Corps Impact Story: Civic Works Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment Technician Training

by Emma Fantuzzo

Civic Works’ Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment Technician Training launched in Spring 2025, with it’s first cohort beginning in April. The training is funded through Building Baltimore’s Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure Workforce grant. The program is run with ChargerHelp, a national leader in electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) operations and maintenance. ChargerHelp provides workforce training taught by experienced industry professionals. The curriculum includes classroom instruction combined with hands-on training to prepare participants for the SAE (Society of Automotive Engineers) EVSE Technician certification exam.

Program:

What is EVSE training is and why it is needed?

EVSE (Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment) training prepares individuals to install, maintain, and repair electric vehicle charging infrastructure. As EV adoption grows, so does the need for a reliable and well-maintained charging network. One of the most pressing challenges for EV drivers is encountering chargers that appear operational on an app but are actually offline upon arrival (ChargerHelp, 2025). This gap in service highlights the critical need for skilled technicians who can ensure the functionality and reliability of charging stations.

During program planning, Civic Works identified EVSE maintenance as a high-opportunity training area. It is connected to a quality career and offers a relatively low barrier to entry – making it an accessible and meaningful pathway into a rapidly growing industry.

Ongoing maintenance of EV charging infrastructure is essential for both current and future transportation needs. As noted by ChargerHelp (2024), skilled technicians play a key role in implementing proactive maintenance strategies, especially as equipment ages. These professionals are vital to keeping networks operational and addressing complex technical issues.

Moreover, the expansion of charging infrastructure – including home chargers, workplace programs, and large-scale depot stations for commercial vehicles – means the demand for trained workers will persist for decades. Continued investment in building an EV-ready workforce is necessary to ensure the ongoing repair, upgrade, and modernization of EVSE systems (The Electrification Coalition, 2023).

What is the scope of the training?

Civic Works EVSE Technician training module is a three-week training program covering electrical energy fundamentals, preventative and corrective maintenance, electrical codes and safety, EVs, batteries and EVSE systems through a blend of classroom instruction and hands-on experience in our lab. Trainees will gain practical skills by working on mock charging stations, preparing them for real-world applications. Upon successful completion, participants will earn a certificate and be well-equipped to pass the exam for the industry-recognized EVSE Technician certification from the Society for Automotive Engineers (SAE).

The technical training is complemented by job readiness and case management support, which focus on developing soft skills and addressing barriers to ensure long-term success. Additionally, after the three weeks of training participants have the opportunity to attend structured job search sessions and continue to receive a paid stipend.

Explain the capstone project that participants complete:

As part of the EVSE Technician Training, students complete a one-day capstone project where they head into the field to assess approximately five electric vehicle charging stations across Baltimore City. During this hands-on experience, trainees evaluate a range of technical and user-focused elements.

They assess the usability of each station, and attempt to determine where the source of electricity powering the unit is located. In addition, they analyze the clarity and visibility of signage for customers and verify the charger’s “level” classification (Level 1, 2, or 3), which indicates the charging speed and power output.

This capstone not only reinforces their technical training but also builds critical thinking and problem-solving skills by encouraging them to apply classroom knowledge to real-world infrastructure.

Participants:

Who can participate in the training?

The EVSE Technician Training is a temporary, and optional training offering for alumni of Civic Works’ workforce development programs (or currently enrolled YouthBuild members).

There has been a very high interest and excitement in the training amongst Civic Works Corpsmembers and alumni, and the application and intake process has been fairly competitive in recruiting for the last couple of cohorts. So far, 32 individuals have completed the training program.

What is the job outlook like for those who have participated in the program?

All participants in the EVSE training have already completed at least one prior training track at Civic Works – such as general construction, utility infrastructure, or solar/roofing. By stacking these skills with specialized EVSE training, graduates are well-rounded and highly marketable for a broad range of roles across the construction and clean energy sectors.

