The SCA is a national non-profit changing lives through hands-on conservation work in the outdoors. For decades, the SCA has been connecting urban youth to nature. Our program participants protect and restore national parks, marine sanctuaries, cultural landmarks and community green spaces across the country. After working with the SCA, our members emerge with increased environmental awareness, social responsibility and leadership skills.

The SCA’s Urban Green program advances innovative climate solutions, prioritizes environmental justice and youth development and leverages the strength of public-private partnerships. Our Urban Green program provides young people with paid green jobs, including single-day service projects, seasonal work and year-long internships or fellowships.

Urban Green provides continuous programming for young people beginning with Urban Treehouse, where leaders engage students (ages 6-18) in environmental education. As these students grow, they can transition to working on our youth crews (ages 15-19) throughout their high school years.

After high school, graduates can then apply for our young adult crews (ages 18-26 year) or internships (ages 18+). During their experiences, our members typically engage directly with their local communities through service days. Following completion of our programs, members often go on to work in conservation careers, and continue to be engaged with the SCA throughout their lives with our alumni programs.