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Croft News
February 22, 2018

Chesapeake Conservation Corps Seeks Applicants

Croft alumnus Thomas Moorman, ’17, informed us that the Chesapeake Bay Trust is soliciting applicants for its Chesapeake Conservation Corps. The Chesapeake Bay Trust is a nonprofit grant-making organization dedicated to improving the watersheds of the Chesapeake Bay, Maryland Coastal Bays, and Youghiogheny River. This is a great opportunity for a current Croft senior or a recent Croft graduate interested in environmentalism and conservation.

The Chesapeake Conservation Corps Program places young adults (ages 18-25) with nonprofit or government agencies to work fulltime in the environmental field for a one-year term of paid service in the Chesapeake Bay region. Participants receive hands-on professional and leadership experience through on-the-ground work leading and assisting with projects and programs for their host sites, extensive trainings hosted by the Trust, and other service-learning opportunities including grant writing and project management. This initiative is supported by the Trust, the National Park Service and the state of Maryland.

The purpose of the Corps Program is 1) to enable young adults to work with organizations and communities throughout the Mid-Atlantic region on issues surrounding the Chesapeake Bay, and 2) to better prepare young adults pursuing environmental careers.  Corps Members will work on projects and programs that fall into at least one of six categories (environmental restoration, community engagement, environmental education, energy conservation, sustainable agriculture or forestry), gain career and leadership skills, and become more engaged through meaningful community service.

The Chesapeake Bay Trust anticipates placing around 30-35 Corps Members, young adults 18-25, with nonprofit organizations and government agencies throughout the Mid-Atlantic region for a paid year of service ($18,000) beginning on August 21, 2018. Thomas informs us that a number of host organizations have staff housing that Conservation Corps members may reside in, which reduces the cost of living.

Applications must be submitted through the Trust’s online system by April 13, 2018 at 5:00 pm.

For any questions about becoming a volunteer or about the Chesapeake Conservation Corps, contact Senior Program Officer Tara Drennan or Thomas Moorman.