law 91-378 of 1970, as amended. The program is administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture - Forest Service and the U. S. Department of Interior's Fish and Wildlife Service and National Park Service.

The purpose of the YCC is to further the development and maintenance of the natural resources of the United States by America's youth, and in so doing to prepare them for the responsibility of maintaining and managing these resources for the American people
YCC participants are provided an opportunity to increase their self-esteem and learn self-discipline. They learn work ethics and relate with peers and supervisors, and build lasting cultural bridges between youth from various social, economic, ethnic, and racial backgrounds.

YCC work projects take place in the outdoors on public lands, and include rigorous physical labor in all types of weather and in many types of environments – forested slopes at high elevations, grasslands, on and off trails, along waterways, and even in shallow water. YCC participants work hard 8 hours a day, 5 days a week with a diverse crew, supervised by a trained crew leader. Youth receive training in tool use, safe work habits, teamwork and more, and are provided appropriate safety equipment. Environmental education is also part of the work week. YCC work projects last approximately eight weeks and typically begin soon after summer break from school begins.

Who is eligible?

• Citizens of the United States or its territories
• Youth 15 years of age by June 1, and not yet 19 years of age by August 30 of that year
• Youth from all social, economic, ethnic, racial, and disabled populations are encouraged to apply.

What are the benefits?

• Earn Federal or State minimum wage - whichever is higher.
• Develop an appreciation of the nation's natural environment and heritage from their environmental and work experience.

How do I apply?

Complete and mail in the application form:

• Application Form
  • MS Word version -- 209kb
  • PDF version -- 24kb