Youth graduate from job program

Graduates gather with Terry Egge of the Pohlad Family Foundation,
one of the Young Adult Conservation Corp program's funders.

At a youth recognition ceremony last Friday, 11 young adults were presented with certificates of achievement in honor of their personal growth and successful completion of Tree Trust’s Young Adult Conservation Corps program.

Open to youth ages 17 to 21, the Young Adult Conservation Corps program offers paid training and jobs to those who would otherwise have trouble finding work in this difficult economy. For many, this program is their first chance at experiencing success and provides a unique opportunity to reshape their lives.

This summer participants braved extreme heat and rainy days while working in teams to improve local parks, recreation areas and neighborhoods. Projects included building a large boardwalk in Westwood Hills Nature Center in St. Louis Park, and performing lawn maintenance on foreclosed properties in Minneapolis, among many others.

In addition to gaining employment and life skills, participants completed OSHA’s 10-hour safety training, a certification they can take with them to their next job.

When asked about important things they are taking away from their participation in the program, one graduate said, “I learned to step up to the plate when I see something that’s not done.” Others listed better communication skills, a more positive attitude, self-confidence and patience among the things they gained from the program.

While most graduates returned to school this week or started longer-term jobs, several will continue for another three months in an advanced level of the program.

To apply for the program or learn more, contact Keith at 612-590-3655 or keithw@treetrust.org.