The Youth Conservation Corps (YCC) Program is a summer employment program for young men and women between the ages of 15 through 18.

Enrollment periods typically last for eight weeks, depending upon the regional academic calendars, and the enrollees normally work a 40-hour week. Projects may include trail building, improving wildlife habitat, posting boundary signs, invasive plant control, bird banding, simple construction, office work and general maintenance activities as needed.

Applicants are selected through a random process. No prior experience is necessary to apply. Enrollees must have parental or guardian consent to enroll in the program. Applications must be submitted annually to a hosting field station by April 15th.

The purpose of the YCC program is to:

• Accomplish needed conservation work on public lands.
• Provide meaningful employment for youth of all social, economic, ethnic and racial backgrounds.
• To provide youth an opportunity to comprehend and appreciate the natural environment and our precious resources.

Read more on Youth in Conservation Careers

-USFWS Jordan River National Fish Hatchery located in Michigan, Youth Conservation Corps enrollees construct the nature trail component of an outdoor classroom project at the hatchery.

-USFWS Mescalero, New Mexico, Tribal Youth Conservation Corps program, helping to support Tribal fisheries programs throughout the state of New Mexico