The technical and transferable skills gained through the program are not only relevant to the rapidly growing EV industry but also align with the needs of Civic Works’ existing employer network – particularly in the utility infrastructure space, where some partners are directly engaged in the development of EVSE infrastructure across Baltimore.

As a result, the training prepares participants for EVSE Technician roles and positions in related fields. The EVSE roles offer strong starting wages, typically ranging from $20 to $30 per hour in the Baltimore area. While the number of these positions currently available is limited, the continued growth in electric vehicle adoption is expected to drive increased demand for skilled EVSE technicians in the near future.

Moreover, this training serves as a strong entry point for participants to pursue careers in the electrical trades. It helps spark interest in the electrical field and can serve as a stepping stone toward union apprenticeship programs. Civic Works is actively cultivating a relationship with Local 24 IBEW to establish clear, supported pathways into electrical apprenticeships for program graduates.

Why is this initiative impactful in the Baltimore area?

This initiative is impactful because it connects Baltimore residents, particularly those from underserved communities, with real pathways into the growing green economy. By equipping participants with in-demand skills in electric vehicle infrastructure, the program not only prepares them for emerging jobs but also helps close workforce gaps in utility and clean energy sectors.

Additionally, as Baltimore begins to expand its EV infrastructure, having a locally trained workforce ready to install, maintain, and inspect these systems ensures the city can grow sustainably, while keeping jobs and economic opportunity rooted in the community.

Q&A with CorpsTHAT

by Emma Fantuzzo

About the Corps:

CorpsTHAT was founded in 2016 as a consulting organization to provide support to other Conservation Corps and outdoor organizations in making their programing more available to the Deaf Community. The Deaf Community encompasses individuals who identify as Deaf, Hard of Hearing, DeafBlind, DeafDisabled and late deafened. In 2018, CorpsTHAT became a non-profit organization with the goal to provide more direct Deaf led and centered conservation crew and outdoor programming. CorpsTHAT has always been led by Deaf and Disabled identifying individuals. While serving and supporting the Deaf community—and the many identities within it—is central to CorpsTHAT’s mission, they are equally committed to being part of and advancing access for the broader Disability Community in outdoor spaces, both through their work and lived experiences.

CorpsTHAT Internship Placement Intern kneels on a stone pathway next to their Deaf National Parks Service supervisor who is using a sponge to smooth out the masonry mortar, a wheelbarrow and budget with a mixture of mortar sit in the background.

Corpsmembers:

What makes CorpsTHAT’s Corpsmembers unique?

All CorpsTHAT’s Corpsmembers identify as Deaf, Hard of Hearing, DeafBlind, DeafDisabled or late deafened. They have the opportunity to work with Deaf land managers, Deaf leaders and staff, creating a safe and supportive environment to explore their identities while exploring their career opportunities within the outdoor field.

CorpsTHAT provides holistic training including career development, self-advocacy, life skills, leadership development, outdoor skills and certifications, job training and social, emotional and well-being skills. The majority of our trainings are provided in direct communication and are lead by Deaf, Hard of Hearing, DeafBlind, DeafDisabled and late deafened trainers.

What do Corpsmembers typically do after their service terms?

We have had Corpsmembers go on to work for other Corps programs as the only Deaf member on their crew. Alumni of ours have worked with their local communities to set up other non-profit organizations focused on the Deaf Community and sustainability. Many of our Corpsmembers return to our programs and apply to federal, state and private outdoor agencies and organizations.

Corpsmember Success Stories:

Maria Isabel Stull:
Maria joined our crew in 2022 as one of our crew leaders. She quickly jumped into the role, gaining hands-on experience and growing her leadership skills out in the field. Her time with CorpsTHAT gave her the confidence and foundation to keep moving forward in the conservation world. After the season, Maria joined an all-hearing conservation crew—a big step outside her comfort zone—but she brought the same energy and drive we saw in her here. That experience, combined with what she learned at CorpsTHAT, inspired her to co-found a nonprofit focused on agriculture and stewardship, alongside another CorpsTHAT alum. Now, they’re building something powerful that brings together sustainability, community, and Deaf leadership. We’re proud to watch Maria’s journey unfold and see the impact she’s making in the field.

