America's Railroad is SCA's "Official Alternative Transportation Provider"
Washington, DC and Charlestown, NH (Vocus) -- Demonstrating a strong commitment to a clean environment, the Student Conservation Association (SCA) and Amtrak announced today an expansion of Amtrak’s sponsorship of the SCA Community Conservation Program, a unique school year curriculum that provides environmental education and green jobs training to thousands of city youth from diverse and underrepresented backgrounds.
The agreement expands an SCA-Amtrak sponsorship begun last year in the Western U.S. to a relationship that is national in scope covering SCA student engagement in Baltimore, Chicago, Detroit, Dallas, Milwaukee, Newark, Philadelphia, San Francisco/Oakland and Washington, D.C. SCA also named Amtrak its “Official Alternative Transportation Provider” as part of the new agreement, under which Amtrak will provide reduced-cost transportation for eligible SCA student programs.
“Amtrak is committed to reducing its carbon footprint and environmental impact,” said Roy Deitchman, Amtrak Vice President, Environmental Health and Safety. “With Amtrak support, we know that SCA will be able to reach more young people from diverse backgrounds, ensuring the next generation of conservation leaders will be as inclusive as it is capable.”
“In cooperation with Amtrak, this year SCA will engage nearly 1,800 city youth in conservation service across the nation,” said SCA President Dale Penny. “By connecting youth to nature and potential career tracks, we are building a brighter future for all. SCA is grateful to Amtrak for its support.”
This summer, students in the SCA will blaze new trails and engage in trail maintenance and restoration, invasive species removal, historical preservation and habitat restoration. Among the SCA sites that are also Amtrak destinations are Cylburn Arboretum (Baltimore), Trinity River Audubon Center (Dallas), W.E.B. Dubois High School (Detroit), Hogg Bird Sanctuary (Houston), Angeles National Forest (Los Angeles), Valley Forge (Philadelphia), Presidio (San Francisco) and Greenbelt Park (Washington, D.C.). “The Amtrak partnership with the Student Conservation Association is a natural fit to observe, educate and pursue conservation methods that will ensure a better environment for this and the next generations,” Deitchman added. It also complements numerous Amtrak green initiatives including optional passenger carbon offset purchases to support sustainable reforestation and alternative energy projects.
About Amtrak: As the nation’s intercity passenger rail operator, Amtrak connects America in safer, greener and healthier ways. Last fiscal year (FY 2009), the railroad carried 27.2 million passengers, making it the second-best year in the company’s history. With 21,000 route miles in 46 states, the District of Columbia and three Canadian provinces, Amtrak operates more than 300 trains each day—at speeds up to 150 mph (241 kph)—to more than 500 destinations. Amtrak also is the partner of choice for state-supported corridor services in 15 states and for several commuter rail agencies. Visit Amtrak.com or call 800-USA-RAIL for schedules, fares and more information.
About Student Conservation Association: The Student Conservation Association (SCA) is the only national conservation force of college and high school-aged members who protect and restore America's parks, forests, refuges, seashores and urban communities in all 50 states. Since 1957, the SCA's hands-on practice of conservation service has helped to develop a new generation of conservation leaders, inspire lifelong stewardship, and save the planet. The SCA is a non-profit headquartered in Charlestown, New Hampshire. For more information, visit thesca.org.
Amtrak Contact: Marc Magliari 312 880.5390
SCA Contact: Deirdre Fitzgerald 603 543.1700, ext. 173
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