YCC, Inc. is dedicated to developing Lake County's young citizens by providing life and work skills development, environmental education, GED training and employment for youth and young adults engaged in conservation projects on forest preserve and public lands and community service projects. YCC, Inc. currently has five programs.

Youth Conservation Corps (YCC) provides employment training and environmental education to high school youth by engaging them in conservation projects on Lake County Forest Preserves and other public properties.

"Overall, our YCC crew had a good summer, and accomplished many projects to help out the Liberty Prairie Conservancy," said YCC Corpsmember Ben Strauss, "this summer was a lot of fun, and I can't wait to come back next year."

Our newest program is YCC YouthBuild, which is a comprehensive youth and community development program, as well as an alternative school. YCC YouthBuild is designed to run on a 10-month cycle, offering job training, education, and counseling and leadership development opportunities to participants through the construction of affordable housing in their own communities. Many graduates go on to construction-related jobs or college.

"Youth Conservation Corps, Inc. helped me get my life back on track and complete my GED, learn how to look for a job, understand what employers are looking for and start taking college courses at the College of Lake County" - Tavares Hughes, Waukegan, Illinois.

AmeriCorps*VISTA (Volunteers in Service to America) is a full-time, year long program for individuals age 18 or older who commit themselves to increasing the capacity of low-income people to improve the conditions of their own lives. AmeriCorps*VISTA members work to increase the capacity of local agencies serving low-income communities by mobilizing resources, recruiting volunteers, and implementing community programs. YCC AmeriCorps*VISTA members will help with community outreach, fund development and building the infrastructure of YCC, Inc.

YCC, Inc. participates in the National Association of Service and Conservation Corps (NASCC) AmeriCorps Education Awards Program providing continuing education funding to successful program graduates. Program participants receive education vouchers that award financial assistance for college, vocational school and other educational pursuits. (30) Members from the YCC Summer Program will receive $1,000 for 300 hours of community service, and (30) of the YCC YouthBuild Participants will be eligible to receive $2,362 for 900 hours of community service.

YCC, Inc. depends on the financial support of corporations and private donors to maintain and operate its youth programs. If you are interested in learning more about the ways in which you or your organization can contribute to the continued success of YCC, Inc., please visit our Sponsors & Donors section of this website.