Midewin Offers Summer Youth Program
High school students can apply through March 18 to be part of the 2023 Youth Conservation Corps for eight weeks this summer at Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie.
The YCC team will assist with projects that are essential to restoring land where the Joliet Arsenal was active, including trails maintenance and invasive species management.
YCC is a national summer youth employment program that provides high school students with opportunities to explore career opportunities in natural resources. Students participate in work projects and learning opportunities.
YCC students earn minimum wage and will learn from the environment they will be working in as well as take part in various educational field trips.
“The Youth Conservation Corps program is an excellent opportunity for young people to experience the great outdoors while learning and contributing to the goals and objectives to restore land, increase natural habitat for prairie species of all kinds and help enhance our recreational opportunities that are offered to the public,” said Acting Prairie Supervisor Jim Seyler, in a press release.
“We are excited about the 2023 season and the hope for a new team to be focused and engaged in rewarding and meaningful projects.”
The 2023 YCC application form is available online at tinyurl.com/6rma6895.
Completed application forms can be emailed to [email protected]; or mailed to this address:
USDA Forest Service
Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie
30239 Highway 53
Wilmington, IL 60481
Each student must also provide a teacher letter of recommendation along with his or her application.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must:
- Be at least 15 years of age at the start of enrollment and must not reach age 19 before completion of the program
- Be a US citizen or permanent resident of the United States, its territories, or its possessions
- Provide or be able to obtain a work permit as required under the laws of the applicant’s home state
- Provide a valid U.S. Social Security number or have applied for a valid Social Security number
- Be able to fulfill the essential functions of the assigned work with or without a reasonable accommodation
- Be actively committed and willing to complete the assigned work project