Alaska Youth Conservation Corps

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What is Youth Conservation Corps?

Youth Conservation Corps (YCC) was established on August 13, 1971 through Public Law 91-378 to introduce conservation and preservation to youth in public lands. The YCC program is administered by the following: The National Park Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife, Forest Service, and Bureau of Land Management.

How Long and How Much?

The YCC summer programs are generally 8 to 10 weeks long depending on which agency you are working with. Members are paid the established Federal minimum wage. However, in states with a minimum wage higher than the Federal wage the higher rate will be paid. 

What About the Youth Conservation Corps (YCC)?

Note: This Embedded video resides on the official Alaska National Park YouTube channel 

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What will you work on?

As a YCC member you will work on a variety of projects that help protect, preserve, and restore the natural, cultural, and historic resources of the agency in which you work for. 

Examples of Projects

Restore/ Repair/ Construct

• Trail Construction
• Campsite Restoration
• Fence Construction
• Boardwalk Repair
• Bridge Construction
• Historic Structures
• Boundary Marking Signage

Preservation

• Historic Buildings
• Exotic Plant Removal to Protect Native Plants
• Reclamation of Hazardous Abandoned Building Materials
• Stream Restoration
• Trail Demolition

Research and Teaching

• Wildlife Research Project Assistance
• Environmental Education Planning and Teaching
• Visitor Service Assistance

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Are You Eligible?

Applicants must be between the ages of 15 and 18 years and be a citizen of the United States. Both males and females from all social, economic, ethnic, and racial classifications are eligible to join. 

Benefits in Joining

• You will learn new skills that will be an asset for future employment.
• Learn about careers in the specific agency.
• You will have access to tons of recreational activities such as: backpacking, biking, boating, camping, climbing, fishing, hiking, horseback riding, kayaking, photography, swimming, and much more.
• Develop appreciation for the world's natural environment and heritage.

Here are just a few of the locations in Alaska that offer YCC Programs

• Denali National Park 
• Wrangell St. Elias National Park 
• Sitka, AK
• National Wildlife Refuge System
• Upper Susitna Soil and Water Conservation District 
• US Forest Service

YCC Program at the Anchorage Public Lands Information Center 

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The Youth Conservation Corps students here at this center work on a variety of projects using top of the line equipment. You'll work with some of the nicest people, and you'll enjoy the work too. 

 

As a YCC member at the center this summer, I worked on various projects such as: making orientation kits for the center, helping the rangers with the children groups that visit the center to do the scavenger hunts, helping to make podcasts for the website, and taking photographs.

I really do think that the Youth Conservation Corps Program is an excellent learning and working experience. I would definitely recommend this program to any young adult who is interested in learning more about Alaska, nature, wildlife, preservation, and conservation. - Mary-Agnes

To learn more about the YCC program in Anchorage, Alaska call (907) 644 - 3663. For all other locations please contact the park specifically. 

 

The Application

Download the Application Here! Once you have filled out your application, submit it to the one or more of the locations listed above. Please note that you need to submit an application to each location you wish to work in. Application due dates vary by location, please inquire with the Park of your interest for that information.