Young Adult Conservation Corps
Young adults maintain and improve Hennepin County parks, neighborhoods and public spaces while building transferable job skills in this three- to six-month job training program. With only five crew members per crew leader, each participant receives personal attention in a supportive but realistic work environment. When they graduate from the program, they leave a lasting impression on the local landscape and take with them the skills they need to be successful in the workplace and in life.
Last year's highlights:
In 2010, 87 young adults participated in the Young Adult Conservation Corps program; 69 exited the program during 2010. Participants completed parks improvement projects, provided year-round maintenance services along the Hennepin County Regional Rail Authority trail system, planted nearly 700 trees and shrubs, and helped preserve property values by mowing lawns and shoveling snow for 100 foreclosed properties.
- 92% who responded to exit surveys reported that their opportunities for future employment were expanded through working with Tree Trust.
- 84% who responded to exit surveys reported that Tree Trust helped them to reach their employment goals.
- 73% who responded to exit surveys reported their participation in Tree Trust helped them improve their ability to manage money.
- 78% who responded to exit surveys reported their leadership skills improved as a result of participating in the program.
Check out our 2010 Young Adult Conservation Corps report (PDF) for more program accomplishments.
"[I'm] a lot more motivated than I thought; made me wanna go out and do something like college and not just sit around."
-Young Adult Conservation Corps participant
Recent News & Stories
Join a Crew
Joining the Young Adult Conservation Corps is a great way to earn a wage while learning valuable job skills.
As a participant, you will:
- Earn $7.25/hour with opportunities for raises and bonuses
- Work full time (39 hours per week) for three months or more
Some participants can work four days a week and attend adult education or GED classes one day each week.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the program, you must be:
- Between the ages of 17 and 24
- No longer enrolled in high school OR enrolled in a school that allows work credit and/or independent study credits
- From a low-income household
- A resident of Minneapolis or suburban Hennepin County
Application
Tree Trust is always seeking qualified candidates for positions on our crews. Please read about our hiring process and download an application.
Are you a past participant?
Join us on Facebook to reconnect with other Tree Trust alumni.
Program Partners
Tree Trust thanks our 2010 partners for supporting the Young Adult Conservation Corps.
The Bridge for Youth
Bloomington Parks Department
Brooklyn Park Parks Department
Cedar Park Elementary School
Are you interested in becoming a project partner? Click here to request information about hosting a project site for our crews.
Tree Trust
2231 Edgewood Ave. S.
St. Louis Park, MN 55426
Phone: 952.767.3880
Fax: 952.767.3650
