Youth Conservation Corps

As we close out 2024, Youth Conservation Corps is filled with gratitude for the incredible year we've had. This past year, we've celebrated milestones, built partnerships, and most importantly, empowered youth to build brighter futures for themselves and their communities. The image here is a perfect example of the heart of our work. Susan Green, pictured with members of our YouthBuild program, has been instrumental in helping our participants earn their GEDs and high school diplomas. To thank her for her dedication and support, these talented young people crafted this beautiful wooden flag in our construction lab—a symbol of teamwork, perseverance, and gratitude. As we reflect on the progress made in 2024, we're inspired to continue building momentum in 2025. From expanding career pathways like our Urban and Community Forestry program to creating new opportunities for personal and professional growth, we're committed to making an even greater impact. To all our supporters, partners, and community members: thank you for standing with us. Your belief in our mission is what makes all of this possible. Here’s to a new year filled with hope, collaboration, and opportunity. Happy New Year from all of us at Youth Conservation Corps! #Gratitude #YouthEmpowerment #YCC #LookingAhead2025 #BuildingFutures

🎓✨ A big congratulations to current YouthBuild member Rick, who officially completed his GED today—just in time for the holidays! 🌟 Rick is pictured here in front of YCC's Affirmation Tree with Instructional Supervisor Susan Green, who supported him every step of the way in his academic pursuits! 👔🧑🎓 Rick’s hard work and determination are a true reflection of the spirit of YouthBuild. Completing a GED is more than just earning a credential; it’s a major step toward new opportunities, empowerment, and a brighter future. We couldn’t be prouder of Rick and all of our YouthBuild members who are reaching their goals, one step at a time. 💚 #YouthBuild #GEDAchievement #EmpoweringYouth #WorkforceDevelopment #Congratulations #HolidayMilestone

🌟 Building Confidence and Career Skills at YCC Mock Interview Day! 🌟 Yesterday, our YCC members had the incredible opportunity to practice their interview skills in both one-on-one and group formats during Mock Interview Day. This event is a cornerstone of our commitment to empowering youth with the tools and confidence they need to excel in the workforce. Beyond the interviews, members and volunteers also enjoyed a chance to connect informally, fostering a supportive and encouraging atmosphere. A heartfelt thank you to our amazing volunteers from #NorthShoreTrustandSavings, #Grainger, #GrandAppliance, and the #WaukeganParkDistrict, as well as the dedicated individuals who joined us to support YCC members. Your guidance and encouragement make all the difference as our members prepare for their next steps! We are proud to offer experiences like these that help shape futures. If you’re interested in joining us as a volunteer for our next Mock Interview Day, feel free to reach out! #YouthEmpowerment #MockInterviewDay #VolunteerAppreciation #YCCWaukegan #WorkforceDevelopment

🌟 Building Confidence and Career Skills at YCC Mock Interview Day! 🌟 Yesterday, our YCC members had the incredible opportunity to practice their interview skills in both one-on-one and group formats during Mock Interview Day. This event is a cornerstone of our commitment to empowering youth with the tools and confidence they need to excel in the workforce. Beyond the interviews, members and volunteers also enjoyed a chance to connect informally, fostering a supportive and encouraging atmosphere. A heartfelt thank you to our amazing volunteers from #NorthShoreTrustandSavings, #Grainger, #GrandAppliance, and the #WaukeganParkDistrict, as well as the dedicated individuals who joined us to support YCC members. Your guidance and encouragement make all the difference as our members prepare for their next steps! We are proud to offer experiences like these that help shape futures. If you’re interested in joining us as a volunteer for our next Mock Interview Day, feel free to reach out! #YouthEmpowerment #MockInterviewDay #VolunteerAppreciation #YCCWaukegan #WorkforceDevelopment

