Background: Increasing access and opportunities to green careers and educating and training the next generation of stewards on how best to manage and protect our environment is crucial to restoring our region’s natural resources. To help meet those needs, the Chesapeake Bay Trust provides young adults with hands-on environmental and leadership experience through the Chesapeake Conservation Corps. The Corps places young adults (ages 18-25) with nonprofit or government agencies throughout the Chesapeake Bay watershed for a one-year term of service.
The Chesapeake Conservation Corps promotes and protects the environment by providing young adults with opportunities to gain career skills and become more engaged through meaningful community service. The Corps places young adults, ages 18-25, with nonprofit and government agencies to work fulltime in the environmental field for a paid year of service. The Corps was spearheaded by Maryland Senate President Thomas V. Mike Miller as a way to support and connect the health of the environment and workforce development. It was a win-win during a time the country was recovering from the 2008 recession. Thanks to Senate President Miller, a series of other senators, and many other supporters the Chesapeake Conservation Corps was passed through Maryland legislation and signed by the governor in 2010. The inaugural class included 16 placements across Maryland. Since then the Corps has grown to over 30 placements across the Chesapeake Bay watershed with a rich variety of offerings to support the growth and professional advancement of young adults entering the environmental field.
The Corps is supported by partners the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, the National Park Service, and BGE, an Exelon Company.
- Prepare and empower young adults for careers and leadership in the green workforce.
- Promote, restore, and protect the health of the natural resources and communities throughout the Chesapeake Bay watershed.
- Increase the impact and reach of organizations advancing practices and solutions for addressing issues impacting the health of the environment.
- Increase the diversity and influx of young talent into the green workforce across the Chesapeake Bay region.
The Chesapeake Conservation Corps places young adults (18-25) at nonprofit or government agencies to work fulltime leading and supporting projects for a paid one year term of service starting in August. During the course of that year, Corps Members receive:
- Experience
- Training
- Mentorship
- Network of Young Professionals
The Corps is designed to support young adults in refining their professional goals, propelling them forward in their careers, and building the foundation to grow into experts, thought-leaders, and change-makers in their respective fields.
If you are interested in applying to the Corps as a participant or host site please see the Apply page.
