Accreditation for Corps Programs

The Corps Network (TCN) is dedicated to the promotion of quality programming and standards for Conservation Corps across America

NOTE: Accreditation Postponed
To help Corps focus on the COVID-19 crisis, The Corps Network postponed the 2020 accreditation process to 2021. If you sent a Letter of Intent and an accreditation payment, your application will be rolled to 2021. If you are a renewal Corps and you requested a one-year extension, your payment will be applied to your full renewal fee in 2021. If you were going through accreditation to qualify for one of the grant-funded programs that require accreditation (OYSI, RAP, TIP) or to access our national cooperative agreements, your waiver will be extended through 2021 as long as you complete the accreditation process in 2021. If you have additional questions, please contact Allen Dietz at [email protected].

The Corps Network launched its Corps Center of Excellence Accreditation program in 2014. Accreditation is granted to Corps that can demonstrate:

A high level of accountability to funders and donors,
The capacity to provide meaningful programming to Corpsmembers, and
Quality results to community and project partners.

The Accreditation program is administered by an advisory committee of former Corps leaders, former federal land management agency staff, and other experts in Corps and youth programming.

To become Accredited, a Corps must undergo an in-depth review of its general operations, youth programming operations, governance standards, financial management practices, and risk management guidelines. The process involves a site visit as well as a thorough assessment of the Corp’s administrative documents and policies. Accreditation lasts for five years with the requirement that Corps provide an annual update to the advisory committee.

Endorsements

In addition to receiving general Accreditation, Corps can invite additional scrutiny to become Accredited with endorsements that recognize their experience or capacity.

21st Century Conservation Service Corps (21CSC) Program
Corps that have been officially designated 21CSC programs by the U.S. Forest Service.
Education Corps
Corps that provide programming designed to help Corpsmembers obtain a high school-level credential and advance to postsecondary education.
Workforce Development Corps
Corps that receive funding from YouthBuild and/or the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), or offer formalized training to increase work-readiness of Corpsmembers, provide connections to employers, provide connections to workforce-related supportive services, etc.

Learn more

Contact:

Allen Dietz
Director of Technical Assistance and Accreditation
[email protected]

Useful Documents:

List of Accredited Corps & their Endorsements

American Conservation Experience
21CSC Program

American YouthWorks
21CSC Program | Education Corps | Workforce Development Corps

Anchorage Park Foundation – YEP
21CSC Program

California Conservation Corps
21CSC Program

Civicorps
21CSC Program | Education Corps | Workforce Development Corps

Civic Works
21CSC Program | Workforce Development Corps

Climb CDC Conservation Corps
21CSC Program | Workforce Development Corps

Community Training Works, Inc. / Young American Conservation Corps
21CSC Program

Conservation Corps of Long Beach
21CSC Program | Education Corps | Workforce Development Corps

Conservation Corps Minnesota & Iowa
21CSC Program

Conservation Corps North Bay
21CSC Program | Education Corps | Workforce Development Corps

Conservation Legacy
21CSC Program

EarthCorps
21CSC Program

Environment for the Americas
21CSC Program

Fresno Local Conservation Corps
21CSC Program | Education Corps | Workforce Development Corps

Green City Force
21CSC Program | Workforce Development Corps

Greater Miami Service Corps
21CSC Program | Education Corps

Greater Valley Conservation Corps
21CSC Program

Kupu
21CSC Corps

Larimer County Conservation Corps
21CSC Program | Workforce Development Corps

Limitless Vistas
21CSC Program | Workforce Development Corps

Los Angeles Conservation Corps
21CSC Program | Education Corps | Workforce Development Corps

Mile High Youth Corps
21CSC Program | Workforce Development Corps

Montana Conservation Corps
21CSC Program

Northwest Youth Corps
21CSC Program | Education Corps | Workforce Development Corps

Operation Fresh Start
21CSC Program | Education Corps | Workforce Development Corps

PowerCorpsPHL
21CSC Program | Workforce Development Corps

Rocky Mountain Youth Corps (CO)
21CSC Program

Rocky Mountain Youth Corps (NM)
21CSC Program | Education Corps

Sacramento Regional Conservation Corps
21CSC Program | Education Corps | Workforce Development

San Jose Conservation Corps and Charter School
21CSC Program | Education Corps | Workforce Development

Utah Conservation Corps
21CSC Program

Vermont Youth Conservation Corps
21CSC Program

Western Colorado Conservation Corps
21CSC Program