Jemima Chong:
Jemima joined CorpsTHAT in 2024 as one of our crew leaders, bringing a strong background in conservation; she was working on her master’s in Science at the time, with a focus on conservation. From the start, her passion for the environment and leadership skills really stood out. After finishing the crew season, Jemima continued building on her goals by joining our first-ever Deaf-led Leave No Trace Level 2 Trainer Course. She took what she learned and ran with it, co-hosting Leave No Trace awareness workshop in partnership with CorpsTHAT, all while finishing her graduate degree. Jemima’s drive to connect conservation with community and access is what makes her story so powerful. She’s helping show what’s possible for Deaf professionals in this field—and we’re excited to see where she goes next.

What is CorpsTHAT’s message for young people in the Deaf and Hard of Hearing community who are interested in service?

Deaf and Hard of Hearing individuals belong in service roles, outdoor leadership, and environmental stewardship—and they can thrive in these spaces. CorpsTHAT encourages young Deaf, Hard of Hearing, DeafBlind, DeafDisabled, and late Deafened people to pursue service work not only as a way to give back to their communities and the environment, but also to develop leadership skills, build confidence, and connect with others who share similar experiences. Their programs are designed to ensure communication access, Deaf cultural competency, and a supportive environment, breaking down barriers that often exclude Deaf individuals from service and conservation careers.

Five Leave No Trace Level 2 training participants sit on a pine needle covered floor with tall pine trees in the background. Participants are leaning over cards laid out on the ground and signing and discussing the lesson activity.

Project Work:

What types of project work do crews from CorpsTHAT work on?

  • Trail construction and maintenance, including bridges and trail assessment
  • Invasive species removal and habitat restoration
  • Historic preservation (e.g. structures, stonework)
  • Tree planting, fencing infrastructure, landscaping
  • Stream restoration, water conservation
  • Maintenance of parks and campgrounds, urban conservation, facility upkeep
  • Support for disaster response efforts, when needed

What is an example of a project or program that CorpsTHAT has recently or is currently working on?

Last week, a CorpsTHAT crew partnered with Velomont, a Deaf-founded nonprofit organization based in Vermont, to complete mountain biking trail maintenance. It was a powerful and inspiring collaboration—our crew worked side by side with Deaf project partners, communicating fluently in their native language, American Sign Language (ASL). The teamwork was strengthened by shared language, visual communication, and hands-on demonstrations, creating an empowering environment for everyone involved.

Sam (Marlo) Bragg, CorpsTHAT Field and Logistic Director, is training CorpsTHAT Corps Members in trail maintenance. Kneeling at a drainage dip in the trail, Sam is signing a description of the drainage angles and slope as two CorpsTHAT Crew members watch.

Resources:

How does CorpsTHAT support other Corps who are interested in supporting Corpsmembers who are Deaf and Hard of Hearing?

CorpsTHAT still partners with organizations, providing  programming support for making their programs more open and welcoming for Deaf community members.  We provided education, tools and resources on language access, facilitating communication and working with and hiring qualified American Sign Language (ASL) interpreters.  We work with the organizations to create inclusive spaces by hiring and screening Deaf leaders, providing basic cultural knowledge and understanding when working with the Deaf Community, centering the Deaf, hard of hearing, DeafBlind, DeafDisabled or late deafened perspective and providing their members training, education and support in direct communication as much as possible.   In addition to partnering with organizations, we have since expanded our supported services to include 5 – 10 week long courses on ASL for the Outdoor Professional; partner trainings that are a 2.5 hour long  crash course in making programming more inclusive; and, ASL Interpreter trainings to expand the network of qualified interpreters for outdoor and conservation settings.

