The California Conservation Corps (CCC) is a unique, program for young adults throughout the state to get paid while completing a year of service improving California’s environment, earning job certifications and making California an even better place to live.
More than 3,500 participants participate in the state-run program each year. It’s a great opportunity to expose more young people to the life-transforming training and education offered through community colleges.
Cerritos College is one of several community colleges now working with the CCC to award certificates of completion for on-the-job skills acquired in the program. This certificate is designed to introduce Corpsmembers to college and be the first step on a pathway toward a degree.
“The CCC is committed to providing Corpsmembers with the opportunity to further their education both in the Corps and afterwards,” said CCC Director Bruce Saito. “The partnership with Cerritos College is a great example of how we can all work together to help young men and women become citizens with character and credentials. The CCC is excited about collaborating with community colleges throughout the state to provide these kinds of certifications.”
The Adult Education Energy Corps Certificate of Completion prepares students to work for businesses in residential and commercial energy auditing; electrical wiring and commercial lighting retrofit trade industries.
The certificate is a valuable credential to employers and demonstrates workforce skills that are necessary for well-paying, sustainable jobs.
The program’s first cohort of 69 students earned degrees in spring 2019, and the program is poised to continue growing. It is one of several partnerships between community colleges and the CCC to provide certificates for work completed in the program.
As part of the CCC partnership, Cerritos and other colleges also host information sessions and other events specifically for Corpsmembers to review the college application process and demonstrate how community college can build upon the skills they learn in the field.
CCC Corpsmembers can also earn up to $8,000 in scholarships during their year of service, which can be utilized for college courses or vocational training. A second year of service with the CCC can lead to another $8,000 in scholarships.
These activities are supported by the Institutional Effectiveness Partnership Initiative, which is funded by the California Legislature and the California Community College Chancellor’s Office. For more information about the California Conservation Corps, visit ccc.ca.gov/.
