Arkansas Conservation Corps – American Youthworks https://americanyouthworks.org Mon, 15 Sep 2025 14:06:13 +0000 en-US hourly 1 Meet Chandler | ARCC Alum and New Staff Member https://americanyouthworks.org/stories-and-events/11038 Mon, 15 Sep 2025 13:58:21 +0000 https://americanyouthworks.org/?p=11038 Read on

]]> We are very excited to welcome Chandler, a former crew member and crew learder in the Arkansas Conservation Corps (ARCC) program, to the American YouthWorks team as the new ARCC Field Coordinator! Read on to learn about Chandler’s experience in the program.

“Toward the end of 2024, I found myself ready for a change — a new direction for both my life and career. That’s when I came across an opening with the Arkansas Conservation Corps (ARCC). On a whim, I applied. Within a week, I had packed up, moved to Northwest Arkansas, and began my journey as a crew member. What followed was a series of unforgettable experiences that challenged me, shaped me, and helped me grow in ways I never expected.

ARCC crew collecting donations to support flooded communities in North Carolina

The most impactful moment of that first term was being deployed to North Carolina to support communities devastated by flooding. None of us were sure exactly what to expect, but together we adapted, worked hard, and built memories that will stay with us forever. Our crew became a family, learning to “embrace the suck” and support one another through every challenge.

Chandler and crew members

Every project with ARCC — first as a crew member and later as a crew leader — taught me something new. Sometimes it was a practical skill, sometimes new knowledge, and often a deeper sense of personal growth. My time with AYW and ARCC has helped me develop in every area of life, both professionally and personally.

Simply put, my ARCC service has been life-changing. I would encourage anyone to consider AmeriCorps — because through service, you don’t just make an impact, you discover your own potential.”

 

Conservation Corps Program

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