How would other Corps and their Corpsmembers benefit from the resources and ASL training that CorpsTHAT provides?

Corps gain an understanding and ability to work with their local Deaf Community and provide support to any Deaf, Hard of Hearing, DeafBlind, DeafDisabled, and late deafened Corpsmembers. They are better prepared to serve the general disability community. While the Deaf Community is just one part of the broader disability community and identity, learning ASL, learning how to better communicate and support visual or tactile communication, and understanding the Deaf and Disability identities from a cultural perspective instead of a medical perspective benefits everyone.

 

 

2024 Data Snapshot: Meals Distributed by Corps

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Corpsmember Voices: Maryland Conservation Corps Member Makaila Ballah

Edited by Emma Fantuzzo

 

At the end of April, approximately $400 million in AmeriCorps grants were terminated, impacting more than 1,000 organizations across the country. Upwards of 32,000 AmeriCorps positions were cut. Maryland Conservation Corps (MCC), operated through the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, was one of the more than 20 organizations in The Corps Network’s membership that lost AmeriCorps funding.

Though they could no longer serve as AmeriCorps members, roughly half of the 41 MCC members who lost their positions decided to continue serving the parks as unpaid volunteers. The Corps Network was inspired by their dedication to give back and get work done. We spoke with several MCC members in May. Since these conversations were recorded, the Corps was able to use non-AmeriCorps funds to reinstate all MCC members who wished to return. Please read our exchange below with Makaila Ballah, an MCC member who continued her service despite the AmeriCorps cuts.

Background Information:

Name: Makaila Ballah

Park: Patapsco Valley State Park (Central Maryland)

Background: Makaila is originally from Randallstown, MD. She first started with MCC in September 2024 after achieving a degree in Zoology from Southern Illinois University Carbondale. Though Makaila was apprehensive at first due to a lack of outdoor experience, she is very happy she joined. Since joining she has learned how to chainsaw, achieved her wildland fire certification, and has learned many other crucial land management skills

 

Q&A


What made you decide to join MCC? How did you learn about the program?

I had a conservation biology professor that got me interested in wildlife management and he recommended that I look into AmeriCorps. I was like, okay, sure, but everything I saw was more biology and ecology focused- there weren’t many opportunities focused on animals and even fewer were close to home. I learned about the Maryland Conservation Corps from a current member while volunteering at an invasive removal event. After doing some research about the program I realized it was a perfect mix of what I was looking for. There are eight crews across the state, but I specifically chose Patapsco Valley State Park because I would be able to participate in scientific data collection on wildlife and waterways. This includes eel ladder counts, water quality testing on the Patapsco River, and macroinvertebrate biological surveys.

 

Makaila smiling holding a chainsaw

Makaila in the field holding up a chainsaw.

Did you have a favorite project that you worked on?

I partially joined the program to learn more about invasive removal techniques. I hoped to learn how to address the spread of invasives like the spotted lanternfly and tree of heaven. We have a fall and spring project where we go out to Western Maryland to apply insecticide to eastern hemlock trees for protection against the invasive hemlock wooly adelgid. Spring Project was this past week and while we don’t have a job anymore, I and ten other people in the program still went out there and volunteered our time regardless. These projects, along with other invasive projects, are my favorite because I get to help organisms that can’t help themselves.

What was your reaction to learning about the AmeriCorps cuts?

We were directing traffic for the 18th century period piece fair in Western Maryland. We arrived Friday night and planned to stay until Sunday. After working for half the day on Saturday, all attending crews were told to meet park staff at noon- I thought it was weird that they were calling all of us but I figured it was for lunch. The park manager then told us that MCC had been terminated and that we were to return to our respective parks immediately. I was crying. Other people were crying. It was a complete shock. After that, we packed up all our stuff at the house we were staying at and drove left. When we returned to Patapsco we had to give back our park keys and were sent home.