🍂 This Thanksgiving, we at Youth Conservation Corps (YCC) are especially grateful for the dedication and hard work of our YouthBuild members. These talented individuals are not only building their futures but also making a lasting impact on our community. 🛠️ 📸 Take a look at what they’ve been up to: *Repairing a wooden sign for Bowen Park, a cherished space operated by the Waukegan Park District. Their craftsmanship ensures the park remains welcoming and accessible for all. *Constructing a house in Zion that will soon become a home for a low-income family. This hands-on training opportunity helps our members develop valuable skills while supporting a brighter future for others. 👏 We’re proud of our YouthBuild members for embracing the values of service and community building, especially during this season of giving. Thank you for helping us empower youth and strengthen neighborhoods. 💛 From all of us at YCC, Happy Thanksgiving! #Thanksgiving #Gratitude #YouthBuild #CommunityImpact #EmpoweringYouth

🎉 Healthy Cooking for the Holidays! 🎃🥧 Thanks to our wonderful partnership with the University of Illinois Extension, YCC members are learning valuable cooking skills to prepare healthy and delicious meals. 🍽️ Today, in the spirit of the holiday season, members learned how to make a no-bake healthy pumpkin pie! This fun and interactive cooking session not only showcased the joys of making nutritious treats but also highlighted the importance of health and wellness in everyday life. We're proud to provide our members with life skills that go beyond the workplace—empowering them to make choices that support their well-being and future success. A big thank you to the University of Illinois Extension for their continued support and dedication to our mission. 💚 #HealthyLiving #HolidaySeason #YouthEmpowerment #CookingSkills #YCCImpact #PartnershipsMatter You said:

🎉 Celebrating National Apprenticeship Week! 🎉 November 17-23 marks the 10th anniversary of National Apprenticeship Week (NAW), and we at Youth Conservation Corps (YCC) are proud to recognize the incredible work of James and Teryan, members of our YouthBuild staff, who are enrolled in registered apprenticeship programs. James and Teryan are part of the Youth Development Practitioners Apprenticeship, a registered program through the U.S. Department of Labor. Their commitment to professional growth and dedication to serving our members exemplify the values of engagement, expansion, and innovation—this year’s NAW theme. By January 2025, both will complete their apprenticeships, gaining valuable skills to further empower young adults in our community. Apprenticeships are powerful tools for building a skilled workforce and creating pathways to good-paying jobs. YCC is thrilled to be part of this important movement, creating opportunities for professional growth and making a lasting impact in Lake County and beyond. Join us in celebrating James, Teryan, and the transformative impact of apprenticeships! 💪✨ 📅 Learn more about National Apprenticeship Week here. #NationalApprenticeshipWeek #YouthBuild #Apprenticeships #WorkforceDevelopment #YouthEmpowerment

Congratulations to Ismael Vaca, our 2024 YouthBuild Global Member of the Year. We are proud of you, Ismael!

🎉 What a fantastic day at our "Build Brews and Bears" fundraising event on October 27! Held at Mickey Finn's in Libertyville, the event was a perfect blend of community spirit, support, and fun. Guests joined us for an exciting Bears watch party, gaining insight into Youth Conservation Corps' mission and impact. A special highlight came when "VIP" YouthBuild cohort members Rick and Yamilet shared their stories, moving everyone with their journeys and showcasing the life-changing power of our programs. Current staff member and YouthBuild Waukegan alumni Steven Panos also spoke about the impact of YCC. Thanks to our dedicated supporters and partners, we raised essential funds to keep empowering youth and strengthening our community. We couldn’t have done it without each of you! 💙 Thank you to everyone who joined us! #YouthEmpowerment #CommunityImpact #FundraisingEvent #ThankYou

🎃👻 Happy Halloween! At Youth Conservation Corps, we recently gathered for a lively Halloween party where members and staff enjoyed fun, laughter, and the joy of being together. Beyond the festivities, we also took a moment to reflect on Dia de los Muertos (observed from November 1 to November 2), an important tradition that honors and remembers loved ones who have passed. This meaningful celebration blended joy, community, and remembrance, reminding us of the beauty in cherishing our shared experiences and honoring those who came before us. Wishing everyone a happy and safe Halloween and a thoughtful Dia de los Muertos. #Community #Celebration #CulturalHeritage #YouthConservationCorps