San Jose Conservation Corps and Charter School

For over 30 years, the San Jose Conservation Corps + Charter School has provided a 360 degree, high impact approach to thousands of young adults (17 1/2 - 27) in the Bay Area. SJCC + Charter School provides the tools and training to revive, and in many cases rebuild their lives.SJCC + Charter School provides young adults: - Flexible, comprehensive programs in obtaining high school diploma rapidly - The Career Technical Education program which allows students to earn while they learn and provides a bridge to a variety of career pathways. Since our inception in 1987, we have aided over 20,000 young adults achieve educational and professional success Valuable paid job training that requires no previous experience and often leads to high paying careers in natural resource management in particular - Support services through partner programs in the areas of childcare, health, wellness, counseling and a plethora of other areas - A compassionate community of staff and students who support each other.Our History:Founded by San Jose City Council members Susan Hammer and Shirley Lewis in 1987, the San Jose Conservation Corps was one of the first urban conservation corps in the country. With strong support from the City of San Jose, SJCC+CS began operations with over 20 Corpsmembers in January 1988. Since then SJCC+CS has grown, opening its charter school in 2002 and expanded to two campuses in 2010. In 2001, SJCC+CS established a YouthBuild program, in partnership with the Department of Labor and AmeriCorps, helping to build affordable housing in San Jose while training students in the construction trades. While SJCC+CS no longer has a YouthBuild program, it continues to receive AmeriCorps funding, enabling current students to earn scholarships that can be used toward post-secondary education or vocational training.