Civilian Climate Corps

Education, interpretation, and youth programs play a critical role in raising awareness of public lands' value and engaging youth and the public in their stewardship. Through these programs, the bureau can promote safe and enjoyable visitor experiences, encourage participation in volunteer projects, and inspire community involvement in decision-making and young people's interest in careers.  

The BLM has long served as a model for student employment programs, recruiting youth from diverse backgrounds to work for the bureau. This is accomplished by working with federal and nonfederal partners to develop innovative models for creating career pathways for youth from all backgrounds. These efforts are critical to the bureau's future, and they help ensure that a diverse and highly skilled workforce will be prepared to take the reins as the next generation of conservation leaders.  

Raising the profile of education, interpretation, and youth programs will ensure that the public lands' health, diversity, and productivity are sustained for present and future generations.  

Corps members working on a project with the Gunnison BLM Field Office installing signs and metal fire rings at campsites along the Alpine Loop. (Colorado Youth Corps Association)

Civilian Climate Corps

For more than thirty years, non-profit conservation organizations have partnered with the BLM to help support its mission to manage and conserve the public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations. A significant impact of these partnerships has been the engagement of tens of thousands of participants, whose involvement as crew members and interns with the Youth and Conservation Service Corps organizations has proven to be an essential part of their career pathway and connection to our public lands. The BLM supports a vibrant program that engages youth to foster public lands stewardship ethics and build a future federal workforce. This work will continue by implementing the Civilian Climate Corps (CCC) program. The CCC will facilitate stewardship and conservation projects through partnerships with youth corps and conservation corps groups. The program offers participants job skill development, exposes youth to public service, expands understanding and appreciation of the nation's natural and cultural resources, and enhances interest and qualifications for conservation careers. The CCC provides work opportunities and education for young people ages 16-30 (and returning veterans up to age 35) in natural and cultural resource conservation, professional development, and scientific studies. The CCC will utilize the PLC hiring authority to offer an opportunity to attract and recruit entry-level employees to the BLM within two years of completing 640 hours of creditable service.  

Mission

The mission of the CCC Initiative is to engage young people and veterans in activities to sustain and improve the health, diversity, and productivity of public lands. 

Vision 

The BLM will leverage and expand its education, volunteer, and youth programs to support the Bureau’s mission to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations. Public lands provide significant resources for engaging underrepresented groups and economically challenged communities. Through targeted engagement, the BLM will develop future stewards and conservation leaders who are familiar with natural and cultural resources on public lands, will cherish their intrinsic characteristics, and help the Bureau ensure all individuals, groups and communities share in their enjoyment and responsible use. 

Participant Eligibility 

To qualify for program completion at the end of a participant's term from the CCC/PLC/Indian Youth Service Corps (IYSC), individuals must satisfy the following criteria:  

  1. Meets such eligibility requirements, directly related to the tasks to be accomplished, as established by the program.  
  2. Is selected by the program to serve in a position with the program.  
  3. Is between the ages of 16 and 30, inclusive, or a veteran age 35 or younger, at the time the individual begins the term of service.  
  4. Has received a high school diploma or its equivalent, agrees to obtain a high school diploma or its equivalent (unless the requirement is waived based on an individual education assessment conducted by the program) and the individual did not drop out of an elementary or secondary school to enroll in the program, or is enrolled in or has completed a degree from an institution of higher education and is considered eligible for funds under section 1091 of title 20; and  
  5. Is a citizen or national of the United States or lawful permanent resident alien of the United States.  

Title 42 Section 12591(b), 16 USC 1723(b), and 16 USC 1727b(a)

How to Get Involved

Throughout the United States, there are more than 140 credited youth corps. A youth corps is a locally based organizations aim to engage young adults and veterans in meaningful service projects and in the development of environmental stewardship. Service terms can range from a few months to a year. During this time, Corps participants not only gain significant work experience but also have access to mentoring and career counseling among other benefits.  

The BLM partners with youth corps and other organizations to provide conservation work and training opportunities. To join a corps, begin your search for available opportunities at the Corps Network Find a Corps Page. 

For additional information about Youth Engagement Programs or the Civilian Climate Corps, contact Michael Brown, National Youth Programs Lead: m55brown@blm.gov.