The Northeast Region has initiated a Climate Change Steering Committee that is promoting a sustainable building initiative along with energy audits, for all covered facilities. Also, parks in the Northeast Region are being directed to enter the Climate Friendly Parks Program and to establish regional Green Teams.
Both the Secretary of the Interior and the Director of the National Park Service have mandated youth programs as a high priority, calling for an increase in employment opportunities for youth in the Bureau by 60% this fiscal year. They have also directed the NPS to engage youth in resource and energy conservation efforts.
Goals of this program include:
· Employ young adults
· Reduce energy consumption in park units throughout the Northeast Region.
· Reduce overall cost for energy use.
· Community Outreach – educate the public on energy conservation and what the NPS is doing to assist with this effort through informal and formal presentations.
· Develop and strengthen partnerships.
· Work across all NPS divisional lines to achieve goals.
· Provide young adults from diverse backgrounds with vocational training and opportunities to learn about career pathways in the National Park Service.
Michael Ozaki, 26 years old, from Los Angeles, California, is a student at Eastern University majoring in Sociology. Michael currently serves as the crew leader for the Energy Conservation Corps Program.
What about the Energy Conservation Corps Program appealed to you?
It is obvious to me, that as a society we need to change the way that we interact with our environment. We need to become more aware of how our energy use habits impact the environment. This program is a great opportunity for me to serve, educate and help to protect our planet.
What do you hope to take away for this experience?
I hope to learn the practical and knowledge based skills which will help me improve my own personal levels of energy consumption.
What are your plans for the fall?
This fall, I’ll be completing my final semester at Eastern University and deciding where I’ll be attending graduate school. I will be pursuing a duel degree in divinity and social work.
Dennis Walsh, 18 years old, from Prospect Park, Philadelphia, PA., is a recent graduated from St. Joseph's Preparatory School.
Why did you choose to enroll in the Youth Conservation Corps Program?
I wanted to have a summer position at Valley Forge, when I learned of a position in which I could work with others my age and spend time in a national park which I have visited as a tourist and as a volunteer earlier in my life.
What about the Energy Conservation Corps Program appealed to you?
I was drawn to this program because I feel that it is important to learn how and why we can and should retrofit buildings, homes in particular, and how these efforts can help to raise awareness about climate crisis and what I can do personally and how I can inform others of what they can do.
What do you hope to take away for this experience?
I hope to better understand what we all can do to reduce our carbon footprint. I plan to use the information that I learn to influence my own energy use and share my knowledge with my family and friends.
What are your plans for the fall?
I plan to attend Brown University and I will likely concentrate in mathematics.
Kelsey Barba, 18 years old, from Montgomery County, PA., is a recent graduate from Hatboro-Horsham High School.
Why did you choose to enroll in the Youth Conservation Corps Program? It seem to be a perfect fit for my interest and personal goals.
What about the Energy Conservation Corps Program appealed to you?
The program’s objectives appealed to me. I found it exciting to able to learn about energy conservation in buildings.
What do you hope to take away for this experience?
I want to gain as much knowledge as possible about environmental products and issues.
What are your plans for the fall?
I will be attending Lehigh University in Bethlehem, PA, majoring in environmental engineering.
Khalid Hamilton, a 18 years old from Philadelphia, PA is currently a student at ITT Technical Institute in King of Prussia, PA.
Why did you choose to enroll in the Youth Conservation Corps Program?
I want to learn about conservation.What about the Energy Conservation Corps Program appealed to you?
The program appealed to me because it will give me an opportunity to learn how to help the planet and save money on energy use.
What do you hope to take away for this experience?
I hope to gain knowledge in weatherization and conservation.
What are your plans for the fall?
I plan to continue with school and work.
Nathaniel Gilbert, a 18 years old, from Phoenixville, PA., is a recent graduated from Phoenixville Area High School.
Why did you choose to enroll in the Youth Conservation Corps Program?
My father got an e-mail about the program and suggested that I apply.
What about the Energy Conservation Corps Program appealed to you?
The information I received painted a picture of Boy Scout-like community service. In reality, we ended up doing something completely different, but equally enjoyable. I believe that conservation is important if our world is to survive.
What do you hope to take away for this experience?
I’ve been asked this question several times and I still do not have a clear answer. Some things such as conservation methods and new ideas for saving energy are definate possibilities, as are the awesome times I have on the operating end of a two-part foam gun. I'll get back to you when I have an absolutely definate answer.
What are your plans for the fall?
I will be attending Drexel University in Philadelphia, PA. for digital media. Go Dragons!!
John Mentzer, a 18 year old, from Norristown, PA, a recent graduated from Norristown Area High School.
Why did you choose to enroll in the Youth Conservation Corps Program?
I thought that the Youth Conservation Corps Program would be a great way to learn more about conservation.
What about the Energy Conservation Corps Program appealed to you?
I really like the idea of learning about energy efficient practices and how our habits impact the environment.
What do you hope to take away for this experience?
Ways that I can make my home more energy efficient. And how to save the environment.
What are your plans for the fall?
I plan to continue with my education in the fall and work.