What made you and some of your fellow Corpsmembers decide to continue as a volunteer despite the funding cuts?

I have a lot of free time now and so I want to be doing something productive.
When the cuts happened, DNR was having employee town hall meetings throughout the state. So I, two of my crew members, and five other people from various crews went to one of those town hall meetings to make our voices heard.

At the beginning of the meeting, the state secretary thanked us for our work as MCC members and assured us that the program would come back. Throughout the meeting representatives from various departments throughout DNR voiced that they needed more volunteers and manpower to get their work done. I raised my hand and said, ‘well is there a way for MCC people to get in contact with you guys? We’d like to help where we can.’

After the meeting finished, two people from forestry walked up to us and asked what we were doing at that moment. They asked if we wanted to help them plant trees from a previous volunteer tree planting event that wasn’t finished. We were free so we drove like 30-40 minutes to this random private owner’s plot of land, and helped them plant seedlings for the next three hours.

We keep volunteering because we care- if there’s work to be done and people are needed, we’re ready to do it.

 

Makaila in Maryland Conservation Corps gear and protective equipment

Makaila in Maryland Conservation Corps gear and protective equipment

What do you want people to know about AmeriCorps?

What I want people to know about AmeriCorps is that these are Americans who are helping other Americans. I’m not the type of person who’s super patriotic,
but people are people, and as a country, we have to care for others. These are young adults, veterans, and seniors. All are giving their time to teach people financial literacy, run food pantries, maintain community gardens, aid in environmental stewardship, help with natural disaster relief, and so much more.

These are things that go on in the background that many don’t think about, but a lot of people benefit from. I think that we should take this work out of the shadows. Honestly, more people should know and care about it. Because now that it’s gone, a lot of people are going to hurt.

What would you tell other Corpsmembers who are in similar positions to you right now?

We get to see the world, our country, and people from different walks of life- that’s a blessing. But still remember you have a right to be upset because this isn’t fair. You have the right and responsibility to speak out and speak up for yourself. If there’s any time when this is important, it’s right now because your and 30,000+ people’s jobs are on the line.

 

What are your plans going forward?

I really love my state so I was hoping to eventually work for the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, but with all the budget cuts that’s been happening I wasn’t sure if it would be a safe option.

After going to the town hall meeting and seeing how much DNR cares about our program and the overall success of Maryland communities, I once again feel confident in pursuing a career in wildlife management with DNR.

2024 Data Snapshot: Miles of Trails Built or Improved by Corps

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Corpsmember Voices: Maryland Conservation Corps Member Carly Brukiewa

Edited by Hannah Traverse

 

At the end of April, approximately $400 million in AmeriCorps grants were terminated, impacting more than 1,000 organizations across the country. Upwards of 32,000 AmeriCorps positions were cut. Maryland Conservation Corps (MCC), operated through the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, was one of the more than 20 organizations in The Corps Network’s membership that lost AmeriCorps funding.

Though they could no longer serve as AmeriCorps members, roughly half of the 41 MCC members who lost their positions decided to continue serving the parks as unpaid volunteers. The Corps Network was inspired by their dedication to give back and get work done. We spoke with several MCC members in May. Since these conversations were recorded, the Corps was able to use non-AmeriCorps funds to reinstate all MCC members who wished to return. Please read our exchange below with Carly Brukiewa, an MCC member from Assateague State Park who continued her service despite the AmeriCorps cuts. Carly recently transitioned from her MCC position to a seasonal naturalist position at Assateague State Park.

 

Background Information:

Name: Carly Brukiewa

Park: Assateague State Park (Eastern Maryland)

Background: Carly is originally from Glen Burnie, MD, just south of Baltimore. She served her first term with MCC from September 2022 to August 2023. She then completed a seasonal position at Shenandoah National Park through Conservation Legacy and the Scientists in Parks program. She rejoined Maryland Conservation Corps in September 2024.

