The Chicago Conservation Leadership Corps program (CCLC) is
a six-week conservation service learning experience. Selected individuals will
participate on crews that will consist of 10-12 high school students and two
adult leaders. As a team, the crew will perform ecological restoration and
trail maintenance projects in the Forest Preserves of Cook County for six
weeks. Each Friday, students will participate in field days learning about the
local ecology and the environment at various sites throughout the region.
Q: What are the age requirements to participate in the
program?
A: Students must be 15-19 years old by program start and
enrolled in high school or be a 2016 high school graduate.
Q: How do I apply?
A: Visit www.fotfp.org and apply online or download a printable
version. The application will open on March, 14th 2016 and will close on April
22nd, 2016. Applications must be submitted electronically or mail by April 22,
2016. Late applications will not be accepted, no exceptions.
Q: What is the time commitment?
A: The program will run from June 27th, 2016 to August 5th,
2016. Students will work Monday Friday 36 hours/week and receive a wage of
$8.25/hr. If a student misses more than 3 days of work they will be
automatically dismissed from the program and will forfeit the remaining
stipend. There are no exceptions for family vacations or summer school. July
4th will be observed for the Independence Day and no programming will occur on
that day. Crew members will meet at designated locations at 7:30 a.m. Monday-Thursday
and will be dropped off at the same locations by Crew Leaders at 4:00 p.m.
Fridays are designated as environmental education days. Crew members will be
paid for four hours on Fridays.
Q: What exactly do students do and where do they work?
A: Students will spend one week learning job skills that
will prepare them for the program and give them skills that they can use in the
future. They then engage in rewarding and valuable physical work outdoors on
conservation and restoration projects in the Forest Preserves of Cook County
including trail work, invasive species removal and nature center projects.
Throughout each week time will be devoted to learning about the local ecology
and environment. Once student is hired, they will usually be placed at the
forest preserve work site that is closest to their home.
Q: How can I improve my chances of getting into the program?
A: We highly encourage you to volunteer at a forest preserve
this spring to learn more about what you will be doing this summer and to see
if you like the work. Applicants that come out for two volunteer events
removing invasive plants or helping out at a Nature Center have a better chance
of securing a position for the summer (see below for information). We also
encourage you to spend time thinking about and answering the essay section of
your application. We receive many applications and are looking for students
that are excited about working in the forest preserves and helping our
environment.
Q: Where can I volunteer in the Forest Preserves of Cook
County?
A: The CLC program encourages applicants to attend two
volunteer events at a nearby forest preserve. However, volunteering is not a
requirement to apply. We encourage volunteering because this will give you a
better understanding of what you will be doing during the summer. Volunteer
events happen almost every Saturday or Sunday. Events are led by certified
leaders who instruct you on how to remove invasive species among other
activities. To find an event go to http://fpdcc.com/volunteer/. To receive
program credit for volunteering you must complete the forms on the following
page. Forms must be included with your application, NO EXCEPTIONS. Q: Who do I
call with additional questions? A: For more information please contact: Zach
Taylor, Conservation Director, Friends of the Forest Preserves, 312-356-9990
