(CHICAGO, IL) January 27, 2015 – The Student Conservation Association has received a $25,000 grant from ADM Cares, the social investment program of Archer Daniels Midland Company. The funding will support SCA’s engagement of under-served Chicago teenagers in hands-on conservation and career training.
Since 2010, SCA – the national leader in youth service and stewardship – has employed hundreds of local high school students in the Chicago area in making hands-on improvements to city parks, an experience that yields long-term benefits for both the environment and the individual.
“As SCA members care for Chicago’s pocket parks, community gardens and other natural neighborhood resources, they become empowered,” says SCA Regional Vice President Rafael Rosa. “With the gain self-confidence, job experience and leadership skills they acquire, these teens will give back throughout their lives as accomplished professionals, stewards and citizens.
“SCA is grateful to ADM Cares for expanding opportunities for under-represented youth across Chicago.”
ADM Cares directs funds to initiatives and organizations that drive meaningful social, economic and environmental progress worldwide. The program comprises three distinct focus areas: supporting the responsible development of agriculture, improving the quality of life in ADM communities and fostering employee giving and volunteer activities.
SCA’s urban conservation initiatives have been cited by the US Conference of Mayors as one of America’s top green jobs programs for youth. SCA also provides volunteer and intern opportunities in hundreds of national parks, forests and refuges across the US.
SCA Chicago members will work in supervised teams restoring city parks lands, constructing hiking trails and generating other improvements to sites including Dan Ryan Woods, the Forest Preserve of Cook County, Little Village Area, and River Trail Nature Center. Members also receive environmental education throughout the year.