The Project of the Year Award celebrates the important services Corps provide to communities and young people across the country.
Read more about our 2020 winners, who will be officially awarded at our annual conference Thrive: The Power of Community in Washington, D.C., February 9-12, 2020.
Congratulations to all of our Corps! Thank you for your innovation and meaningful impact on the community.
“Plan Bee” – The Pollinator Project
New Jersey Youth Corps of Phillipsburg (NJ)
Wanting to introduce young people to all stages of the food production cycle, New Jersey Youth Corps of Phillipsburgbegan offering training in the ancient practice of apiculture, also known as beekeeping. The program teaches environmental sustainability, helps Corpsmembers overcome fear of nature, and gives them a sense of responsibility and confidence. In 2019, Corpsmembers harvested over 40 pounds of honey, leaving plenty behind for the bees to winter-over. The program has had a far-reaching impact on the broader community.
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Rainbow Conservation Crew
Northwest Youth Corps (OR/WA)
The Northwest Youth Corps Rainbow Conservation Crew provides a space for LGBTQ youth to find community. With support from the National Park Foundation and project partners, the Corps fielded two crews in the summer of 2019, serving a total of 20 young people. In addition to completing important projects at several national park sites, Corpsmembers participated in 450 hours of education. Single-identity programs like the Rainbow Crew help participants feel freer to share stories, discuss common challenges, and enjoy the company of others with whom they identify and can be inspired by.
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Los Naturalistas
Urban Conservation Corps of the Inland Empire (CA)
In the past, Spanish-speaking families were unable to fully enjoy the national forests and monuments of Southern California due to the fact that educational and interpretive services were only provided in English. Spurred by the passion of their Corpsmembers, Urban Conservation Corps of the Inland Empire (UCC) decided to confront this language barrier issue. With support from the National Forest Foundation, UCC launched Los Naturalistas, a bi-lingual Spanish naturalist training and interpretative program. Under the guidance of two instructors, 12 Corpsmembers met every Saturday for over four months to learn how to lead stewardship activities and tours in both English and Spanish.
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Adult Community Experience (ACE) Corps
YouthWork Conservation Corps (MI)
The YouthWork Adult Community Experience Corps (ACE Corps) offers an opportunity for young adults with mild cognitive impairments, autism, and/or other developmental disabilities to have an AmeriCorps experience experience. Made possible with extensive local support and a partnership with the Traverse Bay Area Intermediate School District, the ACE Corps program engages participants in valuable community service projects, earning certifications, and learning skills in independent living, public speaking, and more. This program provides a model for how other AmeriCorps programs can engage autistic youth in meaningful service-learning experiences.
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