Press Release
February 16, 2018
Randy Simons | Dan Keefe
(518) 486-1868 | news@parks.ny.gov
Excelsior Conservation Corps Now Accepting Applications
Deadlines are March 5th for 10-Month Program and June 25th for 6-Month Program
Applications are available online at www.ny.gov/ECC.
The Student Conservation Association is currently accepting applications for the New York State Excelsior Conservation Corps (ECC). Young adults, ages 18-25 who live or attended school in New York and Veterans, ages 18-28 (no NY affiliation needed) can apply for available service positions with the program. There are 10-month service positions available with the program starting March 5, 2018 and 6-month service positions starting June 25, 2018, with applications being accepted right up until the start of the respected program.
"Members of the Excelsior Conservation Corps are invaluable in their dedication to helping rehabilitate and restore our state's outstanding recreational facilities, said New York State Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation Commissioner Rose Harvey. "These young adults will continue to build off the program's past success and I am proud to support this vital program."
"The Excelsior Conservation Corps has proven to be an ideal opportunity for individuals interested in pursuing careers in the world of conservation. The program provides participants with the chance to gain valuable hands on-experience and develop the knowledge and skills needed to enter careers in natural resources management. While Washington D.C. works to weaken and eliminate environmental protections, Governor Cuomo is preparing New York's next generation of conservationists to continue our state's rich tradition of environmental stewardship," said DEC Commissioner Basil Seggos.
"The Excelsior program is dedicated to provide young adults from NY, and veterans throughout the United States a unique opportunity to receive in-depth training and hands on experience that will prepare them for a career in conservation," said Kathy Baugh, Student Conservation Association Director of Team Programs. "Former participants of the program consistently state that being a part of the Excelsior Corps was truly a life changing experience."
Under the vision of Governor Andrew M. Cuomo, the Excelsior Conservation Corps is a residential AmeriCorps program, run by the Student Conservation Association, designed to address the environmental and conservation needs of this state while providing leadership opportunities, employment training and college scholarships. Interested young adults will be able to make an immediate difference through hands-on conservation projects, large-scale volunteer initiatives, and public education on environmental issues and natural resources.
ECC is based on the campus of SUNY Brockport in Monroe County. During their service term, ECC members will travel and work at some of the most beautiful and treasured sites across New York State. ECC members will have housing and all meals provided, no-cost health insurance, and a weekly living allowance of $180/week. In addition, members also receive a post-service Segal Education Award of $5,815 for 10-month service and $2,907.50 for 6-month service.Applications are available online at www.ny.gov/ECC. For any additional questions about the program, please contact ECCrecruiting@thesca.org.
The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation oversees more than 250 parks, historic sites, recreational trails, golf courses, boat launches and more, which are visited by 69 million people annually. A recent study found that New York State Parks generates $5 billion in park and visitor spending, which supports nearly 54,000 jobs and over $2.8 billion in additional state GDP. For more information on any of these recreation areas, call 518-474-0456 or visit www.parks.ny.gov, connect with us on Facebook, or follow on Instagram and Twitter.