YouthWork is taking applications for young adults ages 17-26 to join our summer conservation corps as AmeriCorps members. Youth will receive a living stipend (paycheck), scholarship, and have an unforgettable experience – all while they learn vital skills and support our local project partners.

 

Program Description: Child & Family Services’ YouthWork Conservation Corps is a unique nonprofit program designed to develop young people and their communities through hands on environmental conservation projects. YouthWork crews complete various conservation projects for nonprofit and public partners across Michigan. The projects completed by YouthWork are mutually beneficial and achieve three objectives – first, they build job and life skills for our members; second, they save valuable resources for nonprofits and government agencies, as projects are completed at reduced rate by leveraging strategic partnerships and diverse funding sources; and third, they enhance and improve community spaces for all to enjoy.

How it Works: Participants will be assigned to a local YouthWork Crew with 2-4 other members supervised by an adult Crew Leader. Crews meet each morning at a common location travel to the daily service site together in a YouthWork truck with the necessary tools and equipment to complete hands-on projects. Crews complete various conservation projects for public and nonprofit partners (for example, parks and recreation departments, the National Park Service, US Forest Service, conservancies or conservation districts, etc.). Projects might include planting trees, clearing invasive species, developing or repairing trails, beach cleanup, historic preservation, light construction, etc. Most projects are completed in our members home community, with some occasional overnight spike camp trips or long-term spike camps offered to crews. YouthWork provides comprehensive training, transportation to and from the daily project site, and daily supervision.

Term Length and Crew Locations: YouthWork’s main office is in Traverse City, Michigan, though YouthWork crews serve remotely throughout northern and central Michigan and the Upper Peninsula. For the summer term, YouthWork participants serve a total of 300-hours over 9 weeks from May/June to August/September. Some longer terms may be available. Members average 40-hours per week, completed in four ten-hour days (Monday-Thursday). Some overnight/spike camp opportunities are available.

Member Duties and Responsibilities: YouthWork AmeriCorps Members must submit all required documentation and undergo required background checks prior to the start of their service. Members serve on a crew of 2-6 young adults, fully participating in daily service projects with other crew members and under the direction and supervision of their Crew Leader. Members will have a variety of duties/responsibilities which may include: trail development, rehab, or improvements; river/waterway improvements or treatment; removal of invasive species; riprarian habitat improvements; historic preservation; blight cleanup; improvements to public lands and parks; and other environmental and conservation projects. YouthWork AmeriCorps Members are responsible for completing pre and post surveys, service evaluations, and other required evaluations to measure performance objectives. Members are also responsible for adhering to YouthWork safety procedures, code of conduct, and all other rules outlined in the signed Member Service Agreement.

Benefits: As AmeriCorps members, participants receive a bi-weekly living stipend via direct deposit. The amount of the living stipend varies based on the members term length and is divided evenly by the number of weeks in the members term (somewhat similar to the way a salary is paid). For a 300-hour, 9 week term, participants receive a total of $3,000 throughout their term (about $650 bi-weekly pre-tax for a 300-hour, 9-week term). Upon successful completion of their term, members receive an AmeriCorps Segal Education Award (scholarship) of about $1,300 that can be used towards eligible higher education expenses (more at https://americorps.gov/members-volunteers/segal-americorps-education-award). Qualifying members may be eligible student loan forbearance and/or interest payments.

2.   Must be at least 17 years of age at the start of service unless member meets exception requirements for “out of school” youth. If younger than 18 years of age, parental or legal guardian consent to serve is required. 

3.   Must have received a high school diploma or GED or be working towards obtaining a high school diploma or its equivalent during their term, or have dropped out prior to the start of service and must not have dropped out to enroll as an AmeriCorps member. Members must agree to obtain a high school diploma or its equivalent prior to using any education awards.

4.   Must be a U.S. Citizen, U.S. National or lawful permanent resident alien of the U.S.

5.   Must satisfy National Service Criminal History Check eligibility and agree to provide information to establish eligibility and complete all required background checks.

6.   Must be dependable, work well as a team, have a positive attitude, and be willing to learn new skills.