Project heartwood youth conservation corps workforce development

The U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service awarded a $300,000 Cooperative Agreement on September 3, 2024 to the National Urban League, Inc. for the "PROJECT HEARTWOOD YOUTH CONSERVATION CORPS WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT" under the Urban and Community Forestry Program (CFDA 10.675). This program aims to support planning, establishing, managing, and protecting trees, forests, green spaces, and related natural resources in urban and community settings to provide ecosystem services, social benefits, and economic impacts.

Under this Cooperative Agreement, the National Urban League will implement the Project Heartwood initiative, which will engage students aged 15-18 in summer work experiences in urban greenspaces while also providing them with professional development training and career exploration opportunities. The National Urban League will sub-award a portion of the funds to the Urban League of Rochester, N.Y., Inc. to deliver these workforce development services in the city of Rochester.