$4,427 raised by 37 donors
89% complete
$5,000 Goal
Since 1998, Southwest Conservation Corps (SCC) has been at the heart of conservation in the Southwest, mobilizing communities to protect and rejuvenate our natural landscapes. Through hands-on projects and a commitment to service, SCC brings people together to care for our lands while nurturing a generation of environmental leaders. When you support SCC, you’re investing in conservation that reaches beyond landscapes, strengthening communities, empowering young leaders, and ensuring our natural resources are protected for generations to come. Your gift fuels high-impact conservation projects, and we are deeply grateful for your support— every bit truly makes a difference!
This year, our Colorado Gives Campaign is highlighting our mission of Empowering Individuals to positively impact their lives, their communities and the environment. Your donation is more than a contribution; it’s a catalyst for change. SCC programs provide young people with hands-on experience that prepares them for futures in conservation and beyond. Through teamwork, leadership development, and practical skills training, we help participants connect with their communities and see the impact of their work firsthand. You can learn more about our local programs and the communities we serve here.
"I learned how to be more independent and foster a community outside of my home. How to communicate boundaries with people who you don't know but will be spending a lot of time with."
"I learned how to love the outdoors & look at the whole world that surrounds me in a more meaningful way. "
"I learned how to be more of a leader, I also learned how to be more confident in myself."
"I learned leadership, outdoor, communication, personal,
professional skills and developed a stronger work ethic."
“This summer with the Southwest Conservation Corps backcountry crew was one an incredibly rewarding experience. SCC isn’t just about the breathtaking places or the hard, meaningful work; it’s about the people. The community is unbelievably welcoming, supportive, and fun, always ready to lift you up when you’re tired and sore, and celebrate the wins, big or small... Every project with SCC reminds me why I keep coming back: the meaningful work, our incredible public lands, the laughter, the support and connections, the unique and wonderful people, and the shared purpose of caring for our wild places."
Testimonials from our Partners:
Empowering individuals to positively impact their lives, their communities and the environment, Southwest Conservation Corps (SCC) operates conservation service programs across Southern Colorado and Northern New Mexico that engage youth, young adults and veterans on public lands. SCC works to foster inclusive opportunities and collaborative partnerships for positive growth through development of knowledge, leadership, and compassion towards our lands and communities.
Southwest Conservation Corps began in Durango, CO in 1998 as Southwest Youth Corps and changed its name to Southwest Conservation Corps (SCC) in 2006 after merging with the Youth Corps of Southern Arizona. Conservation Legacy became the new name in 2014 for this growing national organization which includes local offices across the country. Founded on the legacy of the Civilian Conservation Corps, Conservation Legacy is now in its 23rd year of engaging young people-providing them with structured, safe, and challenging work and educational opportunities through employment projects that promote personal growth, the development of life and employment skills, and an ethic of natural resource stewardship.
Through hands-on conservation work, SCC fosters inclusive opportunities for youth, young adults and veterans and uses conservation work as a vehicle for developing leadership skills, self-awareness and compassion towards our lands and communities.
SCC's Youth Program provides local students ages 14-18 with conservation jobs that expose them to career pathways and well-rounded educational opportunities. SCC increases youth resiliency by expanding social and emotional skills, teamwork, initiative, and problem solving. Finally, we provide holistic support to our youth employees through personal development, mental health support, and restorative approaches to behavior management. SCC breaks down program barriers and adapts to the changing needs of the communities served.
You can learn more about our local youth program and the communities we serve here: https://sccorps.org/youth
Organization name
Southwest Conservation Corps
other names
SCC
1998
Tax id (EIN)
84-1450808
Category
Environment, Education, Youth Development, Employment
Organization Size
Large Organization
Address
701 Camino Del Rio Suite 101Headquarters
701 Camino del Rio Suite 101Colorado Location
701 E Highway 50Mailing
701 Camino del Rio Suite 101La Plata County, CO, US
Chaffee County, CO, US