The right environment for young people to thrive
Case Studies
Spotlight on the work of LA Conservation Corps, a California-based organization chosen for the 2025 Youth Skills and Employment Accelerator. The Corps gives young people aged 18 to 26 the experience of working on environmental projects.
Young people in Los Angeles are getting the green light to improve their futures, serve their communities, and help to heal the environment.
By working at the nonprofit organization LA Conservation Corps, young people aged 18 to 26 enter programs of paid work and education. They gain hands-on experience by working on environmental projects such as habitat restoration, tree planting, recycling, and trail building.
Responding to emergencies and helping the community in times of need is also a core pillar of the LA Conservation Corps. That focus shone through when they took part in recovery efforts following the devastating Los Angeles wildfires in January 2025, taking measures to contain contaminated materials from entering creeks, rivers, and storm drains.
Corps member Anastacio said: “Helping with the recovery means a lot to me because I have family members who live in the affected areas. It feels good to give back.”
LA Conservation Corps was chosen by the Global Business Coalition for Education to take part in the 2025 Youth Skills and Employment Accelerator. With employers across all sectors in the United States struggling to find young talent with the expertise they need, the Accelerator is part of a nationwide drive to ensure that by 2030 all young Americans will have the skills needed to find work in a rapidly-changing job market.
LA Conservation Corps took part in recovery efforts following the devastating 2025 Los Angeles wildfires
The Accelerator equips nonprofits with the tools and support they need to make a real difference in the lives of young people from underserved communities. Participating in the program from the LA Conservation Corps are Ryan Fleury, Director of Development and Communications, and Maria Cortez, Program Manager, Education & Transition Services.
Fleury said: “As part of the Accelerator, we’re excited to collaborate with peers nationwide, exchange best practices, and expand our impact – ensuring every young person in Los Angeles has the opportunity to succeed and thrive.”
He added: “Workshops with national experts would increase the knowledge and skills of our program staff. Corporate support, particularly skilled volunteer placements, would greatly increase the effectiveness of our program implementation.”
Founded in 1986 at a decommissioned fire station in South Los Angeles, the LA Conservation Corps runs two types of programs – Young Adult Corps and After Schools Programs.
Young Adult Corps serves young people aged 18 to 26 who are seeking job training and educational support. About 30% of members enter without a high school diploma. But in the Young Adult Corps program they can complete their high school education with LA Education Corps, gain valuable work experience, obtain industry-recognized credentials and certifications, earn a paycheck, and receive comprehensive support.
Fleury said: “We empower disconnected young people across Los Angeles by providing career pathways and hands-on experience in environmental conservation. Through our workforce development programs, these young people restore natural spaces, build resilient communities, and develop the skills for a sustainable future.”
Over the past 40 years, the Corps has built strong relationships with other community-based organizations and public agencies in the workforce development field.
Workshops with national experts would increase the knowledge and skills of our program staff
Ryan Fleury, Director of Development and Communications at LA Conservation Corps
The After Schools Program extends the school day for thousands of children across 22 Los Angeles unified school district campuses. It provides high-quality care for students of all grade levels through homework assistance, tutoring, enrichment activities, and sports programs.
The organization’s impact is widespread. In 2023-24, highlights included:
- 534 young adults provided with work experience and support
- 359,595 hours of on-the-job training
- 58 new job placements
- 8,760 trees planted or distributed
- 95,340 lbs of glass, aluminum and plastic drink containers recycled
- 2,372 tons of litter collected from city streets
- 16,902 discarded tires collected and recycled
- 4,614 school students served by the After School Program
Like many young people who apply to LA Conservation Corps, Anastacio said he “didn’t know what I wanted to do in life. I’d been from job to job and never found somewhere I was happy. So I joined the Corps to gain new experience and give it a try.”
As a Los Angeles River Ranger he picked up trash, trimmed bushes and trees, and learned about native plants on the river. Anastacio added: “You’re learning new skills, not just from my supervisors but also from fellow Corps members. I learned about discipline, responsibilities, and time management. Never be afraid to do anything – anything is possible.”
A notable former Corps alum is Luz Rivas, who in late 2024 was elected as a U.S. Congresswoman. She spoke to Corps members on Earth Day, telling them: “I learned a lot about teamwork, what it means to get up and go to work every morning. It was a team of young people who had to work together to finish a project.
“Young people want to learn about the environment – we should be teaching them how they can change the future. [The Corps] teaches the young people the life skills they need, not only to be successful in the workforce but in their own lives.”
La Conservation Corps and the other organizations in the 2025 Accelerator will join the alumni network of 28 previous participants which collectively have positively impacted more than 250,000 young people. When they complete the program, nonprofits and their leaders stay in the growing network – helping them to work with others and get peer support.
Businesses that support the Accelerator have opportunities to enhance brand recognition and strengthen community ties. They can also provide pro-bono products and services to support participating organizations.
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