A Guide for Utilizing the Recreational Trails Program to Partner with Service and Conservation Corps
The purpose of this guide is to acquaint state administrators and transportation agencies with the benefits of employing Corpsmembers on transportation projects, and to encourage the use of Service and Conservation Corps in state-funded trail programs.
Corps are locally-based organizations that engage young adults (generally ages 16 – 25) and veterans (up to age 35) in service projects that address conservation, disaster response, and community needs. Through service to our country, Corps participants – or “Corpsmembers” – gain work experience and develop in-demand skills. Corpsmembers are compensated with a stipend or living allowance and often receive an education award or scholarship upon completing their term of service. Additionally, Corps provide educational programming, mentoring, and access to career and personal counseling.
The purpose of this guide is to acquaint state administrators and transportation agencies with the benefits of employing Corpsmembers on transportation projects, and to encourage the use of Service and Conservation Corps in state-funded trail programs. Our goal is to build upon the success Corps have had with Recreational Trails Program (RTP)-funded projects and expand the number and quality of trail and transportation projects Corps complete in partnership with state administrators.
This guide presents a variety of RTP-funded projects completed by members of The Corps Network. Each project example highlights a best practice that closely aligns with DOT’s strategic goals and national trail benefits. By encouraging the use of Corps, we hope to strengthen transportation and recreation career pathways for a younger and diverse workforce.
Published May 2019
Corps are locally-based organizations that engage young adults and post-9/11 veterans in service addressing recreation, conservation, disaster response, and community needs. Through a defined term of service, Corps participants – or “Corpsmembers” – gain work experience and develop in-demand skills.
Affinity and Identity-Based Crews and Programs
posted Feb 8, 2023
The purpose of this guide is to highlight the work of service and conservation Corps who develop and manage identity-based programs and crews, discuss the intention and purpose of these crews, why they are important, and how they have been transformational experiences for Corpsmembers and partners.
posted Mar 9, 2022
Successes and lessons from the COVID-19 Conservation Corps programs in Juneau, Anchorage, and Sitka that trained and employed out-of-work Alaskans in 2020.
posted Oct 1, 2021
This handbook defines the role of the SCA and the Programs’ policies and guidelines. It is to be referred to and followed. There are three sections- general information, a section specifically for the Leader Team Crew Leader, and a section specifically for the Leader Team Members.
Youth Conservation Corps Reference Manual: A Coordinator’s Guide
posted Oct 1, 2021
This handbook is intended to provide consistency among the National Park Service (NPS) units responsible for implementing the Youth Conservation Corps (YCC) and to offer guidance for establishing and operating the YCC throughout the NPS.
