History
During the Great Depression, President Franklin Roosevelt instituted a public works program designed to engage young men in conservation work across the nation. In exchange for building parks, clearing trails, fighting forest fires and planting trees, these young men were offered housing, skilled training, and a small stipend that would support their families back home. This program, known as the Civilian Conservation Corps or “CCC” became one of the most recognizable programs of the New Deal and helped hundreds of thousands of Americans while promoting environmental stewardship.
The impact of the CCC’s service work can still be seen across the state and nation today. From Allegany and Harriman State Parks, to Niagara Falls and the walkways over Letchworth Falls, CCC members helped create access and build some of New York’s most treasured outdoor spaces.
The Excelsior Conservation Corps will carry on the CCC’s legacy of environmental stewardship, providing young New Yorkers with the chance to be actively involved in the protection and enhancement of their state’s natural environment. The ECC members will not only leave a lasting impact on the communities they serve, but will carry the skills, confidence, and pride they gain into their lives far beyond their term of service.
Partnerships
The Excelsior Conservation Corps is a New York State AmeriCorps program run by the Student Conservation Association, a national leader in environmental service for youth and young adults.
Under the direction of the NYS Governor’s Office, the Student Conservation Association will administer the Excelsior Conservation Corps in partnership with:
- New York State Commission on National and Community Service
- New York State Department of Environmental Conservation
- New York State Department of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation
- New York State Environmental Facilities Corps
- The State University of New York
The Environmental Protect Fund, Environmental Facilities Corporation, and the State University of New York will provide the ECC with a total of $1 million in state funds. AmeriCorps, administered by the New York State Commission on National and Community Services, committed $850,000 a year for three years in federal funding to the ECC. The Student Conservation Association has committed to providing $340,000 of its own funding and is currently seeking sponsorships and private donations.
Interested in supporting the Student Conservation Association? Visit the SCA website.
DON’T QUALIFY FOR THE ECC? DON’T WORRY!
There are plenty of community service and environmental stewardship opportunities offer through our partners.
Service Opportunities:
- Explore AmeriCorps programs that engage more than 75,000 Americans in intensive service each year at nonprofits, schools, public agencies, and community and faith-based groups across the country.
- The Student Conservation Association, has hundreds of service opportunities for people of all ages, geographic location and availability, with programs ranging from part-time community focused stewardship to summer internship, all the way to 12-month outdoor leader programs, the SCA has something to offer everyone. Learn more about SCA programs.
New York State Volunteer and Service Opportunities:
- NYSDEC
- NYS Parks (Select “Volunteer Opportunities” in the Featured Category bar)
- State Internships