About Us
For nearly 50 years, the California Conservation Corps has served the people of California. Learn more about our Corpsmembers, staff, and mission.
The California Conservation Corps is a youth workforce development program dedicated to preparing young adults for meaningful careers and educational opportunities.
The CCC is a state department within the California Natural Resources Agency. We are the largest and longest running conservation corps in the nation.
Our Mission
To protect and enhance California’s natural resources and communities while empowering and developing young adults through hard work and education.
Our History
The California Conservation Corps was created in 1976, by then Governor Edmund G. “Jerry” Brown. Governor Brown envisioned the CCC as a “combination Jesuit seminary, Israeli kibbutz, and Marine Corps boot camp.”
In the decades since the CCC formed — with the signing of Senate Bill 1575 on July 7, 1976 — California leaders have supported the CCC’s mission and the young adults who commit to a year of paid service to the state.
Corpsmembers work on environmental projects and respond to natural and man-made disasters. Through this work, they gain skills and experience that lead to meaningful careers and lead to educational opportunities.
To learn more about our nearly 50 year history, check out our CCC History page with a list of notable events and happenings.
Governor Edmund G. “Jerry” Brown, center, talks with BT Collins, left, and Jack Dugan, right, in the late 1970s. Both Collins and Dugan served as CCC directors under Brown.
Our Corpsmembers
Our Corpsmembers come from all across California. With no educational requirement to join, the CCC welcomes young adults from all educational and economic backgrounds.
- 1,587 Corpsmember positions are available
- Approximately 3,000 Corpsmembers enroll each year
- Corpsmembers must be between the ages of 18 and 25 and California residents
- Military veterans up to age 29 may also enroll
- Corpsmembers come from all over the state and reflect the diversity of California. The top three counties where Corpsmembers come from: San Diego, Los Angeles, and San Bernardino
- The average length of stay is about nine months
Learn More About Us
Want to learn more? Meet our Executive Team leaders, go through our nearly 50 years of history, and explore our policies and regulations.
Ask Us Anything
We know you have questions about internships. Here are some of the common one’s we get. Have more questions? Connect with us!
Questions?
Is the California Conservation Corps affiliated with the 1930s CCC?
The California Conservation Corps’ history and formation is connected to the similar organization with the same acronym, the Depression Era Civilian Conservation Corps. The federal Civilian Conservation Corps was created by President Franklin D. Roosevelt and operated in the 1930s and 1940s.
Our state operated CCC continues the legacy of the original Civilian Conservation Corps, as we work on natural resource projects in the same forests and parks as the CCC boys of the 1930s. However, we are two separate organizations.
Is the CCC available in other states?
The California Conservation Corps, as a State of California department, only operates centers within the state. Corpsmembers may be dispatched to out-of-state emergencies at times, but we do not operate corps programs outside of our state boundaries.
If you live in another state and are intersted in similar programs where you live, we encourage you to visit The Corps Network to find a corps near you.
Is the CCC a non-profit?
The CCC is a State of California department within the California Natural Resources Agency. The CCC was made a permanent state agency in 1983.
How long does it take to enroll?
The CCC is very popular at the moment, and depending on training interest and center preference, wait times can vary.
We encourage interested recruits to fill out our application and connect with a Recruiter who can provide up-to-the-minute information.
Isn't the CCC for juvenile delinquents?
No, the CCC is for all California youth to participate. The CCC is a youth workforce development program for young adults ages 18 to 25, and military veterans up to 29. Our Corpsmembers come from all kinds of economic, religious, ethnic, and regional backgrounds. Most Corpsmembers have attended some college, some need high school diplomas, and some have undergraduate degrees.