Rocky Mountain Youth Corps

Since 1995, Rocky Mountain Youth Corps (RMYC) has been providing comprehensive life skills training and workforce development credentials to hundreds of youth and young adults every year. Corpsmembers in the Conservation Program work in small crews to complete a variety of land conservation, recreation and historic preservation projects that preserve natural and cultural resources and support the local economy. Some Corpsmembers serve in the American Sign Language Program which offers a unique training curriculum to high school students who are deaf and hard of hearingRMYC also offers training opportunities to youth through the Native American Program where tribal members work on community development projects located on tribal lands. One of the fastest growing programs is the Internship Program. These Corpsmembers work alongside career professionals in government agencies to support them in managing land conservation projects and public education programs. They gain valuable experience while increasing the capacity of government agencies. As an AmeriCorps program, RMYC’s Corpsmembers are paid a living stipend during their service and earn an education scholarship after they graduate from RMYC. RMYC also manages a Prevention Program in close partnership with regional organizations, businesses, law enforcement and other government agencies to reduce the impacts of drug and alcohol misuse in Taos County. RMYC employs two Preventionists to design media campaigns and conduct surveys that help evaluate and inform drug and alcohol prevention programs. One of our highest priorities is to offer our programs to underserved communities where we can have the greatest impact. Most Corpsmembers represent underserved communities. In 2022, 43% were economically disadvantaged, 56% were unemployed, 80% had no formal college education and 9% were involved in the court system prior to joining RMYC.. We work with communities where projects are located to recruit Corpsmemers to make sure we represent the diversity of communities we serve. In 2022, 32% of Crewmembers reported as African American, American Indian Asian and Other/NonWhite and 48% of all Crewmembers reported as Hispanic.