The LA Conservation Corps is an environmentally focused youth development non-profit organization. By offering paid work experience on green community projects and innovative afterschool, secondary and vocational education programs, we strive to build resilience in the youth and young adults of Los Angeles and in the neighborhoods they call home.
OUR STORY
We Are the Corps
“Join the Corps! It will change the way you see the world.”
That’s the best advice Corpsmember Anthony can give to young adults out there looking for their next step. After almost two years at the Corps, not only has Anthony’s view of the world changed, but he has also changed how he views himself.
JOIN THE CORPS
Apply today to be a Corpsmember
Our
Programs
Need a job? Want to finish high school? Want to make LA a better place to live, work, and play? Corpsmembers can achieve all of that and so much more!
Partner
With Us
The Corps works with municipal agencies, private partners, and individuals to promote climate resiliency and build the next generation of the green workforce.
Hire
the Corps
Learn about what services and benefits a Corps crew can bring to your conservation or community benefit project.
Italo Merino
Italo joined the Corps in March of 2022, seeking a fresh start after feeling stuck in the fast-food industry. He needed assistance in obtaining his high school diploma and a job that offered growth opportunities. Since joining our Northeast LA site, Italo has actively contributed to various Corps projects including weed abatement, bulky item pickups, litter removal, LADWP canvassing, and serving as an educator for After School Program students as part of our Traveling Tidepool marine life program.
In June, Italo successfully graduated high school and achieved his diploma. Reflecting on his journey, he shared, “I was forced to drop out of high school by necessity – I had to help my family. The Corps allowed me to finish high school while getting job training and experience. This was the necessary push I needed to achieve my goal of continuing my education and ultimately enrolling in college.” This Fall, Italo starts classes at Santa Monica College with a new aspiration to become an immigration or labor lawyer advocating for those from under-resourced communities, just as he does at the Corps.
Italo has blossomed into a respected leader among his peers within the Corps. He recently assumed the role of Corpsmember driver, overseeing a small crew dedicated to beautifying Chinatown. Additionally, Italo actively participates in our Corpsmember Leadership Council, advocating for his fellow peers. He was also selected as a featured Corpsmember speaker during our 2023 Spring Luncheon Celebration and served as the keynote speaker at the LA Education Corps graduation this June. We are immensely proud of Italo and have full confidence in his future success at Santa Monica College and beyond.
Urban Greening Programs
Last year, we planted over 4,300 trees, which are actively purifying the air and providing a cooling effect on our streets. This is particularly crucial for under-resourced communities that have historically experienced inequities in tree coverage. To address these disparities, we have adopted a comprehensive approach. This includes distributing free trees to LA residents in collaboration with LADWP and City Plants, planting 2,300 new trees in the Valley as part of the Transformative Climate Communities initiative, and cultivating the trees of the future at the Commonwealth Nursery in Griffith Park. We take immense pride in leading the movement to transform Los Angeles into a greener city for all Angelenos!
MAKE A DIFFERENCE
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