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 hosts four paid annual cohorts, each welcoming 10 participants aged 16–20. Each session is designed to foster a dynamic mix of experience levels, with a goal of half of the participants being returning members and the other half joining for the first time.

• Spring Weekend Work Series (February–April)
  The Weekend Work Series features seven Saturday sessions, beginning with an orientation. Four workdays focus on our pillars: horticulture, conservation, sustainability, and community engagement. Another is dedicated to professional development, and the spring program wraps up with a visit to the Earth Day Festival in Forest Park.
• Alternative Spring Break program (March 17–21, 2025)
  The Alternative Spring Break program is a five-day experience each spring, partnering with a community organization to focus on one of our pillars. Past examples include Conservation at Shaw Nature Reserve and Community Engagement with A Red Circle. Participants gain hands-on experience, connect with professionals, and build skills relevant to the program’s focus.
• Summer Crew (June–July)
  The Summer Crew runs Monday–Thursday, starting with a week-long orientation focused on our pillars, team building, and skill-building. Stewardship projects with our community partners across St. Louis, tackle projects in conservation, sustainability, horticulture, and community engagement. The program also includes college and career prep, featuring a college visit, career panels, and professional development workshops. Along the way, participants lead tabling activities for the public, enjoy an overnight at the Dana Brown Overnight Center, and even get to name their van. To wrap up, they build public speaking skills by presenting a final project on a meaningful experience to Garden staff, peers, family, and partners.
  Applications now open–learn more!
• Summer Crew Intern (1 position late May–early August)
  This paid summer internship works up to 28 hours a week and assists OYC leadership staff with the Summer Crew program. This person will observe and learn about outdoor, experiential, and environmental/sustainability practices through ands-on field work and assisting leadership staff with material preparation and education activities.
  Applications now open–learn more!
• Fall Weekend Work Series (September–November)
  The Weekend Work Series features seven Saturday sessions, beginning with an orientation. Four workdays focus on our pillars: horticulture, conservation, sustainability, and community engagement. Another is dedicated to professional development, and the fall program wraps up with a stewardship project day with the staff at Shaw Nature Reserve.

Summer Crew

We are now hiring for our Summer Crew program!!!

The Outdoor Youth Corps Summer Crew program offers an in-depth variety of stewardship projects that align with our four pillars paired with professional development and outdoor recreation experiences. Participants will work alongside community organizations and their crew members to learn about green career paths, professional development, hard and soft skills, college readiness, and teamwork.

Opportunities available include a variety of topics such as urban farming, lessons on biodiversity, invasive species removal, plant identification, ecological restoration, community beautification, collaboration with community organizations, team building, and more! Meet new friends from across St. Louis and build strong, lifelong connections while discovering exciting opportunities, exploring diverse interests, and making unforgettable memories all while exploring green career paths!

Seasonal Schedule:

This season will be 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. weekly, Monday–Thursday, from June 2 to July 31.

OYC will not take place June 30–July 4.

*Additional dates and times may be added
*Preference will be given to applicants who can attend all stewardship days.

Additional Benefits include:

• A float trip with Big Muddy Adventures
• An overnight experience at the Dana Brown Overnight Center at Shaw Nature Reserve

Apply:

RETURNING APPLICANTS (have participated in ANY OYC program before): 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.