Fun,challenging, and rewarding volunteer service outside!
We will take on different projects to beautify and maintain the parks and natural spaces within Portland. Our projects may include: trail building and maintenance, invasive species removal, planting native plants, playground maintenance, and assisting with community gardens.
For more information, watch our 2022 PYC Zoom Information Session below!
An opportunity to change our world for the better in measurable ways, earn money, and have a lot of fun together along the way!
Not only will participants get to give back to their community and help conserve our natural places, but they will also: experience multiple guided outdoor adventures, make new friends, build their confidence and leadership skills, explore future careers, learn from professionals in the outdoor field, and earn a $500 stipend for their work!
26 volunteers that are 14 - 17 years oldand live in Portland, Maine. You must be 14 at the start of your chosen session.
If you enjoy spending time outdoors, or are curious about careers in environmental science, outdoor education, parks, or building trails, this program is for YOU! Applicants from underserved or minority communities are strongly encouraged to apply.
Summer 2022
Your choice between two four-week sessions during summer break!
9:00 am - 4:00 pm
Monday through Friday.
Session 1: June 20- July 15, 2022
Session 2: July 18 - August 12, 2022
Both sessions will begin with an incredible four-day, three-night team building retreat at The Ecology School in Saco! We will be immersed in Maine's ecology, have tons of fun, and learn about ecology and nature. After this first week, we will volunteer in parks all over Portland as we become a professional trail crew.
Our outdoor service projects will take place throughout Portland, but we will offer two regular pick-up and drop-off locations for our participants’ convenience.
The online application for the 2022 Portland Youth Corps will be open Monday, March 7th through Sunday, April 3, 2022.
The link to apply for the 2022 PYC will go liveHERE at 10:00am Monday, March 7th, 2022.
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* Rines/Thompson Fund of the Maine Community Foundation
& many individuals who believe in our work!
What is the application process?
Even though this is a volunteer program, we want you to get as much professional development as possible, starting with the application process. You will submit your application online HERE. We will start reviewing applications in the beginning of April. After we have reviewed applications, you will be contacted for an interview.
How will we get to the job sites?
We will offer two pick up locations within Portland, and transport participants to our work sites via our own 15 passenger bus.
Will members receive lunch or should we bring lunch?Members will receive lunch each day, but you are also welcome to bring your own picnic-style lunch as well.
Do I need a work permit because I am not 16?
Nope! This is a volunteer service. The payment you will receive is a stipend. You earn this at the end of the four week period.
How does one receive the stipend?
You receive it at the end of your four week service. If you have more than three excused absences or more than one unexcused absence, you will forfeit part of your stipend. Covid is an exception.
Do you need to be fully vaccinated to participate?
No, COVID vaccination is not a requirement to participate in the Youth Corps Program. We will follow all masking guidelines as they exist during the summer.
