Since its inception in 2009, more than 1300 young people have been employed through SCYEC. Over 37 miles of creek channels have been maintained, 31 miles of trails have been restored, 11 beaches have been cleaned, and many other environmental projects have been completed throughout Sonoma County.
Testimonials:
“I think this program should be around next year. It’s kept me out of trouble. I appreciate it because it’s kept me on track and it’s helped me stay well while on probation.”
“You can’t find a better local example of President Barack Obama’s Economic Stimulus program than the immaculate grounds of Rohnert Park’s City Center Plaza near the public library. Grand opening of the plaza will take place Saturday.”
“On behalf of our Bennett Valley Vision volunteers, I would like to say THANK YOU! to all of the great kids who helped with the area clean up this past Saturday. Their enthusiasm was contagious, their helpfulness impressed us, and what a great job they did! We hope that they will be able to return to Bennett Valley next year.”
2015 Successes
The Sonoma County Youth Ecology Corps (SCYEC) program was named a 2015 Bright Ideas honoree by the Ash Center for Democratic Governance and Innovation at Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government.
The 2015 Lawn Replacement Program was responsible for replacing 30 residential lawns and over 43,000 square feet of grass with native and drought-tolerant plants. Learn more by clicking the Fun Facts sheet below.
During 2015, 150 youth were employed at 30 different public and non-profit organization project hosts throughout Sonoma County. Nine funders provided $742,096 for the 2015 SCYEC summer program.
2014 Successes
Sonoma County’s Youth Ecology Corps (SCYEC) received the California State Association of Counties (CSAC) 2014 Challenge Award.
CSAC has produced a series of videos and blog postings highlighting the winners. To see the SCYEC video clip, please click CSAC Challenge Award Blog.
To read a Blog about the program, please click CSAC Challenge Award Video: SCYEC.
The Sonoma County Youth Ecology Corps has been approved for placement on Tier 2 of Sonoma County’s Portfolio of Model Upstream Programs. Learn more about Sonoma County’s Upstream Investments Policy.
2013 Successes
2012 Successes
During 2012, 224 youth were employed at 75 different work sites throughout Sonoma County. Five organizations provided $783,087 for the SCYEC summer program.
2011 Successes
The 2011 SCYEC employed 173 youth and was supported by funds from the Sonoma County Water Agency, the Sonoma County Human Services Department (Workforce Investment Act), and foundation funding.
A total of $635,000 was invested locally.
2010 Successes
During 2010, 176 youth and more than 20 crew leaders, environmental educators and other program staff were employed at 68 project host sites across Sonoma County. The 2010 SCYEC was supported with resources from the Workforce Investment Act, the Sonoma County Water Agency, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (ARRA), and local donations. A total of $850,000 was invested locally.
2009 Successes
The coalition launched the SCYEC in 2009 and supported 27 crews and employed over 300 young people ages 14-24 at 32 project host sites. The 2009 SCYEC was supported by funds from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act and the Sonoma County Water Agency. A total of over $1.4 million was invested locally.