About
Northwest Youth Corps Programs include residential conservation crews, local community crews, community wildfire protection crews, a para-professional internship, an accredited high school, and conservation service-work. The programs engage participants in conservation service-work through these different crew and internship options.
• Ages: 12–18 years old
Northwest Youth Corps Programs were launched in 1984 by founder Art Pope. The mission of Northwest Youth Corps is to provide a challenging education and job-training experience that helps youth and young adults develop the skills they need to lead full and productive lives. The organization operates a fully accredited high school and is a foundational, award-winning member of the 21st Century Conservation Service Corps movement. It engages nearly 1,000 young people each year in programs that combine education, leadership, challenge, service, and empowerment, with a focus on teamwork and accountability, and draws participants and staff from a broad range of backgrounds and abilities. Each year, participants complete more than 300,000 hours of service across four states, and the programs provide academic credit and professional job references.
Community partners for Northwest Youth Corps Programs include The Corps Network, AmeriCorps, the Bureau of Land Management, the National Park Foundation, the US Forest Service, the National Park Service, and Aerie Backcountry Medicine.
Testimonials from past youth and young adult members describe experiences such as gaining lifelong friends, a passion for the outdoors, important life skills, and an understanding of the world around them (Jasper, YA Member, 2023). Several youth members report that their time with Northwest Youth Corps was life-changing or formative, including learning to lead, connect with others, and care for the planet (Nico, Youth Member, 2009–10), breaking out of comfort zones and building confidence (Kayla, Youth Member, 2004), and viewing their days in the program as some of their greatest accomplishments (Kaylynn, Youth Member, 2005–2006). Young adult and crew members note gaining valuable work experience and skills related to their degrees and enjoying travel and meeting new people (Zara, ICC Crew Member, 2023), as well as earning a chainsaw certification that supported career employment (Hannah, Young Adult Member, 2021). Field staff and alumni also describe Northwest Youth Corps as one of the most formative learning experiences of their lives, influencing their confidence, leadership, and response to challenges (Bret, Field Staff, 1995, 1997–2000; Rachel, Young Adult Member, 2019; Rachel, Youth Member, 2022–2023; Ben, Youth Member, 2015–2016).
Last updated March 18, 2026.
• Ages: 12–18 years old
Northwest Youth Corps Programs were launched in 1984 by founder Art Pope. The mission of Northwest Youth Corps is to provide a challenging education and job-training experience that helps youth and young adults develop the skills they need to lead full and productive lives. The organization operates a fully accredited high school and is a foundational, award-winning member of the 21st Century Conservation Service Corps movement. It engages nearly 1,000 young people each year in programs that combine education, leadership, challenge, service, and empowerment, with a focus on teamwork and accountability, and draws participants and staff from a broad range of backgrounds and abilities. Each year, participants complete more than 300,000 hours of service across four states, and the programs provide academic credit and professional job references.
Community partners for Northwest Youth Corps Programs include The Corps Network, AmeriCorps, the Bureau of Land Management, the National Park Foundation, the US Forest Service, the National Park Service, and Aerie Backcountry Medicine.
Testimonials from past youth and young adult members describe experiences such as gaining lifelong friends, a passion for the outdoors, important life skills, and an understanding of the world around them (Jasper, YA Member, 2023). Several youth members report that their time with Northwest Youth Corps was life-changing or formative, including learning to lead, connect with others, and care for the planet (Nico, Youth Member, 2009–10), breaking out of comfort zones and building confidence (Kayla, Youth Member, 2004), and viewing their days in the program as some of their greatest accomplishments (Kaylynn, Youth Member, 2005–2006). Young adult and crew members note gaining valuable work experience and skills related to their degrees and enjoying travel and meeting new people (Zara, ICC Crew Member, 2023), as well as earning a chainsaw certification that supported career employment (Hannah, Young Adult Member, 2021). Field staff and alumni also describe Northwest Youth Corps as one of the most formative learning experiences of their lives, influencing their confidence, leadership, and response to challenges (Bret, Field Staff, 1995, 1997–2000; Rachel, Young Adult Member, 2019; Rachel, Youth Member, 2022–2023; Ben, Youth Member, 2015–2016).
Last updated March 18, 2026.
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