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“I first heard about the WTCW while serving as an AmeriCorps member in the Austin Civilian Conservation Corps in 2023. City of Austin project partners, including Sarah Campbell and Kirsten Schneider, had organized a tree climbing day for our professional development and mentioned WTCW as another avenue for growing in this field. The encouragement I received from folks at the urban forestry department and the gratifying feeling after I rung my first bell up in the canopy was incredible. There was no going back.

I continued my work in various Conservation Corps across the country with the goal of becoming an ISA certified arborist and landed back in Austin as a crew leader for the Texas Conservation Corps program’s Conservation and Disaster Response crew last year. Finally, this past winter, I applied to attend WTCW in Wimberley, Texas and was granted a full scholarship! The experience was life-changing in the best way possible and I am beyond grateful.

Our brilliant instructors, Bear, Roxy, Sydney, and Kate, created an atmosphere of empowerment, safety, and cohesion set in the heart of the Hill Country along the Blanco River. There I met a group of 15 extraordinarily impressive women who came from all over, with all different experience levels, and learned that we were capable of climbing a centuries old live oak tree together. Regardless of whether one wishes to pursue a career in arboriculture, I believe it is worthwhile to attend WTCW and to experience the strength and pure joy of solidarity amongst like-minded women. I will take their motto with me wherever I go: know what you know, know what you don’t know, and have the courage to say so!”
 

 

Conservation Corps Program

 

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ACCC Alumni Earn Small Business Certificates
On May 6, 2025, two Hungry Hill Foundation and AYW alumni — Cameron and Roscoe — were recognized during Austin Small Business Week for earning their Small Business Certificates from the City of Austin’s Economic Development Department (EDD). They completed the required coursework while serving on an AYW ACCC crew, demonstrating their dedication to both professional and personal growth.

Fellow ACCC graduates Sheridan Ray and Arleni Carreño amplified this success by providing peer mentorship after completing their own certificates. This demonstrates ACCC’s multiplier effect — where each achievement strengthens the whole community.

The Power of Partnerships & Mentorship
These achievements reflect the strength of collaboration, workforce development, and community support. By working with partners like the City of Austin, EDD Small Business Program, and Hungry Hill Foundation, we help participants gain the skills and confidence they need to thrive in the workforce — whether in entrepreneurship, environmental careers, or city leadership roles.

A huge thank you to Jackie Mayo (EDD Small Business) and City of Austin staff like Kellee and Natalie for their ongoing support of ACCC and its members!

What Is ACCC?
The Austin Civilian Conservation Corps (ACCC) is a workforce development program with City of Austin that bridges gaps in employment while fostering leadership opportunities for those who have faced systemic barriers. Through cross-departmental collaboration and many community partnerships (including American YouthWorks!), ACCC creates pathways in:

• Natural Systems
• Environmental Education
• Recreation & Parks
• Digital Media & Communications
• Museums, Arts & Culture
• Zero Waste Initiatives

ACCC operates on a “reciprocal culture change” model — meaning that as participants grow and develop, the program’s partners also evolve, adapting policies and workplace cultures to be more inclusive and supportive.

Why This Matters
Stories like Cameron’s, Roscoe’s, Sheridan’s, and Arleni’s remind us why workforce development programs are so vital. They build confidence, community, and long-term career opportunities.

We’re honored to be part of their journeys and look forward to many more success stories ahead!

 

Interested in American YouthWorks ACCC?

American YouthWorks ACCC