About Us
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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’ history and formation is connected to a 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.
When the California Conservation Corps was created in 1976, by then Governor Edmund G. “Jerry” Brown, the original CCC was an inspiration. 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.
During their year of service, 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. Time in the CCC can qualify for certain state civil service positions.
To learn more about our nearly 50 year history, check out our CCC History page with a list of notable events and happenings.
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