CCC Honored with Senate Resolution Celebrating 50 Years of Service

For 50 years, the California Conservation Corps (CCC) has helped thousands of young adults advance their education and launch careers, all while stewarding California’s environment. Recognizing the state agency’s longstanding impact, Senator John Laird honored CCC with a Senate Resolution at the State Capitol.

“For five decades, the CCC has represented the very best of California: service, education, opportunity, and stewardship,” Laird said on the Senate floor. “The CCC is more than the work; it is powered by the amazing young adults who make it thrive. On this 50th Anniversary, we honor their service, their sacrifice, and their extraordinary contributions.”

The honor recognizes the CCC’s long-standing impact and commitment to providing California youth with job skills, education, confidence, and a sense of purpose. More than 127,000 young adults have transformed their lives while committing to a year of paid service in the CCC.

“This is truly an exciting moment in our agency’s history,” said CCC Director JP Patton. “The young adults who join our program thrive during and after their CCC tenures. To have their accomplishments recognized by the Senate with this resolution means so much to our current and former Corpsmembers and staff.”

More than 40 current Corpsmembers from across California traveled to Sacramento to celebrate this important milestone and meet with legislators as part of CCC’s annual Government Education Day. For many, it’s a moment to reflect and take pride in being part of something bigger than oneself.

“The fact that CCC has been around 50 years, it’s honestly amazing,” said Corpsmember of the Year Sandra Hernandez Jacinto from Fresno. “I feel like I’m representing what the CCC has built over the past five decades: providing education and experience all for free. The only thing they’re asking from us is to do our best, continue our career, and make the path that we want.”

Corpsmembers connect with their local elected officials to share first-hand how the CCC has transformed their lives and set them on a path for success. Training for a variety of careers – in wildland firefighting, forestry, trails, habitat restoration, resource conservation, culinary, and emergency response – they’re gaining professional certifications and valuable life skills.

“I came into the program with no experience. Taking on those tougher roles, like the role of a leader – I didn’t even know this was an option for me,” said Fortuna Corpsmember Gavyn Prendez. “There are now so many doors that are open, and I really want to explore and walk through them. For my footprint, I want to be a positive and uplifting presence that shows people what you can achieve when you put your mind to it.”

From responding to the 1994 Northridge Earthquake and constructing trails in Yosemite, to directing traffic at COVID-19 testing centers and planting sugar pine in the Tahoe Basin, generations of young adults have stepped forward, serving their state and finding meaningful careers. As the state agency moves into its next chapter, Corpsmembers hope that tradition lives on.

“I hope that CCC continues being the program that it is, because it’s a great program. I would really like for it to still be around 50 years from now.” said Los Angeles Corpsmember Samantha Jijon. “My favorite thing about the CCC is the people. They push you through your marks, inspire you to keep doing better, and they never give up on you.”

Since its founding in 1976, CCC has maintained a strong focus on empowering California’s young adults while enhancing California communities.