Outdoor Youth Corps

The Outdoor Youth Corps, a series of four annual paid education and workforce development programs, first launched in 2015, connects St. Louis region youth ages 16 to 20 with stewardship projects within their communities. The program and its stewardship projects are focused on four pillar areas: conservation, horticulture, sustainability, and community engagement. OYC goes beyond traditional job training by inspiring a new generation of environmental stewards and green professionals. A team of environmental educators and conservation professionals leads OYC.

To create our hands-on learning environment, we have intentional partnerships with 50+ St. Louis regional organizations and individuals that provide opportunities to gain work experience, build professional tools, network experiences, and hear about all types of career paths. Along with hands-on experience, OYC programs provide career and college readiness resources like mock interviews, career panels, resume and cover letter writing workshops, and professional etiquette. Outdoor Youth Corps empowers young people to become environmentally conscious leaders and active community contributors, fostering personal growth and professional development.

Each program is made up of a crew of 10 participants and provides career mentorship by introducing them to a wide variety of career paths, training opportunities, and paid work experiences. Opportunities available include; urban farming, lessons on biodiversity, invasive species removal, plant identification, ecological restoration, tool use training, collaboration with community organizations, career panels, college visits, team building, and more!

The Outdoor Youth Corps not only provides work experiences but also educational field trips, professional development activities, and three events during our Summer Crew program with the St. Louis Green Teen Alliance.

Meet new friends from across St. Louis and build strong, lifelong connections while discovering exciting opportunities, exploring diverse interests, and making unforgettable memories.

Participant Benefits:

• Paid $12.50/hour
• Professional development opportunities
• Bus passes for participants to and from their residence to our daily start location at the Garden
• Snacks and lunch provided
• Opportunity to attend alumni events

Job Requirements:

• Ability to work outdoors in a variety of conditions, and inclement weather
• Ability to lift 40 lbs. occasionally, and carry out potentially physically demanding tasks
• Must be between the ages of 16–20
• Must be able to arrive at job site on time

The Outdoor Youth Corps has four annual cohorts, each accommodating 10 participants.

• Spring Weekend Work Series (February–April)
• Alternative Spring Break program (March 17–21, 2025)
• Summer Crew (June–July)
• Summer Crew Intern ( 1 position late May–early August)
• Fall Weekend Work Series (September–November)

*** Applications have closed for the OYC Spring Weekend Work Series. If you are still interested in the OYC program, we encourage you to look into the Alternative Spring Break program or fill out the Outdoor Youth Corps Interest Application to be notified of future program opportunities! ***

Alternative Spring Break

Our Alternative Spring Break program offers a unique focus on our community engagement pillar in partnership with A Red Circle. A Red Circle is dedicated to empowering youth through hands-on learning experiences that will build valuable skills and strengthen community ties.

The crew will spend the entirety of the program with OYC leadership and A Red Circle staff learning more about their initiatives to support the St. Louis community by promoting wellness and bringing beauty to the region. This program will offer participants the opportunity to engage in planting, garden bed maintenance, and environmental stewardship. By fostering leadership, teamwork, and a connection to the land, we will prepare youth for future success, both in their careers and as active, engaged citizens in their communities.

Work days are from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

• March 17 through March 21

RETURNING APPLICANTS: APPLY HERE
FIRST TIME APPLICANTS: APPLY HERE

Career Pathway

We strive to connect our participants with green career pathways in St. Louis that allow them to invest in their communities. OYC’s sister program, Outdoor Leadership Corps (OLC), provides an opportunity for OYC participants to explore conservation in more depth with our partner Great Rivers Greenway. Through these programs, we can cultivate the next generation of environmental leaders.