Become an environmental scientist with Austin Youth River Watch

Last night, I went to a presentation about a proposed extension of the Shoal Creek Hike and Bike Trail sponsored by the Shoal Creek Conservancy.  I live near this creek and walk along the trail often as a form of exercise and as a way to learn more about the natural flora and fauna in my neighborhood.  Austin's river, the Colorado, and all our creeks that flow into it are our lifeblood.  Water is life!

At the presentation were a number of local groups that are working in one way or another to help protect Austin's natural resources.  Included was the group, Austin Youth River Watch!  I had first encountered this organization at the Earth Day festival at Huston-Tillotson U. this spring.

If you are interested in hands-on environmental science, check out this group!  This is an after-school and summer program (that also pays a stipend to students who participate) where students learn to test and analyze water quality in our local rivers and creeks.  Currently, there are about 120 students who are involved annually from 10 of our local high schools:  Akins, Austin, Crockett, Eastside Memorial, Lanier, LBJ/LASA, Manor, McCallum, Reagan and Travis.  This is a great way to learn by doing, perform a crucial service for Austin and earn some money at the same time.  Check out the Austin Youth River Watch at this site or call 512-708-9115.

Casa Verde Builders wants you!

One of the primary nonmilitary options we promote is Americorps.  In Austin, we have a number of Americorps programs that offer great job experience, team building, a living stipend, health coverage and child care over the course of the job and then an educational award upon completion of the commitment.  One of the longstanding Americorps opportunities in Austin has been the green building program, Casa Verde Builders.  If you have an interest in green building and learning hands-on construction skills, check this out.  They are accepting applications through the summer per this information:

Casa Verde Builders        Casa Verde Builders(CVB), at American YouthWorks in Austin, TX, is a national leader in combining green building with affordable housing and the educational needs of Austin youth. Over the past 20 years AmeriCorps members & students from our Charter High School have worked together to build over 90 green-built homes for low-income, first time homebuyers. We have recently expanded the scope of our program to incorporate weatherization,home repair projects for low-income families, and building tiny homes for the chronically homeless with Mobile Loaves& Fishes. As part of CVB, corpsmembers will receive construction training in NCCER's (National Center for Construction Education and Research) core curriculum, OSHA 10, and CPR/First Aid. We are currently recruiting young people (18-26) from across the country and various walks of life to work together in a team-oriented service environment. Corpsmembers serve in a full-time capacity (M-F; 8:00-5:00). We have full-time(1700hrs) and half-time(900hrs) slots available. Members receive a living stipend, health benefits, career counseling and an educational award. Serving with American YouthWorks, AmeriCorps is both challenging and rewarding. It's a place to learn, grow, and have an experience you'll remember for the rest of your life. You even get time off for SXSW(sorry, wristbands not included). To learn more, visit http://www.americanyouthworks.org and https://www.facebook.com/americanyouthworks/ In-person or phone interview required. Drug test and criminal background check required.   Further help on this page can be found by clicking here. Member Duties : Casa Verde Builders members will perform strenuous physical tasks outdoors in all types of weather. Members will be using hand & power tools:hammers, saws, drills, shovels & spray rigs, and may carry heavy material. They may be asked to climb ladders & scaffolding,work on roofs or in cramped spaces. Crew will receive green building & basic construction training, weatherization & leadership training. Crews will work on new construction, weatherization& home repair projects for low-income/elderly residents. Periodic overnight trips to service projects may require camping for up to a week at a time. Food & camping equipment provided Members will assist as crew leaders of our YouthBuild crews,helping to organize & lead projects. Members must be able to be role models & provide leadership for at-risk teens & young adults. No experience or skills required, just a positive attitude & a willingness to work hard. Training, tools, & safety gear provided.   Program Benefits : Stipend ,  Education award upon successful completion of service ,  Health Coverage ,  Childcare assistance if eligible .    Terms : Uniforms provided and required .    Service Areas : Children/Youth ,  Education ,  Neighborhood Revitalization ,  Housing .    Skills : Teaching/Tutoring ,  Team Work ,  Trade/Construction ,  Leadership ,  General Skills .      Refine Search     SUMMARY Program Type: AmeriCorps State / National Program Casa Verde Builders Program Start/End Date 06/12/2017  -   05/18/2018 Work Schedule Full Time Education level High school diploma/GED Age Requirement Minimum:  18    Maximum:  28 Program Locations TEXAS   Languages English Accepting Applications From  04/01/2017  To  09/30/2017  Contact Britni Trustman 1901 E Ben White Blvd Austin   TX   78741 512-744-1905 btrustman@americanyouthworks.org www.americanyouthworks.org