A Path to Graduation
Mirwaiz Zahir accepts his high school diploma during the CCC Commencement Ceremony at the California Department of Natural Resources.
For many students, the start of the school year is all about new courses and crisp notebooks. But for young adults in the California Conservation Corps (CCC), it also represents something much bigger: a fresh start.
“I’m from East Africa—Tanzania. After I moved to the United States, it was very hard because my mom and I had nothing,” said Corpsmember Sam Sikicha. “I needed to create my future. One of my friends said, ‘You need to get your high school diploma,’ and told me the CCC website.”
At 22 years old, Sikicha joined the San Diego Center and began transforming his life. In addition to serving 40-hours per week on a crew completing conservation training and projects — he dedicates an additional 10 hours per week attending class to earn his diploma. It’s a way to gain not just course credit but also experience.
“It is so much hard work, and we are proud of ourselves we are doing this,” said Sacramento Center Corpsmember Mirwaiz Zahir. “It’s very nice because I get my diploma and I also get experience. Two things at the same time. It is so much of a benefit for my resume.”
Young adults looking to finish their high school diploma can do so while enrolled at 21 of the CCC’s 24 locations. There is no cost for Corpsmembers to take classes with CCC’s two partnering charter schools: John Muir Charter School and Urban Corps Charter School. Young adults also earn a $2,814 monthly training stipend while enrolled in the CCC to help them launch careers in the forestry, wildland firefighting, trails, habitat restoration, culinary fields and more.
“My first goal was just to get a high school diploma.”
Sam Sikitcha
CCC San Diego Center
“It is so much hard work, and we are proud of ourselves we are doing this.”
Mirwar Zahir
CCC Sacramento Center
“If you need a bigger motivation because you feel like you can do it at home, definitely come to the CCC,” said Fresno Corpsmember Audrianna Frausto. “The CCC is like a family. Once you get closer to everybody, it becomes like a family.”
Internal support from CCC crew supervisors, charter school teachers, and fellow Corpsmembers make opportunities grow within reach. Combined with encouragement from family and friends, students find their path to success.
“My wife is a big motivator to me, and I look at my daughters and I think, you know, they deserve everything. They really push me too,” said Fresno Corpsmember Cody Wilson. “I’ve got a packed schedule but it’s a nice feeling… If you put your all into it, you’re going to become something. You’re going to get out what you put in.”
Learn more about CCC’s high school program, and other opportunities for Corpsmembers to advance their training and education by visiting https://ccc.ca.gov/corpsmember-benefits/education/
“This program is a lifechanging opportunity if you use it.”
Cody Wilson
CCC Fresno Center
“I’m able to get my diploma and do something I want to learn.”
Jacob Lara
CCC Los Padres Center
