Weld County Youth Conservation Corps celebrates 30 years
Published on September 28, 2023
On Friday, September 22, members of the Weld County Youth Conservation Corps (WCYCC), along with Department of Human Services staff, came together at Island Grove Regional Park in Greeley to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the organization.
For three decades, WCYCC has engaged its corps members in meaningful community and conservation (land, water, and energy) service projects throughout Weld County. From 8-week summer crews to year-round crews, WCYCC has continuously served youth and young adults from ages 14-30.
Karina Amaya Ragland, the Workforce Director for Employment Services of Weld County, spoke about the development and accomplishments of WCYCC at length. “We have continued to expand and diversify our group over the past 30 years and currently have two year-round chainsaw crews, four summer service crews, and the TIGHT (Teamwork, Innovation, Growth, Hope and Training) crew in which we serve around 60 young adults throughout the year,” said Ragland. “Since 1993, WCYCC has continued its commitment to serving opportunity youth.”
Also in attendance for the celebration was Ted Long, the founder of WCYCC, who was integral to getting the organization to where it is today. Long was honored with a wood-carved plaque, thanking him for everything he has done for Weld County’s youth.
“For this youth corps to continue the way it has, it comes from the results of the project sponsors, the youth themselves, the county departments, commissioners, and the entire staff of the Department of Human Services,” said Long. “To see something that was a vision 30 years ago continue all these years later to make an impact in the community is a wonderful thing.”
To learn more about WCYCC, visit https://www.weld.gov/Government/Departments/Human-Services/Employment-Services/Job-Seekers/Training-and-Employment-Programs/Weld-County-Youth-Conservation-Corps.