Youth Outdoors

Conservation Corps Minnesota’s new afterschool program, Youth Outdoors, connects urban teens to the natural environment through hands-on conservation and neighborhood beautification projects. It empowers young people to become active, engaged citizens and leaders.

The program is currently open to Saint Paul high school students, ages 15 to 18, from households at or below 80 percent of the City’s median income. Youth meet at Rec Centers in Dayton’s Bluff, North End, Frogtown and Payne-Phalen neighborhoods. 75% of projects focus on natural resources and 25% on community service. Weekly activities include science and environmental education and recreation.

Youth gain job and career-planning skills and learn about natural resource management, ecology, science, technology, environmental conservation and Minnesota natural and cultural history. They also learn how to plan and execute community service projects and lead volunteers.

To join the Corps, you must be willing to work hard, outdoors, on diverse teams, and to engage in education and new activities. Youth earn $7.25/hour (12 hours per week), receive one free meal per work day and gain valuable life skills.