NCJ Number
159708
Journal
Youth Today Volume: 4 Issue: 3 Dated: (May-June 1995) Pages: 24-26
Date Published
1995
Length
3 pages
Annotation
The National Civilian Conservation Corps (NCCC) has had a successful first year, but the future of this new Federal youth services program is in doubt.
Abstract
The program recruits youth ages 18-24 who have no criminal records and who can demonstrate their commitment to community service. They spend 11 months away from home living in barracks and tents, receive $8,000 in pay and a $4,275 education award, and perform a variety of community services. The first group of 1,081 youths reflected the diversity sought; 46 percent were female, 54 percent were male, 94 percent had completed high school, one third were college graduates, and another third had some college. Only 25 percent of those who applied were accepted. Eight hundred sixty of the youths have completed their service. Based on four military posts, they have worked in youth programs, schools, disaster relief efforts, environmental projects, and others. The program's director is a retired general. The program experienced some problems with starting up, staffing, and culture clash with the military personnel with whom NCCC members share the base. However, the program has been positively received by the organizations served and has been swamped with applications for its services. However, its future, like that of other youth-serving programs in the Federal budget, is in doubt. Photographs and profile of staff member Bob Mathias