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Youth and Emerging Professionals

 

OLC participants pause for a photo

OLC participant planting a treeThe Outdoor Leadership Corps (OLC) program is a paid green education and workforce development initiative in partnership with Great Rivers Greenway (GRG). The crew includes four Restoration Assistants and one Assistant Crew Leader under the guidance of the Conservation Education Instructor to maintain, restore, and beautify the landscapes along greenways throughout the greater St. Louis area. Applicants need just one year of relevant experience and career goals aligned with the program’s objectives to qualify.

OLC was established in the spring of 2022 through a partnership between Missouri Botanical Garden and GRG. Our Restoration Assistants are valued members of the Garden team and work part-time four days a week during the months of January–April and September–December.

OLC offers hands-on experience in a variety of projects, including greenway cleanup and leading groups of 60+ volunteers during honeysuckle removal events. Beyond these initiatives, our program is growing to support participants with workforce development, preparing them for the expanding opportunities in green careers across St. Louis, Missouri.

 

Career Pathway

We strive to connect our participants with green career pathways in St. Louis that allow them to invest in the city. OLC’s sister program, Outdoor Youth Corps (OYC), lays the foundation for this pathway. Through these programs, we can cultivate the next generation of environmental leaders.

Career path flowchart

Outdoor Youth Corps connects youth ages 16 to 20 with projects and career pathways focused on conservation, horticulture, sustainability and community engagement in the St. Louis area. This program provides career mentorship to participants by introducing them to a wide variety of career paths, training opportunities, and paid work experiences through numerous program partners in the community.
Learn more about Outdoor Youth Corps

Group plans their taskParticipants in the OLC program acquire a range of valuable skills, including:

  • Enhanced plant identification
  • Proficiency with hand and power tools
  • Maintenance and upkeep of power tools
  • Resume and cover letter building
  • Leadership and collaboration with volunteers
  • Boosted confidence and teamwork abilities
  • Herbicide application
  • Effective goal-setting using SMART goals
  • And much more!

These skills empower participants for success in their future green careers and beyond.

 

“I liked…discovering new places I have never been to before and making a difference in their landscape. The crew was also a major part of the job and I am proud of the healthy work dynamic we were able to create.”
—OLC Participant Spring 2022

“Good and informative professional development, I definitely have more skills and confidence working with tools and a good variety of projects.”
—OLC Participant Fall 2023

“It was nice to have a crew/leadership that believed in me.”
—OLC Participant Fall 2023

“This season I felt like I accomplished rudimentary tree identification. I also got experience working with brush cutters and I learned more about the opportunities within St. Louis for environmental work.”
—OLC Participant Fall 2023

If you would like more information about the Outdoor Leadership Program, contact Fletcher: mfletcher@mobot.org.

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