Accreditation process promotes quality Corps programs that have the capacity to meet desired outcomes for participants as well as meet the project requirements of the community and resource management partners.
Washington, D.C. – Today, January 12, 2017, The Corps Network is pleased to announce that four Service and Conservation Corps have successfully completed The Corps Network’s Corps Center of Excellence accreditation process.
The Corps Network is dedicated to the promotion of high quality Corps programming. Independent accreditation provides the assurance of quality that partners and donors expect. It also recognizes a Corps’ ability to provide participants safe, appropriate, meaningful experiences, and provide their communities with project outcomes.
To become Accredited, a Corps mush undergo an in-depth review of its general operations, financial management practices, risk management, governance standards, and field operations. The process involves a thorough assessment of the Corps’ key documents, as well as a site visit conducted by retired Corps directors and other impartial experts in Corps operations. Organizations that successfully complete the accreditation process have demonstrated their accountability to both Corpsmembers and their communities.
In addition to receiving general Full Accreditation, Corps can choose to invite additional scrutiny in order to be Accredited with specific designations that recognize their experience or capacity in one or more of four areas: 21st Century Conservation Service Corps (21CSC) Program, Education Corps, Workforce Development Corps, and Human Services Corps. All four of the Corps recently Accredited were also endorsed as 21CSC Programs, recognizing their designation as 21CSC programs by the National Park Service and/or U.S. Forest Service. Additionally, one Corps was endorsed as an Education Corps: this recognition is granted to Corps that provide programming designed to help Corpsmembers obtain a high school-level credential and advance to postsecondary education.
The four newly accredited Corps are:
- American Conservation Experience
21CSC Program
- California Conservation Corps
21CSC Program
- Greater Valley Conservation Corps
21CSC Program
- Rocky Mountain Youth Corps – New Mexico
21CSC Program
Education Corps
Simply preparing for the Accreditation process offers Corps the opportunity to review current practices and implement new policies or initiatives that can help streamline operations and lead to more efficient and effective programming. Once granted, Accreditation lasts for five years.
The four newly Accredited organizations will be recognized at The Corps Network 2017 National Conference, taking place February 12 – 25 in Washington, DC.
About The Corps Network
The Corps Network provides leadership and support to over 130 of America’s Service and Conservation Corps. Through advocacy, access to funding opportunities and expert guidance, The Corps Network annually enables over 24,000 Corpsmembers, ages 16-25, to strengthen communities, improve the environment and transform their lives through service.
To learn more about The Corps Network, please visit www.corpsnetwork.org.
Media Contact:
Hannah Traverse
The Corps Network
1275 K Street, NW – Suite 1050
Washington, DC 20005
Phone: 202.737.6272
Email: [email protected]