HALIFAX, PA — On Friday, March 21, Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn joined members of the Pennsylvania Outdoor Corps at Camp Hebron in Dauphin County to launch the new season of the workforce development program. Designed to provide meaningful job training, paid work experience, and environmental education for young Pennsylvanians, the Outdoor Corps continues to expand under Governor Josh Shapiro’s administration.
The program, which draws inspiration from the Depression-era Civilian Conservation Corps, engages individuals aged 15 to 25 in conservation projects across Pennsylvania. Participants work on public lands, contributing to trail restoration, habitat enhancement, and tree planting. Now in its 10th year, the Outdoor Corps has been recognized for fostering stewardship values while equipping young people with essential workforce skills.
“Governor Shapiro and the First Lady have witnessed the transformative impact of the Pennsylvania Outdoor Corps — both in preparing young people for the workforce and in protecting our public lands,” said Secretary Dunn. “This program not only builds future conservationists but also strengthens Pennsylvania’s workforce by providing essential skills and paid job experience.”
Investment Brings Program Expansion
Governor Shapiro’s 2024-25 budget allocates $5 million to grow and improve the Pennsylvania Outdoor Corps. The investment supports hiring additional staff, restructuring the program into a regional model, and strengthening community partnerships. These enhancements aim to increase access to opportunities and improve program efficiency statewide.
Last year alone, Outdoor Corps participants recorded notable successes, including improving dozens of structures for public use, planting over 1,500 native trees, enhancing 118 miles of trails, and restoring 95 acres of habitat. Since the program’s inception, hundreds of alumni have advanced their careers in conservation, with many joining organizations like DCNR, the National Park Service, and the U.S. Forest Service.
Accessible Opportunities Across the Commonwealth
The Outdoor Corps offers two primary formats to engage youth across the state:
- Youth Crews (ages 15-18): A six-week summer program held in locations such as Harrisburg, Erie, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, and Wilkes-Barre, among others. An American Sign Language Crew is also available.
- Adult Crews (ages 18-25): A ten-month program operating in regions like Altoona, Harrisburg, Philadelphia, Somerset, and a specialized Cultural Resources Crew.
The Outdoor Corps provides participants with hands-on experience, technical certifications, and mentorship, helping to cultivate both personal growth and professional skills. Secretary Dunn highlighted the program’s lasting impact, citing numerous success stories from alumni who have built careers in environmental conservation.
Through this initiative, Pennsylvania reaffirms its commitment to conservation, workforce development, and meaningful engagement with the next generation of environmental stewards.
For the latest news on everything happening in Chester County and the surrounding area, be sure to follow MyChesCo on Google News and MSN.