Work Available this Summer for Young Hoosiers

Applications for the second year of the successful Young Hoosiers Conservation Corps (YHCC) are now being accepted. In addition to work at the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) locations, the program will be expanded to the Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) this summer.

Participants who work with DNR may revitalize historic buildings, create and rehabilitate trails and restore natural habitat areas. Participants employed at INDOT facilities may work in emergency cleanup, maintenance of traffic signs, equipment refurbishing and beautification of Indiana’s highway rest areas and interchanges.

“We put nearly 2,000 young Hoosiers to work last year, and they made big improvements to natural areas across the state,” said Daniels. “This summer we will expand our focus to improving the leadership skills of our best and brightest young people.”

YHCC will expand to include positions at more than 30 Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) and 80 Department of Natural Resources (DNR) locations. The program will also include hiring and training youth supervisors. Those hired will be offered higher wages and additional training to help prepare them for management positions later in life.

Daniels created YHCC in 2009 using federal stimulus funds available for summer employment and training to young Hoosiers. In 2009, YHCC participants:

·         Renovated 380 buildings and 50 historic buildings

·         Created 30 miles of new trails

·         Rehabilitated 500 miles of existing trails

·         Restored 4,700 acres of natural habitat

YHCC will provide opportunities to approximately 2,000 Hoosiers ages 18 to 24. The positions pay $8.50 per hour and last approximately 16 weeks. YHCC youth supervisors will work 18-24 weeks and earn $9.50 per hour. All positions will begin no earlier than May 3 and are scheduled to end October 2.

Interested Hoosiers can begin applying immediately at www.in.gov/yhcc.

The state is using about $12 million of federal stimulus funds allocated through the Workforce Investment Act for this program. This is a 91-county program. Under federal law, Marion County qualifies to use its portion of this funding on a separate summer jobs program.