Delaware River Climate Corps
Click to learn more about the DRCC!
In 2021, The Corps Network received $1.6 million from the William Penn Foundation to launch the Delaware River Climate Corps (DRCC). This initiative seeks to expand Corps programming through the Delaware River watershed across the states of Delaware, New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania. This includes the addition of eight new programs and will expand on the existing NJYC Phillipsburg and PowerCorpsPHL programs.
The DRCC initiative is focused on just and responsive recruitment; expanding off proven, existing programs; watershed-focused service activities; institutional partnerships that support projects, recruitment, and career pathways; and preparing young people for sustainable careers. Corpsmembers will be recruited largely from underserved communities to learn skills in landscaping, horticulture, home weatherization, wetland restoration, environmental mapping and data, rooftop solar installation, and more.
Our pilot program has been going since April of 2022 - putting these young adults into real-world applications of leadership & stewardship. Our Delaware River Environmental Ambassador & Mentor (DREAM) Team is assembled from successfully NJYC Completers with their High School Equivalency - building off their success in Stage One YC - they are now the role models and mentors of current NJYC members, while engaging in ecological/climate resiliency work within the Delaware River Watershed. Check out some of the good work they’ve done over the past year!