 

Q&A

 

What made you decide to join MCC? Did you have outdoor experience? Had you done similar programs in the past, or did you study conservation in school?

In college, I majored in environmental science, and I minored in history; I had an idea that I was interested in working in parks. For my college, you had to do a capstone – an internship or a work study in your chosen field. I did mine with Patapsco Valley State Park. I worked a season there, mostly doing similar work to their seasonal rangers; so, day-to-day park operations. I really enjoyed it. Some of the other seasonal workers were planning to join MCC at the end of the summer; I couldn’t join then because I was still finishing school. I finished college and did another season at Patapsco Valley State Park, but I was looking to do more. I knew people in MCC and they encouraged me to apply.

I hoped to come out to Assateague; luckily, I was chosen here because I’m really interested in environmental education. My mom is a teacher. I was raised around this kind of stuff. I  think that education is the most valuable way we can get people to appreciate and enjoy the environment.

 

Young woman holds a small barred owl on her gloved left hand.

Carly with an owl. Raptors that can not be released to the wild are cared for by MCC members. The owls participate in educational lectures.

Tell me about your day-to-day. What was your role in MCC?

Oh, gosh! We do so many things. But here at Assateague, and specifically this time of year, we do quite a bit of environmental education and other interpretive work. We go to schools and teach lessons to children. We’re also getting ready to start our field trip season, where many local schools and community groups come to the park and we do environmental education for them.

Another main duty at Assateague is animal care. Maryland Park Service has a program called Scales and Tales, which is where they take in non-releasable animals that are native to Maryland and use them for education. We have a collection of reptiles, raptors, and some aquatic animals. We feed them, change water in tanks, and do other tasks.

In addition to that, we do park improvement projects, we maintain trails…we travel across the state and do other kinds of projects – it can be chainsaw work, trail building, invasive species removal…

 

What was your reaction to learning about the AmeriCorps cuts?

I was very shocked. I mean, obviously I knew things like this had been happening, but I thought we would be safe at least for this year, that we would be able push through the last couple months of our term. I never thought something would happen to us now.

When I first learned about it, it was just like, “Oh, wow! That is not great.” And then it kind of hit me. And I started to think about all the things that my crew does, and all the things that we’re relied upon for. I was obviously a little worried for myself – it’s not so great to lose something that you’re counting on. But MCC does a lot for the park service, and consequently the public. All these kids that are supposed to come for field trips – is that still going to happen? All the summer programs we were supposed to participate in…all the events we were supposed to plan…is any of that still going to happen without MCC? The Park Service is resilient, but to cut 41 people suddenly – that’s a lot to cope with. So, I thought about myself. But I really thought about the consequences this is going to have for the Park Service and the public.

I smile because you know, what else can I do? I had my cry when I first found out – everyone should get to feel their feelings – but me being upset now doesn’t help anything. All I can do is push through in this moment and do what I can to help MCC.

 

In a pavilion on the beach, a young woman sits behind a desk covered in shells, starfish, and other materials used for educating the public.

Interpretive work is an important responsibility for many MCC members.

What has happened since you found out your AmeriCorps position had been terminated?

When we found out, the next day we had a large annual event planned, and my first reaction was, “Well, I’m still going to come. I’m still going to volunteer my time.” I’d been working hard for this event to happen, and I’ve been looking forward to it and, in a way, I was like, “Well, I’m not gonna let them take that from me, too.”

So, me and several of my crewmembers all volunteered the next day, and it was nice to just be around each other. Since then, I took a few days. And then, I said. You know, if you guys want me to volunteer while we’re waiting*, the other option is to sit around and wait, and that feels worse than anything.

So, I’ve been volunteering. It’s field trip season, so mostly for things related to that, or things like animal care – daily tasks that we would be doing otherwise. The park can try to find people to cover, but then it puts so much more work on rangers and other park staff who are kind of already overburdened. While I’m here and I’m kind of waiting for something to happen, I might as well help out.

