ONE ORGANIZATION, TWO BIG CAUSES

Gvcc Helps Local Youth Save The Planet

 BY NORA HESTON TARTE

The Greater Valley Conservation Corps is dedicated to two causes—creating career pathways in the environmental space for community youth and saving the planet.

GVCC is operated by the San Joaquin County Office of Education and spearheads projects related to natural resources, recycling, and environmental conservation. The best part? GVCC hires young adults ages 18-26 in an earn while you learn model, so employees can pick up important skills and embark on careers in the environmental industry while taking home a paycheck. “It’s pretty diverse and it’s pretty dynamic... what we’re able to do,” says Steve Kieffer, coordinator for GVCC.

Corpsmembers enter the program, get paid, and have the opportunity to finish their high school diploma, join postsecondary programs, and earn industry recognized certifications such as OSHA, forklift, Chainsaw S212, and more.

There are about 60 corpsmembers in entry level positions (ages 18-26) plus an additional 25 employees. “Some of our corpsmembers end up becoming staff and crew leads,” Steve says.

It’s all based on a state model where money passes through state and local resource funds to all certified local conservation corps. Much of the completed work is fee-based or contract-based, so corpsmembers are paid a fair wage. At the very least, they start out at minimum wage and can receive incremental wage increases depending on how long they are involved in the program.

“We always want folks to know that this is a program for everybody,” Steve says. “The people that enter GVCC everyday are from different walks of life.” GVCC may be their first job, a fresh start, or a way to earn a diploma while receiving vocational training. Graduates and college students are always encouraged to apply as well.”

While individuals are gaining necessary skills and exploring pathways to brighter futures, they are also helping the environment. GVCC operates two locations, one in Stockton and a satellite facility in Sonora. Each program is heavily involved in projects in waste diversion, litter abatement, landscaping, habitat restoration, trail building, and forestry

Greater Valley Conservation Corps

2040 E. Fremont St., Stockton (209) 292-2700

GreaterValleyCC.org

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