Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie Accepting Applications for Summer 2022 National Youth Conservation Corps
Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie is accepting applications for its 2022 Summer National Youth Conservation Corps.
Midewin Horticulturist Jennifer Durkin and Kala Soto Martinez take a close-up look at compass plant at the USDA Forest Service’s Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie. Students can apply through March 14 to be part of the 2022 Youth Conservation Corps for eight weeks this summer at Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie. Photo by Gary Chancey / USDA FS, Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie
Details and application instructions from Midewin:
"WILMINGTON, Ill. (February 17, 2022) – High school students can apply through March 14 to be part of the 2022 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 and increase natural habitat for prairie species of all kinds, including pollinators,” said Acting Prairie Supervisor Linwood Butler. “We are excited about the 2022 season and the hope for a new team to be focused and engaged in rewarding and meaningful projects.”
The 2022 YCC application form is available online, here: tinyurl.com/6rma6895.
Completed application forms can be emailed to SM.FS.Midewin_RSVP@usda.gov; 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"