Fortunately, on my own personal behalf, since it was my second year of MCC and my third AmeriCorps program, I knew I wasn’t going to be doing another year of MCC after this, so I had applied for seasonal work. I was fortunately hired for a contract that would have started after my MCC graduation. Until there are other answers, the hope is to possibly get that moved up so that I would still be here at Assateague and doing very similar work.

So, I’m just trying to stay busy and help out. You know, we live here on the park premises – that was one of the things that was supplied to us by MCC. Members receive low-cost housing at the park. They’ve been kind enough to let us ride it out in our park housing for the time-being while they figure things out. I can’t imagine just living here and looking out the window and watching people do the work that I was supposed to be doing. I can at least be of some help, because I love my job – it’s not just work

*Following the cuts, MCC members were let go while the park worked to find alternative funding to re-engage them in the program. MCC has since secured the funding to be able to reinstate members.

 

Young woman holds up a sapling and stands in front of two buckets full of saplings to be planted.

Carly planting native species.

You touched on this, but you can talk a bit about what motivates you to keep going?

Well, part of it is that I really love my job. I’m really passionate about the environment and environmental education. My dream is to work for the Park Service in a full-time capacity one day. For the better part of the last four years, I’ve been working for the Park Service, so I feel very entrenched in the Maryland Park Service community. And you know, while I’m struggling with this very sudden departure from what I was expecting to happen for the end of my AmeriCorps term, it’s really hard for me to watch this community that I’ve been in also struggle. It’s affecting the AmeriCorps members, but it’s also affecting the Park Service. It’s going to affect our local communities.

I’m fortunate to be able to stay and help. I don’t see how I can’t. I care about the community, and I care about doing what I’m doing. And I’ve been so looking forward to doing all these things… for field trip season and for the summer, and to be excited for it all year, and then have it taken. Again, it’s that thought of, “They can’t take this from me, too.”

 

What would you say is the mood among your fellow MCC members now?

I think it’s shifting as time goes on. When it first happened, it was obviously quite shocking and somber. Then there was a sense of rallying around. We might not be able to serve in AmeriCorps, but we’ve spent the last seven months working and living and serving together. If we aren’t AmeriCorps members anymore, that doesn’t mean we can’t maintain that community.

Sadly, not everyone is fortunate to be able to wait for weeks for more news. People are starting to look at what their options are, but many of my fellow Conservation Corps members are volunteering because they feel like I do. They made commitments to events, to the parks, to communities. Overall, there’s a feeling that we’re all in this together. These are really motivated individuals.

 

What would you tell people who don’t know much about AmeriCorps? What would you want them to understand?

We’re often thanked by members of the public for our service. And it used to be something I really hated because that’s something you say to military service members, and it feels awkward. And to me, this never really felt like a chore. In the past, people used to say thank you with a lot of joy and happiness, but in the past three months, people say it with a sense of pity or fear in their eyes. Now that this opportunity to serve our communities has been taken away, I can see what they saw.

I think AmeriCorps is one of the truest ways that we can serve our country. Obviously excluding the military, but it’s a way to serve our communities right where we grew up, or communities across the country where we didn’t grow up. We are directly serving our communities, not for the money – we make a living stipend – but for nothing more than love and care for the communities that we work in. To anyone who thinks AmeriCorps is a waste, I would tell them to please meet an AmeriCorps member and ask them why they do what they do. It’s not to get rich, and it’s not just ‘because I need a job.’ It’s because they have a genuine passion for serving people and the community.

#ServeOutdoors Video & Photo Contest

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2024 Data Snapshot: Hazardous Fuels Reduced by Corps

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ACE at Andersonville National Historic Site

By: Emma Fantuzzo

About the CPA Team:

With support from the National Park Foundation, The Corps Network created the Corps Project Assistance (CPA) Team in 2022 to aid the National Park Service (NPS) in scoping and creating cost estimates for facility-related projects at small and medium-size parks across the country. These parks often lack the staff capacity and funding to undertake maintenance work on their own. The projects, which are funded through the Great American Outdoors Act/Legacy Restoration Fund, are meant to be carried out by crews consisting of NPS staff and Service and Conservation Corps members.

