Teaching, Serving, Learning, and Earning
DEC's long association with youth conservation programs began in the 1930s with the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) and continues today with several AmeriCorps programs managed by the Student Conservation Association (SCA). Through these partnerships, young men and women complete a wide range of conservation service projects, such as watershed protection, trail enhancement, wildlife habitat protection, and public education and outreach. Within DEC, the Bureau of Environmental Education in the Division of Operations and the Bureau of Forest Preserve and Conservation in the Division of Lands and Forests, coordinates our partnerships with AmeriCorps programs.
Today's AmeriCorps programs receive federal grants from the Corporation for National and Community Service. At DEC, AmeriCorps members serve full-time for 3-month, 5-month, or 10-month periods, depending on the program they are in. AmeriCorps members receive a modest living stipend and health benefits. Upon successful completion of the program, participants are eligible for an AmeriCorps educational award, used for higher education tuition or to repay student loans.
Student Conservation Association AmeriCorps Programs
Benefits: All members receive a biweekly living allowance, housing (or housing allowance), and health insurance. Members are eligible for an AmeriCorps Education Award after successful completion of service. Members will receive some or all of the following trainings/certifications (varies by program):
- Advanced Wilderness First Aid & CPR Certification
- Leadership & Communication
- Extensive Trail Construction & Maintenance Skills
- Basic Disaster Response Training
- Leave No Trace Outdoor Ethics
- Projects Learning Tree, WILD, & WET curricula
- Back Country Living Skills
- Resume, Cover Letter, and Interview skills
- Professional Networking Opportunities for future employment in conservation or related fields
Hudson Valley Corps
Application Dates: October - December
Program Dates: January - November (10-month)
Basic Requirements: Applicants must be at least 18 years of age and must pass a background check
For More Information: Contact Hudson Valley Corps staff at [email protected] or visit SCA Hudson Valley Corps
At a Glance: Twelve members serve at various DEC sites across the Hudson Valley region and expand the public's knowledge about the river and its resources. Internships span multiple conservation disciplines, including environmental education, trail stewardship, invasive species management, and outdoor recreation. They also participate in special events such as Earth Day and various festivals throughout the region. Additional AmeriCorps members serve other agencies at sites from Saratoga Springs to New York City including NYS Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation (OPRHP), land trusts, and nonprofit organizations.
Adirondack Corps
Application Dates: January - March and July - September
Program Dates: Summer Program: May - October; Winter Program: October - March (both 5-month)
Basic Requirements: Applicants must be between the ages of 18 and 25 and must pass a background check
For More Information: Visit SCA Adirondack Corps
For SCA Adirondack Corp Annual Reports: Visit Stewardship Contract Annual Reports
At a Glance: 26 members share a residential community in the Adirondacks and serve in teams of six in remote backcountry settings for up to 10 days at a time. Members work alongside DEC on projects such as trail construction, dry stone masonry, timber bridge construction, invasive plant removal, fire tower rehabilitation, and historic building restoration.
Civilian Conservation Corps Legacy
Many of the state forests and parks that we enjoy today were built by the Civilian Conservation Corps between 1933 to 1942. DEC's partnerships with AmeriCorps programs reflect the lasting legacy of the CCC. Young men and women in today's corps develop skills and talents, while providing lasting benefits to our state's natural resources and communities.
