On September 7, 2006, UDPREP's inaugural Brown Bag Briefing, "Youth Labor: Win-Win Opportunities", took place at the Byron Colby Barn meeting facility in Grayslake, IL. The gathering featured four speakers representing the Youth Conservation Corps (YCC) and the Lake County Workforce Development Department (WDD).

Alex Deans, Environmental Educator and Development Director for YCC, talked about the organization's many programs designed to provide at-risk youth with hands-on field training and experiences in environmental conservation techniques. For nearly 25 years, park districts, nonprofits, and municipalities across Lake County have hired YCC's reasonably priced work crews for on-the-ground restoration and maintenance activities.

Andrew, a recent graduate of YCC's year-long training program, talked about his experiences in the program and shared some amusing anecdotes from the field. Andrew also talked about his career ambitions and appreciation for the many valuable skills he has gained.

Buddy Hargett, Youth Specialist for WDD, talked about the department's efforts to provide special needs and low income young people with valuable occupational skills and experiences. Each WDD participant's paycheck is fully subsidized by grants – making them available to work at no cost to the employing organization. Buddy stressed the long-term societal benefits of investing in young people, and he described how basic skills training and diverse job experiences can significantly boost a young person's self-confidence and productivity.

Demar Harris, Youth Employment Specialist for WDD, joined Buddy and the YCC representatives on a panel to take questions from the audience.

For more information on these programs, please contact:

Alex Deans
Youth Conservation Corps
yccalex@aol.com
847-623-0900

Buddy Hargett
Lake County Workforce Development Department
bhargett@co.lake.il.us
847-377-3422

Demar Harris
Lake County Workforce Development Department
dharris@co.lake.il.us
847-377-3446