48 Members of The Corps Network Among First Group of Officially Recognized 21st Century Conservation Service Corps Programs
WASHINGTON – Last week 48 Members of The Corps Network were notified that they were among the first to be formally recognized as 21st Century Conservation Service Corps programs by the 21st Century Conservation Service Corps National Council, which is constituted by high-level officials from eight federal agencies. Yesterday the U.S. Department of Interior and U.S. Department of Agriculture issued a joint news release and blog post to formally announce this important next step in the development of the initiative.
Several years in the making, the 21st Century Conservation Service Corps (21CSC) is a bold national effort to put thousands of America’s young people and veterans to work protecting, restoring, and enhancing America’s Great Outdoors. Building off of 80 years of history, the 21CSC will reflect the desire for a conservation jobs program like the Great Depression era Civilian Conservation Corps that created much of America’s conservation infrastructure while employing millions of unemployed Americans.
“We are pleased that nearly half of the first 90 organizations to be recognized as official 21st Century Conservation Service Corps programs are members and affiliates of our network,” said Mary Ellen Ardouny, President and CEO of The Corps Network. “The designation of 21CSC programs is an important step toward realizing the goal of engaging millions of America’s young adults and veterans in service designed to conserve and restore some of America’s most valuable natural and cultural places. The Corps Network will continue working with our partners – both public and private – to ensure that the 21CSC, similar to FDR’s Civilian Conservation Corps, leaves behind a legacy that Americans will value and take pride in 80 years from now as we develop the next generation of conservation leaders.”
A list of the initial group of organizations recognized as 21st Century Conservation Service Corps programs can be found at www.21csc.org as well as instructions on how to complete a letter of interest to apply for recognition as a 21CSC program.
About The Corps Network
The Corps Network is the voice of the nation’s 127 Service and Conservation Corps. Currently operating in every state and the District of Columbia, Corps enroll more than 27,000 young men and women in service every year. Since its creation in 1985, The Corps Network has provided national leadership and promoted the growth and quality of its member Corps as they provide education, workforce development, and an ethic of stewardship to diverse youth who address important community and conservation needs. Corps mobilize an additional 289,000 community volunteers who work alongside Corpsmembers to annually generate 638,684 additional hours of service, at an estimated value of $14,140,463.
Media Contact:
Levi Novey
The Corps Network
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Washington, DC 20005
Phone: 202.737.6272
Fax: 202.737.6277
Email: [email protected]