The CPA Team has scoped projects across the country, several of which have been completed. Among other locations, the finished work includes historic preservation projects at Camp Nelson National Monument, Andrew Johnson National Historic Site, Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historic Park, and Andersonville National Historic Site.

Andersonville National Historic Site is a National Cemetery and Confederate prison camp created during the Civil War. Over 45,000 Union soldiers were imprisoned there during the camp’s existence; its horrific living conditions led to the deaths of nearly 13,000 men. Today, the site serves as both a cemetery for veterans and a reminder of the great sacrifice made by Union troops. Partnering with American Conservation Experience, the site received assistance from several crews for the maintenance and upkeep of this sacred historic resting place.

About the Project:

American Conservation Experience (ACE) worked with Andersonville National Historic Site (ANDE) during late summer and through the end of 2024. ACE sent several crews of six to eight members in eight-day cycles to the site throughout this time. As with many small National Park Service sites, limited staff capacity at ANDE means all help is welcome. During their tenure, Corpsmembers participated in everything from historic preservation and interpretation to helping dig graves for veterans being buried at the site.

Impact on Corpsmembers:

During their service term, crews camped at ANDE in a wooded area. They woke up early each day and began working on tasks the NPS staff needed support with. While the crew noted that sleeping next to a graveyard could be spooky, it also helped them connect with the work they were doing on a deeper level.

Crew leader Jonathan Casado shared that the crew’s day began with meeting the NPS staff at 7:00 a.m.. Corpsmembers learned to use different tools to dig post holes, measure and dig graves uniformly, and—most impactfully for Casado—they learned their limits when it came to working in the heat and gained an appreciation for maintaining respect in a sacred space.

The site had a deep emotional impact on the Corpsmembers who served there. The gravity of what the site represents was felt not only during maintenance and burial preparation but also through interpretive work. Casado’s crew had a unique experience being asked to help reenact the Civil War camp, allowing visitors to better understand the terrible living conditions and treatment of the prisoners who suffered there.

Casado shared that Corpsmembers were outfitted in Civil War-era attire and sat around the encampment where the prisoners had been held. The crew used the clothing they were given for sun protection and had mock food consisting of cornmeal and strips of pork. They started a fire to cook over and experienced firsthand how hard life would be for a prisoner of war. According to Casado, “It put things into perspective. You’re sitting in the heat thinking, ‘Wow, it must have been so much worse back then—at least we can get water.’”

From this experience, Casado believes that Corpsmembers gained a better understanding of the importance of historic preservation. He shared, “Sometimes crews have a difficult time conceptualizing why [historic preservation] is important because a lot of people come in with environmental backgrounds. It’s relevant because it’s our American history.”

Many Corpsmembers who may not have been previously exposed to historic preservation learn new skills, become more interested and connected to history, and may even consider pursuing a career in the field. Working with smaller parks also allows Corpsmembers to form close relationships with park staff.

Impact on the Site:

With smaller staff sizes and ongoing funding cuts, partnerships between parks and Corps are more important than ever. Corps can send in crews to serve as extra hands, allowing staff to focus on other time-sensitive projects. Casado spoke about the bond his crew formed with park staff, even being invited over for gumbo one evening.

He shared, “I’ve been on so many different smaller park projects where they’ve been so forthcoming, offering so much great advice to me and my crew.”

Parks interested in working with Corps should remember to be patient. Crews are often encountering this type of work for the first time, and many members are fresh out of high school and still developing the maturity they’ll gain through Corps experiences. When park staff lead by example and set a positive tone, Corpsmembers become excited about the work and truly value the guidance they receive from staff.