DENVER, CO – As the national youth unemployment rate looms between 15 and 26 percent (Bureau of Labor and Statistics), many of Denver’s young adults find themselves struggling to find jobs. One local nonprofit Mile High Youth Corps (MHYC) has just the answer.

MHYC provides temporary jobs to over 300 young people each year while focusing on, projects that benefit the community, education, lifeskills training and Corps-to-Career activities. “We not only employ 18-24 year olds, we also help them develop their skills and create a successful plan for their future,” said Dr. Kelly Causey, the Executive Director of the 18-year-old organization.

 MHYC is now hiring for ten-month positions in the AmeriCorps Leadership and Conservation Program. This is an intense, team-based experience in which young people (Corpsmembers), work throughout the community on water, energy and land conservation projects.

 "The Corps values the impact young people can have in their communities and how that translates positively in their own lives,” said Causey. “Through the jobs we offer, MHYC invests in local youth and offers them an opportunity to serve a vital role in the Green Jobs Industry.”

As part of the AmeriCorps Leadership and Conservation Program, Corpsmembers install energy and water saving devices in low-income homes while educating clients on how to better conserve resources and in return, save money on utility bills.

 “We’re definitely making a positive difference in the community,” said 23-year-old Corpsmember Michelle Shea. “With the installations, we highlight the importance of environmental conservation and help them save money on utility bills. Both parts are important to me.”

MHYC Corpsmembers are paid a living stipend and receive an AmeriCorps Education Award upon completing their term. These awards can be used to pay student loans and tuition or start an apprenticeship program. 

Beyond the AmeriCorps Leadership and Conservation Program, MHYC also offers land conservation positions during the summer and fall, as well as the YouthBuild program. YouthBuild helps Corpsmembers earn a General Equivalency Diploma (GED) while learning construction skills.

 “Young adults at Mile High Youth Corps develop valuable job skills while giving back to Metro Denver and Southern Front Range communities,” said Causey. “Ultimately, everyone benefits: the youth, local residents and the environment.”

 For more information on Mile High Youth Corps and its employment opportunities for youth, visit www.milehighyouthcorps.org.

 To hear directly from Corpsmembers themselves on their experience at MHYC, read The Corps Conversation Blog at www.milehighyouthcorps.wordpress.com.

Toast the Corps at the Fall Wine Tasting on Thursday, October 14, 2010 at SPIRE from 6:30-8:30 p.m. $40 tickets and information at www.milehighyouthcorps.org.

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The mission of Mile High Youth Corps (MHYC) is to help youth make a difference in themselves and their community through meaningful service opportunities and educational experiences. The Corps employs young adults on projects in neighborhoods, public lands and open spaces throughout Metro Denver and the Southern Front Range. We have an 18-year track record of engaging youth in jobs that help the planet and provide pathways to a promising future. By integrating paid work experience on community projects with career exploration, education and lifeskills training, MHYC helps youth gain the knowledge, skills and motivation they need to make positive changes in their community, their own lives and the world. For more information, contact Kelly Causey at kellyc@mhyc.net or 303.433.1206 (opt. 2, x225).

Anna Black
Development and Marketing Manager
Mile High Youth Corps
East Montclair Community Center
6740 E. Colfax Ave. * Denver, CO 80220
303.433.1206, Option 1, x344  *  303.433.5997 (fax)
annab@mhyc.net
www.milehighyouthcorps.org
Blog: http://milehighyouthcorps.wordpress.com
Twitter: MHYC