Mile High Youth Corps (MHYC) is a team-based service program for young adults, ages 16-24 that are committed to making a difference in their communities and themselves. Year-round, four days a week, Corpsmembers participate in conservation, construction and neighborhood improvement projects benefiting communities in the Denver metro area. Working on crews of 8-10, under the direct, daily supervision of trained MHYC Crew Leaders, Corpsmembers accomplish meaningful work on public lands, in urban neighborhoods, and in city parks.
WHAT CAN MHYC DO FOR YOU?
If it has something to do with conservation or community improvement, MHYC can probably do it. MHYC's Crew Leaders are trained and experienced in completing most types of conservation and light construction projects. The following are examples of types of projects that MHYC crews have completed in the past.
- PARKS & NATURAL AREAS
Landscaping
Planting & re-vegetation
Noxious weed removal
Fence repair and construction
Boardwalks and bridges
Campsites, campgrounds
Ballparks, dugouts and bleachers
Picnic areas
Tree planting, trimming and pruning
Russian olive removal
Playground Installation
- TRAILS
Trail construction and maintenance
Rock walls and steps
Erosion control
Soft-surface trails
Accessible trails
Interpretive signs
Bridge Construction
Trail closure and re-vegetation
Trailhead construction and landscaping
Cooridor clearing
- CONSTRUCTION & HOUSING
Demolition
Carpentry
Drywall
Landscaping
Insulation
Painting
Fence construction
Roofing
Installing windows and doors
WHO DO WE WORK WITH?
MHYC's goal is to serve as a resource for as many project sponsors as possible. The Corps works to build relationships with a diverse group of agencies to provide a variety of service experiences for participants and meet the compelling needs of the community. The following are a few of MHYC's sponsors.
- Aurora Open Space & Natural Resources
- Brighton Parks & Recreation
- Colorado Division of Wildlife
- Colorado State Parks
- Denver Parks & Recreation
- Douglas County Open Space
- Lakewood Regional & Urban Parks
- S. Suburban Parks & Recreation District
- U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
- U.S. Forest Service
- Westminster Open Space
- Federal Heights Open Space
- Wheat Ridge Open Space
HOW MUCH DOES A PROJECT COST?
Typically, Mile High Youth Corps schedules projects on a weekly basis. The weekly cost for one crew is $5,200 (state designated rate). This includes 8-10 Corpsmembers and an adult Crew Leader, Monday through Thursday, 8:30-3:30 (daily times will vary based on project). MHYC provides transportation and the basic tools necessary for the project. All MHYC staff and participants are covered under workmen's compensation and liability insurance through Mile High Youth Corps. Staff members are available to discuss possible funding streams for projects and will work with potential sponsors to explore grants, matching funds and other financial sources.
WHAT MAKES A GOOD MHYC SERVICE PROJECT?
Service projects address issues relating to public safety, the environment, neighborhood development and community improvement. MHYC partners with multiple agencies and organizations to meet the needs of the community. These partners, called "project sponsors", work with MHYC staff to develop service projects that have tangible, lasting results and provide learning opportunities for members. Project sponsors play an integral role in the development and training of Corpsmembers. By providing members with meaningful work and sharing their technical expertise and experience, sponsors help to further the education of participants and ensure that they will be successful and productive members of the workforce. In general, MHYC looks for projects that benefit both the community and the youth. A good project will meet the following criteria:
- Address compelling community needs
- Have clearly stated and well-planned tasks and objectives
- Have tangible, lasting beneficial effects
- Consist of labor-intensive work that will engage 8-10 crew members effectively and efficiently for 6-8 hours a day
- Provide opportunities for Corpsmembers to develop new skills
- Give Corpsmembers a feeling of pride and accomplishment
WHY PARTNER WITH MHYC ON A PROJECT?
-MHYC Is Cost-Effective. MHYC crews include 8-10 youth and an adult Crew Leader and typically work 32-40 hours a week on a project for a weekly crew cost of $5,200. Crews come trained and supervised and are equipped with most tools needed for a trail project, requiring very little time from agency staff.
-MHYC Has A Proven Track Record. MHYC has been extremely successful in receiving State Trails and GOCO funds. The Corps has fourteen years of experience in putting youth to work on conservation projects for city, state and federal agencies. Crews earn an average satisfaction rate of 4.7 out of 5 from project sponsors.
-MHYC Crews Complete Quality Work. MHYC Crew Leaders are well-trained professionals. Crews come prepared and ready to complete quality work. 100% of 2005 project sponsors were satisfied with MHYC's work and want to use the Corps again in the future.