About Us
MISSION STATEMENT
| "You can either repeat your patterns or start a new one...... you decide" --Venecia Cromer |
The Montgomery County Conservation Corps (MCCC) seeks to increase the employability of unemployed, out-of-school 17-24 year old Montgomery County youth by providing the opportunity for personal growth, education and skills training; the MCCC also seeks to complete projects of real and lasting value preserving, protecting and enhancing the natural, cultural, community and historic resources of Montgomery County, Maryland.
WHAT DOES THE CORPS DO?
The Corps offers an environment where you can explore who you are personally and what you want to do. You will receive assistance from a counselor who will work with you to develop your “Individual Development Plan” (IDP), enabling you to develop self discipline in areas like responsibility, accountability and communication. All the while you’ll also be receiving training in equipment operation, maintenance, and safety procedures.
WHAT’S IN IT FOR ME?
The Corps is an opportunity for a fresh start. You won’t make a lot of money as a member of the Corps, but you’ll experience camaraderie with friends your own age, staff that care and you’ll acquire skills that you will use the rest of your life. The work itself is outdoors and it’s physical, year round, rain or shine. You’ll learn to take care of yourself, communicate clearly, get along with other people, have pride in your accomplishments and manage your money wisely. You’re expected to work hard, have a positive attitude, and respect yourself and others. Ultimately, what you get out of the program will be what you put into it.
THE PROGRAM
The Corps provides its training participants (referred to as corps members) with career skills in carpentry, the environment, and landscaping. In addition to these on the job skills, corps members will participate in academic development that includes GED preparation, plus earn scholarship money for college or a trade school once the basic and/or advanced programs are completed.
While in the program, you’re expected to wear the Corps uniform, be on time to study, train and work four days a week, (except holidays) Monday through Thursday, 6:30am to 5pm. If you don’t have a high school diploma, you are required to participate in the GED program.
You make a commitment to participate in the program which is 14 months long. The first six months of the program you will be enrolled in the “Basic” Program which focuses on your personal development. Once you complete the Basic program you will be considered for the “Advanced” Program, which will last the last six to eight months of your enrollment. During this phase you will continue to work on your personal development and you will complete a career exploration and job search job program which will assist you with job or school placement when you leave the program.
The MCCC stands ready to serve the citizens of Montgomery County through the activities of our most valuable resource, our young people.
CORPSMEMBERS SERVE OUR COMMUNITIES
Corps Members serve their community AND You! Every corps member gives back to their community through their daily contributions.! Corps members serve our community by engaging in environmental preservation work and service to urban and rural communities. The young men and women of the MCCC are empowered through the development of the work ethic, education and employment training opportunities.
CORPSMEMBERS IMPROVE THE ENVIRONMENT
The MCCC improves Montgomery County by engaging corps members in the protection of our natural resources. As environmental stewards the MCCC provides a tremendous public benefit to the citizens and taxpayers of the County.
CORPSMEMBERS BOOST THEIR EDUCATION
Along with the environmental work, corps members must work to advance their education while in the MCCC. For those without high school diplomas, GED or high school courses are required. In addition, those meeting MCCC requirements may earn up to $4,724 in scholarship money to continue their education after completing the Corps, either at an academic or vocational school.
YOUR AGENCY MAKES A DIFFERENCE – Members work for your agency.
MCCC depends on your agency to partner with MCCC to sponsor work projects which will teach members valuable skills. Corps members work for non-profit, local and state agencies on projects that serve the public and can assist corps members in developing employable skills. If your agency is looking for a full crew or an intern or two, consider the MCCC.
ABOUT THE DIRECTOR
Jane Wilde was appointed director of the Montgomery County Conservation Corps in June 2001. Prior to her appointment, she worked in both the private and non-profit sector in positions of increasing responsibility.
Jane is a retired U.S. Army Officer who specialized in the area of Personnel. Her training in the military taught her that a critical key to life success is training and development. Young people will rise to the level of expectation when given encouragement and taught skills and leadership. Jane graduated with a B.A in sociology from Rhode Island College and a M.S. Ed from Elmira College.
She is a graduate of the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College, as well as the Department of Defense, Equal Opportunity Management Institute.