SPYC has connected more than 3,500 young people with summer jobs since 2010
JEFFERSON CITY – Gov. Jay Nixon today applauded the work of hundreds of young Missourians who spent the summer as members of State Parks Youth Corps (SPYC). By the close of this year’s program, more than 680 youth will have worked in state parks and historic sites as well as municipal parks in St. Louis and Kansas City in 2015, bringing the total to more than 3,500 since the program was established by Gov. Nixon in 2010. More young people participated in the program in 2015 than in any year since 2010.
“State Parks Youth Corps provides an opportunity for young people to get valuable work experience while also fostering a greater appreciation for our parks,” Gov. Nixon said. “Their efforts continue to enhance our nationally-recognized state park system and provide more opportunities for Missourians to experience and enjoy the outdoors.”
The State Parks Youth Corps program works to enhance Missouri’s 87 state parks and historic sites and is a cooperative partnership between the Department of Economic Development’s Division of Workforce Development and Missouri State Parks, a division of the Department of Natural Resources.
“The contributions these young people have made to our state park system over the past several years have been impressive, said Bill Bryan, Director of Missouri State Parks. “Whether leading a historic site tour or helping to paint a picnic shelter, SPYC workers are having a positive impact on our visitors’ experiences.”
In 2015, youth ages 17 to 24 participated in the program in more than 70 locations throughout the park system. Workers assisted with park maintenance, helped maintain the state’s award-winning trails and assisted with natural resource management efforts. Members of SPYC also assisted with visitor services such as leading tours and interpretive programs.
In 2014, the program expanded to offer additional paid positions to area youth at municipal parks in St. Louis and Kansas City. In 2015, St. Louis and Kansas City parks again benefitted from the program.
Additional positions are still available and applications to work through the fall can be completed online at thinkoutside.mo.gov. For information about state parks and historic sites, visit mostateparks.com.
