Local Conservation Corps
Grant Program
California’s Local Conservation Corps (LCC) provide recycling jobs, education, and career training for young people ages 18-26. The LCC programs inspire environmental dedication and paid experience to pave the foundation for careers!
Corpsmembers complete a year of paid service to their communities while working to increase recycling of waste tires, e-waste, beverage containers, and used oil.
Currently, CalRecycle provides grants to fourteen LCC programs around the state. These regional Corps are certified by the California Conservation Corps state department.
Local Conservation Corps
Grant Program
California’s Local Conservation Corps (LCC) provide recycling jobs, education, and career training for young people ages 18-26. The LCC programs inspire environmental dedication and paid experience to pave the foundation for careers!
Corpsmembers complete a year of paid service to their communities while working to increase recycling of waste tires, e-waste, beverage containers, and used oil.
Currently, CalRecycle provides grants to fourteen LCC programs around the state. These regional Corps are certified by the California Conservation Corps state department.
Each LCC also has expertise in various environmental activities, such as:
- Wildfire fuel reduction
- Wildfire hand crews who cut fire lines to help with wildfire suppression
- Fire camp support at large wildfires
- Landscaping
- Trail maintenance
- Invasive species removal
- Bottle and can collection for recycling
- Tire and e-waste collection for recycling
- Solar panel installation
These projects are funded through other grants, donations, or fee-for-service contracts. Thirteen of the LCCs are non-profit organizations. However, the Greater Valley Conservation Corps in Stockton and Sonora is a program of the San Joaquin County Office of Education.
Partner with a Corps
Jurisdictions and non-profit organizations can partner with LCCs. Frequent grant projects include:
- Beverage container collection services, such as at large events, in public spaces, and for small businesses (in alignment with the jurisdiction’s franchise hauler agreement)
- Waste tire collection (non-commercial only) and hauling for illegal dumping on public and private land, where approved by CalRecycle Waste Tire Enforcement
- E-waste collection, including local drop-off events
- Education and outreach activities related to waste tires, e-waste, beverage containers, and used oil recycling
LCCs also undertake conservation projects outside of grant requirements. If your project doesn’t fit under these activities, you can still pitch your idea to the LCC nearest to you.
For more information visit: About Corps | California Association of Local Conservation Corps (mylocalcorps.org)
Grantee Resources
Potential Applicants
A corps must be certified by the California Conservation Corps (CCC) to receive CalRecycle funding. If you are interested in becoming a certified Local Conservation Corps, reviewing the CCC Certification Handbook (pdf download) is the first step of joining the grant program.
Contact the CCC directly for consultation on the process and to request a certification visit. Visit the CCC web site for contact information.
Contact | California Conservation Corps
Cycle-Specific Information
Next Cycle
Application materials for fiscal year (FY) 2024-25 will tentatively be available winter 2024.
Awarded Cycles
Note: “RLC” followed by a number is the cycle code for the Local Conservation Corps Grant Program.
FY 2023-24 (Cycle 38): Application Information | RLC38 Awards
FY 2022-23 (Cycle 37): Application Information | RLC37 Awards
Program Guides
- LCC E-Waste Program Guide
- POD Webinar 2022, YouTube (37:14) | Transcript
- Department of Toxic Substance Control (DTSC) Universal Waste (UW) Training Guide (English)
- DTSC UW Training Guide (Spanish)
- UW Safe Handling, YouTube (30:06) | Transcript
- UW Emergency Training, YouTube (12:39) | Transcript
- LCC BCRF Program Guide
- LCC Tire Program Guide
- LCC Used Oil Program Guide
Becoming a Corpsmember
Make a Difference in California by Joining a Local Conservation Corps
Local Conservation Corpsmembers are paid to educate the public about waste tires, e-waste, beverage containers, and used oil recycling and to collect these materials at recycling centers.
The LCC program aims to conserve the environment while uplifting youth and setting them on a path to success. Each corps offers a charter high school diploma program and paid job training opportunities. Corpsmembers participate in skill development, work experience, mentoring, and guidance to other social support services.
The corps are open to Californians 18-26 years old. While serving, corpsmembers must commit to participate in work, education, and career development. Participants work 30+ hours a month and attend classes for a high school diploma, vocational training, or community college.
For more information visit: About Corps | California Association of Local Conservation Corps (mylocalcorps.org) or contact one of the Corps listed below:
Current Cycle Information
Contact us at grants@calrecycle.ca.gov
For more information contact: Financial Assistance, grants@calrecycle.ca.gov